April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April…
April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April…
April 5: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to collect electricity tariff of dedicated feeders and trunk lines from defaulting industries within a month.…
April 4: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has started an interaction programme from April 2, 2021.…
April 4: The conflict between industries in Bara-Parsa corridor and locals is rising gradually over environment pollution caused by the industries.…
April 4: Tourist arrival in Nepal has started to improve gradually.…
April 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday (April 3) laid the foundation stone for 165 road projects simultaneously amidst a special virtual programme held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar.…
The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFe) has not issued any new permit to Malaysia and Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 due to a lack of demand for workers.…
April 2 : The Government of Nepal and the World Bank have signed an agreement for additional financing of $75 million to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal’s prioritized populations.…
April 2: Tourist arrival via air to Nepal has jumped by 38.93 percent in March.…
April 2: International airline companies can now onwards use internet and telecommunications service in the Nepali sky.…
April 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 31 held an interaction on the development of Sustainable Tourism and eco-tourism…
April 1: The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Nepalese Army (NA) to scrap the second phase of contract awarding process for the construction of bridges and…
April 1: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to lease out its grounded aircraft in a bid to reduce the financial burden of the national flag carrier of…
April 1: The globe is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger within the deadline of 2030, according to the 2020 GHI (Global Hunger Index) report published on Wednesday.…
April 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is exerting pressure on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and other officials of finance Ministry to prepare a populist budget.…
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13244', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NOC Hikes Price of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April 5).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April 5).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The price of petrol has been increased by Rs 2 per litre. With this, the price of petrol is fixed Rs 120 per litre. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Similarly, the NOC has increased price of diesel and kerosene oil each by Rs 2 per litre. As per the new price, diesel and kerosene oil would be traded for Rs 103 per litre. However, prices of LPG (cooking gas) and aviation fuel remain unchanged. The NOC made this price adjustment as per the price list sent by the Indian Oil Corporation on April 1. -- RSS</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-05', 'modified' => '2021-04-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12990', 'image' => '20210405025037_20210211120609_20190503125003_Petrol-Price-Increase.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-05 14:49:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13243', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PAC Directs Ministry to Collect Electricity Tariff from Industries', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 5: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to collect electricity tariff of dedicated feeders and trunk lines from defaulting industries within a month. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 5: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to collect electricity tariff of dedicated feeders and trunk lines from defaulting industries within a month. A meeting of the committee held on Sunday (April 4) directed the ministry to collect all the outstanding dues.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee issued such directive to the Ministry of Energy after discussing a report prepared by a sub-committee. The Ministry of Energy should now give necessary instructions to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect the amount. PAC had formed a sub-committee under the coordination of MP Minendra Rijal to study the electricity tariff dispute over dedicated feeders and trunk lines.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to the report, NEA has to collect Rs 10.14 billion from various industries. The committee has directed the government to collect the amount along with interest and compensation within a month. Chairman of the committee Bharat Kumar Shah said that he has instructed the concerned body to collect the amount within a month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee said that it is not acceptable for the industries to delay the payment of electricity tariff even after getting electricity service through trunk line and dedicated feeder during extreme load shedding.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">“If the general public does not pay the electricity tariff, the power is cut off immediately. Why not take action when the industrialists do not pay the tariff of billions?,”asked Shah, adding, “The outstanding dues will now be collected.” The government should not delay in collecting the dues along with the accrued interest. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">NEA had also decided to collect all the dues from the industrialists in January. However, the decision has not been implemented. NEA was preparing to collect the tariff in installments from the industrialists from next year. The Electricity Regulatory Commission has not yet taken a decision in this regard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">NEA had provided electricity to the industrialists through dedicated feeder and trunk line by fixing 65 percent higher tariff rate from July 2015 during load shedding in the country. However, at that time, NEA was not authorized to fix electricity tariff. After that, NEA had approved the tariff from the then Electricity Tariff Determination Commission on January 13, 2016. As a result, there is a dispute regarding the tariff from the time the tariff was set by NEA to the date approved by the commission.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Some industries have not used electricity during load shedding. However, the authority had been sending bills. Also, NEA had been sending bills to the industrialists even after the end of load shedding. Industrialists have not paid dues stating this has put them into trouble. As a result, the issue is still mired in controversy. Now, PAC has decided to collect the dues.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The sub-committee had prepared the study report last year. However, due to increasing risk of corona virus the report could not be submitted to the committee. The dissolution of the parliament further delayed the submission of the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee made the decision after the Supreme Court reinstated the parliament. It has also been mentioned that the Electricity Regulatory Commission should take timely action to update the electricity tariff to prevent such problems in the near future. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-05', 'modified' => '2021-04-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12989', 'image' => '20210405024504_20200807030044_1596750181.Clipboard01.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-05 14:44:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13242', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'FNCCI starts the First Friday Talk interaction Programme', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has started an interaction programme from April 2, 2021. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 4: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has started an interaction programme from April 2, 2021. The programme titled First Friday Talk aims to connect youths and entrepreneurs under its flagship program.<br /> The Start-Up and Innovation Committee of FNCCI invited Gagan Pradhan and his team for the first edition of the talk programme to share their ideas about establishing Himalayan Java and the success story behind the franchising business of the made-in-Nepal brand.<br /> A goal to establish a small coffee shop of international standard gave birth to Himalayan Java, Gagan Pradhan, co-founder of Himalayan Java, shared.<br /> “Himalayan Java has changed the way people consume the beverage. Our coffee station led to a rise in coffee culture in Nepal,” he added.<br /> Answering the queries of the attendees who were mostly start-up owners, Pradhan informed that besides the coffee and product of Himalayan Java, the core dedicated team has led to the growth and development of Himalayan Java as a successful franchise business in Nepal.<br /> Stating that the founders are more dedicated to the core principle of a company, Pradhan suggested that a company should focus more on forming a good team rather than hiring a business consultant for business promotion.<br /> Likewise, informing that Himalayan Java during the initial phase struggled to meet the operating expenses for almost 2 and a half years, he suggested that start-ups should not quit easily but study the reasons that have been affecting their business. <br /> Himalayan Java opened its first franchise outlet in Patan in 2017. The company currently aims to open a franchise outlet each month.<br /> Similarly, he informed that identifying and knowing the product is crucial for a company to perform well. Likewise, he suggested that start-ups should not hurry but rather move steadily with their plans.<br /> Currently, Himalayan Java has 32 outlets in Nepal and abroad and is preparing to open a state of art outlet in Durbarmarg.<br /> From its humble beginnings, Himalayan Java has grown into a ‘coffee institution’. Other than the fact that it only uses locally grown coffee, the organization is also involved in bringing in high-quality machines such as roasters, grinders, espresso machines, and commercial urns through Mocca Trading, an arm of the company that also exports Nepali coffee to other countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Pradhan, the outlet in Durbarmarg is the most expensive coffee store in Nepal, and the company is planning to register its design for trademark. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking about the mistakes made by Himalayan Java, Pradhan shared that the SOP of the franchise model was too big and investors didn't read it. Likewise, hiring a business consultant also didn't work out for the coffee franchise. Similarly, Pradhan and the team struggled to develop a proper settled warehouse system. Likewise, missing out on developing the data analysis system was one of the major mistakes.<br /> Addressing the welcome speech Ranjit Acharya, committee chair of Start-up and Innovation Committee of FNCCI, informed that the committee initiated the interaction program under its Knowledge series. The team will hold an interaction program with successful entrepreneurs on the first Friday of each month of the English calendar.<br /> The committee is opening an application for the 50 Start-up-50 Investors program on April 7 for connecting aspiring start-ups with investors. Start-ups operating for a year and more from various sectors are eligible to apply. Under the programme, FNCCI will select 50 start-ups and connect them with mentors and 50 investors. "The program is part of FNCCI to promote entrepreneurship in Nepal," Acharya informed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12988', 'image' => '20210404054449_IMG_20210402_160314.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 17:43:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13241', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Indifferent towards Resolving Conflict between Industries and Locals', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: The conflict between industries in Bara-Parsa corridor and locals is rising gradually over environment pollution caused by the industries. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 4: The conflict between industries in Bara-Parsa corridor and locals is rising gradually over environment pollution caused by the industries. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Two years back, two cement industries operating in Bara-Parsa corridor – Nepal Shalimar Cement and Unitek Cement – were padlocked by the locals with the backing of the mayor for alleged pollution caused by the industries. The padlocks were opened later after the industries reached an agreement with the locals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Before the padlocking of these two industries, production of Himalayan Food International was halted for two months. The locals had obstructed the production of this industry for contaminating the water of Sirsiya river by releasing unprocessed fluid. The industry resumed operation after agreeing to follow waste management measures.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Similarly, Jagadamba Steel located in Simara bazar has been padlocked time and again. The locals have been alleging the industry for deteriorating their health condition due to the pollution generated by the industry. The local administration has mediated a deal between the two parties but still the industry gets padlocked repeatedly for not complying with the agreement. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">These are some of the representative cases of increasing conflict between industries and the locals. Since the establishment of industries along Tribhuvan Highway for the last eight decades, the conflict between the two sides have been never-ending. Though Bara-Parsa corridor is popular as the largest industrial area of the country, it is not a pre-planned industrial area. Due to its proximity with Indian port, the expansion of the industries has taken place rapidly due to the ease in import of raw materials. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Along with the establishment of industries along the highway located 26 km away from Birgunj, human settlement has also been getting densely populated at the same rate. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">"The increase in population density due to the rise in the number of industries has led to conflict between the two parties over the issue of industrial pollution,” said SubodhKumar Gupta, president of Birgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “The government should take necessary steps to solve this issue,” he added. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industry Commerce and Consumer Welfare Committee of parliament had recently inspected about two dozen industries along the corridor. Pradip Yadav, member of parliament and member of the inspection team said almost all industries are yet to adopt pollution control measures. "Most of the industries have even shut down the plant set up to control pollution, industries should not be indifferent to public health to this extent," Yadav said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee had conducted field inspection of Sirsiya river that flows along the corridor. A study conducted by Parsa District Administration Office had found out that 46 industries were polluting the river with contaminated water. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industries have not complied with the conditions signed by them to control pollution while taking approval for the establishment of the industry. Industries that are producing vegetable ghee, soap, meat, clothes are directly disposing chemical wastes into the river which is hampering the environment and the productivity of the land which has led to the conflict between the locals and the industries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Birendra Kumar Sanghai, coordinator of Birgunj Chapter Confederation of Nepalese Industries, said as long as industries and human settlement exist in the same area, this issue will not be resolved permanently. The government should come up with long-term solution to this problem, said Sanghai..</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The government's inability to set criteria for expansion of industries and human settlement has intensified this problem, says Ashok Kumar Ved, former president of Birgun chapter FNCCI. Industrialists had demanded to recognize this area as industrial corridor which would have facilitated to address this problem. But the government couldn't take timely measures regarding this, he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">MP Yadav believes that it would be better for the industries and the locals if the government can arrange land and infrastructure for the relocation of industries. Since Postal highway is in the final stage of completion, the rural parts of Parsa can be declared as an industrial area, he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industries running along Bara-Parsa corridor need 1000 to 2000 bigha of land, said Hari Gautam, vice president of Birgunj chapter of FNCCI. Industries will shift if the new area will be arranged with necessary infrastructure like road, electricity, sewage system, water processing unit.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12987', 'image' => '20210404020159_20200907020811_1599429995.Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 14:01:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13240', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourist Arrival Increasing Gradually', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: Tourist arrival in Nepal has started to improve gradually. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 4: Tourist arrival in Nepal has started to improve gradually. Tourists have started visiting the country with the onset of the spring season and the government adopting new quarantine policy.<br /> In March, a total of 14,977 foreign tourists visited Nepal. Most of the visitors were from India, the USA, China, Britain, and Bangladesh.<br /> According to Nepal Tourism Board, more tourists have entered Nepal in March this year than last year. In the corresponding period of last fiscal year, tourist arrival was zero due to coronavirus and lockdown.<br /> During this time, most of the tourists come to Nepal for mountaineering and trekking. With the onset of the spring season, tourist arrival in March has been significant. A total of 1,790 tourists from 16 countries of Europe have come to Nepal. Among them, there are considerable number of tourists from Germany, France, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In total, 1,831 tourists arrived from Canada and the United States. Likewise, 1,570 tourists have visited Nepal from 8 countries of Asia, including China.<br /> According to NTB, 8,880 tourists have come to Nepal from SAARC countries. Of these, 7,658 tourists arrived from India and 568 from Bangladesh. The share of SAARC countries in the number of tourists is 55.95 percent.<br /> The Department of Tourism has issued climbing permits to 100 individuals from nine teams to climb Mt. Everest in the spring season. So far, 173 people from 20 teams have taken permission to climb seven mountain peaks.<br /> According to the department, apart from Everest, more permits have been issued for climbing Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nuptse.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Forty-four people of four different expedition teams have received climbing permits for Annapurna, 12 individuals from two teams for Dhaualagiri, and ten from two groups for climbing Nuptse.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12986', 'image' => '20210404125527_20200807075017_1596774556.Trekking pic.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 12:54:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13239', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' PM Oli lays Foundation Stone for 165 Road Projects ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday (April 3) laid the foundation stone for 165 road projects simultaneously amidst a special virtual programme held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday (April 3) laid the foundation stone for 165 road projects simultaneously amidst a special virtual programme held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The total cost of these projects is Rs 57.10 billion and they are expected to be completed within three years. There will be one project in each electoral constituency. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli urged the respective ministries, departments and bodies concerned not to delay in implementing the projects. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, so far the areas of black-topped and upgraded roads since he assumed his office covered 3,512 kilometers. Likewise, 628 bridges (suspension bridges) have been constructed. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister for Transport and Physical Infrastructure Basant Nembang informed that in the past three years 3,512 kilometers of six-lane roads were constructed. Similarly, construction of 3,300 kilometers of gravel road and opening of 1,686 kilometers of new tracks are underway. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The widening of the East-West Highway (four to six lanes) has kicked off, according to Minister Nembang. The Federal Government constructs 6.5 kilometers of road each day. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12985', 'image' => '20210404104134_20200412100619_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 10:40:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13238', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Malaysia, Kuwait yet to welcome new workers from Nepal ', 'sub_title' => 'Department of Foreign Employment has not issued any new work permit to Nepali workers bound to Malaysia and Kuwait in the current fiscal year due to lack of demands ', 'summary' => 'The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFe) has not issued any new permit to Malaysia and Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 due to a lack of demand for workers. ', 'content' => '<p><em><strong>Rebati Adhikari</strong></em><br /> April 3:<br /> The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFe) has not issued any new permit for wokers going to Malaysia and Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 due to a lack of demand from these two countries.<br /> Malaysia and Kuwait were top foreign employment destinations for Nepali migrant workers until last year.<br /> Chhatra Shah, Spokesperson of Foreign Employment Office at Tahachal under the DoFE, said there has not been any demand from these two countries because of Covid-19.<br /> Malaysia is allowing the re-entry of migrant of workers only in sectors which have been less affected by COVID.<br /> Malaysia had imposed a ban on arrivals of foreign workers following a surge in COVID-19 cases last year. Along with Malaysia, other Gulf countries Qatar, Kuwait and Dubai had also imposed restrictions on arrivals of foreign migrant worker due to the pandemic’s economic fallout.<br /> Following a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases in labor receiving countries, the DoFE had also stopped issuing permits from mid March in the last year. <br /> However, the DoFE in September last year started to issue permits to workers going to those countries deemed safe for travel due to a decline in Covid-19 cases. A total of 1,542 workers received the work permit in the month of Ashoj (between mid September and mid October) last year, up from 198 workers in the previous month Bhadra (between mid August and mid September). There has been a gradual increase in the number of new permits issued to workers seeking foreign employment as many destination countries reopen their labor markets amid a decline in Covid-19 cases and rollout of vaccines.<br /> But, Malaysia and Kuwait are yet to welcome new workers from Nepal in this fiscal year.<br /> “We have received reports that talks are about to be initiated from April to resume the flow of migrant workers in Kuwait. However, there is not any update or development regarding Malaysia taking in new migrant workers,” said Shah.<br /> The department has issued only re-new permits and individual regularized permits to Malaysia and Kuwait. According to the DoFE, it has provided five individual regularized permits to Malaysia while only one legalized permit has been issued to Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year.<br /> Malaysia and Kuwait has witnessed a decline in the number of foreign employment by 91.1% and 86.8% respectively in the last seven months of the fiscal year, according to the report published by Nepal Rastra Bank. 2,744 workers bound to Malaysia had received permits for legalization in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, down from a total of 30,925 workers who received both legalization and new permits in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year 2019/20.<br /> 1012 workers received permits for renewed entry to Kuwait in the current fiscal year compared to 7,677 workers who went to Kuwait in the same period of the last fiscal year.<br /> According to Nepal Migration Report, 2020 published by the Department of foreign Employment, Malaysia holds the third position in terms of share of Nepali workers. Along with Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait are top foreign destinations for Nepali migrants.</p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-03', 'modified' => '2021-04-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12984', 'image' => '20210403032054_Foreign Employment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-03 15:19:06', 'homepage' => true, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '35' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13237', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank to Finance Additional $75 Million for COVID-19 Vaccines to Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2 : The Government of Nepal and the World Bank have signed an agreement for additional financing of $75 million to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal’s prioritized populations. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 2 : </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The Government of Nepal and the World Bank have signed an agreement for additional financing of $75 million to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal’s prioritized populations. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> Issuing a statement, the World Bank said that Finance Secretary Sishir Kumar Dhungana and the World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations on Friday, April 2.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“The additional financing is an important and timely support to the government’s overall plans to vaccinate at least 72 percent of the Nepali population,”</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> the statement quoted Finance Secretary Dhungana as saying. “It supports the government’s health response to the pandemic, by supporting procurement of COVID-19 vaccines as well as strengthening health systems for their effective deployment as per the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the World Bank, the additional financing builds on the $29 million for the original Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project that was signed in April 2020. The project will be implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Population by the Department of Health Services and associated institutional bodies.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> About 90 percent of the additional financing will support the purchase, supply and distribution of safe and effective COVID</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Cambria Math"">‐</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">19 vaccines, the statement added. The rest of the financing will support existing public health measures to test, trace and treat the COVID-19 infection through a strengthened health system; community engagement and risk communication to improve the demand and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines; and project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and learning. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Equitable and fast access to effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines is vital to save lives and support a resilient recovery from the pandemic,”</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “The World Bank is committed to support the government’s pandemic response to protect lives, strengthen systems for public health preparedness, and stimulate economic recovery in Nepal.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12983', 'image' => '20210402035735_Signing-photo 2.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 15:56:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13236', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourist Arrival Jumps Up in March', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2: Tourist arrival via air to Nepal has jumped by 38.93 percent in March. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Tamish Giri</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 2: Tourist arrival via air to Nepal has jumped by 38.93 percent in March. <br /> According to the data released by the Department of Immigration on April 1, tourist arrival by air increased by 38.93 percent in March compared to February.<br /> In February, tourist arrival grew by 3.06 percent compared to the previous month.<br /> In total, 14977 foreigners landed in Nepal during March, while 9,146 foreigners had arrived in February and 8,874 in January.<br /> Out of the total visitors, 11002 were male, 3963 were female, while 12 were of the other sex.<br /> Country-wise, tourist arrival from India more than any other country. In total, 7658 Indian tourists landed at TIA in March, up from 3322 in February.<br /> Likewise, 1207 Chinese nationals arrived in Nepal during March. A total of 613 Chinese tourists had arrived in February. Similarly, 1703 American tourists landed on TIA in March, slightly higher than in February when 721 American tourists had arrived. <br /> According to the report, foreigners from 136 nations arrived in Nepal in March compared to tourists from 123 countries in February.<br /> Likewise, the number of Nepalis returning home has also increased in March. Altogether 56,293 Nepali nationals landed in Kathamndu in March, up from 46,471 a month ago.<br /> In the meantime, 49,005 Nepalis left for abroad in March, up from 44,152 in February.<br /> According to the data, eight refugees had landed in TIA in March.<br /> According to the report, 9,587 foreigners departed from TIA in March.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12982', 'image' => '20210402034327_20210324020010_20200930115831_1601420205.89.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 15:42:13', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13235', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'International Airliners can use Telecommunications Service in Nepali Sky', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2: International airline companies can now onwards use internet and telecommunications service in the Nepali sky. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 2: International airline companies can now onwards use internet and telecommunications service in the Nepali sky. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has granted permission for the use of internet and telecommunications service above 10,000 feet for international airline companies in the Nepali sky. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of the board of directors of the Telecommunications Authority on March 22 took a decision in this regard. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With this, Nepal has become the third country to grant such service to international airline companies in South Asia after India and Afghanistan. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Those airlines having got permission from the International Civil Aviation Organisation would be granted permission to avail internet and telecommunications service above 10,000 feet in the Nepali sky, said NTA’s spokesperson Santosh Poudel. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Granting permission to use internet service below 10,000 feet could result in disturbance in the service on the ground across the country, he said. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">To use the service, those willing to avail it should apply to the NTA. At present, three international airline companies have applied to the NTA for the service. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The NTA granted the service to the three international airlines companies after holding talks with the CAAN and bodies under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, added Poudel. – RSS</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12981', 'image' => '20210402114024_EHdVeZuVAAArjYS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 11:39:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13233', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NTB holds Interaction on Development of Eco-Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 31 held an interaction on the development of Sustainable Tourism and eco-tourism activities.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">April 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 31 held an interaction on the development of Sustainable Tourism and eco-tourism activities.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Speaking at the program organised on NTB premises at Exhibition Road, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTB Dr DhananjayRegmi pointed out the need for effective implementation of regulations related to protection and preservation of community forest. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Likewise, Regmi further expressed his commitment that NTB will take initiatives in developing eco-tourism activities and promoting it in the domestic as well as the international market.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">He further added that NTB will purchase and distribute eco-friendly products as souvenirs within and outside the country if produced by the local communities. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Similarly, Director of NTB Hikmat Singh Ayer informed that NTB will form a Sustainable Tourism Network at the provincial level.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Ayer added that a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between NTB and the Community Forest Research Centre under the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation to create a network for ecotourism development.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The program was attended by over 50 participants representing community forests of different parts of Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><strong> </strong></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12979', 'image' => '20210401055039_dolpa-iw-adventure.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 17:49:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13232', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'House Panel instructs Army to Scrap Fast Track Contract with Chinese Company', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Nepalese Army (NA) to scrap the second phase of contract awarding process for the construction of bridges and tunnels.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 1: The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Nepalese Army (NA) to scrap the second phase of contract awarding process for the construction of bridges and tunnels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">PAC took a decision to this effect following a discussion held on March 31, Wednesday. The house panel has initiated formal investigation over the contract awarding process on suspicion of possible irregularities in selection of contractors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Nepalese Army had selected Chinese Contractor Poly Chhangda Engineering Company Limited out of 21 companies. A total of 21 companies had submitted applications to build bridges and tunnelsunder the fast-track project. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Nepalese Army has been given full responsibility to construct the 76.5 Km long Fast Track which joins Kathmandu with the Terai. The NA has divided the construction of the project into three parts. It plans to construct 17 km on its own, recruit Nepali and international contractors for the construction of the remaining stretch of road section, tunnel and bridges. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Fast Track will have three tunnels covering 6.41 km and 71 small and big bridges with a total length of 10.59 km. The cost of the project has been estimated to be Rs 175 billion and the project is expected to be completed by 2024.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12978', 'image' => '20210401052924_20210317035230_Fast Track.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 17:28:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13231', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NAC to Lease Out Chinese Aircraft', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to lease out its grounded aircraft in a bid to reduce the financial burden of the national flag carrier of Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">April 1: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to lease out its grounded aircraft in a bid to reduce the financial burden of the national flag carrier of Nepal.</span></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">NAC is facing a financial burden due to its inability to operate and manage six Chinese aircraft.<br /> NAC owns six Chinese aircraft including two MA 60 and four Y-12E. The aircraft were bought for domestic flights. Nepal received one MA 60 and one Harbin Y-12E each as grant from the Chinese government. Similarly, Nepal's national flag carrier had purchased an additional MA 60 aircraft and three Harbin Y-12E aircraft from the Chinese aircraft manufacturer Avic International on concessional loan.<br /> NAC incurred heavy financial losses while operating the Chinese aircraft due to load penalties, insurance, short-supply of spare parts, expensive parts, expensive simulator training cost. Sulekh Mishra, deputy-spokesperson of NAC, informed that all the Chinese aircraft are grounded since July 30, 2020.<br /> Out of the six Chinese aircraft, only five are functional, and one needs maintenance.<br /> The Harbin Y 12 E aircraft with call sign 9N AKU crashed on the runway of Nepalgunj Airport on March 28, 2020. NAC is planning to lease out the remaining five aircraft.<br /> NAC had been operating the Chinese aircraft on domestic routes since 2016.<br /> Karishma Shrestha, spokesperson of NAC, informed that a ministerial-level decision on March 17, 2021, paved the way for the corporation to manage the Chinese aircraft.<br /> In line with the decision, NAC has decided to lease out the aircraft to domestic or foreign aircraft operators for the best interest of the Government of Nepal and the corporation, said Shrestha. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12977', 'image' => '20210401035949_20200731122540_1596146267.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 15:58:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13230', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World not on Track to Achieve Zero Hunger by 2030: GHI Report ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: The globe is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger within the deadline of 2030, according to the 2020 GHI (Global Hunger Index) report published on Wednesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 1: The globe is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger within the deadline of 2030, according to the 2020 GHI (Global Hunger Index) report published on Wednesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The GHI are based on the values of four component indicators, undernourishment (share of the population with insufficient caloric intake), child stunting (share of children under aged five who have low height for their age, reflecting acute under-nutrition), child wasting (share of children under aged five who are low weighed for their height, reflecting chronic under-nutrition) and child mortality (mortality rate of children under aged five, partly reflecting the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Based on the values of the four component indicators, the GHI defines hunger on a 100-point scale where 0 being the best possible score (nil hunger) and 100 being the worst. For the GHI report, data were accessed for 132 countries provided by various respective agencies under the United Nations. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to the report, 690 million people across the globe were being affected by starvation and 135 million people were suffering from malnutrition. At present, the average GHI is 18.2, which is relatively progressive as compared to 2000, but it needs much progress. More than 50 countries were still suffering from starvation. Over 140 million children have low height for their age as a result of malnutrition whereas 40.7 million children were suffering from malnutrition. In 2018, 5.3 million children died before the age of 5 as a result of malnutrition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Nepal however has done satisfactory work in the GHI. Out of 107 countries, Nepal is in the 73rd position. The country has climbed to 19.5 in the GHI in 2020, a big jump from 37.4 in 2000. Nepal has been ranked in the medium position of the GHI. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Covid-19 pandemic, conflict, poverty, inequality and climate change among others are blamed for countries suffering from starvation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12976', 'image' => '20210401110707_My Effect 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 11:04:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13229', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PM Oli giving ‘Undue Pressure’ to bring Populist Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is exerting pressure on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and other officials of finance Ministry to prepare a populist budget. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is exerting pressure on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and other officials of finance Ministry to prepare a populist budget. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Ministry of Finance is reeling under pressure following public statements given by the Prime Minister at public gatherings. Speaking at the anniversary programme of Reporters’ club, PM Oli said that elderly allowance will be increased from the next fiscal year. “Old-age allowance and social security allowance will be increased from July of the upcoming fiscal year. Most of the people may have objection regarding this which doesn’t affect me,” said Oli during the programme.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">In the last election, the Nepal Communist Party formed after the unification of then CPN UML and Maoist Centre had announced to increase old-age allowance to Rs 5,000. Former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Yuvaraj Khatiwada, who was then Minister for Finance, hadn’t increased the allowance in the current fiscal year pointing out to resources shortfall due to COVID-19. Currently, the elderly people get old age allowance of Rs 3,000 every month. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">On the other hand, Khatiwada’s successor Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has a political background so populist budget is his priority, informed a source close to him. One of the senior officials of Finance Ministry said Minister Poudel is also working to develop a populist budget in accordance to the announcements made by PM Oli. Prime Minister Oli and other parliamentarians are trying hard to have their favorable programmes included in the budget. Various groups visit MoF daily for this purpose and lobby with Finance Secretary or Minister for Finance. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">“Though such acts of pressurizing the Ministry have declined, there are still a good number of people visiting the Ministry to have their demands addressed in the budget,” said Yam Pandey, personal Secretary of the Finance Minister.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Instead of introducing programmes to uplift the economy affected by COVID-19, speculations are rife that these programmes will be sidelined since the PM is pressurizing Finance Ministry to bring populist budget. Shantaraj Subedi, former finance secretary, says that the government should prioritize programmes to uplift the economy in this time of crisis. Though politicians always desire for a populist budget it is not beneficial for the economy. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Referring to the private sector’s dissatisfaction over this year’s budget program, Subedi said government should introduce implementation-oriented programmes that support the private sector. “Popular programmess to get cheap popularity should not be included at this critical time,” says economist Keshav Acharya. He shared that negative economic growth and rise in COVID-19 cases have worried the private sector so the budget should introduce programmes to assure the security of private sector’s investment. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to Acharya, the budget should focus on existing infrastructure projects rather than adding new ones. A report of the National Planning Commission states that 120,000 additional people have been forced below the poverty line due to COVID-19. The budget should attempt to include these people in its programmes, says Acharya.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12975', 'image' => '20210401105341_20200305102040_oli.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 10:53:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13244', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NOC Hikes Price of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April 5).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April 5).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The price of petrol has been increased by Rs 2 per litre. With this, the price of petrol is fixed Rs 120 per litre. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Similarly, the NOC has increased price of diesel and kerosene oil each by Rs 2 per litre. As per the new price, diesel and kerosene oil would be traded for Rs 103 per litre. However, prices of LPG (cooking gas) and aviation fuel remain unchanged. The NOC made this price adjustment as per the price list sent by the Indian Oil Corporation on April 1. -- RSS</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-05', 'modified' => '2021-04-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12990', 'image' => '20210405025037_20210211120609_20190503125003_Petrol-Price-Increase.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-05 14:49:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13243', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PAC Directs Ministry to Collect Electricity Tariff from Industries', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 5: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to collect electricity tariff of dedicated feeders and trunk lines from defaulting industries within a month. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 5: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to collect electricity tariff of dedicated feeders and trunk lines from defaulting industries within a month. A meeting of the committee held on Sunday (April 4) directed the ministry to collect all the outstanding dues.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee issued such directive to the Ministry of Energy after discussing a report prepared by a sub-committee. The Ministry of Energy should now give necessary instructions to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect the amount. PAC had formed a sub-committee under the coordination of MP Minendra Rijal to study the electricity tariff dispute over dedicated feeders and trunk lines.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to the report, NEA has to collect Rs 10.14 billion from various industries. The committee has directed the government to collect the amount along with interest and compensation within a month. Chairman of the committee Bharat Kumar Shah said that he has instructed the concerned body to collect the amount within a month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee said that it is not acceptable for the industries to delay the payment of electricity tariff even after getting electricity service through trunk line and dedicated feeder during extreme load shedding.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">“If the general public does not pay the electricity tariff, the power is cut off immediately. Why not take action when the industrialists do not pay the tariff of billions?,”asked Shah, adding, “The outstanding dues will now be collected.” The government should not delay in collecting the dues along with the accrued interest. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">NEA had also decided to collect all the dues from the industrialists in January. However, the decision has not been implemented. NEA was preparing to collect the tariff in installments from the industrialists from next year. The Electricity Regulatory Commission has not yet taken a decision in this regard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">NEA had provided electricity to the industrialists through dedicated feeder and trunk line by fixing 65 percent higher tariff rate from July 2015 during load shedding in the country. However, at that time, NEA was not authorized to fix electricity tariff. After that, NEA had approved the tariff from the then Electricity Tariff Determination Commission on January 13, 2016. As a result, there is a dispute regarding the tariff from the time the tariff was set by NEA to the date approved by the commission.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Some industries have not used electricity during load shedding. However, the authority had been sending bills. Also, NEA had been sending bills to the industrialists even after the end of load shedding. Industrialists have not paid dues stating this has put them into trouble. As a result, the issue is still mired in controversy. Now, PAC has decided to collect the dues.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The sub-committee had prepared the study report last year. However, due to increasing risk of corona virus the report could not be submitted to the committee. The dissolution of the parliament further delayed the submission of the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee made the decision after the Supreme Court reinstated the parliament. It has also been mentioned that the Electricity Regulatory Commission should take timely action to update the electricity tariff to prevent such problems in the near future. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-05', 'modified' => '2021-04-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12989', 'image' => '20210405024504_20200807030044_1596750181.Clipboard01.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-05 14:44:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13242', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'FNCCI starts the First Friday Talk interaction Programme', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has started an interaction programme from April 2, 2021. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 4: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has started an interaction programme from April 2, 2021. The programme titled First Friday Talk aims to connect youths and entrepreneurs under its flagship program.<br /> The Start-Up and Innovation Committee of FNCCI invited Gagan Pradhan and his team for the first edition of the talk programme to share their ideas about establishing Himalayan Java and the success story behind the franchising business of the made-in-Nepal brand.<br /> A goal to establish a small coffee shop of international standard gave birth to Himalayan Java, Gagan Pradhan, co-founder of Himalayan Java, shared.<br /> “Himalayan Java has changed the way people consume the beverage. Our coffee station led to a rise in coffee culture in Nepal,” he added.<br /> Answering the queries of the attendees who were mostly start-up owners, Pradhan informed that besides the coffee and product of Himalayan Java, the core dedicated team has led to the growth and development of Himalayan Java as a successful franchise business in Nepal.<br /> Stating that the founders are more dedicated to the core principle of a company, Pradhan suggested that a company should focus more on forming a good team rather than hiring a business consultant for business promotion.<br /> Likewise, informing that Himalayan Java during the initial phase struggled to meet the operating expenses for almost 2 and a half years, he suggested that start-ups should not quit easily but study the reasons that have been affecting their business. <br /> Himalayan Java opened its first franchise outlet in Patan in 2017. The company currently aims to open a franchise outlet each month.<br /> Similarly, he informed that identifying and knowing the product is crucial for a company to perform well. Likewise, he suggested that start-ups should not hurry but rather move steadily with their plans.<br /> Currently, Himalayan Java has 32 outlets in Nepal and abroad and is preparing to open a state of art outlet in Durbarmarg.<br /> From its humble beginnings, Himalayan Java has grown into a ‘coffee institution’. Other than the fact that it only uses locally grown coffee, the organization is also involved in bringing in high-quality machines such as roasters, grinders, espresso machines, and commercial urns through Mocca Trading, an arm of the company that also exports Nepali coffee to other countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Pradhan, the outlet in Durbarmarg is the most expensive coffee store in Nepal, and the company is planning to register its design for trademark. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking about the mistakes made by Himalayan Java, Pradhan shared that the SOP of the franchise model was too big and investors didn't read it. Likewise, hiring a business consultant also didn't work out for the coffee franchise. Similarly, Pradhan and the team struggled to develop a proper settled warehouse system. Likewise, missing out on developing the data analysis system was one of the major mistakes.<br /> Addressing the welcome speech Ranjit Acharya, committee chair of Start-up and Innovation Committee of FNCCI, informed that the committee initiated the interaction program under its Knowledge series. The team will hold an interaction program with successful entrepreneurs on the first Friday of each month of the English calendar.<br /> The committee is opening an application for the 50 Start-up-50 Investors program on April 7 for connecting aspiring start-ups with investors. Start-ups operating for a year and more from various sectors are eligible to apply. Under the programme, FNCCI will select 50 start-ups and connect them with mentors and 50 investors. "The program is part of FNCCI to promote entrepreneurship in Nepal," Acharya informed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12988', 'image' => '20210404054449_IMG_20210402_160314.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 17:43:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13241', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Indifferent towards Resolving Conflict between Industries and Locals', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: The conflict between industries in Bara-Parsa corridor and locals is rising gradually over environment pollution caused by the industries. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 4: The conflict between industries in Bara-Parsa corridor and locals is rising gradually over environment pollution caused by the industries. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Two years back, two cement industries operating in Bara-Parsa corridor – Nepal Shalimar Cement and Unitek Cement – were padlocked by the locals with the backing of the mayor for alleged pollution caused by the industries. The padlocks were opened later after the industries reached an agreement with the locals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Before the padlocking of these two industries, production of Himalayan Food International was halted for two months. The locals had obstructed the production of this industry for contaminating the water of Sirsiya river by releasing unprocessed fluid. The industry resumed operation after agreeing to follow waste management measures.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Similarly, Jagadamba Steel located in Simara bazar has been padlocked time and again. The locals have been alleging the industry for deteriorating their health condition due to the pollution generated by the industry. The local administration has mediated a deal between the two parties but still the industry gets padlocked repeatedly for not complying with the agreement. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">These are some of the representative cases of increasing conflict between industries and the locals. Since the establishment of industries along Tribhuvan Highway for the last eight decades, the conflict between the two sides have been never-ending. Though Bara-Parsa corridor is popular as the largest industrial area of the country, it is not a pre-planned industrial area. Due to its proximity with Indian port, the expansion of the industries has taken place rapidly due to the ease in import of raw materials. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Along with the establishment of industries along the highway located 26 km away from Birgunj, human settlement has also been getting densely populated at the same rate. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">"The increase in population density due to the rise in the number of industries has led to conflict between the two parties over the issue of industrial pollution,” said SubodhKumar Gupta, president of Birgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “The government should take necessary steps to solve this issue,” he added. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industry Commerce and Consumer Welfare Committee of parliament had recently inspected about two dozen industries along the corridor. Pradip Yadav, member of parliament and member of the inspection team said almost all industries are yet to adopt pollution control measures. "Most of the industries have even shut down the plant set up to control pollution, industries should not be indifferent to public health to this extent," Yadav said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee had conducted field inspection of Sirsiya river that flows along the corridor. A study conducted by Parsa District Administration Office had found out that 46 industries were polluting the river with contaminated water. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industries have not complied with the conditions signed by them to control pollution while taking approval for the establishment of the industry. Industries that are producing vegetable ghee, soap, meat, clothes are directly disposing chemical wastes into the river which is hampering the environment and the productivity of the land which has led to the conflict between the locals and the industries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Birendra Kumar Sanghai, coordinator of Birgunj Chapter Confederation of Nepalese Industries, said as long as industries and human settlement exist in the same area, this issue will not be resolved permanently. The government should come up with long-term solution to this problem, said Sanghai..</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The government's inability to set criteria for expansion of industries and human settlement has intensified this problem, says Ashok Kumar Ved, former president of Birgun chapter FNCCI. Industrialists had demanded to recognize this area as industrial corridor which would have facilitated to address this problem. But the government couldn't take timely measures regarding this, he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">MP Yadav believes that it would be better for the industries and the locals if the government can arrange land and infrastructure for the relocation of industries. Since Postal highway is in the final stage of completion, the rural parts of Parsa can be declared as an industrial area, he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industries running along Bara-Parsa corridor need 1000 to 2000 bigha of land, said Hari Gautam, vice president of Birgunj chapter of FNCCI. Industries will shift if the new area will be arranged with necessary infrastructure like road, electricity, sewage system, water processing unit.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12987', 'image' => '20210404020159_20200907020811_1599429995.Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 14:01:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13240', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourist Arrival Increasing Gradually', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: Tourist arrival in Nepal has started to improve gradually. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 4: Tourist arrival in Nepal has started to improve gradually. Tourists have started visiting the country with the onset of the spring season and the government adopting new quarantine policy.<br /> In March, a total of 14,977 foreign tourists visited Nepal. Most of the visitors were from India, the USA, China, Britain, and Bangladesh.<br /> According to Nepal Tourism Board, more tourists have entered Nepal in March this year than last year. In the corresponding period of last fiscal year, tourist arrival was zero due to coronavirus and lockdown.<br /> During this time, most of the tourists come to Nepal for mountaineering and trekking. With the onset of the spring season, tourist arrival in March has been significant. A total of 1,790 tourists from 16 countries of Europe have come to Nepal. Among them, there are considerable number of tourists from Germany, France, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In total, 1,831 tourists arrived from Canada and the United States. Likewise, 1,570 tourists have visited Nepal from 8 countries of Asia, including China.<br /> According to NTB, 8,880 tourists have come to Nepal from SAARC countries. Of these, 7,658 tourists arrived from India and 568 from Bangladesh. The share of SAARC countries in the number of tourists is 55.95 percent.<br /> The Department of Tourism has issued climbing permits to 100 individuals from nine teams to climb Mt. Everest in the spring season. So far, 173 people from 20 teams have taken permission to climb seven mountain peaks.<br /> According to the department, apart from Everest, more permits have been issued for climbing Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nuptse.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Forty-four people of four different expedition teams have received climbing permits for Annapurna, 12 individuals from two teams for Dhaualagiri, and ten from two groups for climbing Nuptse.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12986', 'image' => '20210404125527_20200807075017_1596774556.Trekking pic.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 12:54:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13239', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' PM Oli lays Foundation Stone for 165 Road Projects ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday (April 3) laid the foundation stone for 165 road projects simultaneously amidst a special virtual programme held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday (April 3) laid the foundation stone for 165 road projects simultaneously amidst a special virtual programme held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The total cost of these projects is Rs 57.10 billion and they are expected to be completed within three years. There will be one project in each electoral constituency. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli urged the respective ministries, departments and bodies concerned not to delay in implementing the projects. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, so far the areas of black-topped and upgraded roads since he assumed his office covered 3,512 kilometers. Likewise, 628 bridges (suspension bridges) have been constructed. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister for Transport and Physical Infrastructure Basant Nembang informed that in the past three years 3,512 kilometers of six-lane roads were constructed. Similarly, construction of 3,300 kilometers of gravel road and opening of 1,686 kilometers of new tracks are underway. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The widening of the East-West Highway (four to six lanes) has kicked off, according to Minister Nembang. The Federal Government constructs 6.5 kilometers of road each day. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12985', 'image' => '20210404104134_20200412100619_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 10:40:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13238', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Malaysia, Kuwait yet to welcome new workers from Nepal ', 'sub_title' => 'Department of Foreign Employment has not issued any new work permit to Nepali workers bound to Malaysia and Kuwait in the current fiscal year due to lack of demands ', 'summary' => 'The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFe) has not issued any new permit to Malaysia and Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 due to a lack of demand for workers. ', 'content' => '<p><em><strong>Rebati Adhikari</strong></em><br /> April 3:<br /> The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFe) has not issued any new permit for wokers going to Malaysia and Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 due to a lack of demand from these two countries.<br /> Malaysia and Kuwait were top foreign employment destinations for Nepali migrant workers until last year.<br /> Chhatra Shah, Spokesperson of Foreign Employment Office at Tahachal under the DoFE, said there has not been any demand from these two countries because of Covid-19.<br /> Malaysia is allowing the re-entry of migrant of workers only in sectors which have been less affected by COVID.<br /> Malaysia had imposed a ban on arrivals of foreign workers following a surge in COVID-19 cases last year. Along with Malaysia, other Gulf countries Qatar, Kuwait and Dubai had also imposed restrictions on arrivals of foreign migrant worker due to the pandemic’s economic fallout.<br /> Following a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases in labor receiving countries, the DoFE had also stopped issuing permits from mid March in the last year. <br /> However, the DoFE in September last year started to issue permits to workers going to those countries deemed safe for travel due to a decline in Covid-19 cases. A total of 1,542 workers received the work permit in the month of Ashoj (between mid September and mid October) last year, up from 198 workers in the previous month Bhadra (between mid August and mid September). There has been a gradual increase in the number of new permits issued to workers seeking foreign employment as many destination countries reopen their labor markets amid a decline in Covid-19 cases and rollout of vaccines.<br /> But, Malaysia and Kuwait are yet to welcome new workers from Nepal in this fiscal year.<br /> “We have received reports that talks are about to be initiated from April to resume the flow of migrant workers in Kuwait. However, there is not any update or development regarding Malaysia taking in new migrant workers,” said Shah.<br /> The department has issued only re-new permits and individual regularized permits to Malaysia and Kuwait. According to the DoFE, it has provided five individual regularized permits to Malaysia while only one legalized permit has been issued to Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year.<br /> Malaysia and Kuwait has witnessed a decline in the number of foreign employment by 91.1% and 86.8% respectively in the last seven months of the fiscal year, according to the report published by Nepal Rastra Bank. 2,744 workers bound to Malaysia had received permits for legalization in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, down from a total of 30,925 workers who received both legalization and new permits in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year 2019/20.<br /> 1012 workers received permits for renewed entry to Kuwait in the current fiscal year compared to 7,677 workers who went to Kuwait in the same period of the last fiscal year.<br /> According to Nepal Migration Report, 2020 published by the Department of foreign Employment, Malaysia holds the third position in terms of share of Nepali workers. Along with Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait are top foreign destinations for Nepali migrants.</p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-03', 'modified' => '2021-04-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12984', 'image' => '20210403032054_Foreign Employment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-03 15:19:06', 'homepage' => true, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '35' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13237', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank to Finance Additional $75 Million for COVID-19 Vaccines to Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2 : The Government of Nepal and the World Bank have signed an agreement for additional financing of $75 million to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal’s prioritized populations. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 2 : </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The Government of Nepal and the World Bank have signed an agreement for additional financing of $75 million to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal’s prioritized populations. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> Issuing a statement, the World Bank said that Finance Secretary Sishir Kumar Dhungana and the World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations on Friday, April 2.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“The additional financing is an important and timely support to the government’s overall plans to vaccinate at least 72 percent of the Nepali population,”</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> the statement quoted Finance Secretary Dhungana as saying. “It supports the government’s health response to the pandemic, by supporting procurement of COVID-19 vaccines as well as strengthening health systems for their effective deployment as per the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the World Bank, the additional financing builds on the $29 million for the original Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project that was signed in April 2020. The project will be implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Population by the Department of Health Services and associated institutional bodies.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> About 90 percent of the additional financing will support the purchase, supply and distribution of safe and effective COVID</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Cambria Math"">‐</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">19 vaccines, the statement added. The rest of the financing will support existing public health measures to test, trace and treat the COVID-19 infection through a strengthened health system; community engagement and risk communication to improve the demand and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines; and project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and learning. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Equitable and fast access to effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines is vital to save lives and support a resilient recovery from the pandemic,”</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “The World Bank is committed to support the government’s pandemic response to protect lives, strengthen systems for public health preparedness, and stimulate economic recovery in Nepal.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12983', 'image' => '20210402035735_Signing-photo 2.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 15:56:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13236', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourist Arrival Jumps Up in March', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2: Tourist arrival via air to Nepal has jumped by 38.93 percent in March. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Tamish Giri</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 2: Tourist arrival via air to Nepal has jumped by 38.93 percent in March. <br /> According to the data released by the Department of Immigration on April 1, tourist arrival by air increased by 38.93 percent in March compared to February.<br /> In February, tourist arrival grew by 3.06 percent compared to the previous month.<br /> In total, 14977 foreigners landed in Nepal during March, while 9,146 foreigners had arrived in February and 8,874 in January.<br /> Out of the total visitors, 11002 were male, 3963 were female, while 12 were of the other sex.<br /> Country-wise, tourist arrival from India more than any other country. In total, 7658 Indian tourists landed at TIA in March, up from 3322 in February.<br /> Likewise, 1207 Chinese nationals arrived in Nepal during March. A total of 613 Chinese tourists had arrived in February. Similarly, 1703 American tourists landed on TIA in March, slightly higher than in February when 721 American tourists had arrived. <br /> According to the report, foreigners from 136 nations arrived in Nepal in March compared to tourists from 123 countries in February.<br /> Likewise, the number of Nepalis returning home has also increased in March. Altogether 56,293 Nepali nationals landed in Kathamndu in March, up from 46,471 a month ago.<br /> In the meantime, 49,005 Nepalis left for abroad in March, up from 44,152 in February.<br /> According to the data, eight refugees had landed in TIA in March.<br /> According to the report, 9,587 foreigners departed from TIA in March.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12982', 'image' => '20210402034327_20210324020010_20200930115831_1601420205.89.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 15:42:13', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13235', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'International Airliners can use Telecommunications Service in Nepali Sky', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2: International airline companies can now onwards use internet and telecommunications service in the Nepali sky. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 2: International airline companies can now onwards use internet and telecommunications service in the Nepali sky. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has granted permission for the use of internet and telecommunications service above 10,000 feet for international airline companies in the Nepali sky. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of the board of directors of the Telecommunications Authority on March 22 took a decision in this regard. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With this, Nepal has become the third country to grant such service to international airline companies in South Asia after India and Afghanistan. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Those airlines having got permission from the International Civil Aviation Organisation would be granted permission to avail internet and telecommunications service above 10,000 feet in the Nepali sky, said NTA’s spokesperson Santosh Poudel. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Granting permission to use internet service below 10,000 feet could result in disturbance in the service on the ground across the country, he said. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">To use the service, those willing to avail it should apply to the NTA. At present, three international airline companies have applied to the NTA for the service. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The NTA granted the service to the three international airlines companies after holding talks with the CAAN and bodies under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, added Poudel. – RSS</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12981', 'image' => '20210402114024_EHdVeZuVAAArjYS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 11:39:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13233', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NTB holds Interaction on Development of Eco-Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 31 held an interaction on the development of Sustainable Tourism and eco-tourism activities.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">April 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 31 held an interaction on the development of Sustainable Tourism and eco-tourism activities.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Speaking at the program organised on NTB premises at Exhibition Road, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTB Dr DhananjayRegmi pointed out the need for effective implementation of regulations related to protection and preservation of community forest. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Likewise, Regmi further expressed his commitment that NTB will take initiatives in developing eco-tourism activities and promoting it in the domestic as well as the international market.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">He further added that NTB will purchase and distribute eco-friendly products as souvenirs within and outside the country if produced by the local communities. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Similarly, Director of NTB Hikmat Singh Ayer informed that NTB will form a Sustainable Tourism Network at the provincial level.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Ayer added that a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between NTB and the Community Forest Research Centre under the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation to create a network for ecotourism development.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The program was attended by over 50 participants representing community forests of different parts of Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><strong> </strong></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12979', 'image' => '20210401055039_dolpa-iw-adventure.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 17:49:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13232', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'House Panel instructs Army to Scrap Fast Track Contract with Chinese Company', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Nepalese Army (NA) to scrap the second phase of contract awarding process for the construction of bridges and tunnels.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 1: The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Nepalese Army (NA) to scrap the second phase of contract awarding process for the construction of bridges and tunnels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">PAC took a decision to this effect following a discussion held on March 31, Wednesday. The house panel has initiated formal investigation over the contract awarding process on suspicion of possible irregularities in selection of contractors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Nepalese Army had selected Chinese Contractor Poly Chhangda Engineering Company Limited out of 21 companies. A total of 21 companies had submitted applications to build bridges and tunnelsunder the fast-track project. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Nepalese Army has been given full responsibility to construct the 76.5 Km long Fast Track which joins Kathmandu with the Terai. The NA has divided the construction of the project into three parts. It plans to construct 17 km on its own, recruit Nepali and international contractors for the construction of the remaining stretch of road section, tunnel and bridges. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Fast Track will have three tunnels covering 6.41 km and 71 small and big bridges with a total length of 10.59 km. The cost of the project has been estimated to be Rs 175 billion and the project is expected to be completed by 2024.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12978', 'image' => '20210401052924_20210317035230_Fast Track.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 17:28:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13231', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NAC to Lease Out Chinese Aircraft', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to lease out its grounded aircraft in a bid to reduce the financial burden of the national flag carrier of Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">April 1: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to lease out its grounded aircraft in a bid to reduce the financial burden of the national flag carrier of Nepal.</span></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">NAC is facing a financial burden due to its inability to operate and manage six Chinese aircraft.<br /> NAC owns six Chinese aircraft including two MA 60 and four Y-12E. The aircraft were bought for domestic flights. Nepal received one MA 60 and one Harbin Y-12E each as grant from the Chinese government. Similarly, Nepal's national flag carrier had purchased an additional MA 60 aircraft and three Harbin Y-12E aircraft from the Chinese aircraft manufacturer Avic International on concessional loan.<br /> NAC incurred heavy financial losses while operating the Chinese aircraft due to load penalties, insurance, short-supply of spare parts, expensive parts, expensive simulator training cost. Sulekh Mishra, deputy-spokesperson of NAC, informed that all the Chinese aircraft are grounded since July 30, 2020.<br /> Out of the six Chinese aircraft, only five are functional, and one needs maintenance.<br /> The Harbin Y 12 E aircraft with call sign 9N AKU crashed on the runway of Nepalgunj Airport on March 28, 2020. NAC is planning to lease out the remaining five aircraft.<br /> NAC had been operating the Chinese aircraft on domestic routes since 2016.<br /> Karishma Shrestha, spokesperson of NAC, informed that a ministerial-level decision on March 17, 2021, paved the way for the corporation to manage the Chinese aircraft.<br /> In line with the decision, NAC has decided to lease out the aircraft to domestic or foreign aircraft operators for the best interest of the Government of Nepal and the corporation, said Shrestha. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12977', 'image' => '20210401035949_20200731122540_1596146267.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 15:58:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13230', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World not on Track to Achieve Zero Hunger by 2030: GHI Report ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: The globe is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger within the deadline of 2030, according to the 2020 GHI (Global Hunger Index) report published on Wednesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 1: The globe is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger within the deadline of 2030, according to the 2020 GHI (Global Hunger Index) report published on Wednesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The GHI are based on the values of four component indicators, undernourishment (share of the population with insufficient caloric intake), child stunting (share of children under aged five who have low height for their age, reflecting acute under-nutrition), child wasting (share of children under aged five who are low weighed for their height, reflecting chronic under-nutrition) and child mortality (mortality rate of children under aged five, partly reflecting the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Based on the values of the four component indicators, the GHI defines hunger on a 100-point scale where 0 being the best possible score (nil hunger) and 100 being the worst. For the GHI report, data were accessed for 132 countries provided by various respective agencies under the United Nations. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to the report, 690 million people across the globe were being affected by starvation and 135 million people were suffering from malnutrition. At present, the average GHI is 18.2, which is relatively progressive as compared to 2000, but it needs much progress. More than 50 countries were still suffering from starvation. Over 140 million children have low height for their age as a result of malnutrition whereas 40.7 million children were suffering from malnutrition. In 2018, 5.3 million children died before the age of 5 as a result of malnutrition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Nepal however has done satisfactory work in the GHI. Out of 107 countries, Nepal is in the 73rd position. The country has climbed to 19.5 in the GHI in 2020, a big jump from 37.4 in 2000. Nepal has been ranked in the medium position of the GHI. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Covid-19 pandemic, conflict, poverty, inequality and climate change among others are blamed for countries suffering from starvation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12976', 'image' => '20210401110707_My Effect 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 11:04:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13229', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PM Oli giving ‘Undue Pressure’ to bring Populist Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is exerting pressure on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and other officials of finance Ministry to prepare a populist budget. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is exerting pressure on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and other officials of finance Ministry to prepare a populist budget. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Ministry of Finance is reeling under pressure following public statements given by the Prime Minister at public gatherings. Speaking at the anniversary programme of Reporters’ club, PM Oli said that elderly allowance will be increased from the next fiscal year. “Old-age allowance and social security allowance will be increased from July of the upcoming fiscal year. Most of the people may have objection regarding this which doesn’t affect me,” said Oli during the programme.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">In the last election, the Nepal Communist Party formed after the unification of then CPN UML and Maoist Centre had announced to increase old-age allowance to Rs 5,000. Former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Yuvaraj Khatiwada, who was then Minister for Finance, hadn’t increased the allowance in the current fiscal year pointing out to resources shortfall due to COVID-19. Currently, the elderly people get old age allowance of Rs 3,000 every month. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">On the other hand, Khatiwada’s successor Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has a political background so populist budget is his priority, informed a source close to him. One of the senior officials of Finance Ministry said Minister Poudel is also working to develop a populist budget in accordance to the announcements made by PM Oli. Prime Minister Oli and other parliamentarians are trying hard to have their favorable programmes included in the budget. Various groups visit MoF daily for this purpose and lobby with Finance Secretary or Minister for Finance. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">“Though such acts of pressurizing the Ministry have declined, there are still a good number of people visiting the Ministry to have their demands addressed in the budget,” said Yam Pandey, personal Secretary of the Finance Minister.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Instead of introducing programmes to uplift the economy affected by COVID-19, speculations are rife that these programmes will be sidelined since the PM is pressurizing Finance Ministry to bring populist budget. Shantaraj Subedi, former finance secretary, says that the government should prioritize programmes to uplift the economy in this time of crisis. Though politicians always desire for a populist budget it is not beneficial for the economy. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Referring to the private sector’s dissatisfaction over this year’s budget program, Subedi said government should introduce implementation-oriented programmes that support the private sector. “Popular programmess to get cheap popularity should not be included at this critical time,” says economist Keshav Acharya. He shared that negative economic growth and rise in COVID-19 cases have worried the private sector so the budget should introduce programmes to assure the security of private sector’s investment. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to Acharya, the budget should focus on existing infrastructure projects rather than adding new ones. A report of the National Planning Commission states that 120,000 additional people have been forced below the poverty line due to COVID-19. The budget should attempt to include these people in its programmes, says Acharya.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12975', 'image' => '20210401105341_20200305102040_oli.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 10:53:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13244', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NOC Hikes Price of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April 5).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April 5).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The price of petrol has been increased by Rs 2 per litre. With this, the price of petrol is fixed Rs 120 per litre. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Similarly, the NOC has increased price of diesel and kerosene oil each by Rs 2 per litre. As per the new price, diesel and kerosene oil would be traded for Rs 103 per litre. However, prices of LPG (cooking gas) and aviation fuel remain unchanged. The NOC made this price adjustment as per the price list sent by the Indian Oil Corporation on April 1. -- RSS</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-05', 'modified' => '2021-04-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12990', 'image' => '20210405025037_20210211120609_20190503125003_Petrol-Price-Increase.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-05 14:49:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13243', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PAC Directs Ministry to Collect Electricity Tariff from Industries', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 5: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to collect electricity tariff of dedicated feeders and trunk lines from defaulting industries within a month. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 5: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to collect electricity tariff of dedicated feeders and trunk lines from defaulting industries within a month. A meeting of the committee held on Sunday (April 4) directed the ministry to collect all the outstanding dues.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee issued such directive to the Ministry of Energy after discussing a report prepared by a sub-committee. The Ministry of Energy should now give necessary instructions to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect the amount. PAC had formed a sub-committee under the coordination of MP Minendra Rijal to study the electricity tariff dispute over dedicated feeders and trunk lines.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to the report, NEA has to collect Rs 10.14 billion from various industries. The committee has directed the government to collect the amount along with interest and compensation within a month. Chairman of the committee Bharat Kumar Shah said that he has instructed the concerned body to collect the amount within a month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee said that it is not acceptable for the industries to delay the payment of electricity tariff even after getting electricity service through trunk line and dedicated feeder during extreme load shedding.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">“If the general public does not pay the electricity tariff, the power is cut off immediately. Why not take action when the industrialists do not pay the tariff of billions?,”asked Shah, adding, “The outstanding dues will now be collected.” The government should not delay in collecting the dues along with the accrued interest. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">NEA had also decided to collect all the dues from the industrialists in January. However, the decision has not been implemented. NEA was preparing to collect the tariff in installments from the industrialists from next year. The Electricity Regulatory Commission has not yet taken a decision in this regard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">NEA had provided electricity to the industrialists through dedicated feeder and trunk line by fixing 65 percent higher tariff rate from July 2015 during load shedding in the country. However, at that time, NEA was not authorized to fix electricity tariff. After that, NEA had approved the tariff from the then Electricity Tariff Determination Commission on January 13, 2016. As a result, there is a dispute regarding the tariff from the time the tariff was set by NEA to the date approved by the commission.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Some industries have not used electricity during load shedding. However, the authority had been sending bills. Also, NEA had been sending bills to the industrialists even after the end of load shedding. Industrialists have not paid dues stating this has put them into trouble. As a result, the issue is still mired in controversy. Now, PAC has decided to collect the dues.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The sub-committee had prepared the study report last year. However, due to increasing risk of corona virus the report could not be submitted to the committee. The dissolution of the parliament further delayed the submission of the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee made the decision after the Supreme Court reinstated the parliament. It has also been mentioned that the Electricity Regulatory Commission should take timely action to update the electricity tariff to prevent such problems in the near future. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-05', 'modified' => '2021-04-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12989', 'image' => '20210405024504_20200807030044_1596750181.Clipboard01.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-05 14:44:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13242', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'FNCCI starts the First Friday Talk interaction Programme', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has started an interaction programme from April 2, 2021. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 4: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has started an interaction programme from April 2, 2021. The programme titled First Friday Talk aims to connect youths and entrepreneurs under its flagship program.<br /> The Start-Up and Innovation Committee of FNCCI invited Gagan Pradhan and his team for the first edition of the talk programme to share their ideas about establishing Himalayan Java and the success story behind the franchising business of the made-in-Nepal brand.<br /> A goal to establish a small coffee shop of international standard gave birth to Himalayan Java, Gagan Pradhan, co-founder of Himalayan Java, shared.<br /> “Himalayan Java has changed the way people consume the beverage. Our coffee station led to a rise in coffee culture in Nepal,” he added.<br /> Answering the queries of the attendees who were mostly start-up owners, Pradhan informed that besides the coffee and product of Himalayan Java, the core dedicated team has led to the growth and development of Himalayan Java as a successful franchise business in Nepal.<br /> Stating that the founders are more dedicated to the core principle of a company, Pradhan suggested that a company should focus more on forming a good team rather than hiring a business consultant for business promotion.<br /> Likewise, informing that Himalayan Java during the initial phase struggled to meet the operating expenses for almost 2 and a half years, he suggested that start-ups should not quit easily but study the reasons that have been affecting their business. <br /> Himalayan Java opened its first franchise outlet in Patan in 2017. The company currently aims to open a franchise outlet each month.<br /> Similarly, he informed that identifying and knowing the product is crucial for a company to perform well. Likewise, he suggested that start-ups should not hurry but rather move steadily with their plans.<br /> Currently, Himalayan Java has 32 outlets in Nepal and abroad and is preparing to open a state of art outlet in Durbarmarg.<br /> From its humble beginnings, Himalayan Java has grown into a ‘coffee institution’. Other than the fact that it only uses locally grown coffee, the organization is also involved in bringing in high-quality machines such as roasters, grinders, espresso machines, and commercial urns through Mocca Trading, an arm of the company that also exports Nepali coffee to other countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Pradhan, the outlet in Durbarmarg is the most expensive coffee store in Nepal, and the company is planning to register its design for trademark. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking about the mistakes made by Himalayan Java, Pradhan shared that the SOP of the franchise model was too big and investors didn't read it. Likewise, hiring a business consultant also didn't work out for the coffee franchise. Similarly, Pradhan and the team struggled to develop a proper settled warehouse system. Likewise, missing out on developing the data analysis system was one of the major mistakes.<br /> Addressing the welcome speech Ranjit Acharya, committee chair of Start-up and Innovation Committee of FNCCI, informed that the committee initiated the interaction program under its Knowledge series. The team will hold an interaction program with successful entrepreneurs on the first Friday of each month of the English calendar.<br /> The committee is opening an application for the 50 Start-up-50 Investors program on April 7 for connecting aspiring start-ups with investors. Start-ups operating for a year and more from various sectors are eligible to apply. Under the programme, FNCCI will select 50 start-ups and connect them with mentors and 50 investors. "The program is part of FNCCI to promote entrepreneurship in Nepal," Acharya informed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12988', 'image' => '20210404054449_IMG_20210402_160314.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 17:43:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13241', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Indifferent towards Resolving Conflict between Industries and Locals', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: The conflict between industries in Bara-Parsa corridor and locals is rising gradually over environment pollution caused by the industries. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 4: The conflict between industries in Bara-Parsa corridor and locals is rising gradually over environment pollution caused by the industries. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Two years back, two cement industries operating in Bara-Parsa corridor – Nepal Shalimar Cement and Unitek Cement – were padlocked by the locals with the backing of the mayor for alleged pollution caused by the industries. The padlocks were opened later after the industries reached an agreement with the locals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Before the padlocking of these two industries, production of Himalayan Food International was halted for two months. The locals had obstructed the production of this industry for contaminating the water of Sirsiya river by releasing unprocessed fluid. The industry resumed operation after agreeing to follow waste management measures.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Similarly, Jagadamba Steel located in Simara bazar has been padlocked time and again. The locals have been alleging the industry for deteriorating their health condition due to the pollution generated by the industry. The local administration has mediated a deal between the two parties but still the industry gets padlocked repeatedly for not complying with the agreement. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">These are some of the representative cases of increasing conflict between industries and the locals. Since the establishment of industries along Tribhuvan Highway for the last eight decades, the conflict between the two sides have been never-ending. Though Bara-Parsa corridor is popular as the largest industrial area of the country, it is not a pre-planned industrial area. Due to its proximity with Indian port, the expansion of the industries has taken place rapidly due to the ease in import of raw materials. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Along with the establishment of industries along the highway located 26 km away from Birgunj, human settlement has also been getting densely populated at the same rate. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">"The increase in population density due to the rise in the number of industries has led to conflict between the two parties over the issue of industrial pollution,” said SubodhKumar Gupta, president of Birgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “The government should take necessary steps to solve this issue,” he added. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industry Commerce and Consumer Welfare Committee of parliament had recently inspected about two dozen industries along the corridor. Pradip Yadav, member of parliament and member of the inspection team said almost all industries are yet to adopt pollution control measures. "Most of the industries have even shut down the plant set up to control pollution, industries should not be indifferent to public health to this extent," Yadav said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee had conducted field inspection of Sirsiya river that flows along the corridor. A study conducted by Parsa District Administration Office had found out that 46 industries were polluting the river with contaminated water. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industries have not complied with the conditions signed by them to control pollution while taking approval for the establishment of the industry. Industries that are producing vegetable ghee, soap, meat, clothes are directly disposing chemical wastes into the river which is hampering the environment and the productivity of the land which has led to the conflict between the locals and the industries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Birendra Kumar Sanghai, coordinator of Birgunj Chapter Confederation of Nepalese Industries, said as long as industries and human settlement exist in the same area, this issue will not be resolved permanently. The government should come up with long-term solution to this problem, said Sanghai..</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The government's inability to set criteria for expansion of industries and human settlement has intensified this problem, says Ashok Kumar Ved, former president of Birgun chapter FNCCI. Industrialists had demanded to recognize this area as industrial corridor which would have facilitated to address this problem. But the government couldn't take timely measures regarding this, he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">MP Yadav believes that it would be better for the industries and the locals if the government can arrange land and infrastructure for the relocation of industries. Since Postal highway is in the final stage of completion, the rural parts of Parsa can be declared as an industrial area, he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industries running along Bara-Parsa corridor need 1000 to 2000 bigha of land, said Hari Gautam, vice president of Birgunj chapter of FNCCI. Industries will shift if the new area will be arranged with necessary infrastructure like road, electricity, sewage system, water processing unit.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12987', 'image' => '20210404020159_20200907020811_1599429995.Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 14:01:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13240', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourist Arrival Increasing Gradually', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: Tourist arrival in Nepal has started to improve gradually. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 4: Tourist arrival in Nepal has started to improve gradually. Tourists have started visiting the country with the onset of the spring season and the government adopting new quarantine policy.<br /> In March, a total of 14,977 foreign tourists visited Nepal. Most of the visitors were from India, the USA, China, Britain, and Bangladesh.<br /> According to Nepal Tourism Board, more tourists have entered Nepal in March this year than last year. In the corresponding period of last fiscal year, tourist arrival was zero due to coronavirus and lockdown.<br /> During this time, most of the tourists come to Nepal for mountaineering and trekking. With the onset of the spring season, tourist arrival in March has been significant. A total of 1,790 tourists from 16 countries of Europe have come to Nepal. Among them, there are considerable number of tourists from Germany, France, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In total, 1,831 tourists arrived from Canada and the United States. Likewise, 1,570 tourists have visited Nepal from 8 countries of Asia, including China.<br /> According to NTB, 8,880 tourists have come to Nepal from SAARC countries. Of these, 7,658 tourists arrived from India and 568 from Bangladesh. The share of SAARC countries in the number of tourists is 55.95 percent.<br /> The Department of Tourism has issued climbing permits to 100 individuals from nine teams to climb Mt. Everest in the spring season. So far, 173 people from 20 teams have taken permission to climb seven mountain peaks.<br /> According to the department, apart from Everest, more permits have been issued for climbing Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nuptse.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Forty-four people of four different expedition teams have received climbing permits for Annapurna, 12 individuals from two teams for Dhaualagiri, and ten from two groups for climbing Nuptse.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12986', 'image' => '20210404125527_20200807075017_1596774556.Trekking pic.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 12:54:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13239', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' PM Oli lays Foundation Stone for 165 Road Projects ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday (April 3) laid the foundation stone for 165 road projects simultaneously amidst a special virtual programme held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday (April 3) laid the foundation stone for 165 road projects simultaneously amidst a special virtual programme held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The total cost of these projects is Rs 57.10 billion and they are expected to be completed within three years. There will be one project in each electoral constituency. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli urged the respective ministries, departments and bodies concerned not to delay in implementing the projects. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, so far the areas of black-topped and upgraded roads since he assumed his office covered 3,512 kilometers. Likewise, 628 bridges (suspension bridges) have been constructed. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister for Transport and Physical Infrastructure Basant Nembang informed that in the past three years 3,512 kilometers of six-lane roads were constructed. Similarly, construction of 3,300 kilometers of gravel road and opening of 1,686 kilometers of new tracks are underway. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The widening of the East-West Highway (four to six lanes) has kicked off, according to Minister Nembang. The Federal Government constructs 6.5 kilometers of road each day. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12985', 'image' => '20210404104134_20200412100619_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 10:40:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13238', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Malaysia, Kuwait yet to welcome new workers from Nepal ', 'sub_title' => 'Department of Foreign Employment has not issued any new work permit to Nepali workers bound to Malaysia and Kuwait in the current fiscal year due to lack of demands ', 'summary' => 'The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFe) has not issued any new permit to Malaysia and Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 due to a lack of demand for workers. ', 'content' => '<p><em><strong>Rebati Adhikari</strong></em><br /> April 3:<br /> The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFe) has not issued any new permit for wokers going to Malaysia and Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 due to a lack of demand from these two countries.<br /> Malaysia and Kuwait were top foreign employment destinations for Nepali migrant workers until last year.<br /> Chhatra Shah, Spokesperson of Foreign Employment Office at Tahachal under the DoFE, said there has not been any demand from these two countries because of Covid-19.<br /> Malaysia is allowing the re-entry of migrant of workers only in sectors which have been less affected by COVID.<br /> Malaysia had imposed a ban on arrivals of foreign workers following a surge in COVID-19 cases last year. Along with Malaysia, other Gulf countries Qatar, Kuwait and Dubai had also imposed restrictions on arrivals of foreign migrant worker due to the pandemic’s economic fallout.<br /> Following a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases in labor receiving countries, the DoFE had also stopped issuing permits from mid March in the last year. <br /> However, the DoFE in September last year started to issue permits to workers going to those countries deemed safe for travel due to a decline in Covid-19 cases. A total of 1,542 workers received the work permit in the month of Ashoj (between mid September and mid October) last year, up from 198 workers in the previous month Bhadra (between mid August and mid September). There has been a gradual increase in the number of new permits issued to workers seeking foreign employment as many destination countries reopen their labor markets amid a decline in Covid-19 cases and rollout of vaccines.<br /> But, Malaysia and Kuwait are yet to welcome new workers from Nepal in this fiscal year.<br /> “We have received reports that talks are about to be initiated from April to resume the flow of migrant workers in Kuwait. However, there is not any update or development regarding Malaysia taking in new migrant workers,” said Shah.<br /> The department has issued only re-new permits and individual regularized permits to Malaysia and Kuwait. According to the DoFE, it has provided five individual regularized permits to Malaysia while only one legalized permit has been issued to Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year.<br /> Malaysia and Kuwait has witnessed a decline in the number of foreign employment by 91.1% and 86.8% respectively in the last seven months of the fiscal year, according to the report published by Nepal Rastra Bank. 2,744 workers bound to Malaysia had received permits for legalization in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, down from a total of 30,925 workers who received both legalization and new permits in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year 2019/20.<br /> 1012 workers received permits for renewed entry to Kuwait in the current fiscal year compared to 7,677 workers who went to Kuwait in the same period of the last fiscal year.<br /> According to Nepal Migration Report, 2020 published by the Department of foreign Employment, Malaysia holds the third position in terms of share of Nepali workers. Along with Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait are top foreign destinations for Nepali migrants.</p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-03', 'modified' => '2021-04-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12984', 'image' => '20210403032054_Foreign Employment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-03 15:19:06', 'homepage' => true, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '35' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13237', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank to Finance Additional $75 Million for COVID-19 Vaccines to Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2 : The Government of Nepal and the World Bank have signed an agreement for additional financing of $75 million to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal’s prioritized populations. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 2 : </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The Government of Nepal and the World Bank have signed an agreement for additional financing of $75 million to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal’s prioritized populations. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> Issuing a statement, the World Bank said that Finance Secretary Sishir Kumar Dhungana and the World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations on Friday, April 2.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“The additional financing is an important and timely support to the government’s overall plans to vaccinate at least 72 percent of the Nepali population,”</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> the statement quoted Finance Secretary Dhungana as saying. “It supports the government’s health response to the pandemic, by supporting procurement of COVID-19 vaccines as well as strengthening health systems for their effective deployment as per the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the World Bank, the additional financing builds on the $29 million for the original Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project that was signed in April 2020. The project will be implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Population by the Department of Health Services and associated institutional bodies.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> About 90 percent of the additional financing will support the purchase, supply and distribution of safe and effective COVID</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Cambria Math"">‐</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">19 vaccines, the statement added. The rest of the financing will support existing public health measures to test, trace and treat the COVID-19 infection through a strengthened health system; community engagement and risk communication to improve the demand and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines; and project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and learning. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Equitable and fast access to effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines is vital to save lives and support a resilient recovery from the pandemic,”</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “The World Bank is committed to support the government’s pandemic response to protect lives, strengthen systems for public health preparedness, and stimulate economic recovery in Nepal.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12983', 'image' => '20210402035735_Signing-photo 2.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 15:56:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13236', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourist Arrival Jumps Up in March', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2: Tourist arrival via air to Nepal has jumped by 38.93 percent in March. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Tamish Giri</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 2: Tourist arrival via air to Nepal has jumped by 38.93 percent in March. <br /> According to the data released by the Department of Immigration on April 1, tourist arrival by air increased by 38.93 percent in March compared to February.<br /> In February, tourist arrival grew by 3.06 percent compared to the previous month.<br /> In total, 14977 foreigners landed in Nepal during March, while 9,146 foreigners had arrived in February and 8,874 in January.<br /> Out of the total visitors, 11002 were male, 3963 were female, while 12 were of the other sex.<br /> Country-wise, tourist arrival from India more than any other country. In total, 7658 Indian tourists landed at TIA in March, up from 3322 in February.<br /> Likewise, 1207 Chinese nationals arrived in Nepal during March. A total of 613 Chinese tourists had arrived in February. Similarly, 1703 American tourists landed on TIA in March, slightly higher than in February when 721 American tourists had arrived. <br /> According to the report, foreigners from 136 nations arrived in Nepal in March compared to tourists from 123 countries in February.<br /> Likewise, the number of Nepalis returning home has also increased in March. Altogether 56,293 Nepali nationals landed in Kathamndu in March, up from 46,471 a month ago.<br /> In the meantime, 49,005 Nepalis left for abroad in March, up from 44,152 in February.<br /> According to the data, eight refugees had landed in TIA in March.<br /> According to the report, 9,587 foreigners departed from TIA in March.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12982', 'image' => '20210402034327_20210324020010_20200930115831_1601420205.89.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 15:42:13', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13235', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'International Airliners can use Telecommunications Service in Nepali Sky', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2: International airline companies can now onwards use internet and telecommunications service in the Nepali sky. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 2: International airline companies can now onwards use internet and telecommunications service in the Nepali sky. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has granted permission for the use of internet and telecommunications service above 10,000 feet for international airline companies in the Nepali sky. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of the board of directors of the Telecommunications Authority on March 22 took a decision in this regard. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With this, Nepal has become the third country to grant such service to international airline companies in South Asia after India and Afghanistan. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Those airlines having got permission from the International Civil Aviation Organisation would be granted permission to avail internet and telecommunications service above 10,000 feet in the Nepali sky, said NTA’s spokesperson Santosh Poudel. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Granting permission to use internet service below 10,000 feet could result in disturbance in the service on the ground across the country, he said. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">To use the service, those willing to avail it should apply to the NTA. At present, three international airline companies have applied to the NTA for the service. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The NTA granted the service to the three international airlines companies after holding talks with the CAAN and bodies under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, added Poudel. – RSS</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12981', 'image' => '20210402114024_EHdVeZuVAAArjYS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 11:39:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13233', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NTB holds Interaction on Development of Eco-Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 31 held an interaction on the development of Sustainable Tourism and eco-tourism activities.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">April 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 31 held an interaction on the development of Sustainable Tourism and eco-tourism activities.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Speaking at the program organised on NTB premises at Exhibition Road, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTB Dr DhananjayRegmi pointed out the need for effective implementation of regulations related to protection and preservation of community forest. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Likewise, Regmi further expressed his commitment that NTB will take initiatives in developing eco-tourism activities and promoting it in the domestic as well as the international market.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">He further added that NTB will purchase and distribute eco-friendly products as souvenirs within and outside the country if produced by the local communities. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Similarly, Director of NTB Hikmat Singh Ayer informed that NTB will form a Sustainable Tourism Network at the provincial level.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Ayer added that a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between NTB and the Community Forest Research Centre under the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation to create a network for ecotourism development.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The program was attended by over 50 participants representing community forests of different parts of Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><strong> </strong></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12979', 'image' => '20210401055039_dolpa-iw-adventure.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 17:49:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13232', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'House Panel instructs Army to Scrap Fast Track Contract with Chinese Company', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Nepalese Army (NA) to scrap the second phase of contract awarding process for the construction of bridges and tunnels.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 1: The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Nepalese Army (NA) to scrap the second phase of contract awarding process for the construction of bridges and tunnels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">PAC took a decision to this effect following a discussion held on March 31, Wednesday. The house panel has initiated formal investigation over the contract awarding process on suspicion of possible irregularities in selection of contractors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Nepalese Army had selected Chinese Contractor Poly Chhangda Engineering Company Limited out of 21 companies. A total of 21 companies had submitted applications to build bridges and tunnelsunder the fast-track project. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Nepalese Army has been given full responsibility to construct the 76.5 Km long Fast Track which joins Kathmandu with the Terai. The NA has divided the construction of the project into three parts. It plans to construct 17 km on its own, recruit Nepali and international contractors for the construction of the remaining stretch of road section, tunnel and bridges. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Fast Track will have three tunnels covering 6.41 km and 71 small and big bridges with a total length of 10.59 km. The cost of the project has been estimated to be Rs 175 billion and the project is expected to be completed by 2024.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12978', 'image' => '20210401052924_20210317035230_Fast Track.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 17:28:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13231', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NAC to Lease Out Chinese Aircraft', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to lease out its grounded aircraft in a bid to reduce the financial burden of the national flag carrier of Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">April 1: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to lease out its grounded aircraft in a bid to reduce the financial burden of the national flag carrier of Nepal.</span></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">NAC is facing a financial burden due to its inability to operate and manage six Chinese aircraft.<br /> NAC owns six Chinese aircraft including two MA 60 and four Y-12E. The aircraft were bought for domestic flights. Nepal received one MA 60 and one Harbin Y-12E each as grant from the Chinese government. Similarly, Nepal's national flag carrier had purchased an additional MA 60 aircraft and three Harbin Y-12E aircraft from the Chinese aircraft manufacturer Avic International on concessional loan.<br /> NAC incurred heavy financial losses while operating the Chinese aircraft due to load penalties, insurance, short-supply of spare parts, expensive parts, expensive simulator training cost. Sulekh Mishra, deputy-spokesperson of NAC, informed that all the Chinese aircraft are grounded since July 30, 2020.<br /> Out of the six Chinese aircraft, only five are functional, and one needs maintenance.<br /> The Harbin Y 12 E aircraft with call sign 9N AKU crashed on the runway of Nepalgunj Airport on March 28, 2020. NAC is planning to lease out the remaining five aircraft.<br /> NAC had been operating the Chinese aircraft on domestic routes since 2016.<br /> Karishma Shrestha, spokesperson of NAC, informed that a ministerial-level decision on March 17, 2021, paved the way for the corporation to manage the Chinese aircraft.<br /> In line with the decision, NAC has decided to lease out the aircraft to domestic or foreign aircraft operators for the best interest of the Government of Nepal and the corporation, said Shrestha. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12977', 'image' => '20210401035949_20200731122540_1596146267.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 15:58:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13230', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World not on Track to Achieve Zero Hunger by 2030: GHI Report ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: The globe is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger within the deadline of 2030, according to the 2020 GHI (Global Hunger Index) report published on Wednesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 1: The globe is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger within the deadline of 2030, according to the 2020 GHI (Global Hunger Index) report published on Wednesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The GHI are based on the values of four component indicators, undernourishment (share of the population with insufficient caloric intake), child stunting (share of children under aged five who have low height for their age, reflecting acute under-nutrition), child wasting (share of children under aged five who are low weighed for their height, reflecting chronic under-nutrition) and child mortality (mortality rate of children under aged five, partly reflecting the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Based on the values of the four component indicators, the GHI defines hunger on a 100-point scale where 0 being the best possible score (nil hunger) and 100 being the worst. For the GHI report, data were accessed for 132 countries provided by various respective agencies under the United Nations. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to the report, 690 million people across the globe were being affected by starvation and 135 million people were suffering from malnutrition. At present, the average GHI is 18.2, which is relatively progressive as compared to 2000, but it needs much progress. More than 50 countries were still suffering from starvation. Over 140 million children have low height for their age as a result of malnutrition whereas 40.7 million children were suffering from malnutrition. In 2018, 5.3 million children died before the age of 5 as a result of malnutrition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Nepal however has done satisfactory work in the GHI. Out of 107 countries, Nepal is in the 73rd position. The country has climbed to 19.5 in the GHI in 2020, a big jump from 37.4 in 2000. Nepal has been ranked in the medium position of the GHI. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Covid-19 pandemic, conflict, poverty, inequality and climate change among others are blamed for countries suffering from starvation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12976', 'image' => '20210401110707_My Effect 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 11:04:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13229', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PM Oli giving ‘Undue Pressure’ to bring Populist Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is exerting pressure on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and other officials of finance Ministry to prepare a populist budget. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is exerting pressure on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and other officials of finance Ministry to prepare a populist budget. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Ministry of Finance is reeling under pressure following public statements given by the Prime Minister at public gatherings. Speaking at the anniversary programme of Reporters’ club, PM Oli said that elderly allowance will be increased from the next fiscal year. “Old-age allowance and social security allowance will be increased from July of the upcoming fiscal year. Most of the people may have objection regarding this which doesn’t affect me,” said Oli during the programme.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">In the last election, the Nepal Communist Party formed after the unification of then CPN UML and Maoist Centre had announced to increase old-age allowance to Rs 5,000. Former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Yuvaraj Khatiwada, who was then Minister for Finance, hadn’t increased the allowance in the current fiscal year pointing out to resources shortfall due to COVID-19. Currently, the elderly people get old age allowance of Rs 3,000 every month. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">On the other hand, Khatiwada’s successor Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has a political background so populist budget is his priority, informed a source close to him. One of the senior officials of Finance Ministry said Minister Poudel is also working to develop a populist budget in accordance to the announcements made by PM Oli. Prime Minister Oli and other parliamentarians are trying hard to have their favorable programmes included in the budget. Various groups visit MoF daily for this purpose and lobby with Finance Secretary or Minister for Finance. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">“Though such acts of pressurizing the Ministry have declined, there are still a good number of people visiting the Ministry to have their demands addressed in the budget,” said Yam Pandey, personal Secretary of the Finance Minister.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Instead of introducing programmes to uplift the economy affected by COVID-19, speculations are rife that these programmes will be sidelined since the PM is pressurizing Finance Ministry to bring populist budget. Shantaraj Subedi, former finance secretary, says that the government should prioritize programmes to uplift the economy in this time of crisis. Though politicians always desire for a populist budget it is not beneficial for the economy. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Referring to the private sector’s dissatisfaction over this year’s budget program, Subedi said government should introduce implementation-oriented programmes that support the private sector. “Popular programmess to get cheap popularity should not be included at this critical time,” says economist Keshav Acharya. He shared that negative economic growth and rise in COVID-19 cases have worried the private sector so the budget should introduce programmes to assure the security of private sector’s investment. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to Acharya, the budget should focus on existing infrastructure projects rather than adding new ones. A report of the National Planning Commission states that 120,000 additional people have been forced below the poverty line due to COVID-19. The budget should attempt to include these people in its programmes, says Acharya.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12975', 'image' => '20210401105341_20200305102040_oli.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 10:53:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13244', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NOC Hikes Price of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April 5).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 5: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has once again increased the price of petroleum products effective from Sunday midnight (April 5).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The price of petrol has been increased by Rs 2 per litre. With this, the price of petrol is fixed Rs 120 per litre. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Similarly, the NOC has increased price of diesel and kerosene oil each by Rs 2 per litre. As per the new price, diesel and kerosene oil would be traded for Rs 103 per litre. However, prices of LPG (cooking gas) and aviation fuel remain unchanged. The NOC made this price adjustment as per the price list sent by the Indian Oil Corporation on April 1. -- RSS</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-05', 'modified' => '2021-04-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12990', 'image' => '20210405025037_20210211120609_20190503125003_Petrol-Price-Increase.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-05 14:49:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13243', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PAC Directs Ministry to Collect Electricity Tariff from Industries', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 5: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to collect electricity tariff of dedicated feeders and trunk lines from defaulting industries within a month. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 5: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation to collect electricity tariff of dedicated feeders and trunk lines from defaulting industries within a month. A meeting of the committee held on Sunday (April 4) directed the ministry to collect all the outstanding dues.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee issued such directive to the Ministry of Energy after discussing a report prepared by a sub-committee. The Ministry of Energy should now give necessary instructions to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect the amount. PAC had formed a sub-committee under the coordination of MP Minendra Rijal to study the electricity tariff dispute over dedicated feeders and trunk lines.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to the report, NEA has to collect Rs 10.14 billion from various industries. The committee has directed the government to collect the amount along with interest and compensation within a month. Chairman of the committee Bharat Kumar Shah said that he has instructed the concerned body to collect the amount within a month.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee said that it is not acceptable for the industries to delay the payment of electricity tariff even after getting electricity service through trunk line and dedicated feeder during extreme load shedding.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">“If the general public does not pay the electricity tariff, the power is cut off immediately. Why not take action when the industrialists do not pay the tariff of billions?,”asked Shah, adding, “The outstanding dues will now be collected.” The government should not delay in collecting the dues along with the accrued interest. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">NEA had also decided to collect all the dues from the industrialists in January. However, the decision has not been implemented. NEA was preparing to collect the tariff in installments from the industrialists from next year. The Electricity Regulatory Commission has not yet taken a decision in this regard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">NEA had provided electricity to the industrialists through dedicated feeder and trunk line by fixing 65 percent higher tariff rate from July 2015 during load shedding in the country. However, at that time, NEA was not authorized to fix electricity tariff. After that, NEA had approved the tariff from the then Electricity Tariff Determination Commission on January 13, 2016. As a result, there is a dispute regarding the tariff from the time the tariff was set by NEA to the date approved by the commission.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Some industries have not used electricity during load shedding. However, the authority had been sending bills. Also, NEA had been sending bills to the industrialists even after the end of load shedding. Industrialists have not paid dues stating this has put them into trouble. As a result, the issue is still mired in controversy. Now, PAC has decided to collect the dues.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The sub-committee had prepared the study report last year. However, due to increasing risk of corona virus the report could not be submitted to the committee. The dissolution of the parliament further delayed the submission of the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee made the decision after the Supreme Court reinstated the parliament. It has also been mentioned that the Electricity Regulatory Commission should take timely action to update the electricity tariff to prevent such problems in the near future. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-05', 'modified' => '2021-04-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12989', 'image' => '20210405024504_20200807030044_1596750181.Clipboard01.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-05 14:44:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13242', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'FNCCI starts the First Friday Talk interaction Programme', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has started an interaction programme from April 2, 2021. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 4: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has started an interaction programme from April 2, 2021. The programme titled First Friday Talk aims to connect youths and entrepreneurs under its flagship program.<br /> The Start-Up and Innovation Committee of FNCCI invited Gagan Pradhan and his team for the first edition of the talk programme to share their ideas about establishing Himalayan Java and the success story behind the franchising business of the made-in-Nepal brand.<br /> A goal to establish a small coffee shop of international standard gave birth to Himalayan Java, Gagan Pradhan, co-founder of Himalayan Java, shared.<br /> “Himalayan Java has changed the way people consume the beverage. Our coffee station led to a rise in coffee culture in Nepal,” he added.<br /> Answering the queries of the attendees who were mostly start-up owners, Pradhan informed that besides the coffee and product of Himalayan Java, the core dedicated team has led to the growth and development of Himalayan Java as a successful franchise business in Nepal.<br /> Stating that the founders are more dedicated to the core principle of a company, Pradhan suggested that a company should focus more on forming a good team rather than hiring a business consultant for business promotion.<br /> Likewise, informing that Himalayan Java during the initial phase struggled to meet the operating expenses for almost 2 and a half years, he suggested that start-ups should not quit easily but study the reasons that have been affecting their business. <br /> Himalayan Java opened its first franchise outlet in Patan in 2017. The company currently aims to open a franchise outlet each month.<br /> Similarly, he informed that identifying and knowing the product is crucial for a company to perform well. Likewise, he suggested that start-ups should not hurry but rather move steadily with their plans.<br /> Currently, Himalayan Java has 32 outlets in Nepal and abroad and is preparing to open a state of art outlet in Durbarmarg.<br /> From its humble beginnings, Himalayan Java has grown into a ‘coffee institution’. Other than the fact that it only uses locally grown coffee, the organization is also involved in bringing in high-quality machines such as roasters, grinders, espresso machines, and commercial urns through Mocca Trading, an arm of the company that also exports Nepali coffee to other countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Pradhan, the outlet in Durbarmarg is the most expensive coffee store in Nepal, and the company is planning to register its design for trademark. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking about the mistakes made by Himalayan Java, Pradhan shared that the SOP of the franchise model was too big and investors didn't read it. Likewise, hiring a business consultant also didn't work out for the coffee franchise. Similarly, Pradhan and the team struggled to develop a proper settled warehouse system. Likewise, missing out on developing the data analysis system was one of the major mistakes.<br /> Addressing the welcome speech Ranjit Acharya, committee chair of Start-up and Innovation Committee of FNCCI, informed that the committee initiated the interaction program under its Knowledge series. The team will hold an interaction program with successful entrepreneurs on the first Friday of each month of the English calendar.<br /> The committee is opening an application for the 50 Start-up-50 Investors program on April 7 for connecting aspiring start-ups with investors. Start-ups operating for a year and more from various sectors are eligible to apply. Under the programme, FNCCI will select 50 start-ups and connect them with mentors and 50 investors. "The program is part of FNCCI to promote entrepreneurship in Nepal," Acharya informed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12988', 'image' => '20210404054449_IMG_20210402_160314.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 17:43:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13241', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Indifferent towards Resolving Conflict between Industries and Locals', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: The conflict between industries in Bara-Parsa corridor and locals is rising gradually over environment pollution caused by the industries. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 4: The conflict between industries in Bara-Parsa corridor and locals is rising gradually over environment pollution caused by the industries. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Two years back, two cement industries operating in Bara-Parsa corridor – Nepal Shalimar Cement and Unitek Cement – were padlocked by the locals with the backing of the mayor for alleged pollution caused by the industries. The padlocks were opened later after the industries reached an agreement with the locals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Before the padlocking of these two industries, production of Himalayan Food International was halted for two months. The locals had obstructed the production of this industry for contaminating the water of Sirsiya river by releasing unprocessed fluid. The industry resumed operation after agreeing to follow waste management measures.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Similarly, Jagadamba Steel located in Simara bazar has been padlocked time and again. The locals have been alleging the industry for deteriorating their health condition due to the pollution generated by the industry. The local administration has mediated a deal between the two parties but still the industry gets padlocked repeatedly for not complying with the agreement. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">These are some of the representative cases of increasing conflict between industries and the locals. Since the establishment of industries along Tribhuvan Highway for the last eight decades, the conflict between the two sides have been never-ending. Though Bara-Parsa corridor is popular as the largest industrial area of the country, it is not a pre-planned industrial area. Due to its proximity with Indian port, the expansion of the industries has taken place rapidly due to the ease in import of raw materials. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Along with the establishment of industries along the highway located 26 km away from Birgunj, human settlement has also been getting densely populated at the same rate. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">"The increase in population density due to the rise in the number of industries has led to conflict between the two parties over the issue of industrial pollution,” said SubodhKumar Gupta, president of Birgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “The government should take necessary steps to solve this issue,” he added. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industry Commerce and Consumer Welfare Committee of parliament had recently inspected about two dozen industries along the corridor. Pradip Yadav, member of parliament and member of the inspection team said almost all industries are yet to adopt pollution control measures. "Most of the industries have even shut down the plant set up to control pollution, industries should not be indifferent to public health to this extent," Yadav said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The committee had conducted field inspection of Sirsiya river that flows along the corridor. A study conducted by Parsa District Administration Office had found out that 46 industries were polluting the river with contaminated water. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industries have not complied with the conditions signed by them to control pollution while taking approval for the establishment of the industry. Industries that are producing vegetable ghee, soap, meat, clothes are directly disposing chemical wastes into the river which is hampering the environment and the productivity of the land which has led to the conflict between the locals and the industries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Birendra Kumar Sanghai, coordinator of Birgunj Chapter Confederation of Nepalese Industries, said as long as industries and human settlement exist in the same area, this issue will not be resolved permanently. The government should come up with long-term solution to this problem, said Sanghai..</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The government's inability to set criteria for expansion of industries and human settlement has intensified this problem, says Ashok Kumar Ved, former president of Birgun chapter FNCCI. Industrialists had demanded to recognize this area as industrial corridor which would have facilitated to address this problem. But the government couldn't take timely measures regarding this, he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">MP Yadav believes that it would be better for the industries and the locals if the government can arrange land and infrastructure for the relocation of industries. Since Postal highway is in the final stage of completion, the rural parts of Parsa can be declared as an industrial area, he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Industries running along Bara-Parsa corridor need 1000 to 2000 bigha of land, said Hari Gautam, vice president of Birgunj chapter of FNCCI. Industries will shift if the new area will be arranged with necessary infrastructure like road, electricity, sewage system, water processing unit.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12987', 'image' => '20210404020159_20200907020811_1599429995.Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 14:01:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13240', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourist Arrival Increasing Gradually', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: Tourist arrival in Nepal has started to improve gradually. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 4: Tourist arrival in Nepal has started to improve gradually. Tourists have started visiting the country with the onset of the spring season and the government adopting new quarantine policy.<br /> In March, a total of 14,977 foreign tourists visited Nepal. Most of the visitors were from India, the USA, China, Britain, and Bangladesh.<br /> According to Nepal Tourism Board, more tourists have entered Nepal in March this year than last year. In the corresponding period of last fiscal year, tourist arrival was zero due to coronavirus and lockdown.<br /> During this time, most of the tourists come to Nepal for mountaineering and trekking. With the onset of the spring season, tourist arrival in March has been significant. A total of 1,790 tourists from 16 countries of Europe have come to Nepal. Among them, there are considerable number of tourists from Germany, France, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In total, 1,831 tourists arrived from Canada and the United States. Likewise, 1,570 tourists have visited Nepal from 8 countries of Asia, including China.<br /> According to NTB, 8,880 tourists have come to Nepal from SAARC countries. Of these, 7,658 tourists arrived from India and 568 from Bangladesh. The share of SAARC countries in the number of tourists is 55.95 percent.<br /> The Department of Tourism has issued climbing permits to 100 individuals from nine teams to climb Mt. Everest in the spring season. So far, 173 people from 20 teams have taken permission to climb seven mountain peaks.<br /> According to the department, apart from Everest, more permits have been issued for climbing Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nuptse.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Forty-four people of four different expedition teams have received climbing permits for Annapurna, 12 individuals from two teams for Dhaualagiri, and ten from two groups for climbing Nuptse.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12986', 'image' => '20210404125527_20200807075017_1596774556.Trekking pic.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 12:54:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13239', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' PM Oli lays Foundation Stone for 165 Road Projects ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday (April 3) laid the foundation stone for 165 road projects simultaneously amidst a special virtual programme held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 4: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday (April 3) laid the foundation stone for 165 road projects simultaneously amidst a special virtual programme held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The total cost of these projects is Rs 57.10 billion and they are expected to be completed within three years. There will be one project in each electoral constituency. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli urged the respective ministries, departments and bodies concerned not to delay in implementing the projects. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, so far the areas of black-topped and upgraded roads since he assumed his office covered 3,512 kilometers. Likewise, 628 bridges (suspension bridges) have been constructed. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister for Transport and Physical Infrastructure Basant Nembang informed that in the past three years 3,512 kilometers of six-lane roads were constructed. Similarly, construction of 3,300 kilometers of gravel road and opening of 1,686 kilometers of new tracks are underway. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The widening of the East-West Highway (four to six lanes) has kicked off, according to Minister Nembang. The Federal Government constructs 6.5 kilometers of road each day. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-04', 'modified' => '2021-04-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12985', 'image' => '20210404104134_20200412100619_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-04 10:40:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13238', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Malaysia, Kuwait yet to welcome new workers from Nepal ', 'sub_title' => 'Department of Foreign Employment has not issued any new work permit to Nepali workers bound to Malaysia and Kuwait in the current fiscal year due to lack of demands ', 'summary' => 'The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFe) has not issued any new permit to Malaysia and Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 due to a lack of demand for workers. ', 'content' => '<p><em><strong>Rebati Adhikari</strong></em><br /> April 3:<br /> The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFe) has not issued any new permit for wokers going to Malaysia and Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 due to a lack of demand from these two countries.<br /> Malaysia and Kuwait were top foreign employment destinations for Nepali migrant workers until last year.<br /> Chhatra Shah, Spokesperson of Foreign Employment Office at Tahachal under the DoFE, said there has not been any demand from these two countries because of Covid-19.<br /> Malaysia is allowing the re-entry of migrant of workers only in sectors which have been less affected by COVID.<br /> Malaysia had imposed a ban on arrivals of foreign workers following a surge in COVID-19 cases last year. Along with Malaysia, other Gulf countries Qatar, Kuwait and Dubai had also imposed restrictions on arrivals of foreign migrant worker due to the pandemic’s economic fallout.<br /> Following a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases in labor receiving countries, the DoFE had also stopped issuing permits from mid March in the last year. <br /> However, the DoFE in September last year started to issue permits to workers going to those countries deemed safe for travel due to a decline in Covid-19 cases. A total of 1,542 workers received the work permit in the month of Ashoj (between mid September and mid October) last year, up from 198 workers in the previous month Bhadra (between mid August and mid September). There has been a gradual increase in the number of new permits issued to workers seeking foreign employment as many destination countries reopen their labor markets amid a decline in Covid-19 cases and rollout of vaccines.<br /> But, Malaysia and Kuwait are yet to welcome new workers from Nepal in this fiscal year.<br /> “We have received reports that talks are about to be initiated from April to resume the flow of migrant workers in Kuwait. However, there is not any update or development regarding Malaysia taking in new migrant workers,” said Shah.<br /> The department has issued only re-new permits and individual regularized permits to Malaysia and Kuwait. According to the DoFE, it has provided five individual regularized permits to Malaysia while only one legalized permit has been issued to Kuwait in the last eight months of the current fiscal year.<br /> Malaysia and Kuwait has witnessed a decline in the number of foreign employment by 91.1% and 86.8% respectively in the last seven months of the fiscal year, according to the report published by Nepal Rastra Bank. 2,744 workers bound to Malaysia had received permits for legalization in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, down from a total of 30,925 workers who received both legalization and new permits in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year 2019/20.<br /> 1012 workers received permits for renewed entry to Kuwait in the current fiscal year compared to 7,677 workers who went to Kuwait in the same period of the last fiscal year.<br /> According to Nepal Migration Report, 2020 published by the Department of foreign Employment, Malaysia holds the third position in terms of share of Nepali workers. Along with Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait are top foreign destinations for Nepali migrants.</p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-03', 'modified' => '2021-04-03', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12984', 'image' => '20210403032054_Foreign Employment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-03 15:19:06', 'homepage' => true, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '35' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13237', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank to Finance Additional $75 Million for COVID-19 Vaccines to Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2 : The Government of Nepal and the World Bank have signed an agreement for additional financing of $75 million to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal’s prioritized populations. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 2 : </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The Government of Nepal and the World Bank have signed an agreement for additional financing of $75 million to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal’s prioritized populations. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> Issuing a statement, the World Bank said that Finance Secretary Sishir Kumar Dhungana and the World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations on Friday, April 2.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“The additional financing is an important and timely support to the government’s overall plans to vaccinate at least 72 percent of the Nepali population,”</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> the statement quoted Finance Secretary Dhungana as saying. “It supports the government’s health response to the pandemic, by supporting procurement of COVID-19 vaccines as well as strengthening health systems for their effective deployment as per the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the World Bank, the additional financing builds on the $29 million for the original Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project that was signed in April 2020. The project will be implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Population by the Department of Health Services and associated institutional bodies.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> About 90 percent of the additional financing will support the purchase, supply and distribution of safe and effective COVID</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Cambria Math"">‐</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">19 vaccines, the statement added. The rest of the financing will support existing public health measures to test, trace and treat the COVID-19 infection through a strengthened health system; community engagement and risk communication to improve the demand and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines; and project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and learning. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Equitable and fast access to effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines is vital to save lives and support a resilient recovery from the pandemic,”</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times"> stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “The World Bank is committed to support the government’s pandemic response to protect lives, strengthen systems for public health preparedness, and stimulate economic recovery in Nepal.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12983', 'image' => '20210402035735_Signing-photo 2.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 15:56:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13236', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourist Arrival Jumps Up in March', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2: Tourist arrival via air to Nepal has jumped by 38.93 percent in March. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Tamish Giri</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 2: Tourist arrival via air to Nepal has jumped by 38.93 percent in March. <br /> According to the data released by the Department of Immigration on April 1, tourist arrival by air increased by 38.93 percent in March compared to February.<br /> In February, tourist arrival grew by 3.06 percent compared to the previous month.<br /> In total, 14977 foreigners landed in Nepal during March, while 9,146 foreigners had arrived in February and 8,874 in January.<br /> Out of the total visitors, 11002 were male, 3963 were female, while 12 were of the other sex.<br /> Country-wise, tourist arrival from India more than any other country. In total, 7658 Indian tourists landed at TIA in March, up from 3322 in February.<br /> Likewise, 1207 Chinese nationals arrived in Nepal during March. A total of 613 Chinese tourists had arrived in February. Similarly, 1703 American tourists landed on TIA in March, slightly higher than in February when 721 American tourists had arrived. <br /> According to the report, foreigners from 136 nations arrived in Nepal in March compared to tourists from 123 countries in February.<br /> Likewise, the number of Nepalis returning home has also increased in March. Altogether 56,293 Nepali nationals landed in Kathamndu in March, up from 46,471 a month ago.<br /> In the meantime, 49,005 Nepalis left for abroad in March, up from 44,152 in February.<br /> According to the data, eight refugees had landed in TIA in March.<br /> According to the report, 9,587 foreigners departed from TIA in March.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12982', 'image' => '20210402034327_20210324020010_20200930115831_1601420205.89.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 15:42:13', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13235', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'International Airliners can use Telecommunications Service in Nepali Sky', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 2: International airline companies can now onwards use internet and telecommunications service in the Nepali sky. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 2: International airline companies can now onwards use internet and telecommunications service in the Nepali sky. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has granted permission for the use of internet and telecommunications service above 10,000 feet for international airline companies in the Nepali sky. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of the board of directors of the Telecommunications Authority on March 22 took a decision in this regard. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With this, Nepal has become the third country to grant such service to international airline companies in South Asia after India and Afghanistan. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Those airlines having got permission from the International Civil Aviation Organisation would be granted permission to avail internet and telecommunications service above 10,000 feet in the Nepali sky, said NTA’s spokesperson Santosh Poudel. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Granting permission to use internet service below 10,000 feet could result in disturbance in the service on the ground across the country, he said. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">To use the service, those willing to avail it should apply to the NTA. At present, three international airline companies have applied to the NTA for the service. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The NTA granted the service to the three international airlines companies after holding talks with the CAAN and bodies under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, added Poudel. – RSS</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-02', 'modified' => '2021-04-02', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12981', 'image' => '20210402114024_EHdVeZuVAAArjYS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-02 11:39:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13233', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NTB holds Interaction on Development of Eco-Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 31 held an interaction on the development of Sustainable Tourism and eco-tourism activities.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">April 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 31 held an interaction on the development of Sustainable Tourism and eco-tourism activities.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Speaking at the program organised on NTB premises at Exhibition Road, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTB Dr DhananjayRegmi pointed out the need for effective implementation of regulations related to protection and preservation of community forest. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Likewise, Regmi further expressed his commitment that NTB will take initiatives in developing eco-tourism activities and promoting it in the domestic as well as the international market.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">He further added that NTB will purchase and distribute eco-friendly products as souvenirs within and outside the country if produced by the local communities. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Similarly, Director of NTB Hikmat Singh Ayer informed that NTB will form a Sustainable Tourism Network at the provincial level.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Ayer added that a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between NTB and the Community Forest Research Centre under the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation to create a network for ecotourism development.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The program was attended by over 50 participants representing community forests of different parts of Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><strong> </strong></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12979', 'image' => '20210401055039_dolpa-iw-adventure.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 17:49:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13232', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'House Panel instructs Army to Scrap Fast Track Contract with Chinese Company', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Nepalese Army (NA) to scrap the second phase of contract awarding process for the construction of bridges and tunnels.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 1: The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Nepalese Army (NA) to scrap the second phase of contract awarding process for the construction of bridges and tunnels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">PAC took a decision to this effect following a discussion held on March 31, Wednesday. The house panel has initiated formal investigation over the contract awarding process on suspicion of possible irregularities in selection of contractors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Nepalese Army had selected Chinese Contractor Poly Chhangda Engineering Company Limited out of 21 companies. A total of 21 companies had submitted applications to build bridges and tunnelsunder the fast-track project. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Nepalese Army has been given full responsibility to construct the 76.5 Km long Fast Track which joins Kathmandu with the Terai. The NA has divided the construction of the project into three parts. It plans to construct 17 km on its own, recruit Nepali and international contractors for the construction of the remaining stretch of road section, tunnel and bridges. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Fast Track will have three tunnels covering 6.41 km and 71 small and big bridges with a total length of 10.59 km. The cost of the project has been estimated to be Rs 175 billion and the project is expected to be completed by 2024.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12978', 'image' => '20210401052924_20210317035230_Fast Track.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 17:28:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13231', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NAC to Lease Out Chinese Aircraft', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to lease out its grounded aircraft in a bid to reduce the financial burden of the national flag carrier of Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">April 1: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has decided to lease out its grounded aircraft in a bid to reduce the financial burden of the national flag carrier of Nepal.</span></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">NAC is facing a financial burden due to its inability to operate and manage six Chinese aircraft.<br /> NAC owns six Chinese aircraft including two MA 60 and four Y-12E. The aircraft were bought for domestic flights. Nepal received one MA 60 and one Harbin Y-12E each as grant from the Chinese government. Similarly, Nepal's national flag carrier had purchased an additional MA 60 aircraft and three Harbin Y-12E aircraft from the Chinese aircraft manufacturer Avic International on concessional loan.<br /> NAC incurred heavy financial losses while operating the Chinese aircraft due to load penalties, insurance, short-supply of spare parts, expensive parts, expensive simulator training cost. Sulekh Mishra, deputy-spokesperson of NAC, informed that all the Chinese aircraft are grounded since July 30, 2020.<br /> Out of the six Chinese aircraft, only five are functional, and one needs maintenance.<br /> The Harbin Y 12 E aircraft with call sign 9N AKU crashed on the runway of Nepalgunj Airport on March 28, 2020. NAC is planning to lease out the remaining five aircraft.<br /> NAC had been operating the Chinese aircraft on domestic routes since 2016.<br /> Karishma Shrestha, spokesperson of NAC, informed that a ministerial-level decision on March 17, 2021, paved the way for the corporation to manage the Chinese aircraft.<br /> In line with the decision, NAC has decided to lease out the aircraft to domestic or foreign aircraft operators for the best interest of the Government of Nepal and the corporation, said Shrestha. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12977', 'image' => '20210401035949_20200731122540_1596146267.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 15:58:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13230', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World not on Track to Achieve Zero Hunger by 2030: GHI Report ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: The globe is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger within the deadline of 2030, according to the 2020 GHI (Global Hunger Index) report published on Wednesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 1: The globe is not on track to achieve Zero Hunger within the deadline of 2030, according to the 2020 GHI (Global Hunger Index) report published on Wednesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The GHI are based on the values of four component indicators, undernourishment (share of the population with insufficient caloric intake), child stunting (share of children under aged five who have low height for their age, reflecting acute under-nutrition), child wasting (share of children under aged five who are low weighed for their height, reflecting chronic under-nutrition) and child mortality (mortality rate of children under aged five, partly reflecting the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Based on the values of the four component indicators, the GHI defines hunger on a 100-point scale where 0 being the best possible score (nil hunger) and 100 being the worst. For the GHI report, data were accessed for 132 countries provided by various respective agencies under the United Nations. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to the report, 690 million people across the globe were being affected by starvation and 135 million people were suffering from malnutrition. At present, the average GHI is 18.2, which is relatively progressive as compared to 2000, but it needs much progress. More than 50 countries were still suffering from starvation. Over 140 million children have low height for their age as a result of malnutrition whereas 40.7 million children were suffering from malnutrition. In 2018, 5.3 million children died before the age of 5 as a result of malnutrition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Nepal however has done satisfactory work in the GHI. Out of 107 countries, Nepal is in the 73rd position. The country has climbed to 19.5 in the GHI in 2020, a big jump from 37.4 in 2000. Nepal has been ranked in the medium position of the GHI. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Covid-19 pandemic, conflict, poverty, inequality and climate change among others are blamed for countries suffering from starvation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12976', 'image' => '20210401110707_My Effect 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 11:04:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13229', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PM Oli giving ‘Undue Pressure’ to bring Populist Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is exerting pressure on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and other officials of finance Ministry to prepare a populist budget. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is exerting pressure on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel and other officials of finance Ministry to prepare a populist budget. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Ministry of Finance is reeling under pressure following public statements given by the Prime Minister at public gatherings. Speaking at the anniversary programme of Reporters’ club, PM Oli said that elderly allowance will be increased from the next fiscal year. “Old-age allowance and social security allowance will be increased from July of the upcoming fiscal year. Most of the people may have objection regarding this which doesn’t affect me,” said Oli during the programme.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">In the last election, the Nepal Communist Party formed after the unification of then CPN UML and Maoist Centre had announced to increase old-age allowance to Rs 5,000. Former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Yuvaraj Khatiwada, who was then Minister for Finance, hadn’t increased the allowance in the current fiscal year pointing out to resources shortfall due to COVID-19. Currently, the elderly people get old age allowance of Rs 3,000 every month. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">On the other hand, Khatiwada’s successor Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has a political background so populist budget is his priority, informed a source close to him. One of the senior officials of Finance Ministry said Minister Poudel is also working to develop a populist budget in accordance to the announcements made by PM Oli. Prime Minister Oli and other parliamentarians are trying hard to have their favorable programmes included in the budget. Various groups visit MoF daily for this purpose and lobby with Finance Secretary or Minister for Finance. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">“Though such acts of pressurizing the Ministry have declined, there are still a good number of people visiting the Ministry to have their demands addressed in the budget,” said Yam Pandey, personal Secretary of the Finance Minister.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Instead of introducing programmes to uplift the economy affected by COVID-19, speculations are rife that these programmes will be sidelined since the PM is pressurizing Finance Ministry to bring populist budget. Shantaraj Subedi, former finance secretary, says that the government should prioritize programmes to uplift the economy in this time of crisis. Though politicians always desire for a populist budget it is not beneficial for the economy. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Referring to the private sector’s dissatisfaction over this year’s budget program, Subedi said government should introduce implementation-oriented programmes that support the private sector. “Popular programmess to get cheap popularity should not be included at this critical time,” says economist Keshav Acharya. He shared that negative economic growth and rise in COVID-19 cases have worried the private sector so the budget should introduce programmes to assure the security of private sector’s investment. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to Acharya, the budget should focus on existing infrastructure projects rather than adding new ones. A report of the National Planning Commission states that 120,000 additional people have been forced below the poverty line due to COVID-19. The budget should attempt to include these people in its programmes, says Acharya.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-01', 'modified' => '2021-04-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12975', 'image' => '20210401105341_20200305102040_oli.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-01 10:53:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
