NEWS

Mixed Reactions on Government’s Policies and Programmes

May 22, 2023 0 4 minutes 13 seconds to read

May 22: Parliamentarians taking part in the discussion on the newly unveiled policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) furnished a host of suggestions to the government in the…

Army Completes Cleaning of Baruntse

May 22, 2023 0 1 minutes 5 seconds to read

May 22: The Nepalese Army has completed cleaning up of Mt Baruntse under its Clean Mountain Campaign,…

One Dead, Two Yarsha Collectors Missing in Bajhang Avalanche

May 22, 2023 0 43 seconds to read

May 22: A person, who was collecting Yarshagumba, died after an avalanche occurred at Dhanshera of Surma Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang district on Sunday.…

International Day for Biological Diversity Being Observed

May 22, 2023 0 1 minutes 16 seconds to read

Nepal is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme of 'From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity'…

Government’s Policies and Programmes Draw Mixed Reaction from Upper House Lawmakers

May 21, 2023 0 5 minutes 56 seconds to read

May 21: The government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 have received mixed reactions from the National Assembly…

Hailstorm Damages Crops in Bajura; Farmers Seek Compensation

May 21, 2023 0 1 minutes 8 seconds to read

A devastating hailstorm that struck Khaptad Chededaha rural municipality in Bajura district last Wednesday afternoon severely damaged food crops, vegetables, and…

‘It is Necessary to Connect Agriculture with Industry’

May 21, 2023 0 6 minutes 37 seconds to read

May 21: Experts and startup industry leaders have laid emphasis on interconnection between agriculture and industry and the use of technology for businesses to sustain in the modern day…

Nepal urges USA to Extend Preferential Trade Programme

May 21, 2023 0 4 minutes 17 seconds to read

May 21: The Government of Nepal has requested the United States to continue the facilities it has been providing for Nepali goods even after being upgraded from the least developed country to a developing country in…

Deliberations on Government's Policies and Programmes Begins

May 21, 2023 0 1 minutes 4 seconds to read

May 21: The House of Representatives (HoR) has started deliberations on the policies and programmes of the…

Government to Expedite Construction of Nijgadh Airport

May 21, 2023 0 1 minutes 53 seconds to read

May 21: The government has decided to move ahead with construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport which has been stalled due to court order over the issue of environment and compensation issue.…

Government to Provide Electricity of 50 Units in Summer and 30 Units in Winter Free of Cost

May 21, 2023 0 1 minutes 13 seconds to read

May 21: The government has launched a special scheme to promote electricity consumption.…

OPD Service of Government Hospitals from 8 am to 8 pm

May 21, 2023 0 2 minutes 16 seconds to read

May 21: The Out Patient Department (OPD) services of government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00…

Earthquake Recorded in East Rukum

May 21, 2023 0 41 seconds to read

May 21: An earthquake has occurred in East…

Government Planning to Boost Agriculture to Replace Food Imports: Agriculture Minister

May 21, 2023 0 1 minutes 45 seconds to read

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal, has emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to drive economic…

2025 will be Observed as 'Special Tourism Year'

May 20, 2023 0 2 minutes 37 seconds to read

May 20: The government has announced to observe 2025 as a 'special tourism…

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			'title' => 'Mixed Reactions on Government’s Policies and Programmes   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: Parliamentarians taking part in the discussion on the newly unveiled policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) furnished a host of suggestions to the government in the parliament.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: Parliamentarians taking part in the discussion on the newly unveiled policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) furnished a host of suggestions to the government in the parliament.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">They have univocally called for effective implementation of the newly unveiled policies and programmes, optimum use of available resources, good-governance practice, elimination of corruption and prioritization of the policies and the programmes among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Bhanubhakta Joshi urged for adopting the policy of zero-tolerance against corruption. He viewed that there should not be any situation where the guilty gets scot-free while the innocent ones are prosecuted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that the government&#39;s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year were overall good, he cast his doubt over its effective implementation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Abdul Khan lauded the introduction of &#39;Made in Nepal&#39;, &#39;Make in Nepal&#39; and &#39;Our products, Our Dignity&#39; among other programmes that aim to boost the domestic production. He suggested that the government should consider entering appropriate agreement with labour destination countries so as to address the issues prevailing in the foreign employment sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Deepak Khadka remarked that some important issues were lacking in the government&#39;s policies and programmes. He asserted that the government should adopt policies to increase production and enhance productivity in the country which is heavily dependent on remittance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He also opined that the government should seek additional resources for budget as the government was struggling to garner resources for the upcoming budget. He argued that the people&#39;s representatives should also fulfill aspirations of the people who elected them. &quot;It is necessary to fulfill their aspirations by optimally utilizing our resources.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Underscoring transparency, Mahesh Basnet, said that the government&#39;s expenditure should be evaluated and the public accounting system streamlined.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He rued over the policies and programmes saying they failed to clearly reflect issues relating to the scope of insurance, effective execution of the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, and welfare of the landless squatters, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another parliamentarian Mahendra Bahadur Shahi raised question on the effectiveness of the policies and programmes introduced by the erstwhile and incumbent government. &quot;It is imperative to self-evaluate the effective implementation of the policies and programmes rolled out by the previous governments,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Manish Jha emphasized making public service delivery more effective and ensuring good-governance. &quot;A study has shown that political discontent was on the rise in Nepal. We all are held accountable for that. The discontent has a lot to do with lackluster public service delivery and good-governance,&quot; he observed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Deepak Bahadur Singh, the government should take the lead to revive the sick industries. Expressing concern over the flagging state of the Hetauda Cement Factory and Udayapur Cement Factory, he spoke of the need to make the management of these sick industries robust. He also suggested that each province have a Medical Hospital. He viewed that there should be referendum on the governing system and secularism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ranju Kumari Jha commented that the policies and programmes had repeatedly included the same issues for the past five years. According to her, issues relating to establishing fertilizer factory, increasing investment for public private partnership in education sector, insurance for sportspersons and establishment of Ramraja Singh Health and Science Academy among others were missed in the policies and programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ambar Bahadur Thapa said that the upcoming policies and programmes were more distribution-oriented than result-oriented. &quot;There is absence of result-oriented plans in the government&#39;s upcoming policies and programmes that could be achieved within a year or two.&quot; -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'Army Completes Cleaning of Baruntse',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: The Nepalese Army has completed cleaning up of Mt Baruntse under its Clean Mountain Campaign, 2023.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: The Nepalese Army has completed cleaning up of Mt Baruntse under its Clean Mountain Campaign, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A team of eight Nepalese Army personnel and Sherpa guides under the leadership of Major Samir Bahadur Basnet collected over 3,050 kg of bio-degradable garbage from the base camp of Baruntse. The waste was handed over to the Mahakulung Rural Municipality.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, 15,470 kilograms of non-degradable waste collected by the team was brought to Kathmandu and handed over to a waste management company.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Nepalese Army&#39;s Directorate of Public Relations and Information has said that the cleaning of Mount Everest and Lhotse is still underway. The campaign will end on the World Environment Day on coming June 5. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17938',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'One Dead, Two Yarsha Collectors Missing in Bajhang Avalanche   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: A person, who was collecting Yarshagumba, died after an avalanche occurred at Dhanshera of Surma Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang district on Sunday. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: A person, who was collecting Yarshagumba, died after an avalanche occurred at Dhanshera of Surma Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang district on Sunday. The identity of the deceased has not been ascertained as yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Assistant Chief District Officer Satya Kumari Joshi, two persons are missing while two others have sustained injuries in the avalanche.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Joshi added that a team of police personnel of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force has been deployed to the incident site. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'id' => '17937',
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			'title' => 'International Day for Biological Diversity Being Observed ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => ' Nepal is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme of 'From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity' today. ',
			'content' => '<p><br />
<span style="font-size:18px">May 22: &nbsp;Nepal is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme of &#39;From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity&#39; today.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">This significant day, designated by the United Nations, aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the crucial issues surrounding biodiversity, ecological balance, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, this year&#39;s theme emphasizes the need for concrete actions to support biodiversity preservation.&nbsp; It acknowledges the remarkable progress made at COP 15 while emphasizing the pressing urgency to implement further measures.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">In Nepal, several organizations including the Department of Forest, Department of Botany, and various agencies are organizing a range of events to enhance awareness.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">These events include rallies, seminars, interactive sessions, and hiking, all geared towards fostering a greater understanding of the importance of biological diversity.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">The International Day for Biological Diversity holds particular significance as it commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on May 22, 1992, during the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">The United Nations General Assembly officially designated this date as the International Day for Biological Diversity in December 2000.</span></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17936',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government’s Policies and Programmes Draw Mixed Reaction from Upper House Lawmakers ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 have received mixed reactions from the National Assembly members. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">May 21: The government&rsquo;s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 have received mixed reactions from the National Assembly members.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The lawmakers from the ruling parties have said that the new policies and programmes are capable of instilling a ray of hope among the people while the opposition lawmakers have said that the policies and programmes have nothing new.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">In a meeting of the National Assembly on Sunday, the lawmakers from the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center) were of the view that the government&rsquo;s new policies and programmes had been successful in addressing the entire issues in a balanced way while the main opposition CPN-UML lawmakers said they were the continuity of the past programmes as they had been prepared with a traditional approach.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">They advised the government to incorporate relevant issues missing in the policies and programmes in the budget.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Jitendra Narayan Dev of the Nepali Congress supported the policies and programmes, citing that they were prepared with hard work.&nbsp; According to MP Dev, assessment of economic problems, efforts to address them, stress on improvement of diplomatic relations and programmes to promote good government and corruption prevention are some of the good aspects of the policies and programmes.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">&nbsp;&quot;Programmes relating to agriculture and tourism development are also positive,&quot; he said, adding that a focus on productive sectors would help achieve prosperity in the nation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The policies and programmes have incorporated encouraging and important programmes like the setting up of the support price of major productions within the country, the management of fertilizers and the opening of fertilizer industries at home, he said.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Khim Lal Devkota of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and Mahesh Kumar Mahara of the CPN (Maoist Centre) stressed the need for the practical implementation of the policies and programmes. The announcement of building the Nijgadh International Airport is positive, added Devkota.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The policies and programmes have created new hopes among the people, viewed Narayan Prasad Dahal, adding that bringing the budget for the coming fiscal year, 2023/24 accordingly would add energy. CPN (Maoist Center)&#39;s Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami supported and praised the policies and programmes as having prioritized agriculture, improvement in the national economy, and the creation of job opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">CPN-UML lawmaker Devendra Dahal criticized the government&#39;s policies and programmes for lacking any new programmes. He said they were a continuation of the past programmes brought for the purpose of cheap popularity. The policies and programmes have failed to identify the problems and set priorities and the goals, added Dahal.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Sharada Devi Bhatta of the same party said the policies and programmes have failed to address the present economic crisis.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Rajendra Laxmi Gaire of CPN (Unified Socialist) said the policies and programmes have been designed to achieve the sustainable development goals. She stressed on their effective implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Nepali Congress lawmaker Narayan Datta Mishra opined that overall the government&rsquo;s policies and programmes were good and stressed on their implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Udaya Bahadur Bohara of Unified Socialist expressed the belief that several new programmes included in the policies and programmes will support the economy. He mentioned that reduction in government expenditure and increment in development expenses were welcome topics.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar of the Maoist Center opined that inclusion of new and popular programmes was a welcome move.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">UML&#39;s Gopal Bhattarai called for review of the programmes of the previous years, saying the government&#39;s policies and programmes lacked a definite goal.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Radheshyam Paswan of Maoist Center pointed out the need of giving priority to the policies and programmes in the budget as well as their effective implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Three lawmakers register amendment proposals</span></em></strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Three lawmakers from the upper house of the Federal Parliament have registered amendment proposals to the Policies and Programmes for Fiscal Year 2023/24 presented in the Parliament by the government.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Those registering amendment proposals are CPN-UML&#39;s Tulasa Kumari Dahal, Bimala Ghimire and Dr Bimala Rai Paudyal.&nbsp; Lawmaker Bhagawati Neupane presented the amendment proposal on behalf of Dahal, Ghimire and Paudyal. --&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'Hailstorm Damages Crops in Bajura;  Farmers Seek Compensation',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'A devastating hailstorm that struck Khaptad Chededaha rural municipality in Bajura district last Wednesday afternoon severely damaged food crops, vegetables, and fruits.',
			'content' => '<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 21: A devastating hailstorm that struck Khaptad Chededaha rural municipality in Bajura district last Wednesday afternoon severely damaged food crops, vegetables, and fruits. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Wheat, barley, vegetables, potatoes, onions, garlic, and various fruits have all fallen victim to the hail, according to Bhimla Budha from Budhabada in ward no. 7 of the rural municipality.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Farmers in ward no. 6 and 7 have been particularly hard-hit by the calamity. Birkh Oli, a farmer, voiced the concerns of the affected farmers, emphasizing the need for compensation rather than mere relief support. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">However, the local government and the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Bajura have yet to take any concrete steps to assess and document the extent of the damage, leading to complaints from the affected farmers.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Gauri Oli, another farmer, lamented the lack of interest shown by the rural municipality in collecting information about the damage, despite approximately 905 families being affected by the hailstorm. This has left farmers anxious about the possibility of receiving compensation for their losses.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">A preliminary assessments conducted by the ward office indicate that the damage caused by the hailstorm exceeds 20 million rupees.&nbsp;</span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17934',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '‘It is Necessary to Connect Agriculture with Industry’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: Experts and startup industry leaders have laid emphasis on interconnection between agriculture and industry and the use of technology for businesses to sustain in the modern day world.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">May 21: Experts and startup industry leaders have laid emphasis on interconnection between agriculture and industry and the use of technology for businesses to sustain in the modern day world.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Speaking at a panel discussion of the NewBiz Summit and Awards 2023 organized by New Business Age on Friday, Sunita Nhemaphuki, founder of R&amp;D Innovative Solutions Pvt Ltd, said that there is still a misconception in society that those who engage in agriculture are poor. According to her, the agriculture sector has no investment opportunities and lacks enterprise.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">She said that there are misconceptions that agriculture is associated with poverty, lacks investment, and lacks entrepreneurial opportunities.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Contrary to this view, she shared that if we look at the global scenario, agriculture is followed by industry and service sectors. However, in Nepal, we have already switched to a service-oriented industry, she said adding, Nepal, due to its topography, has huge potential in organic farming. According to her, agricultural production needs to be connected with the industry. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Someone has to lobby to connect with the industry.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The key to success in the modern day is technology, admitted Nhemaphuki.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;I am very much impressed with the link between agriculture and technology in Bangladesh and India,&rdquo; she said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The use of technology during Covid-19 has expanded rapidly. Kisan Credit Card and QR code have been implemented to connect the farmers with the banks. Software companies were made partners and now the government is also recognizing them, she added.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Giving the example of the Covid-19 period when the demand for agriculture products was high, she added that the importance of the food industry has increased.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;We are here to help those who are engaged in agriculture. With the right strategies, investments, and innovation, the agriculture sector can be transformed into a profitable and thriving industry,&rdquo; she opined.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Our aim is to implement modern farming practices, promote agro-processing, and develop high-value agricultural products, she said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;By adding value to agricultural commodities and tapping into niche markets, we can create a competitive advantage and contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Similarly, Rahul Malla Thakuri, assistant vice president - commercial at Upaya, shared that the journey of Upaya started four years ago.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;By the end of 2018, the use of technology, smartphones, and the Internet was increasing. In Nepal, the use of technology other than logistics was good. Every other sector, including food and e-commerce, was blooming. We did our research and found logistics as the missing piece in the growing digital arena and thus started our business by booking transport vehicles,&rdquo; he said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Likewise, Baburam Gautam, director general of the Department of Industry said that the main element of the ecosystem in promoting trade and industry is the government. However, there is a gap in the policy of exporting competent manpower, said Gautam, adding, &ldquo;The startup policy is ready. The department has got the job of startup enterprise loan. It is said that loans will be given in the form of seed capital. Work is being done accordingly. Business is on one side, idea is on the other side. The government is working to the build the startup ecosystem.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">When asked why is the recently implemented start-up policy procedure important, Gautam said that the it is a procedure to grant loans by the government. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Provisions such as turnover of Rs 5 million, fixed capital of Rs 20 million, and innovation have been specified. There is also an evaluation section. A total of 700 applications are still pending in the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Meanwhile, answering moderator Asmod Karki&#39;s question - how easy is it for a start-up to get funds, Thakuri mentioned that it took about a year for the business operation to come to normalcy after the lockdown and they collaborated with different organizations to raise funds. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;When raising funds, it is important to carefully consider where to invest, how to approach it and understand the investors&#39; desires. Building a reliable and trustworthy team is crucial,&rdquo; said Thakuri.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Similarly, Gautam said that all startups need ecosystem culture. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;It should start from home. There are 78 elements of the ecosystem. The policy has been drafted in such a way that it will be addressed by the upcoming policies and programs.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Responding to the question that the new generation, which is not attracted to agriculture, has forgotten what to cultivate and when and that a lot of land is becoming barren, Nhemaphuki replied that only three per cent of the total population in Israel are farmers, and yet they export. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Engineers and other professions are also involved in agriculture. We have a misconception here that agriculture leads to suffering. It is necessary to connect agriculture with the industry.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Baburam Gautam, Director General of the Industry Department, Sunita Nhemaphuki, Founder of R&amp;D Innovative Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Rahul Malla Thakuri, Assistant Vice President - Commercial at Upaya, participated as speakers in the panel discussion on the theme &#39;Towards Startup Nation&#39;. The panel discussion was facilitated by Asmod Karki, co-founder and head of operation of Vikasa Tech. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17933',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal urges USA to Extend Preferential Trade Programme',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The Government of Nepal has requested the United States to continue the facilities it has been providing for Nepali goods even after being upgraded from the least developed country to a developing country in 2026.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">May 21: The Government of Nepal has requested the United States to continue the facilities it has been providing for Nepali goods even after being upgraded from the least developed country to a developing country in 2026. Nepal made such a request at the sixth meeting of the Nepal-US TIFA Council held in Kathmandu on Friday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The US has granted duty-free entry to 77 items of Nepal under the Nepal Trade Preference Programme (NTPP). The program was introduced after the devastating earthquake of 2015 with the aim of supporting the economic recovery of Nepal. The 10-year program will expire in 2025.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Nepal will be graduating into a developing country from LDC in 2026. It is estimated that the facility provided by the US will be lost after gaining the status of a developing country. Stakeholders are concerned that it will be difficult for Nepali products to compete in the American market after the loss of the facility and the exports will decrease. Addressing the TIFA Council meeting, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal urged the US to continue the cooperation. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;We have sought duty-free market access and flexible trade rules for a few years even after graduation from LDC,&rdquo; said Minister Rijal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to Minister Rijal, TIFA will prove to be a milestone in bringing trade and investment relations to new heights.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Madhu Kumar Marasini, secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, expected the US support to continue after the LDC graduation, keeping in mind the needs of Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">He said, &ldquo;It is necessary to make our process of transformation from a least developed to a developing nation smooth, sustainable and irreversible. For that, emphasis should be placed on technology cooperation and economic partnership.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Currently, IT, hydropower, digital economy, service and trade are the areas of potential. As the construction of the transmission line undertaken by the US-funded MCC has facilitated infrastructure development, efforts should be made for investment in other areas as well, said Marasini.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Brendan Lynch, US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia said that the improvement in trade and investment relations should benefit the people of both the countries. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;In recent years, Nepal-US bilateral trade relations have been increasing. It is positive. Now there should be more improvements in trade and investment relations to benefit the people of both the countries,&rdquo; said Lynch, adding, &ldquo;Due to its special relationship with Nepal, the United States has conducted the Nepal Trade Preference Program only for Nepal.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Sridhar Khatri, the Nepalese ambassador to the USA said that Nepal should benefit from NTPP. He said, &ldquo;Nepal should have benefited a lot from this US initiative. It is a matter of concern that this didn&rsquo;t happen.&rdquo; Khatri said that NTPP covers only less than 3 percent of Nepal&#39;s exports to the US and urged the US to improve the current provision.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">US Ambassador to Nepal Donald Thompson said that Nepal is in top priority of the US. America is investing about 1.5 billion dollars in Nepal in the next five years through USAID, MCC, Development Finance Corporation and other partnership plans.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Thompson said, &ldquo;This should be understood as Nepal being a top priority for America. We want to see more American companies, investors and high-quality American goods and services available in Nepal. For this, a good investment policy, appropriate environment and support from the private sector are needed.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The meeting focused on Nepal&#39;s priority business programs, investment environment, digital economy, technical assistance, agricultural, trade and upgrading from LDC.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17932',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Deliberations on Government's Policies and Programmes Begins',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The House of Representatives (HoR) has started deliberations on the policies and programmes of the government.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The House of Representatives (HoR) has started deliberations on the policies and programmes of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal presented a proposal in the meeting of the lower house today (May 21) seeking the initiation of deliberations on the Government&#39;s Policies and Programmes for the Fiscal Year 2023/24.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">President Ram Chandra Paudel had addressed the joint sitting of both the houses of the Federal Parliament on May 19 and read out the government&#39;s policies and programmes. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government prepares the budget for the upcoming fiscal year after the parliament conducts deliberations on the policies and programmes. There is a constitutional provision to announce the budget on 15<sup>th</sup> of Jestha every year which falls on May 29 this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
&nbsp;</span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17931',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government to Expedite Construction of Nijgadh Airport',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government has decided to move ahead with construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport which has been stalled due to court order over the issue of environment and compensation issue. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The government has decided to move ahead with construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport which has been stalled due to court order over the issue of environment and compensation issue. The airport is a national pride project of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel in a joint meeting of the federal parliament on Friday mentions about forwarding the construction process of the Nijgadh airport. The government has prioritized the construction of Nijgadh airport, said the president.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has set a plan to construct the Nijgadh airport in around 1,900 hectares of area. The first-phase of the construction of Nijgadh airport is estimated to cost Rs 120 billion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the policies and programmes also state that construction of provincial airport would be forwarded after carrying out study. Safety standard would be strictly implemented to make aviation service safe and terminal buildings of domestic and international airports would be upgraded.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The announcement comes in the wake of two other international airports &ndash; Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) and Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) &ndash; struggling to get business even a year after the construction in case of GBIA and five months after the inauguration of PRIA.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Critics have been cautioning whether the country needs another international airport which is to be built with massive foreign loans at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy is in crisis.</span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17929',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government to Provide Electricity of 50 Units in Summer and 30 Units in Winter Free of Cost   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government has launched a special scheme to promote electricity consumption. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The government has launched a special scheme to promote electricity consumption. Presenting the annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year at a joint meeting of both the houses of the federal parliament on Friday, President Ram Chandra Paudel announced that the households consuming as high as 50 units of electricity per month in summer would be provided the power free of cost while free electricity up to 30 units will be provided in winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Currently, the households consuming 20 units of electricity are required to pay only Rs 30 per month. The new scheme is brought to increase energy demand and domestic consumption.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although Nepal has sufficient electricity in summer, it needs to import electricity in winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government aims to provide electricity to all Nepalis within two years. The power supply would be ensured free of cost to poor households and LP gas would be displaced gradually, said the president. The government also decided to promote use of electric stove. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17928',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'OPD Service of Government Hospitals from 8 am to 8 pm   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The Out Patient Department (OPD) services of government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The Out Patient Department (OPD) services of government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the government&rsquo;s policies and programs for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel in Parliament on Friday, a health center with basic health check-up and treatment facilities will be established in every ward.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programs have a provision for developing all federal hospitals as teaching hospitals. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;A policy will be taken to gradually expand government hospitals into all seven provinces by developing them as well-equipped hospitals with specialized medical services,&quot; reads the statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Air ambulance services will be operated in remote areas to prevent the death of people due to lack of timely treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Provision has also been made to give doctors working in basic hospitals the opportunity to pursue higher medical education.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programmes state that at least one provincial level hospital shall be developed as a super specialty hospital that can diagnose heart and cancer diseases. Campaigns against infectious diseases and special programs for the treatment of non-communicable diseases will be conducted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, arrangements will be made for the diagnosis and treatment of autism while free early detection and treatment of cervical cancer and breast cancer in women will be gradually expanded throughout the country as a special program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has said that the Department of Drug Administration will be transformed into the Department of Food, Medicines and Health Technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the Singhdarbar Baidyakhana and Herbs Processing Center will be re-structured to make the services of Ayurvedic hospitals effective. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '17659',
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 10:08:22',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17927',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Earthquake Recorded in East Rukum   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: An earthquake has occurred in East Rukum.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: An earthquake has occurred in East Rukum.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An earthquake measuring 4.1 in the Richter scale took place at 2:59 am today (May 21) with its epicenter in Hukam gaon in East Rukum, according to the National Seismology and Research Center Lainchaur, Kathmandu.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Earlier, an earthquake of the same magnitude had occurred on May 4 with its epicenter in Bajura district. Western parts of Nepal has been witnessing frequent occurrence of earthquakes of late. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '17658',
			'image' => '20230521094735_20221228113133_quake.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 09:46:55',
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			'id' => '17926',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Planning to Boost Agriculture to Replace Food Imports: Agriculture Minister',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal, has emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to drive economic progress.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 21: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal, has emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to drive economic progress. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He highlighted the government&#39;s commitment to implementing policies and programs that support agricultural development, aiming to increase production and reduce reliance on food imports.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Bhusal acknowledged that while Nepal was previously an exporter of food grains, the current situation requires increased imports.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Consequently, the government&#39;s priority is to decrease reliance on imports and promote export growth through modernizing agriculture, Minister Bhusal stated. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The minister emphasized the significance of the fertile Tarai region and the need for adequate irrigation to enhance agricultural productivity.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Speaking at an interaction and felicitation program in Bhumikastan Municipality, Arghakhanchi, Dr. Bhusal revealed that approximately 1.3 million hectares of arable land in Nepal remains unused. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government plans to utilize this land through collective and cooperative farming initiatives, aiming for cost-effectiveness and modernization of farming practices. Mechanization was also underscored as a crucial aspect of agricultural advancement.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Bhusal mentioned that fixing prices of rice, maize, wheat, and other agricultural products before harvest would greatly benefit producers. This timely price fixing would provide relief and stability for farmers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mayor Jhabilal Thapa of Bhumikasthan Municipality called for the launch of agricultural programs focused on increasing the production of cereals, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => '2025 will be Observed as 'Special Tourism Year'   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 20: The government has announced to observe 2025 as a 'special tourism year'.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 20: The government has announced to observe 2025 as a &#39;special tourism year&#39;. President Ram Chandra Paudel made such announcement while presenting the policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2023/24 in the joint meeting of the federal parliament on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The decade of 2080s of the Bikram era will be marked as &#39;visit Nepal decade&#39; while 2025 AD will be observed as the special year for tourism. The tourism sector which witnessed massive downturn by the COVID crisis is slowly recovering.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Nearly 100,000 tourists are visiting Nepal every month since the beginning of 2023. As per the latest statistics maintained by Nepal Tourism Board, the country recorded arrival of over 326,000 foreign tourism in four months of 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Previously, the government had announced to observe 2020 as &#39;visit Nepal year&#39; which was later cancelled in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the president announced that timely revision would be made in tourism related law. The tourist destinations would be popularized in the international community and necessary infrastructures prepared accordingly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">New tourist destinations would be identified in all seven provinces and each province will be a cultural village, the policies and programmes mentioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">New mountains would be opened for climbing. Security arrangement for climbers and tourists would be made more reliable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The president further announced that the concept of film tourism would be materialized and expanded and new dimensions added to adventure tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With the collaboration of private sector, &#39;Samarmatha Special Honour&#39; will be conferred on the foreign nationals considering their role on promotion of Nepal&#39;s art, culture, language and literature in the international arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Also stressed in the government policies and programmes are strict adherence to air safety standard and development of Pashupati and Lumbini as centres of religious and spiritual study.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17940',
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			'title' => 'Mixed Reactions on Government’s Policies and Programmes   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: Parliamentarians taking part in the discussion on the newly unveiled policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) furnished a host of suggestions to the government in the parliament.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: Parliamentarians taking part in the discussion on the newly unveiled policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) furnished a host of suggestions to the government in the parliament.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">They have univocally called for effective implementation of the newly unveiled policies and programmes, optimum use of available resources, good-governance practice, elimination of corruption and prioritization of the policies and the programmes among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Bhanubhakta Joshi urged for adopting the policy of zero-tolerance against corruption. He viewed that there should not be any situation where the guilty gets scot-free while the innocent ones are prosecuted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that the government&#39;s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year were overall good, he cast his doubt over its effective implementation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Abdul Khan lauded the introduction of &#39;Made in Nepal&#39;, &#39;Make in Nepal&#39; and &#39;Our products, Our Dignity&#39; among other programmes that aim to boost the domestic production. He suggested that the government should consider entering appropriate agreement with labour destination countries so as to address the issues prevailing in the foreign employment sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Deepak Khadka remarked that some important issues were lacking in the government&#39;s policies and programmes. He asserted that the government should adopt policies to increase production and enhance productivity in the country which is heavily dependent on remittance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He also opined that the government should seek additional resources for budget as the government was struggling to garner resources for the upcoming budget. He argued that the people&#39;s representatives should also fulfill aspirations of the people who elected them. &quot;It is necessary to fulfill their aspirations by optimally utilizing our resources.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Underscoring transparency, Mahesh Basnet, said that the government&#39;s expenditure should be evaluated and the public accounting system streamlined.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He rued over the policies and programmes saying they failed to clearly reflect issues relating to the scope of insurance, effective execution of the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, and welfare of the landless squatters, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another parliamentarian Mahendra Bahadur Shahi raised question on the effectiveness of the policies and programmes introduced by the erstwhile and incumbent government. &quot;It is imperative to self-evaluate the effective implementation of the policies and programmes rolled out by the previous governments,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Manish Jha emphasized making public service delivery more effective and ensuring good-governance. &quot;A study has shown that political discontent was on the rise in Nepal. We all are held accountable for that. The discontent has a lot to do with lackluster public service delivery and good-governance,&quot; he observed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Deepak Bahadur Singh, the government should take the lead to revive the sick industries. Expressing concern over the flagging state of the Hetauda Cement Factory and Udayapur Cement Factory, he spoke of the need to make the management of these sick industries robust. He also suggested that each province have a Medical Hospital. He viewed that there should be referendum on the governing system and secularism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ranju Kumari Jha commented that the policies and programmes had repeatedly included the same issues for the past five years. According to her, issues relating to establishing fertilizer factory, increasing investment for public private partnership in education sector, insurance for sportspersons and establishment of Ramraja Singh Health and Science Academy among others were missed in the policies and programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ambar Bahadur Thapa said that the upcoming policies and programmes were more distribution-oriented than result-oriented. &quot;There is absence of result-oriented plans in the government&#39;s upcoming policies and programmes that could be achieved within a year or two.&quot; -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17939',
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			'title' => 'Army Completes Cleaning of Baruntse',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: The Nepalese Army has completed cleaning up of Mt Baruntse under its Clean Mountain Campaign, 2023.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: The Nepalese Army has completed cleaning up of Mt Baruntse under its Clean Mountain Campaign, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A team of eight Nepalese Army personnel and Sherpa guides under the leadership of Major Samir Bahadur Basnet collected over 3,050 kg of bio-degradable garbage from the base camp of Baruntse. The waste was handed over to the Mahakulung Rural Municipality.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, 15,470 kilograms of non-degradable waste collected by the team was brought to Kathmandu and handed over to a waste management company.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Nepalese Army&#39;s Directorate of Public Relations and Information has said that the cleaning of Mount Everest and Lhotse is still underway. The campaign will end on the World Environment Day on coming June 5. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17938',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'One Dead, Two Yarsha Collectors Missing in Bajhang Avalanche   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: A person, who was collecting Yarshagumba, died after an avalanche occurred at Dhanshera of Surma Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang district on Sunday. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: A person, who was collecting Yarshagumba, died after an avalanche occurred at Dhanshera of Surma Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang district on Sunday. The identity of the deceased has not been ascertained as yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Assistant Chief District Officer Satya Kumari Joshi, two persons are missing while two others have sustained injuries in the avalanche.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Joshi added that a team of police personnel of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force has been deployed to the incident site. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'image' => '20230522111957_1684492462.Yarsa.jpeg',
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			'id' => '17937',
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			'title' => 'International Day for Biological Diversity Being Observed ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => ' Nepal is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme of 'From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity' today. ',
			'content' => '<p><br />
<span style="font-size:18px">May 22: &nbsp;Nepal is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme of &#39;From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity&#39; today.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">This significant day, designated by the United Nations, aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the crucial issues surrounding biodiversity, ecological balance, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, this year&#39;s theme emphasizes the need for concrete actions to support biodiversity preservation.&nbsp; It acknowledges the remarkable progress made at COP 15 while emphasizing the pressing urgency to implement further measures.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">In Nepal, several organizations including the Department of Forest, Department of Botany, and various agencies are organizing a range of events to enhance awareness.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">These events include rallies, seminars, interactive sessions, and hiking, all geared towards fostering a greater understanding of the importance of biological diversity.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">The International Day for Biological Diversity holds particular significance as it commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on May 22, 1992, during the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">The United Nations General Assembly officially designated this date as the International Day for Biological Diversity in December 2000.</span></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-22 09:48:36',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17936',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government’s Policies and Programmes Draw Mixed Reaction from Upper House Lawmakers ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 have received mixed reactions from the National Assembly members. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">May 21: The government&rsquo;s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 have received mixed reactions from the National Assembly members.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The lawmakers from the ruling parties have said that the new policies and programmes are capable of instilling a ray of hope among the people while the opposition lawmakers have said that the policies and programmes have nothing new.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">In a meeting of the National Assembly on Sunday, the lawmakers from the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center) were of the view that the government&rsquo;s new policies and programmes had been successful in addressing the entire issues in a balanced way while the main opposition CPN-UML lawmakers said they were the continuity of the past programmes as they had been prepared with a traditional approach.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">They advised the government to incorporate relevant issues missing in the policies and programmes in the budget.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Jitendra Narayan Dev of the Nepali Congress supported the policies and programmes, citing that they were prepared with hard work.&nbsp; According to MP Dev, assessment of economic problems, efforts to address them, stress on improvement of diplomatic relations and programmes to promote good government and corruption prevention are some of the good aspects of the policies and programmes.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">&nbsp;&quot;Programmes relating to agriculture and tourism development are also positive,&quot; he said, adding that a focus on productive sectors would help achieve prosperity in the nation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The policies and programmes have incorporated encouraging and important programmes like the setting up of the support price of major productions within the country, the management of fertilizers and the opening of fertilizer industries at home, he said.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Khim Lal Devkota of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and Mahesh Kumar Mahara of the CPN (Maoist Centre) stressed the need for the practical implementation of the policies and programmes. The announcement of building the Nijgadh International Airport is positive, added Devkota.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The policies and programmes have created new hopes among the people, viewed Narayan Prasad Dahal, adding that bringing the budget for the coming fiscal year, 2023/24 accordingly would add energy. CPN (Maoist Center)&#39;s Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami supported and praised the policies and programmes as having prioritized agriculture, improvement in the national economy, and the creation of job opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">CPN-UML lawmaker Devendra Dahal criticized the government&#39;s policies and programmes for lacking any new programmes. He said they were a continuation of the past programmes brought for the purpose of cheap popularity. The policies and programmes have failed to identify the problems and set priorities and the goals, added Dahal.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Sharada Devi Bhatta of the same party said the policies and programmes have failed to address the present economic crisis.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Rajendra Laxmi Gaire of CPN (Unified Socialist) said the policies and programmes have been designed to achieve the sustainable development goals. She stressed on their effective implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Nepali Congress lawmaker Narayan Datta Mishra opined that overall the government&rsquo;s policies and programmes were good and stressed on their implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Udaya Bahadur Bohara of Unified Socialist expressed the belief that several new programmes included in the policies and programmes will support the economy. He mentioned that reduction in government expenditure and increment in development expenses were welcome topics.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar of the Maoist Center opined that inclusion of new and popular programmes was a welcome move.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">UML&#39;s Gopal Bhattarai called for review of the programmes of the previous years, saying the government&#39;s policies and programmes lacked a definite goal.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Radheshyam Paswan of Maoist Center pointed out the need of giving priority to the policies and programmes in the budget as well as their effective implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Three lawmakers register amendment proposals</span></em></strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Three lawmakers from the upper house of the Federal Parliament have registered amendment proposals to the Policies and Programmes for Fiscal Year 2023/24 presented in the Parliament by the government.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Those registering amendment proposals are CPN-UML&#39;s Tulasa Kumari Dahal, Bimala Ghimire and Dr Bimala Rai Paudyal.&nbsp; Lawmaker Bhagawati Neupane presented the amendment proposal on behalf of Dahal, Ghimire and Paudyal. --&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17935',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Hailstorm Damages Crops in Bajura;  Farmers Seek Compensation',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'A devastating hailstorm that struck Khaptad Chededaha rural municipality in Bajura district last Wednesday afternoon severely damaged food crops, vegetables, and fruits.',
			'content' => '<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 21: A devastating hailstorm that struck Khaptad Chededaha rural municipality in Bajura district last Wednesday afternoon severely damaged food crops, vegetables, and fruits. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Wheat, barley, vegetables, potatoes, onions, garlic, and various fruits have all fallen victim to the hail, according to Bhimla Budha from Budhabada in ward no. 7 of the rural municipality.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Farmers in ward no. 6 and 7 have been particularly hard-hit by the calamity. Birkh Oli, a farmer, voiced the concerns of the affected farmers, emphasizing the need for compensation rather than mere relief support. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">However, the local government and the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Bajura have yet to take any concrete steps to assess and document the extent of the damage, leading to complaints from the affected farmers.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Gauri Oli, another farmer, lamented the lack of interest shown by the rural municipality in collecting information about the damage, despite approximately 905 families being affected by the hailstorm. This has left farmers anxious about the possibility of receiving compensation for their losses.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">A preliminary assessments conducted by the ward office indicate that the damage caused by the hailstorm exceeds 20 million rupees.&nbsp;</span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17934',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '‘It is Necessary to Connect Agriculture with Industry’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: Experts and startup industry leaders have laid emphasis on interconnection between agriculture and industry and the use of technology for businesses to sustain in the modern day world.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">May 21: Experts and startup industry leaders have laid emphasis on interconnection between agriculture and industry and the use of technology for businesses to sustain in the modern day world.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Speaking at a panel discussion of the NewBiz Summit and Awards 2023 organized by New Business Age on Friday, Sunita Nhemaphuki, founder of R&amp;D Innovative Solutions Pvt Ltd, said that there is still a misconception in society that those who engage in agriculture are poor. According to her, the agriculture sector has no investment opportunities and lacks enterprise.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">She said that there are misconceptions that agriculture is associated with poverty, lacks investment, and lacks entrepreneurial opportunities.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Contrary to this view, she shared that if we look at the global scenario, agriculture is followed by industry and service sectors. However, in Nepal, we have already switched to a service-oriented industry, she said adding, Nepal, due to its topography, has huge potential in organic farming. According to her, agricultural production needs to be connected with the industry. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Someone has to lobby to connect with the industry.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The key to success in the modern day is technology, admitted Nhemaphuki.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;I am very much impressed with the link between agriculture and technology in Bangladesh and India,&rdquo; she said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The use of technology during Covid-19 has expanded rapidly. Kisan Credit Card and QR code have been implemented to connect the farmers with the banks. Software companies were made partners and now the government is also recognizing them, she added.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Giving the example of the Covid-19 period when the demand for agriculture products was high, she added that the importance of the food industry has increased.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;We are here to help those who are engaged in agriculture. With the right strategies, investments, and innovation, the agriculture sector can be transformed into a profitable and thriving industry,&rdquo; she opined.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Our aim is to implement modern farming practices, promote agro-processing, and develop high-value agricultural products, she said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;By adding value to agricultural commodities and tapping into niche markets, we can create a competitive advantage and contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Similarly, Rahul Malla Thakuri, assistant vice president - commercial at Upaya, shared that the journey of Upaya started four years ago.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;By the end of 2018, the use of technology, smartphones, and the Internet was increasing. In Nepal, the use of technology other than logistics was good. Every other sector, including food and e-commerce, was blooming. We did our research and found logistics as the missing piece in the growing digital arena and thus started our business by booking transport vehicles,&rdquo; he said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Likewise, Baburam Gautam, director general of the Department of Industry said that the main element of the ecosystem in promoting trade and industry is the government. However, there is a gap in the policy of exporting competent manpower, said Gautam, adding, &ldquo;The startup policy is ready. The department has got the job of startup enterprise loan. It is said that loans will be given in the form of seed capital. Work is being done accordingly. Business is on one side, idea is on the other side. The government is working to the build the startup ecosystem.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">When asked why is the recently implemented start-up policy procedure important, Gautam said that the it is a procedure to grant loans by the government. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Provisions such as turnover of Rs 5 million, fixed capital of Rs 20 million, and innovation have been specified. There is also an evaluation section. A total of 700 applications are still pending in the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Meanwhile, answering moderator Asmod Karki&#39;s question - how easy is it for a start-up to get funds, Thakuri mentioned that it took about a year for the business operation to come to normalcy after the lockdown and they collaborated with different organizations to raise funds. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;When raising funds, it is important to carefully consider where to invest, how to approach it and understand the investors&#39; desires. Building a reliable and trustworthy team is crucial,&rdquo; said Thakuri.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Similarly, Gautam said that all startups need ecosystem culture. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;It should start from home. There are 78 elements of the ecosystem. The policy has been drafted in such a way that it will be addressed by the upcoming policies and programs.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Responding to the question that the new generation, which is not attracted to agriculture, has forgotten what to cultivate and when and that a lot of land is becoming barren, Nhemaphuki replied that only three per cent of the total population in Israel are farmers, and yet they export. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Engineers and other professions are also involved in agriculture. We have a misconception here that agriculture leads to suffering. It is necessary to connect agriculture with the industry.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Baburam Gautam, Director General of the Industry Department, Sunita Nhemaphuki, Founder of R&amp;D Innovative Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Rahul Malla Thakuri, Assistant Vice President - Commercial at Upaya, participated as speakers in the panel discussion on the theme &#39;Towards Startup Nation&#39;. The panel discussion was facilitated by Asmod Karki, co-founder and head of operation of Vikasa Tech. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17933',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal urges USA to Extend Preferential Trade Programme',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The Government of Nepal has requested the United States to continue the facilities it has been providing for Nepali goods even after being upgraded from the least developed country to a developing country in 2026.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">May 21: The Government of Nepal has requested the United States to continue the facilities it has been providing for Nepali goods even after being upgraded from the least developed country to a developing country in 2026. Nepal made such a request at the sixth meeting of the Nepal-US TIFA Council held in Kathmandu on Friday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The US has granted duty-free entry to 77 items of Nepal under the Nepal Trade Preference Programme (NTPP). The program was introduced after the devastating earthquake of 2015 with the aim of supporting the economic recovery of Nepal. The 10-year program will expire in 2025.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Nepal will be graduating into a developing country from LDC in 2026. It is estimated that the facility provided by the US will be lost after gaining the status of a developing country. Stakeholders are concerned that it will be difficult for Nepali products to compete in the American market after the loss of the facility and the exports will decrease. Addressing the TIFA Council meeting, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal urged the US to continue the cooperation. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;We have sought duty-free market access and flexible trade rules for a few years even after graduation from LDC,&rdquo; said Minister Rijal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to Minister Rijal, TIFA will prove to be a milestone in bringing trade and investment relations to new heights.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Madhu Kumar Marasini, secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, expected the US support to continue after the LDC graduation, keeping in mind the needs of Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">He said, &ldquo;It is necessary to make our process of transformation from a least developed to a developing nation smooth, sustainable and irreversible. For that, emphasis should be placed on technology cooperation and economic partnership.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Currently, IT, hydropower, digital economy, service and trade are the areas of potential. As the construction of the transmission line undertaken by the US-funded MCC has facilitated infrastructure development, efforts should be made for investment in other areas as well, said Marasini.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Brendan Lynch, US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia said that the improvement in trade and investment relations should benefit the people of both the countries. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;In recent years, Nepal-US bilateral trade relations have been increasing. It is positive. Now there should be more improvements in trade and investment relations to benefit the people of both the countries,&rdquo; said Lynch, adding, &ldquo;Due to its special relationship with Nepal, the United States has conducted the Nepal Trade Preference Program only for Nepal.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Sridhar Khatri, the Nepalese ambassador to the USA said that Nepal should benefit from NTPP. He said, &ldquo;Nepal should have benefited a lot from this US initiative. It is a matter of concern that this didn&rsquo;t happen.&rdquo; Khatri said that NTPP covers only less than 3 percent of Nepal&#39;s exports to the US and urged the US to improve the current provision.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">US Ambassador to Nepal Donald Thompson said that Nepal is in top priority of the US. America is investing about 1.5 billion dollars in Nepal in the next five years through USAID, MCC, Development Finance Corporation and other partnership plans.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Thompson said, &ldquo;This should be understood as Nepal being a top priority for America. We want to see more American companies, investors and high-quality American goods and services available in Nepal. For this, a good investment policy, appropriate environment and support from the private sector are needed.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The meeting focused on Nepal&#39;s priority business programs, investment environment, digital economy, technical assistance, agricultural, trade and upgrading from LDC.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17932',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Deliberations on Government's Policies and Programmes Begins',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The House of Representatives (HoR) has started deliberations on the policies and programmes of the government.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The House of Representatives (HoR) has started deliberations on the policies and programmes of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal presented a proposal in the meeting of the lower house today (May 21) seeking the initiation of deliberations on the Government&#39;s Policies and Programmes for the Fiscal Year 2023/24.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">President Ram Chandra Paudel had addressed the joint sitting of both the houses of the Federal Parliament on May 19 and read out the government&#39;s policies and programmes. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government prepares the budget for the upcoming fiscal year after the parliament conducts deliberations on the policies and programmes. There is a constitutional provision to announce the budget on 15<sup>th</sup> of Jestha every year which falls on May 29 this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
&nbsp;</span></span></p>
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 13:26:24',
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			'title' => 'Government to Expedite Construction of Nijgadh Airport',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government has decided to move ahead with construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport which has been stalled due to court order over the issue of environment and compensation issue. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The government has decided to move ahead with construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport which has been stalled due to court order over the issue of environment and compensation issue. The airport is a national pride project of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel in a joint meeting of the federal parliament on Friday mentions about forwarding the construction process of the Nijgadh airport. The government has prioritized the construction of Nijgadh airport, said the president.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has set a plan to construct the Nijgadh airport in around 1,900 hectares of area. The first-phase of the construction of Nijgadh airport is estimated to cost Rs 120 billion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the policies and programmes also state that construction of provincial airport would be forwarded after carrying out study. Safety standard would be strictly implemented to make aviation service safe and terminal buildings of domestic and international airports would be upgraded.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The announcement comes in the wake of two other international airports &ndash; Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) and Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) &ndash; struggling to get business even a year after the construction in case of GBIA and five months after the inauguration of PRIA.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Critics have been cautioning whether the country needs another international airport which is to be built with massive foreign loans at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy is in crisis.</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '17662',
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 12:24:01',
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			'id' => '17929',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government to Provide Electricity of 50 Units in Summer and 30 Units in Winter Free of Cost   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government has launched a special scheme to promote electricity consumption. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The government has launched a special scheme to promote electricity consumption. Presenting the annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year at a joint meeting of both the houses of the federal parliament on Friday, President Ram Chandra Paudel announced that the households consuming as high as 50 units of electricity per month in summer would be provided the power free of cost while free electricity up to 30 units will be provided in winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Currently, the households consuming 20 units of electricity are required to pay only Rs 30 per month. The new scheme is brought to increase energy demand and domestic consumption.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although Nepal has sufficient electricity in summer, it needs to import electricity in winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government aims to provide electricity to all Nepalis within two years. The power supply would be ensured free of cost to poor households and LP gas would be displaced gradually, said the president. The government also decided to promote use of electric stove. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '17660',
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 10:21:21',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17928',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'OPD Service of Government Hospitals from 8 am to 8 pm   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The Out Patient Department (OPD) services of government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The Out Patient Department (OPD) services of government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the government&rsquo;s policies and programs for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel in Parliament on Friday, a health center with basic health check-up and treatment facilities will be established in every ward.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programs have a provision for developing all federal hospitals as teaching hospitals. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;A policy will be taken to gradually expand government hospitals into all seven provinces by developing them as well-equipped hospitals with specialized medical services,&quot; reads the statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Air ambulance services will be operated in remote areas to prevent the death of people due to lack of timely treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Provision has also been made to give doctors working in basic hospitals the opportunity to pursue higher medical education.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programmes state that at least one provincial level hospital shall be developed as a super specialty hospital that can diagnose heart and cancer diseases. Campaigns against infectious diseases and special programs for the treatment of non-communicable diseases will be conducted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, arrangements will be made for the diagnosis and treatment of autism while free early detection and treatment of cervical cancer and breast cancer in women will be gradually expanded throughout the country as a special program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has said that the Department of Drug Administration will be transformed into the Department of Food, Medicines and Health Technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the Singhdarbar Baidyakhana and Herbs Processing Center will be re-structured to make the services of Ayurvedic hospitals effective. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 10:08:22',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17927',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Earthquake Recorded in East Rukum   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: An earthquake has occurred in East Rukum.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: An earthquake has occurred in East Rukum.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An earthquake measuring 4.1 in the Richter scale took place at 2:59 am today (May 21) with its epicenter in Hukam gaon in East Rukum, according to the National Seismology and Research Center Lainchaur, Kathmandu.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Earlier, an earthquake of the same magnitude had occurred on May 4 with its epicenter in Bajura district. Western parts of Nepal has been witnessing frequent occurrence of earthquakes of late. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '17658',
			'image' => '20230521094735_20221228113133_quake.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 09:46:55',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17926',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Planning to Boost Agriculture to Replace Food Imports: Agriculture Minister',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal, has emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to drive economic progress.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 21: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal, has emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to drive economic progress. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He highlighted the government&#39;s commitment to implementing policies and programs that support agricultural development, aiming to increase production and reduce reliance on food imports.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Bhusal acknowledged that while Nepal was previously an exporter of food grains, the current situation requires increased imports.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Consequently, the government&#39;s priority is to decrease reliance on imports and promote export growth through modernizing agriculture, Minister Bhusal stated. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The minister emphasized the significance of the fertile Tarai region and the need for adequate irrigation to enhance agricultural productivity.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Speaking at an interaction and felicitation program in Bhumikastan Municipality, Arghakhanchi, Dr. Bhusal revealed that approximately 1.3 million hectares of arable land in Nepal remains unused. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government plans to utilize this land through collective and cooperative farming initiatives, aiming for cost-effectiveness and modernization of farming practices. Mechanization was also underscored as a crucial aspect of agricultural advancement.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Bhusal mentioned that fixing prices of rice, maize, wheat, and other agricultural products before harvest would greatly benefit producers. This timely price fixing would provide relief and stability for farmers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mayor Jhabilal Thapa of Bhumikasthan Municipality called for the launch of agricultural programs focused on increasing the production of cereals, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17925',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '2025 will be Observed as 'Special Tourism Year'   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 20: The government has announced to observe 2025 as a 'special tourism year'.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 20: The government has announced to observe 2025 as a &#39;special tourism year&#39;. President Ram Chandra Paudel made such announcement while presenting the policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2023/24 in the joint meeting of the federal parliament on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The decade of 2080s of the Bikram era will be marked as &#39;visit Nepal decade&#39; while 2025 AD will be observed as the special year for tourism. The tourism sector which witnessed massive downturn by the COVID crisis is slowly recovering.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Nearly 100,000 tourists are visiting Nepal every month since the beginning of 2023. As per the latest statistics maintained by Nepal Tourism Board, the country recorded arrival of over 326,000 foreign tourism in four months of 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Previously, the government had announced to observe 2020 as &#39;visit Nepal year&#39; which was later cancelled in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the president announced that timely revision would be made in tourism related law. The tourist destinations would be popularized in the international community and necessary infrastructures prepared accordingly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">New tourist destinations would be identified in all seven provinces and each province will be a cultural village, the policies and programmes mentioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">New mountains would be opened for climbing. Security arrangement for climbers and tourists would be made more reliable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The president further announced that the concept of film tourism would be materialized and expanded and new dimensions added to adventure tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With the collaboration of private sector, &#39;Samarmatha Special Honour&#39; will be conferred on the foreign nationals considering their role on promotion of Nepal&#39;s art, culture, language and literature in the international arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Also stressed in the government policies and programmes are strict adherence to air safety standard and development of Pashupati and Lumbini as centres of religious and spiritual study.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'Mixed Reactions on Government’s Policies and Programmes   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: Parliamentarians taking part in the discussion on the newly unveiled policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) furnished a host of suggestions to the government in the parliament.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: Parliamentarians taking part in the discussion on the newly unveiled policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) furnished a host of suggestions to the government in the parliament.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">They have univocally called for effective implementation of the newly unveiled policies and programmes, optimum use of available resources, good-governance practice, elimination of corruption and prioritization of the policies and the programmes among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Bhanubhakta Joshi urged for adopting the policy of zero-tolerance against corruption. He viewed that there should not be any situation where the guilty gets scot-free while the innocent ones are prosecuted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that the government&#39;s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year were overall good, he cast his doubt over its effective implementation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Abdul Khan lauded the introduction of &#39;Made in Nepal&#39;, &#39;Make in Nepal&#39; and &#39;Our products, Our Dignity&#39; among other programmes that aim to boost the domestic production. He suggested that the government should consider entering appropriate agreement with labour destination countries so as to address the issues prevailing in the foreign employment sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Deepak Khadka remarked that some important issues were lacking in the government&#39;s policies and programmes. He asserted that the government should adopt policies to increase production and enhance productivity in the country which is heavily dependent on remittance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He also opined that the government should seek additional resources for budget as the government was struggling to garner resources for the upcoming budget. He argued that the people&#39;s representatives should also fulfill aspirations of the people who elected them. &quot;It is necessary to fulfill their aspirations by optimally utilizing our resources.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Underscoring transparency, Mahesh Basnet, said that the government&#39;s expenditure should be evaluated and the public accounting system streamlined.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He rued over the policies and programmes saying they failed to clearly reflect issues relating to the scope of insurance, effective execution of the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, and welfare of the landless squatters, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another parliamentarian Mahendra Bahadur Shahi raised question on the effectiveness of the policies and programmes introduced by the erstwhile and incumbent government. &quot;It is imperative to self-evaluate the effective implementation of the policies and programmes rolled out by the previous governments,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Manish Jha emphasized making public service delivery more effective and ensuring good-governance. &quot;A study has shown that political discontent was on the rise in Nepal. We all are held accountable for that. The discontent has a lot to do with lackluster public service delivery and good-governance,&quot; he observed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Deepak Bahadur Singh, the government should take the lead to revive the sick industries. Expressing concern over the flagging state of the Hetauda Cement Factory and Udayapur Cement Factory, he spoke of the need to make the management of these sick industries robust. He also suggested that each province have a Medical Hospital. He viewed that there should be referendum on the governing system and secularism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ranju Kumari Jha commented that the policies and programmes had repeatedly included the same issues for the past five years. According to her, issues relating to establishing fertilizer factory, increasing investment for public private partnership in education sector, insurance for sportspersons and establishment of Ramraja Singh Health and Science Academy among others were missed in the policies and programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ambar Bahadur Thapa said that the upcoming policies and programmes were more distribution-oriented than result-oriented. &quot;There is absence of result-oriented plans in the government&#39;s upcoming policies and programmes that could be achieved within a year or two.&quot; -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17939',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Army Completes Cleaning of Baruntse',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: The Nepalese Army has completed cleaning up of Mt Baruntse under its Clean Mountain Campaign, 2023.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: The Nepalese Army has completed cleaning up of Mt Baruntse under its Clean Mountain Campaign, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A team of eight Nepalese Army personnel and Sherpa guides under the leadership of Major Samir Bahadur Basnet collected over 3,050 kg of bio-degradable garbage from the base camp of Baruntse. The waste was handed over to the Mahakulung Rural Municipality.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, 15,470 kilograms of non-degradable waste collected by the team was brought to Kathmandu and handed over to a waste management company.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Nepalese Army&#39;s Directorate of Public Relations and Information has said that the cleaning of Mount Everest and Lhotse is still underway. The campaign will end on the World Environment Day on coming June 5. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-22 11:46:52',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17938',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'One Dead, Two Yarsha Collectors Missing in Bajhang Avalanche   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: A person, who was collecting Yarshagumba, died after an avalanche occurred at Dhanshera of Surma Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang district on Sunday. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: A person, who was collecting Yarshagumba, died after an avalanche occurred at Dhanshera of Surma Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang district on Sunday. The identity of the deceased has not been ascertained as yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Assistant Chief District Officer Satya Kumari Joshi, two persons are missing while two others have sustained injuries in the avalanche.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Joshi added that a team of police personnel of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force has been deployed to the incident site. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-22 11:19:05',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17937',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'International Day for Biological Diversity Being Observed ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => ' Nepal is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme of 'From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity' today. ',
			'content' => '<p><br />
<span style="font-size:18px">May 22: &nbsp;Nepal is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme of &#39;From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity&#39; today.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">This significant day, designated by the United Nations, aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the crucial issues surrounding biodiversity, ecological balance, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, this year&#39;s theme emphasizes the need for concrete actions to support biodiversity preservation.&nbsp; It acknowledges the remarkable progress made at COP 15 while emphasizing the pressing urgency to implement further measures.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">In Nepal, several organizations including the Department of Forest, Department of Botany, and various agencies are organizing a range of events to enhance awareness.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">These events include rallies, seminars, interactive sessions, and hiking, all geared towards fostering a greater understanding of the importance of biological diversity.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">The International Day for Biological Diversity holds particular significance as it commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on May 22, 1992, during the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">The United Nations General Assembly officially designated this date as the International Day for Biological Diversity in December 2000.</span></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17936',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government’s Policies and Programmes Draw Mixed Reaction from Upper House Lawmakers ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 have received mixed reactions from the National Assembly members. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">May 21: The government&rsquo;s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 have received mixed reactions from the National Assembly members.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The lawmakers from the ruling parties have said that the new policies and programmes are capable of instilling a ray of hope among the people while the opposition lawmakers have said that the policies and programmes have nothing new.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">In a meeting of the National Assembly on Sunday, the lawmakers from the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center) were of the view that the government&rsquo;s new policies and programmes had been successful in addressing the entire issues in a balanced way while the main opposition CPN-UML lawmakers said they were the continuity of the past programmes as they had been prepared with a traditional approach.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">They advised the government to incorporate relevant issues missing in the policies and programmes in the budget.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Jitendra Narayan Dev of the Nepali Congress supported the policies and programmes, citing that they were prepared with hard work.&nbsp; According to MP Dev, assessment of economic problems, efforts to address them, stress on improvement of diplomatic relations and programmes to promote good government and corruption prevention are some of the good aspects of the policies and programmes.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">&nbsp;&quot;Programmes relating to agriculture and tourism development are also positive,&quot; he said, adding that a focus on productive sectors would help achieve prosperity in the nation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The policies and programmes have incorporated encouraging and important programmes like the setting up of the support price of major productions within the country, the management of fertilizers and the opening of fertilizer industries at home, he said.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Khim Lal Devkota of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and Mahesh Kumar Mahara of the CPN (Maoist Centre) stressed the need for the practical implementation of the policies and programmes. The announcement of building the Nijgadh International Airport is positive, added Devkota.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The policies and programmes have created new hopes among the people, viewed Narayan Prasad Dahal, adding that bringing the budget for the coming fiscal year, 2023/24 accordingly would add energy. CPN (Maoist Center)&#39;s Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami supported and praised the policies and programmes as having prioritized agriculture, improvement in the national economy, and the creation of job opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">CPN-UML lawmaker Devendra Dahal criticized the government&#39;s policies and programmes for lacking any new programmes. He said they were a continuation of the past programmes brought for the purpose of cheap popularity. The policies and programmes have failed to identify the problems and set priorities and the goals, added Dahal.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Sharada Devi Bhatta of the same party said the policies and programmes have failed to address the present economic crisis.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Rajendra Laxmi Gaire of CPN (Unified Socialist) said the policies and programmes have been designed to achieve the sustainable development goals. She stressed on their effective implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Nepali Congress lawmaker Narayan Datta Mishra opined that overall the government&rsquo;s policies and programmes were good and stressed on their implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Udaya Bahadur Bohara of Unified Socialist expressed the belief that several new programmes included in the policies and programmes will support the economy. He mentioned that reduction in government expenditure and increment in development expenses were welcome topics.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar of the Maoist Center opined that inclusion of new and popular programmes was a welcome move.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">UML&#39;s Gopal Bhattarai called for review of the programmes of the previous years, saying the government&#39;s policies and programmes lacked a definite goal.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Radheshyam Paswan of Maoist Center pointed out the need of giving priority to the policies and programmes in the budget as well as their effective implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Three lawmakers register amendment proposals</span></em></strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Three lawmakers from the upper house of the Federal Parliament have registered amendment proposals to the Policies and Programmes for Fiscal Year 2023/24 presented in the Parliament by the government.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Those registering amendment proposals are CPN-UML&#39;s Tulasa Kumari Dahal, Bimala Ghimire and Dr Bimala Rai Paudyal.&nbsp; Lawmaker Bhagawati Neupane presented the amendment proposal on behalf of Dahal, Ghimire and Paudyal. --&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17935',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Hailstorm Damages Crops in Bajura;  Farmers Seek Compensation',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'A devastating hailstorm that struck Khaptad Chededaha rural municipality in Bajura district last Wednesday afternoon severely damaged food crops, vegetables, and fruits.',
			'content' => '<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 21: A devastating hailstorm that struck Khaptad Chededaha rural municipality in Bajura district last Wednesday afternoon severely damaged food crops, vegetables, and fruits. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Wheat, barley, vegetables, potatoes, onions, garlic, and various fruits have all fallen victim to the hail, according to Bhimla Budha from Budhabada in ward no. 7 of the rural municipality.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Farmers in ward no. 6 and 7 have been particularly hard-hit by the calamity. Birkh Oli, a farmer, voiced the concerns of the affected farmers, emphasizing the need for compensation rather than mere relief support. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">However, the local government and the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Bajura have yet to take any concrete steps to assess and document the extent of the damage, leading to complaints from the affected farmers.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Gauri Oli, another farmer, lamented the lack of interest shown by the rural municipality in collecting information about the damage, despite approximately 905 families being affected by the hailstorm. This has left farmers anxious about the possibility of receiving compensation for their losses.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">A preliminary assessments conducted by the ward office indicate that the damage caused by the hailstorm exceeds 20 million rupees.&nbsp;</span></p>
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			'id' => '17934',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '‘It is Necessary to Connect Agriculture with Industry’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: Experts and startup industry leaders have laid emphasis on interconnection between agriculture and industry and the use of technology for businesses to sustain in the modern day world.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">May 21: Experts and startup industry leaders have laid emphasis on interconnection between agriculture and industry and the use of technology for businesses to sustain in the modern day world.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Speaking at a panel discussion of the NewBiz Summit and Awards 2023 organized by New Business Age on Friday, Sunita Nhemaphuki, founder of R&amp;D Innovative Solutions Pvt Ltd, said that there is still a misconception in society that those who engage in agriculture are poor. According to her, the agriculture sector has no investment opportunities and lacks enterprise.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">She said that there are misconceptions that agriculture is associated with poverty, lacks investment, and lacks entrepreneurial opportunities.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Contrary to this view, she shared that if we look at the global scenario, agriculture is followed by industry and service sectors. However, in Nepal, we have already switched to a service-oriented industry, she said adding, Nepal, due to its topography, has huge potential in organic farming. According to her, agricultural production needs to be connected with the industry. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Someone has to lobby to connect with the industry.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The key to success in the modern day is technology, admitted Nhemaphuki.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;I am very much impressed with the link between agriculture and technology in Bangladesh and India,&rdquo; she said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The use of technology during Covid-19 has expanded rapidly. Kisan Credit Card and QR code have been implemented to connect the farmers with the banks. Software companies were made partners and now the government is also recognizing them, she added.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Giving the example of the Covid-19 period when the demand for agriculture products was high, she added that the importance of the food industry has increased.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;We are here to help those who are engaged in agriculture. With the right strategies, investments, and innovation, the agriculture sector can be transformed into a profitable and thriving industry,&rdquo; she opined.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Our aim is to implement modern farming practices, promote agro-processing, and develop high-value agricultural products, she said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;By adding value to agricultural commodities and tapping into niche markets, we can create a competitive advantage and contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Similarly, Rahul Malla Thakuri, assistant vice president - commercial at Upaya, shared that the journey of Upaya started four years ago.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;By the end of 2018, the use of technology, smartphones, and the Internet was increasing. In Nepal, the use of technology other than logistics was good. Every other sector, including food and e-commerce, was blooming. We did our research and found logistics as the missing piece in the growing digital arena and thus started our business by booking transport vehicles,&rdquo; he said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Likewise, Baburam Gautam, director general of the Department of Industry said that the main element of the ecosystem in promoting trade and industry is the government. However, there is a gap in the policy of exporting competent manpower, said Gautam, adding, &ldquo;The startup policy is ready. The department has got the job of startup enterprise loan. It is said that loans will be given in the form of seed capital. Work is being done accordingly. Business is on one side, idea is on the other side. The government is working to the build the startup ecosystem.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">When asked why is the recently implemented start-up policy procedure important, Gautam said that the it is a procedure to grant loans by the government. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Provisions such as turnover of Rs 5 million, fixed capital of Rs 20 million, and innovation have been specified. There is also an evaluation section. A total of 700 applications are still pending in the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Meanwhile, answering moderator Asmod Karki&#39;s question - how easy is it for a start-up to get funds, Thakuri mentioned that it took about a year for the business operation to come to normalcy after the lockdown and they collaborated with different organizations to raise funds. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;When raising funds, it is important to carefully consider where to invest, how to approach it and understand the investors&#39; desires. Building a reliable and trustworthy team is crucial,&rdquo; said Thakuri.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Similarly, Gautam said that all startups need ecosystem culture. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;It should start from home. There are 78 elements of the ecosystem. The policy has been drafted in such a way that it will be addressed by the upcoming policies and programs.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Responding to the question that the new generation, which is not attracted to agriculture, has forgotten what to cultivate and when and that a lot of land is becoming barren, Nhemaphuki replied that only three per cent of the total population in Israel are farmers, and yet they export. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Engineers and other professions are also involved in agriculture. We have a misconception here that agriculture leads to suffering. It is necessary to connect agriculture with the industry.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Baburam Gautam, Director General of the Industry Department, Sunita Nhemaphuki, Founder of R&amp;D Innovative Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Rahul Malla Thakuri, Assistant Vice President - Commercial at Upaya, participated as speakers in the panel discussion on the theme &#39;Towards Startup Nation&#39;. The panel discussion was facilitated by Asmod Karki, co-founder and head of operation of Vikasa Tech. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17933',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal urges USA to Extend Preferential Trade Programme',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The Government of Nepal has requested the United States to continue the facilities it has been providing for Nepali goods even after being upgraded from the least developed country to a developing country in 2026.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">May 21: The Government of Nepal has requested the United States to continue the facilities it has been providing for Nepali goods even after being upgraded from the least developed country to a developing country in 2026. Nepal made such a request at the sixth meeting of the Nepal-US TIFA Council held in Kathmandu on Friday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The US has granted duty-free entry to 77 items of Nepal under the Nepal Trade Preference Programme (NTPP). The program was introduced after the devastating earthquake of 2015 with the aim of supporting the economic recovery of Nepal. The 10-year program will expire in 2025.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Nepal will be graduating into a developing country from LDC in 2026. It is estimated that the facility provided by the US will be lost after gaining the status of a developing country. Stakeholders are concerned that it will be difficult for Nepali products to compete in the American market after the loss of the facility and the exports will decrease. Addressing the TIFA Council meeting, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal urged the US to continue the cooperation. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;We have sought duty-free market access and flexible trade rules for a few years even after graduation from LDC,&rdquo; said Minister Rijal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to Minister Rijal, TIFA will prove to be a milestone in bringing trade and investment relations to new heights.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Madhu Kumar Marasini, secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, expected the US support to continue after the LDC graduation, keeping in mind the needs of Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">He said, &ldquo;It is necessary to make our process of transformation from a least developed to a developing nation smooth, sustainable and irreversible. For that, emphasis should be placed on technology cooperation and economic partnership.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Currently, IT, hydropower, digital economy, service and trade are the areas of potential. As the construction of the transmission line undertaken by the US-funded MCC has facilitated infrastructure development, efforts should be made for investment in other areas as well, said Marasini.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Brendan Lynch, US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia said that the improvement in trade and investment relations should benefit the people of both the countries. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;In recent years, Nepal-US bilateral trade relations have been increasing. It is positive. Now there should be more improvements in trade and investment relations to benefit the people of both the countries,&rdquo; said Lynch, adding, &ldquo;Due to its special relationship with Nepal, the United States has conducted the Nepal Trade Preference Program only for Nepal.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Sridhar Khatri, the Nepalese ambassador to the USA said that Nepal should benefit from NTPP. He said, &ldquo;Nepal should have benefited a lot from this US initiative. It is a matter of concern that this didn&rsquo;t happen.&rdquo; Khatri said that NTPP covers only less than 3 percent of Nepal&#39;s exports to the US and urged the US to improve the current provision.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">US Ambassador to Nepal Donald Thompson said that Nepal is in top priority of the US. America is investing about 1.5 billion dollars in Nepal in the next five years through USAID, MCC, Development Finance Corporation and other partnership plans.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Thompson said, &ldquo;This should be understood as Nepal being a top priority for America. We want to see more American companies, investors and high-quality American goods and services available in Nepal. For this, a good investment policy, appropriate environment and support from the private sector are needed.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The meeting focused on Nepal&#39;s priority business programs, investment environment, digital economy, technical assistance, agricultural, trade and upgrading from LDC.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17932',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Deliberations on Government's Policies and Programmes Begins',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The House of Representatives (HoR) has started deliberations on the policies and programmes of the government.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The House of Representatives (HoR) has started deliberations on the policies and programmes of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal presented a proposal in the meeting of the lower house today (May 21) seeking the initiation of deliberations on the Government&#39;s Policies and Programmes for the Fiscal Year 2023/24.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">President Ram Chandra Paudel had addressed the joint sitting of both the houses of the Federal Parliament on May 19 and read out the government&#39;s policies and programmes. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government prepares the budget for the upcoming fiscal year after the parliament conducts deliberations on the policies and programmes. There is a constitutional provision to announce the budget on 15<sup>th</sup> of Jestha every year which falls on May 29 this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
&nbsp;</span></span></p>
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			'id' => '17931',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government to Expedite Construction of Nijgadh Airport',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government has decided to move ahead with construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport which has been stalled due to court order over the issue of environment and compensation issue. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The government has decided to move ahead with construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport which has been stalled due to court order over the issue of environment and compensation issue. The airport is a national pride project of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel in a joint meeting of the federal parliament on Friday mentions about forwarding the construction process of the Nijgadh airport. The government has prioritized the construction of Nijgadh airport, said the president.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has set a plan to construct the Nijgadh airport in around 1,900 hectares of area. The first-phase of the construction of Nijgadh airport is estimated to cost Rs 120 billion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the policies and programmes also state that construction of provincial airport would be forwarded after carrying out study. Safety standard would be strictly implemented to make aviation service safe and terminal buildings of domestic and international airports would be upgraded.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The announcement comes in the wake of two other international airports &ndash; Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) and Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) &ndash; struggling to get business even a year after the construction in case of GBIA and five months after the inauguration of PRIA.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Critics have been cautioning whether the country needs another international airport which is to be built with massive foreign loans at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy is in crisis.</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '17662',
			'image' => '20230521122445_nijgadh.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 12:24:01',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17929',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government to Provide Electricity of 50 Units in Summer and 30 Units in Winter Free of Cost   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government has launched a special scheme to promote electricity consumption. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The government has launched a special scheme to promote electricity consumption. Presenting the annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year at a joint meeting of both the houses of the federal parliament on Friday, President Ram Chandra Paudel announced that the households consuming as high as 50 units of electricity per month in summer would be provided the power free of cost while free electricity up to 30 units will be provided in winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Currently, the households consuming 20 units of electricity are required to pay only Rs 30 per month. The new scheme is brought to increase energy demand and domestic consumption.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although Nepal has sufficient electricity in summer, it needs to import electricity in winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government aims to provide electricity to all Nepalis within two years. The power supply would be ensured free of cost to poor households and LP gas would be displaced gradually, said the president. The government also decided to promote use of electric stove. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17928',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'OPD Service of Government Hospitals from 8 am to 8 pm   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The Out Patient Department (OPD) services of government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The Out Patient Department (OPD) services of government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the government&rsquo;s policies and programs for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel in Parliament on Friday, a health center with basic health check-up and treatment facilities will be established in every ward.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programs have a provision for developing all federal hospitals as teaching hospitals. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;A policy will be taken to gradually expand government hospitals into all seven provinces by developing them as well-equipped hospitals with specialized medical services,&quot; reads the statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Air ambulance services will be operated in remote areas to prevent the death of people due to lack of timely treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Provision has also been made to give doctors working in basic hospitals the opportunity to pursue higher medical education.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programmes state that at least one provincial level hospital shall be developed as a super specialty hospital that can diagnose heart and cancer diseases. Campaigns against infectious diseases and special programs for the treatment of non-communicable diseases will be conducted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, arrangements will be made for the diagnosis and treatment of autism while free early detection and treatment of cervical cancer and breast cancer in women will be gradually expanded throughout the country as a special program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has said that the Department of Drug Administration will be transformed into the Department of Food, Medicines and Health Technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the Singhdarbar Baidyakhana and Herbs Processing Center will be re-structured to make the services of Ayurvedic hospitals effective. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17927',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Earthquake Recorded in East Rukum   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: An earthquake has occurred in East Rukum.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: An earthquake has occurred in East Rukum.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An earthquake measuring 4.1 in the Richter scale took place at 2:59 am today (May 21) with its epicenter in Hukam gaon in East Rukum, according to the National Seismology and Research Center Lainchaur, Kathmandu.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Earlier, an earthquake of the same magnitude had occurred on May 4 with its epicenter in Bajura district. Western parts of Nepal has been witnessing frequent occurrence of earthquakes of late. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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			'image' => '20230521094735_20221228113133_quake.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 09:46:55',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17926',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Planning to Boost Agriculture to Replace Food Imports: Agriculture Minister',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal, has emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to drive economic progress.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 21: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal, has emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to drive economic progress. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He highlighted the government&#39;s commitment to implementing policies and programs that support agricultural development, aiming to increase production and reduce reliance on food imports.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Bhusal acknowledged that while Nepal was previously an exporter of food grains, the current situation requires increased imports.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Consequently, the government&#39;s priority is to decrease reliance on imports and promote export growth through modernizing agriculture, Minister Bhusal stated. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The minister emphasized the significance of the fertile Tarai region and the need for adequate irrigation to enhance agricultural productivity.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Speaking at an interaction and felicitation program in Bhumikastan Municipality, Arghakhanchi, Dr. Bhusal revealed that approximately 1.3 million hectares of arable land in Nepal remains unused. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government plans to utilize this land through collective and cooperative farming initiatives, aiming for cost-effectiveness and modernization of farming practices. Mechanization was also underscored as a crucial aspect of agricultural advancement.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Bhusal mentioned that fixing prices of rice, maize, wheat, and other agricultural products before harvest would greatly benefit producers. This timely price fixing would provide relief and stability for farmers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mayor Jhabilal Thapa of Bhumikasthan Municipality called for the launch of agricultural programs focused on increasing the production of cereals, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17925',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '2025 will be Observed as 'Special Tourism Year'   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 20: The government has announced to observe 2025 as a 'special tourism year'.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 20: The government has announced to observe 2025 as a &#39;special tourism year&#39;. President Ram Chandra Paudel made such announcement while presenting the policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2023/24 in the joint meeting of the federal parliament on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The decade of 2080s of the Bikram era will be marked as &#39;visit Nepal decade&#39; while 2025 AD will be observed as the special year for tourism. The tourism sector which witnessed massive downturn by the COVID crisis is slowly recovering.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Nearly 100,000 tourists are visiting Nepal every month since the beginning of 2023. As per the latest statistics maintained by Nepal Tourism Board, the country recorded arrival of over 326,000 foreign tourism in four months of 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Previously, the government had announced to observe 2020 as &#39;visit Nepal year&#39; which was later cancelled in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the president announced that timely revision would be made in tourism related law. The tourist destinations would be popularized in the international community and necessary infrastructures prepared accordingly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">New tourist destinations would be identified in all seven provinces and each province will be a cultural village, the policies and programmes mentioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">New mountains would be opened for climbing. Security arrangement for climbers and tourists would be made more reliable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The president further announced that the concept of film tourism would be materialized and expanded and new dimensions added to adventure tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With the collaboration of private sector, &#39;Samarmatha Special Honour&#39; will be conferred on the foreign nationals considering their role on promotion of Nepal&#39;s art, culture, language and literature in the international arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Also stressed in the government policies and programmes are strict adherence to air safety standard and development of Pashupati and Lumbini as centres of religious and spiritual study.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17940',
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			'title' => 'Mixed Reactions on Government’s Policies and Programmes   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: Parliamentarians taking part in the discussion on the newly unveiled policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) furnished a host of suggestions to the government in the parliament.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: Parliamentarians taking part in the discussion on the newly unveiled policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2023/24) furnished a host of suggestions to the government in the parliament.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">They have univocally called for effective implementation of the newly unveiled policies and programmes, optimum use of available resources, good-governance practice, elimination of corruption and prioritization of the policies and the programmes among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Bhanubhakta Joshi urged for adopting the policy of zero-tolerance against corruption. He viewed that there should not be any situation where the guilty gets scot-free while the innocent ones are prosecuted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that the government&#39;s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year were overall good, he cast his doubt over its effective implementation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Abdul Khan lauded the introduction of &#39;Made in Nepal&#39;, &#39;Make in Nepal&#39; and &#39;Our products, Our Dignity&#39; among other programmes that aim to boost the domestic production. He suggested that the government should consider entering appropriate agreement with labour destination countries so as to address the issues prevailing in the foreign employment sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Deepak Khadka remarked that some important issues were lacking in the government&#39;s policies and programmes. He asserted that the government should adopt policies to increase production and enhance productivity in the country which is heavily dependent on remittance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He also opined that the government should seek additional resources for budget as the government was struggling to garner resources for the upcoming budget. He argued that the people&#39;s representatives should also fulfill aspirations of the people who elected them. &quot;It is necessary to fulfill their aspirations by optimally utilizing our resources.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Underscoring transparency, Mahesh Basnet, said that the government&#39;s expenditure should be evaluated and the public accounting system streamlined.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He rued over the policies and programmes saying they failed to clearly reflect issues relating to the scope of insurance, effective execution of the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, and welfare of the landless squatters, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another parliamentarian Mahendra Bahadur Shahi raised question on the effectiveness of the policies and programmes introduced by the erstwhile and incumbent government. &quot;It is imperative to self-evaluate the effective implementation of the policies and programmes rolled out by the previous governments,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Manish Jha emphasized making public service delivery more effective and ensuring good-governance. &quot;A study has shown that political discontent was on the rise in Nepal. We all are held accountable for that. The discontent has a lot to do with lackluster public service delivery and good-governance,&quot; he observed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Deepak Bahadur Singh, the government should take the lead to revive the sick industries. Expressing concern over the flagging state of the Hetauda Cement Factory and Udayapur Cement Factory, he spoke of the need to make the management of these sick industries robust. He also suggested that each province have a Medical Hospital. He viewed that there should be referendum on the governing system and secularism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ranju Kumari Jha commented that the policies and programmes had repeatedly included the same issues for the past five years. According to her, issues relating to establishing fertilizer factory, increasing investment for public private partnership in education sector, insurance for sportspersons and establishment of Ramraja Singh Health and Science Academy among others were missed in the policies and programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ambar Bahadur Thapa said that the upcoming policies and programmes were more distribution-oriented than result-oriented. &quot;There is absence of result-oriented plans in the government&#39;s upcoming policies and programmes that could be achieved within a year or two.&quot; -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'Army Completes Cleaning of Baruntse',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: The Nepalese Army has completed cleaning up of Mt Baruntse under its Clean Mountain Campaign, 2023.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: The Nepalese Army has completed cleaning up of Mt Baruntse under its Clean Mountain Campaign, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A team of eight Nepalese Army personnel and Sherpa guides under the leadership of Major Samir Bahadur Basnet collected over 3,050 kg of bio-degradable garbage from the base camp of Baruntse. The waste was handed over to the Mahakulung Rural Municipality.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, 15,470 kilograms of non-degradable waste collected by the team was brought to Kathmandu and handed over to a waste management company.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Nepalese Army&#39;s Directorate of Public Relations and Information has said that the cleaning of Mount Everest and Lhotse is still underway. The campaign will end on the World Environment Day on coming June 5. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17938',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'One Dead, Two Yarsha Collectors Missing in Bajhang Avalanche   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 22: A person, who was collecting Yarshagumba, died after an avalanche occurred at Dhanshera of Surma Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang district on Sunday. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 22: A person, who was collecting Yarshagumba, died after an avalanche occurred at Dhanshera of Surma Rural Municipality-2 in Bajhang district on Sunday. The identity of the deceased has not been ascertained as yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Assistant Chief District Officer Satya Kumari Joshi, two persons are missing while two others have sustained injuries in the avalanche.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Joshi added that a team of police personnel of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force has been deployed to the incident site. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'id' => '17937',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'International Day for Biological Diversity Being Observed ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => ' Nepal is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme of 'From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity' today. ',
			'content' => '<p><br />
<span style="font-size:18px">May 22: &nbsp;Nepal is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity under the theme of &#39;From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity&#39; today.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">This significant day, designated by the United Nations, aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the crucial issues surrounding biodiversity, ecological balance, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, this year&#39;s theme emphasizes the need for concrete actions to support biodiversity preservation.&nbsp; It acknowledges the remarkable progress made at COP 15 while emphasizing the pressing urgency to implement further measures.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">In Nepal, several organizations including the Department of Forest, Department of Botany, and various agencies are organizing a range of events to enhance awareness.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">These events include rallies, seminars, interactive sessions, and hiking, all geared towards fostering a greater understanding of the importance of biological diversity.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">The International Day for Biological Diversity holds particular significance as it commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on May 22, 1992, during the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">The United Nations General Assembly officially designated this date as the International Day for Biological Diversity in December 2000.</span></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '17936',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government’s Policies and Programmes Draw Mixed Reaction from Upper House Lawmakers ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government’s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 have received mixed reactions from the National Assembly members. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">May 21: The government&rsquo;s policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 have received mixed reactions from the National Assembly members.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The lawmakers from the ruling parties have said that the new policies and programmes are capable of instilling a ray of hope among the people while the opposition lawmakers have said that the policies and programmes have nothing new.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">In a meeting of the National Assembly on Sunday, the lawmakers from the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center) were of the view that the government&rsquo;s new policies and programmes had been successful in addressing the entire issues in a balanced way while the main opposition CPN-UML lawmakers said they were the continuity of the past programmes as they had been prepared with a traditional approach.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">They advised the government to incorporate relevant issues missing in the policies and programmes in the budget.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Jitendra Narayan Dev of the Nepali Congress supported the policies and programmes, citing that they were prepared with hard work.&nbsp; According to MP Dev, assessment of economic problems, efforts to address them, stress on improvement of diplomatic relations and programmes to promote good government and corruption prevention are some of the good aspects of the policies and programmes.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">&nbsp;&quot;Programmes relating to agriculture and tourism development are also positive,&quot; he said, adding that a focus on productive sectors would help achieve prosperity in the nation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The policies and programmes have incorporated encouraging and important programmes like the setting up of the support price of major productions within the country, the management of fertilizers and the opening of fertilizer industries at home, he said.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Khim Lal Devkota of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and Mahesh Kumar Mahara of the CPN (Maoist Centre) stressed the need for the practical implementation of the policies and programmes. The announcement of building the Nijgadh International Airport is positive, added Devkota.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">The policies and programmes have created new hopes among the people, viewed Narayan Prasad Dahal, adding that bringing the budget for the coming fiscal year, 2023/24 accordingly would add energy. CPN (Maoist Center)&#39;s Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami supported and praised the policies and programmes as having prioritized agriculture, improvement in the national economy, and the creation of job opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">CPN-UML lawmaker Devendra Dahal criticized the government&#39;s policies and programmes for lacking any new programmes. He said they were a continuation of the past programmes brought for the purpose of cheap popularity. The policies and programmes have failed to identify the problems and set priorities and the goals, added Dahal.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Sharada Devi Bhatta of the same party said the policies and programmes have failed to address the present economic crisis.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Rajendra Laxmi Gaire of CPN (Unified Socialist) said the policies and programmes have been designed to achieve the sustainable development goals. She stressed on their effective implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Nepali Congress lawmaker Narayan Datta Mishra opined that overall the government&rsquo;s policies and programmes were good and stressed on their implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Udaya Bahadur Bohara of Unified Socialist expressed the belief that several new programmes included in the policies and programmes will support the economy. He mentioned that reduction in government expenditure and increment in development expenses were welcome topics.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar of the Maoist Center opined that inclusion of new and popular programmes was a welcome move.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">UML&#39;s Gopal Bhattarai called for review of the programmes of the previous years, saying the government&#39;s policies and programmes lacked a definite goal.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Radheshyam Paswan of Maoist Center pointed out the need of giving priority to the policies and programmes in the budget as well as their effective implementation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Three lawmakers register amendment proposals</span></em></strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Three lawmakers from the upper house of the Federal Parliament have registered amendment proposals to the Policies and Programmes for Fiscal Year 2023/24 presented in the Parliament by the government.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Those registering amendment proposals are CPN-UML&#39;s Tulasa Kumari Dahal, Bimala Ghimire and Dr Bimala Rai Paudyal.&nbsp; Lawmaker Bhagawati Neupane presented the amendment proposal on behalf of Dahal, Ghimire and Paudyal. --&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17935',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Hailstorm Damages Crops in Bajura;  Farmers Seek Compensation',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'A devastating hailstorm that struck Khaptad Chededaha rural municipality in Bajura district last Wednesday afternoon severely damaged food crops, vegetables, and fruits.',
			'content' => '<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">May 21: A devastating hailstorm that struck Khaptad Chededaha rural municipality in Bajura district last Wednesday afternoon severely damaged food crops, vegetables, and fruits. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Wheat, barley, vegetables, potatoes, onions, garlic, and various fruits have all fallen victim to the hail, according to Bhimla Budha from Budhabada in ward no. 7 of the rural municipality.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Farmers in ward no. 6 and 7 have been particularly hard-hit by the calamity. Birkh Oli, a farmer, voiced the concerns of the affected farmers, emphasizing the need for compensation rather than mere relief support. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">However, the local government and the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Bajura have yet to take any concrete steps to assess and document the extent of the damage, leading to complaints from the affected farmers.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">Gauri Oli, another farmer, lamented the lack of interest shown by the rural municipality in collecting information about the damage, despite approximately 905 families being affected by the hailstorm. This has left farmers anxious about the possibility of receiving compensation for their losses.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">A preliminary assessments conducted by the ward office indicate that the damage caused by the hailstorm exceeds 20 million rupees.&nbsp;</span></p>
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17934',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '‘It is Necessary to Connect Agriculture with Industry’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: Experts and startup industry leaders have laid emphasis on interconnection between agriculture and industry and the use of technology for businesses to sustain in the modern day world.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">May 21: Experts and startup industry leaders have laid emphasis on interconnection between agriculture and industry and the use of technology for businesses to sustain in the modern day world.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Speaking at a panel discussion of the NewBiz Summit and Awards 2023 organized by New Business Age on Friday, Sunita Nhemaphuki, founder of R&amp;D Innovative Solutions Pvt Ltd, said that there is still a misconception in society that those who engage in agriculture are poor. According to her, the agriculture sector has no investment opportunities and lacks enterprise.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">She said that there are misconceptions that agriculture is associated with poverty, lacks investment, and lacks entrepreneurial opportunities.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Contrary to this view, she shared that if we look at the global scenario, agriculture is followed by industry and service sectors. However, in Nepal, we have already switched to a service-oriented industry, she said adding, Nepal, due to its topography, has huge potential in organic farming. According to her, agricultural production needs to be connected with the industry. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Someone has to lobby to connect with the industry.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The key to success in the modern day is technology, admitted Nhemaphuki.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;I am very much impressed with the link between agriculture and technology in Bangladesh and India,&rdquo; she said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The use of technology during Covid-19 has expanded rapidly. Kisan Credit Card and QR code have been implemented to connect the farmers with the banks. Software companies were made partners and now the government is also recognizing them, she added.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Giving the example of the Covid-19 period when the demand for agriculture products was high, she added that the importance of the food industry has increased.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;We are here to help those who are engaged in agriculture. With the right strategies, investments, and innovation, the agriculture sector can be transformed into a profitable and thriving industry,&rdquo; she opined.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Our aim is to implement modern farming practices, promote agro-processing, and develop high-value agricultural products, she said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;By adding value to agricultural commodities and tapping into niche markets, we can create a competitive advantage and contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Similarly, Rahul Malla Thakuri, assistant vice president - commercial at Upaya, shared that the journey of Upaya started four years ago.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;By the end of 2018, the use of technology, smartphones, and the Internet was increasing. In Nepal, the use of technology other than logistics was good. Every other sector, including food and e-commerce, was blooming. We did our research and found logistics as the missing piece in the growing digital arena and thus started our business by booking transport vehicles,&rdquo; he said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Likewise, Baburam Gautam, director general of the Department of Industry said that the main element of the ecosystem in promoting trade and industry is the government. However, there is a gap in the policy of exporting competent manpower, said Gautam, adding, &ldquo;The startup policy is ready. The department has got the job of startup enterprise loan. It is said that loans will be given in the form of seed capital. Work is being done accordingly. Business is on one side, idea is on the other side. The government is working to the build the startup ecosystem.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">When asked why is the recently implemented start-up policy procedure important, Gautam said that the it is a procedure to grant loans by the government. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Provisions such as turnover of Rs 5 million, fixed capital of Rs 20 million, and innovation have been specified. There is also an evaluation section. A total of 700 applications are still pending in the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Meanwhile, answering moderator Asmod Karki&#39;s question - how easy is it for a start-up to get funds, Thakuri mentioned that it took about a year for the business operation to come to normalcy after the lockdown and they collaborated with different organizations to raise funds. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;When raising funds, it is important to carefully consider where to invest, how to approach it and understand the investors&#39; desires. Building a reliable and trustworthy team is crucial,&rdquo; said Thakuri.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Similarly, Gautam said that all startups need ecosystem culture. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;It should start from home. There are 78 elements of the ecosystem. The policy has been drafted in such a way that it will be addressed by the upcoming policies and programs.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Responding to the question that the new generation, which is not attracted to agriculture, has forgotten what to cultivate and when and that a lot of land is becoming barren, Nhemaphuki replied that only three per cent of the total population in Israel are farmers, and yet they export. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;Engineers and other professions are also involved in agriculture. We have a misconception here that agriculture leads to suffering. It is necessary to connect agriculture with the industry.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Baburam Gautam, Director General of the Industry Department, Sunita Nhemaphuki, Founder of R&amp;D Innovative Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Rahul Malla Thakuri, Assistant Vice President - Commercial at Upaya, participated as speakers in the panel discussion on the theme &#39;Towards Startup Nation&#39;. The panel discussion was facilitated by Asmod Karki, co-founder and head of operation of Vikasa Tech. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17933',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal urges USA to Extend Preferential Trade Programme',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The Government of Nepal has requested the United States to continue the facilities it has been providing for Nepali goods even after being upgraded from the least developed country to a developing country in 2026.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">May 21: The Government of Nepal has requested the United States to continue the facilities it has been providing for Nepali goods even after being upgraded from the least developed country to a developing country in 2026. Nepal made such a request at the sixth meeting of the Nepal-US TIFA Council held in Kathmandu on Friday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The US has granted duty-free entry to 77 items of Nepal under the Nepal Trade Preference Programme (NTPP). The program was introduced after the devastating earthquake of 2015 with the aim of supporting the economic recovery of Nepal. The 10-year program will expire in 2025.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Nepal will be graduating into a developing country from LDC in 2026. It is estimated that the facility provided by the US will be lost after gaining the status of a developing country. Stakeholders are concerned that it will be difficult for Nepali products to compete in the American market after the loss of the facility and the exports will decrease. Addressing the TIFA Council meeting, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal urged the US to continue the cooperation. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;We have sought duty-free market access and flexible trade rules for a few years even after graduation from LDC,&rdquo; said Minister Rijal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to Minister Rijal, TIFA will prove to be a milestone in bringing trade and investment relations to new heights.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Madhu Kumar Marasini, secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, expected the US support to continue after the LDC graduation, keeping in mind the needs of Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">He said, &ldquo;It is necessary to make our process of transformation from a least developed to a developing nation smooth, sustainable and irreversible. For that, emphasis should be placed on technology cooperation and economic partnership.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Currently, IT, hydropower, digital economy, service and trade are the areas of potential. As the construction of the transmission line undertaken by the US-funded MCC has facilitated infrastructure development, efforts should be made for investment in other areas as well, said Marasini.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Brendan Lynch, US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia said that the improvement in trade and investment relations should benefit the people of both the countries. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&ldquo;In recent years, Nepal-US bilateral trade relations have been increasing. It is positive. Now there should be more improvements in trade and investment relations to benefit the people of both the countries,&rdquo; said Lynch, adding, &ldquo;Due to its special relationship with Nepal, the United States has conducted the Nepal Trade Preference Program only for Nepal.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Sridhar Khatri, the Nepalese ambassador to the USA said that Nepal should benefit from NTPP. He said, &ldquo;Nepal should have benefited a lot from this US initiative. It is a matter of concern that this didn&rsquo;t happen.&rdquo; Khatri said that NTPP covers only less than 3 percent of Nepal&#39;s exports to the US and urged the US to improve the current provision.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">US Ambassador to Nepal Donald Thompson said that Nepal is in top priority of the US. America is investing about 1.5 billion dollars in Nepal in the next five years through USAID, MCC, Development Finance Corporation and other partnership plans.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Thompson said, &ldquo;This should be understood as Nepal being a top priority for America. We want to see more American companies, investors and high-quality American goods and services available in Nepal. For this, a good investment policy, appropriate environment and support from the private sector are needed.&rdquo;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The meeting focused on Nepal&#39;s priority business programs, investment environment, digital economy, technical assistance, agricultural, trade and upgrading from LDC.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17932',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Deliberations on Government's Policies and Programmes Begins',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The House of Representatives (HoR) has started deliberations on the policies and programmes of the government.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The House of Representatives (HoR) has started deliberations on the policies and programmes of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal presented a proposal in the meeting of the lower house today (May 21) seeking the initiation of deliberations on the Government&#39;s Policies and Programmes for the Fiscal Year 2023/24.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">President Ram Chandra Paudel had addressed the joint sitting of both the houses of the Federal Parliament on May 19 and read out the government&#39;s policies and programmes. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government prepares the budget for the upcoming fiscal year after the parliament conducts deliberations on the policies and programmes. There is a constitutional provision to announce the budget on 15<sup>th</sup> of Jestha every year which falls on May 29 this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
&nbsp;</span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17931',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government to Expedite Construction of Nijgadh Airport',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government has decided to move ahead with construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport which has been stalled due to court order over the issue of environment and compensation issue. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The government has decided to move ahead with construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport which has been stalled due to court order over the issue of environment and compensation issue. The airport is a national pride project of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal year presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel in a joint meeting of the federal parliament on Friday mentions about forwarding the construction process of the Nijgadh airport. The government has prioritized the construction of Nijgadh airport, said the president.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has set a plan to construct the Nijgadh airport in around 1,900 hectares of area. The first-phase of the construction of Nijgadh airport is estimated to cost Rs 120 billion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the policies and programmes also state that construction of provincial airport would be forwarded after carrying out study. Safety standard would be strictly implemented to make aviation service safe and terminal buildings of domestic and international airports would be upgraded.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The announcement comes in the wake of two other international airports &ndash; Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) and Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) &ndash; struggling to get business even a year after the construction in case of GBIA and five months after the inauguration of PRIA.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Critics have been cautioning whether the country needs another international airport which is to be built with massive foreign loans at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy is in crisis.</span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17929',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government to Provide Electricity of 50 Units in Summer and 30 Units in Winter Free of Cost   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The government has launched a special scheme to promote electricity consumption. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The government has launched a special scheme to promote electricity consumption. Presenting the annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year at a joint meeting of both the houses of the federal parliament on Friday, President Ram Chandra Paudel announced that the households consuming as high as 50 units of electricity per month in summer would be provided the power free of cost while free electricity up to 30 units will be provided in winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Currently, the households consuming 20 units of electricity are required to pay only Rs 30 per month. The new scheme is brought to increase energy demand and domestic consumption.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although Nepal has sufficient electricity in summer, it needs to import electricity in winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government aims to provide electricity to all Nepalis within two years. The power supply would be ensured free of cost to poor households and LP gas would be displaced gradually, said the president. The government also decided to promote use of electric stove. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17928',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'OPD Service of Government Hospitals from 8 am to 8 pm   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: The Out Patient Department (OPD) services of government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: The Out Patient Department (OPD) services of government-run hospitals will now be available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the government&rsquo;s policies and programs for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel in Parliament on Friday, a health center with basic health check-up and treatment facilities will be established in every ward.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programs have a provision for developing all federal hospitals as teaching hospitals. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;A policy will be taken to gradually expand government hospitals into all seven provinces by developing them as well-equipped hospitals with specialized medical services,&quot; reads the statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Air ambulance services will be operated in remote areas to prevent the death of people due to lack of timely treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Provision has also been made to give doctors working in basic hospitals the opportunity to pursue higher medical education.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The policies and programmes state that at least one provincial level hospital shall be developed as a super specialty hospital that can diagnose heart and cancer diseases. Campaigns against infectious diseases and special programs for the treatment of non-communicable diseases will be conducted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, arrangements will be made for the diagnosis and treatment of autism while free early detection and treatment of cervical cancer and breast cancer in women will be gradually expanded throughout the country as a special program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has said that the Department of Drug Administration will be transformed into the Department of Food, Medicines and Health Technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the Singhdarbar Baidyakhana and Herbs Processing Center will be re-structured to make the services of Ayurvedic hospitals effective. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 10:08:22',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17927',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Earthquake Recorded in East Rukum   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 21: An earthquake has occurred in East Rukum.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 21: An earthquake has occurred in East Rukum.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An earthquake measuring 4.1 in the Richter scale took place at 2:59 am today (May 21) with its epicenter in Hukam gaon in East Rukum, according to the National Seismology and Research Center Lainchaur, Kathmandu.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Earlier, an earthquake of the same magnitude had occurred on May 4 with its epicenter in Bajura district. Western parts of Nepal has been witnessing frequent occurrence of earthquakes of late. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '17658',
			'image' => '20230521094735_20221228113133_quake.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 09:46:55',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17926',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Planning to Boost Agriculture to Replace Food Imports: Agriculture Minister',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal, has emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to drive economic progress.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">May 21: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Beduram Bhusal, has emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to drive economic progress. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He highlighted the government&#39;s commitment to implementing policies and programs that support agricultural development, aiming to increase production and reduce reliance on food imports.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Bhusal acknowledged that while Nepal was previously an exporter of food grains, the current situation requires increased imports.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Consequently, the government&#39;s priority is to decrease reliance on imports and promote export growth through modernizing agriculture, Minister Bhusal stated. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The minister emphasized the significance of the fertile Tarai region and the need for adequate irrigation to enhance agricultural productivity.&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Speaking at an interaction and felicitation program in Bhumikastan Municipality, Arghakhanchi, Dr. Bhusal revealed that approximately 1.3 million hectares of arable land in Nepal remains unused. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government plans to utilize this land through collective and cooperative farming initiatives, aiming for cost-effectiveness and modernization of farming practices. Mechanization was also underscored as a crucial aspect of agricultural advancement.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Bhusal mentioned that fixing prices of rice, maize, wheat, and other agricultural products before harvest would greatly benefit producers. This timely price fixing would provide relief and stability for farmers.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mayor Jhabilal Thapa of Bhumikasthan Municipality called for the launch of agricultural programs focused on increasing the production of cereals, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_date' => '2023-05-21 05:52:03',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '17925',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '2025 will be Observed as 'Special Tourism Year'   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'May 20: The government has announced to observe 2025 as a 'special tourism year'.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">May 20: The government has announced to observe 2025 as a &#39;special tourism year&#39;. President Ram Chandra Paudel made such announcement while presenting the policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2023/24 in the joint meeting of the federal parliament on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The decade of 2080s of the Bikram era will be marked as &#39;visit Nepal decade&#39; while 2025 AD will be observed as the special year for tourism. The tourism sector which witnessed massive downturn by the COVID crisis is slowly recovering.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Nearly 100,000 tourists are visiting Nepal every month since the beginning of 2023. As per the latest statistics maintained by Nepal Tourism Board, the country recorded arrival of over 326,000 foreign tourism in four months of 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Previously, the government had announced to observe 2020 as &#39;visit Nepal year&#39; which was later cancelled in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the president announced that timely revision would be made in tourism related law. The tourist destinations would be popularized in the international community and necessary infrastructures prepared accordingly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">New tourist destinations would be identified in all seven provinces and each province will be a cultural village, the policies and programmes mentioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">New mountains would be opened for climbing. Security arrangement for climbers and tourists would be made more reliable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The president further announced that the concept of film tourism would be materialized and expanded and new dimensions added to adventure tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With the collaboration of private sector, &#39;Samarmatha Special Honour&#39; will be conferred on the foreign nationals considering their role on promotion of Nepal&#39;s art, culture, language and literature in the international arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Also stressed in the government policies and programmes are strict adherence to air safety standard and development of Pashupati and Lumbini as centres of religious and spiritual study.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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FOREX

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)

Bullion

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

Petroleum

Petrol	1 Liter	106.00
Diesel	1 Liter	95.00
Kerosene	1 Liter	95.00
LP Gas	1 Cylinder	1375.00