May 13: Government authorities confirmed 83 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday. With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country.…
May 13: Government authorities confirmed 83 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday. With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country.…
May 13: Activities in the industrial and commercial centers have started to increase after the government announced to allow some industries and businesses to operate amid…
May 12: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwa has said that the country’s economy will be revitalized amid the lockdown in effect since March 24 to protect the lives of people from COVID-19.…
May 12: Agriculture seems to be the most lucrative business in Nepal, according to the National Economic Census…
May 12: With the issue of payment of workers taking centre stage, stakeholders have decided to form a task force to seek a solution to the…
May 9: Kumari Bank is in the process to acquire Deva Bikas Bank.…
May 11: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada on Sunday (May 10) presented the proposal seeking deliberation on the principles and priorities (except tax proposal) of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of House of Representatives (HoR).…
May 11: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted storm coupled with rainfall with the weather remaining mostly cloudy in most of the places across the country till Tuesday.…
May 8: Banks are facing dilemma over implementation of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to lower the interest rate on loan for the affected businesses by 2 percentage…
May 8: The government has decided to allow 44 different categories of enterprises to resume operation from Friday, May 8.…
May 8: The budget session of the federal parliament will start at 4:00 pm Friday (May 8) at the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu.…
May 8: Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Kapilbastu district on Thursday (May…
May 7: With the extension of lockdown, banks and financial institutions (BFIs) are encouraging customers to open savings and deposit accounts through online…
May 7: The government has extended the lockdown till May 18 but has eased the restrictions to some extent, allowing operation of some industries producing basic needs under certain terms and conditions.…
May 8: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has initiated a study on the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's…
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With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">May 13: Government authorities confirmed 83 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday. With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">During a regular press briefing, the Ministry of Health and Population confirmed 57 new cases following lab tests in the capital. The ministry later issued a late night statement adding 26 more cases. It is the highest confirmed cases in a single day ever since the first case was reported in the capital in January. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">Among the new cases, 57 were confirmed in Parsa, 9 in Rupandehi, 8 in Kapilbastu, 2 in Mahottari, 2 in Dhanusha, 2 in Bhaktapur, 1 in Sarlahi, Kathmandu and Bara. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The ministry informed that the health condition of all the patients is normal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The health ministry informed that they have so far tested 18,964 samples through PCR method and 59,627 through RDT method.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The first case of COVID-19 was reported on January 23 in a Nepali student who returned from China’s Wuhan, where the disease is believed to have originated. Till date, 33 people have recovered from coronavirus in Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/aaaa96798%202.jpg" style="height:1024px; width:758px" /></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-13', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11797', 'image' => '20200513092604_Research1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-13 09:16:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12047', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Customs Offices seek Electronic Means to Check Import and Export', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 13: Activities in the industrial and commercial centers have started to increase after the government announced to allow some industries and businesses to operate amid lockdown.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 13: Activities in the industrial and commercial centers have started to increase after the government announced to allow some industries and businesses to operate amid lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">At the meantime, the government has restricted all movements other than shipments of goods through the border until May 31 to prevent the coronavirus outbreak from spreading.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, the concerned bodies are indifferent towards the risk of infection among the employees working at the checkpoints to facilitate import and export and the service seekers.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">In such situation, Birgunj Customs Office had requested the Customs Department to make arrangements for the inspection of imported goods through electronic means to reduce the direct contact between the employees and the service seekers.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">It has been two weeks since the customs office wrote the letter requesting arrangements for the check pass through online system but it has not received any response. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Both the Birgunj Dry Port and Biratnagar Customs had urged the department to make such arrangements.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The customs department has not yet taken any decision on the request from its subordinate offices. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, Article 89 (D) of the Customs Act 2064 has a provision that the documents forwarded electronically through an authorised ID is considered as signed by the customs official even if it does not bear the signature.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The customs offices have suggested the department to implement this legal provision to reduce the direct contact between the staffers and the service seekers at the checkpoints to stop the contagion. </span></span></h1> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-13', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11796', 'image' => '20200513095138_1589204903.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-13 09:51:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12044', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy will be Revitalized Amid Lockdown: Minister Khatiwada ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwa has said that the country’s economy will be revitalized amid the lockdown in effect since March 24 to protect the lives of people from COVID-19. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 12: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwa has said that the country’s economy will be revitalized amid the lockdown in effect since March 24 to protect the lives of people from COVID-19. In the pre-budget discussion in Monday’s meeting of National Assembly, Minister Khatiwada said that the government was moving towards the direction to forward the economic activities to save lives of people. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20200306122644_0180724052602_IMG_0298%202.jpg" style="height:480px; width:598px" /><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Responding to the queries of the parliamentarians, Minister Khatiwada said that the new budget will help bolster coordination among the three-tier governments since the federal government acknowledged that more authority should be given to the local units. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Stating that the local units had actively performed in prevention and control of COVID-19 and treat the infected ones thereby proving the importance of federalism, Khatiwada assured that the government would take into account the parliamentarians’ suggestions to prioritize agriculture sector and health sector while formulating the budget. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, all the recommendations given by the parliamentarians would be taken as guidance while formulating the budget. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Furthermore, the finance minister assured that no Nepali citizen abroad would be left stranded and any possible support would be extended to them through diplomatic channel but when it comes to opening the borders with our immediate neighbours it could spell disaster in terms of infection and its spread. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The NA shall next meeting on May 13, Wednesday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11794', 'image' => '20200512093643_20190605083713_Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:33:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12042', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agriculture is the Most Profitable Business in Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: Agriculture seems to be the most lucrative business in Nepal, according to the National Economic Census 2018.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 12: Agriculture seems to be the most lucrative business in Nepal, according to the National Economic Census 2018.</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> However, the agriculture sector has not been able to commercialize in Nepal due to the traditional mindset of the people that this sector is not profitable. But the report of the National Economic Census 2018 dismisses such notion with the new finding that agriculture is the most profitable area of business in Nepal.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The recently updated data of the First National Economic Census-2018 by the Department of Statistics shows that agriculture is the most profitable business in Nepal among 18 different sectors.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">According to the study, the profit in agriculture sector was 55.7 percent during the incubation period while the average profit of all other sectors was 29.3 percent only.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The statistics show that agriculture, forestry and fisheries are among the most lucrative businesses in Nepal.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Although the banking and financial sector has been severely criticized for making huge profits, the department's data show that the most profitable sector after agriculture is education-related business.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The annual profit of education-related business sector is 46.1 percent while the annual profit in wholesale and retail vehicle maintenance is 43 percent. Similarly the annual profit of mining and quarrying is 42.2 percent, real estate business (40 percent) and finance and insurance (40.5 percent). </span></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/bn%281%29.jpg" style="height:225px; width:400px" /></span></span></p> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span></h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11792', 'image' => '20200512091924_20190527010000_Makai.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:18:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12043', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Task Force to Decide Workers’ Salary', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: With the issue of payment of workers taking centre stage, stakeholders have decided to form a task force to seek a solution to the crisis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 12: With the issue of payment of workers taking centre stage, stakeholders have decided to form a task force to seek a solution to the crisis.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">The task force was formed after a meeting between Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Raya Yadav, the employers and the respective trade unions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">As the meeting failed to find a solution, the ministry decided to form a the task force. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Associations of private companies had decided to provide 50 percent salary during the lockdown. They said that they would eventually provide the remaining half salary after lockdown. The employers associations have been continuously discussing about implementation of the decision. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Suman Ghimire, spokesperson at the ministry, the task force will consist of representatives from the government, employers and workers’ associations. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Binod Shrestha, president of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), private companies should follow the instruction of Nepal Government. The employers said that trilateral understanding is necessary to maintain the enterprises and maintain security of the staff.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">In the meeting, officials from the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Development were present. Similarly, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Hotel Association of Nepal and Trade Union from private sector also attended the meeting. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11791', 'image' => '20200512093917_morgan-mckinley-it-salary-guide-position-worth-992x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:29:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12040', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kumari Bank to Acquire Deva Bikas Bank ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 9: Kumari Bank is in the process to acquire Deva Bikas Bank. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Devanagari Sangam MN"">May 9: </span>Kumari Bank is in the process to acquire Deva Bikas Bank. The two companies have called a meeting on June 1 to finalize the deal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Kumari Bank will hold its General Assembly on the stipulated date at Naxal at 11 am while Deva Bikas Bank will also hold AGM at the same time at its head office in Lal Durbar.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Kumari Bank will present the acquisition proposal to the General Assembly with the power of attorney vested on the board of directors. Kumari Bank is preparing to close its book on May 20 for the Special General Assembly.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the AGM of Deva Bikas Bank is scheduled to approve the acquisition proposal and the financial report of fiscal year 2019/20. The AGM is also expected to approve distribution of 8.55 percent bonus share. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Deva Bikas Bank is preparing to close its book between May 18 and June 1 ahead of its AGM.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The paid-up capital of Deva Bikas Bank currently stands at Rs 3.17 billion while that of Kumari Bank is Rs 9.41 billion.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11790', 'image' => '20200511093237_acquisition-e1541341949121.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:32:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12038', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' Finance Minister Presents Proposal on Priorities and Principles of budget ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 11: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada on Sunday (May 10) presented the proposal seeking deliberation on the principles and priorities (except tax proposal) of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of House of Representatives (HoR). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 11: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada on Sunday (May 10) presented the proposal seeking deliberation on the principles and priorities (except tax proposal) of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of House of Representatives (HoR). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has aimed to minimize the COVID-10’s adverse impacts on the country’s economy and to usher the country towards economic growth, good-governance and prosperity by keeping these things in mind while allocating the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada said that the new budget would be centered on achieving prosperous and socialism-oriented economy and it would also take into account establishing social justice through private, public and cooperatives. Outlining the government’s economic policies, the finance minister said that the government’s main priority was implementing the fundamental rights of the citizens as enshrined in the constitution and providing effective and quality healthcare services to the people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also underscored the establishment of an able health organization which would tackle any health related pandemic in future. Mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 and its fallout and making the economy more dynamic were also high in priority for the government for which the budget for the new fiscal year would be prudently mobilized, according to the minister. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada was confident that the government would be successful in utilizing national and international resources and capitalizing on the international communities’ commitment to Nepal for helping in prevention and control of COVID-19. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Furthermore, he was of the belief that the private sectors’ issues could be addressed through various measures and relief packages. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The lower House of the Federal Parliament is scheduled to deliberate on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 on May 11 and 12. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The HoR is scheduled to meet at 11 am Monday (May 11). -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11789', 'image' => '20200511090536_1589147822.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:04:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12039', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Storm, Rainfall Predicated till Tuesday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 11: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted storm coupled with rainfall with the weather remaining mostly cloudy in most of the places across the country till Tuesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 11: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted storm coupled with rainfall with the weather remaining mostly cloudy in most of the places across the country till Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">This phenomena is caused by the influence of the westerly wind and local wind as well as due to the moisture-laden wind coming from the Bay of Bengal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Division has also published an advisory, urging caution as the impact of westerly and local winds will continue to cause storm and rainfall in most of the places in the country. Furthermore, there are also chances of thunderstorm, lightning and light to moderate rainfall in majority of the places across the country till Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The western parts of the country is currently experiencing storm, lightning and thunderstorm along with rainfall, according to the Division. The Division has forecast generally cloudy weather throughout the country on Monday while some places in the mountainous areas of the country and a couple of areas in Terai region will witness thunderstorm accompanied with hailstorm and storm. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the weather will remain generally cloudy throughout the country while thunderstorm coupled with gusty winds and lightning are likely to occur in some areas in the country on Tuesday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11788', 'image' => '20200511091310_Storm.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:12:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12037', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Directs Banks to Lower Interest on Loan by 2 Percentage Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: Banks are facing dilemma over implementation of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to lower the interest rate on loan for the affected businesses by 2 percentage points.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 8: Banks are facing dilemma over implementation of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to lower the interest rate on loan for the affected businesses by 2 percentage points. As the banks have already made public announcement about reduction of interest rate on deposit by 1 percentage point, they are hesitant to implement the directive of the central bank.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">As NRB has reduced the rate of interest by 1 percentage points, all commercial banks had decided to reduce the interest rate on deposits accordingly. Apparently, they reduced the interest rate in savings, fixed deposits and call deposits by 1 to 1.5 percentage points. According to Bhuwan Dahal, chairman of Nepal Bankers’ Association, NRB’s directive has made them confused. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">He said that NRB took this decision despite being informed about their preparation to reduce the interest rate by 1 percentage point. “After the directive from NRB, we even shared our concern with them. However, we did not get any response,” said Dahal. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">It is estimated that if the decision is implemented around 10 commercial banks will go in loss in the fourth quarter. “We were planning to reduce the interest rate. But NRB took a unilateral decision without consulting with us,” he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">NRB had directed the BFIs on April 28 to lower the interest rate on loan given to affected sectors by 2 percentage points. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Gunakar Bhatta, spokesperson of NRB, currently everyone should give high priority to saving national economy rather than looking for one’s own profit. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif""> “Bankers should give relief to the affected sectors,” Bhatta said. As NRB has given facility to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 5 percent, banks will have liquidity of Rs 35 billion. According to Bhatta they can invest the amount in government securities and bond as well. So, they should provide interest relief till mid-July. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11787', 'image' => '20200508040331_20160909042218_nrb.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 16:02:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12036', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Allows various Industries to Resume Operation from Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The government has decided to allow 44 different categories of enterprises to resume operation from Friday, May 8. ', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 8: The government has decided to allow 44 different categories of enterprises to resume operation from Friday, May 8. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on May 6 took a decision to this effect.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Despite the risk of coronavirus infection, the government has decided to allow industries and businesses in non-infected zones to operate from Friday as the country is heading to an economic crisis.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Entrepreneurs and industrialists are getting ready to reopen the industries following the government's decision to allow industries to open after 43 days of lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Industries producing cement, iron, rods as well as food processing industries are currently engaged in managing workers to restart production.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The 44 types of enterprises include construction companies, health and education services, national pride projects, agriculture sector, hydropower projects and special economic zones (SEZ) and industrial estates.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, industries in border areas and coronavirus-affected zones will remain closed. Meanwhile, people have demand that the government allow hardware stores to open for limited period during lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span></h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11786', 'image' => '20200508035032_90201015612_sej pic (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 15:49:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12033', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Budget Session of Federal Parliament to begin from Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The budget session of the federal parliament will start at 4:00 pm Friday (May 8) at the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 8: The budget session of the federal parliament will start at 4:00 pm Friday (May 8) at the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. Also known as monsoon session, this session will see the introduction of the policies and programmes as well as budget for the new fiscal year 2020/21. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to general-secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Dr Bharatraj Gautam, a letter received from the Office of the President regarding addressing of joint meeting of the Federal House session will be read out apart from the letter about beginning of the sixth session on Friday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The leaders representing various political parties in the parliament will also deliver their speeches on Friday, informed Gautam. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, President Bidya Devi Bhandari will present the government’s policies and programmes on May 17 at the joint meeting of the House of Representatives and National Assembly. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The subsequent meetings will then discuss about the policies and programmmes, while the Prime Minister will respond queries of lawmakers regarding such policy and programmes and the House will endorse them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Similarly, Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada will present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 28. President Bhandari had summoned the session for tomorrow on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers on May 3. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The federal parliament’s budget session will be held in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential transmission, according to Federal Parliament Secretariat. Necessary measures have been taken and all the criteria as recommended by the WHO have been followed to maintain physical distancing during the session to prevent the infection. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Each parliamentarian will maintain at least one metre of physical distancing and every member of national Assembly will be seated in their respective seats every time they convene for the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the rostrum will be only used by the PM, ministers and members of the National Assembly and each member will use their own mike arranged in their respective seats. Any type of gathering inside and outside the federal parliament building is prohibited for the parliamentarians and the meeting hall will be sanitized properly. Use of sanitizers and masks have been made mandatory for those attending the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The secretariat will provide photos to the media persons electronically and no audiences will be allowed to witness the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The throat and nasal swab of 441 parliamentarians, staffers and guards at the federal secretariat have been collected and sent for test, according to the federal parliament secretariat. There are 275 members in House of Representatives and 58 members in National Assembly. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11785', 'image' => '20200508075145_20200426021504_1587852541.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 07:51:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12034', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Confirms 101 Cases of Coronavirus', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Kapilbastu district on Thursday (May 7).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">May 8: Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Kapilbastu district on Thursday (May 7). With this, the number of coronavirus cases has reached 101 in the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">The Ministry of Health and Population on Thursday confirmed the new cases, according to the national news agency RSS. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, health authorities intensified tests by conducting over 1450 tests for coronavirus on Thursday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">According to the Ministry of Health and Population, they carried out 1451 tests but none of then turned out positive. Among the infected, 73 are male and 28 female. The infected also includes a two-month old child, who tested positive in Parsa on Wednesday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Altogether 31 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in Province 1 followed by 30 in Province 2 and 26 in Province 5. Likewise, Bagmati Province has reported 7 cases, Sudur Paschim Province has 5 cases and Gandaki Province has 2 cases, according to Dr Bikas Devkota, spokesperson at the health ministry.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">The government has so far tested 14,509 samples through PCR method while 54,093 tests have been conducted through RDT method.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">According to Devkota, a total of 17,372 people are currently in quarantine across the country. Likewise, three suspects in the Kathmandu Valley and 130 outside the valley have been kept in isolation.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11784', 'image' => '20200508080149_Toll Rises4.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 08:00:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12032', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'BFIs Focusing on Online Banking', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 7: With the extension of lockdown, banks and financial institutions (BFIs) are encouraging customers to open savings and deposit accounts through online medium.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 7: With the extension of lockdown, banks and financial institutions (BFIs) are encouraging customers to open savings and deposit accounts through online medium.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Though almost all the banks have been providing the online service, the BFIs have been promoting online banking as most customers are not able to use banking service physically. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Nabil Bank had started online system for bank account opening for the first time eight years ago. “However, due to lockdown, now all the banks are focusing on online banking,” said Bhuwan Kumar Dahal, president of Bankers Association of Nepal. Especially Nabil Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Citizens Banks and NMB Bank have been promoting online banking. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Mostly, Nepali nationals in foreign countries used to apply online for opening account. However, most Nepalis in the country preferred to go to bank to take any service. But, due to the lockdown most of the banks have been creating facilities so that people can open their accounts online. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Sanima Bank had brought the system around six years ago. But most customers did not use it. According to president Dahal, who is also the chairperson of Sanima Bank, only a handful of Nepalis in foreign countries had used the service before lockdown. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Now, the most effective medium is to open bank account from home. After all the process, the customer needs to come to the bank once. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">“The customer can deposit money in the bank. But they need to come for identity confirmation once before releasing the money for the first time,” said Dahal. He said that this is an opportunity for the banks to go cashless. “Gradually, all the transactions need to be cashless,” he opined. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Citizens Bank International had also brought this service last week. “The system was already there, but now we have upgraded it,” said Ganesh Raj Pokhrel, CEO of the bank. A year ago, around 100 Nepalis from abroad used the service every month, he said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to the bankers, opening account from bank is quick, secured and safe process.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Nepal Rastra Bank(NRB) has been focusing on the need of digital transaction and has been encouraging the banks to do so. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">“As the new generation is more familiar about these concepts, they should start using it,” added Chnitamani Shiwakoti, deputy governor of NRB. “Also, banks should work on making the process convenient for customers.” Nevertheless, the market needs much time to go cashless to the full extent. “We cannot immediately switch to cashless system right now,” he said. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-07', 'modified' => '2020-05-07', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11783', 'image' => '20200507113521_vector-20452770 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-07 11:34:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12031', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown until May 18 but Eases Restrictions', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 7: The government has extended the lockdown till May 18 but has eased the restrictions to some extent, allowing operation of some industries producing basic needs under certain terms and conditions. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 7: The government has extended the lockdown till May 18 but has eased the restrictions to some extent, allowing operation of some industries producing basic needs under certain terms and conditions. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday decided to reopen industries producing essential goods by adopting safety measures and maintaining physical distancing as a precaution against coronavirus infection.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With the latest cabinet decision, most of the closed industries will now be able to resume operation under strict conditions set by the government. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Pharmaceutical companies, industries producing daily essentials, transportation of raw materials for construction works, banking service among others would be allowed to operate even during the lockdown.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Government Spokesperson Yuba Raj Khatiwada made the announcement during a press conference after the cabinet meeting.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has also decided to allow operation of industries that process drinking water, companies manufacturing soaps, packaging industries, gas bottling plants, small and cottage industries, cement and steel industries and other industries that produce export materials. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Council of Ministers took such decision upon the recommendation of the High Level Committee to Prevent Coronavirus. The committee had recommended the government to extend the lockdown and ease the restrictions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“Besides the industries, the government has decided to resume national pride projects, hydropower projects, construction of airports, roads, and bridges,” said Minister Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has made it mandatory for daily health check-up of workers involved in development projects. The projects must also arrange for the accommodation of the workers at a fixed place in order to prevent them from contracting the disease.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada said that the government would allow farmers to harvest their crop and sell their produce as well as other products like poultry, fish, vegetables, milk in the market without any hindrance. The government has ensured hassle-free transportation for vehicles carrying such goods. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">However, the cabinet has decided to not to allow cargo vehicles to carry passengers and to maintain strict record of the drivers and helpers.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The drivers and helpers entering Kathmandu Valley must enter their names which will be verified while they leave the valley. Any discrepancy would be strictly dealt with,” said Khatiwada.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the government has allowed banks and financial institutions (BFIs), insurance companies and share market to operate with a maximum of one-third workforce. Only some limited branches of BFIs were operational during the lockdown period so far.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> The government has also allowed operation of government and private hospital, nursing homes, polyclinics, labs, and diagnostic centres. The cabinet decision also allows resumption of vaccination drives and all essential medical services.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> Meanwhile, the international borders and all entry points will remain closed until May 31. The government has strictly barred cross-border movement until the period to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Regular international flights will also remain suspended until May 31. However, government has decided to allow the movement of cargo vehicles through the international transit points.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-07', 'modified' => '2020-05-07', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11782', 'image' => '20200507101757_1588777825.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-07 10:16:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12035', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali Congress Studying Impacts of Coronavirus on Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has initiated a study on the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 8: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has initiated a study on the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy. The study also focuses on determining the priorities for the budget of upcoming fiscal year.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">With the objective of analyzing the impact of coronavirus and lockdown and formulating the necessary approach, Nepali Congress on Wednesday (May 6) formed a 14-member special committee lead by former Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat to conduct the study.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The political party informed that it will give suggestions to the government and raise the issues in the parliament accordingly.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nepali Congress in a statement informed that the committee will study the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy. Likewise, it will also formulate the party’s perspectives on building the current economy, policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The party after concluding its study will make suggestions to the government.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The committee will make recommendations for immediate relief, set short-term priorities, and suggest a long-term solution for the post-coronavirus economy.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nepali Congress informed that the study will help the party to make their concept and role more effective. On April 29, the party had decided to form various committees to study the impacts of coronavirus on various sectors of the country. A committee under the coordination of former Finance Minister Mahat was formed on Wednesday based on the decision.</span></span></h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11781', 'image' => '20200508081942_20150731013431_1433670488 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 08:19:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ) ) $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' => '12046', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'COVID-19 Cases Surge to 217 in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 13: Government authorities confirmed 83 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday. With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">May 13: Government authorities confirmed 83 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday. With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">During a regular press briefing, the Ministry of Health and Population confirmed 57 new cases following lab tests in the capital. The ministry later issued a late night statement adding 26 more cases. It is the highest confirmed cases in a single day ever since the first case was reported in the capital in January. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">Among the new cases, 57 were confirmed in Parsa, 9 in Rupandehi, 8 in Kapilbastu, 2 in Mahottari, 2 in Dhanusha, 2 in Bhaktapur, 1 in Sarlahi, Kathmandu and Bara. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The ministry informed that the health condition of all the patients is normal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The health ministry informed that they have so far tested 18,964 samples through PCR method and 59,627 through RDT method.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The first case of COVID-19 was reported on January 23 in a Nepali student who returned from China’s Wuhan, where the disease is believed to have originated. Till date, 33 people have recovered from coronavirus in Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/aaaa96798%202.jpg" style="height:1024px; width:758px" /></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-13', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11797', 'image' => '20200513092604_Research1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-13 09:16:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12047', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Customs Offices seek Electronic Means to Check Import and Export', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 13: Activities in the industrial and commercial centers have started to increase after the government announced to allow some industries and businesses to operate amid lockdown.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 13: Activities in the industrial and commercial centers have started to increase after the government announced to allow some industries and businesses to operate amid lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">At the meantime, the government has restricted all movements other than shipments of goods through the border until May 31 to prevent the coronavirus outbreak from spreading.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, the concerned bodies are indifferent towards the risk of infection among the employees working at the checkpoints to facilitate import and export and the service seekers.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">In such situation, Birgunj Customs Office had requested the Customs Department to make arrangements for the inspection of imported goods through electronic means to reduce the direct contact between the employees and the service seekers.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">It has been two weeks since the customs office wrote the letter requesting arrangements for the check pass through online system but it has not received any response. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Both the Birgunj Dry Port and Biratnagar Customs had urged the department to make such arrangements.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The customs department has not yet taken any decision on the request from its subordinate offices. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, Article 89 (D) of the Customs Act 2064 has a provision that the documents forwarded electronically through an authorised ID is considered as signed by the customs official even if it does not bear the signature.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The customs offices have suggested the department to implement this legal provision to reduce the direct contact between the staffers and the service seekers at the checkpoints to stop the contagion. </span></span></h1> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-13', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11796', 'image' => '20200513095138_1589204903.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-13 09:51:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12044', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy will be Revitalized Amid Lockdown: Minister Khatiwada ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwa has said that the country’s economy will be revitalized amid the lockdown in effect since March 24 to protect the lives of people from COVID-19. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 12: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwa has said that the country’s economy will be revitalized amid the lockdown in effect since March 24 to protect the lives of people from COVID-19. In the pre-budget discussion in Monday’s meeting of National Assembly, Minister Khatiwada said that the government was moving towards the direction to forward the economic activities to save lives of people. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20200306122644_0180724052602_IMG_0298%202.jpg" style="height:480px; width:598px" /><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Responding to the queries of the parliamentarians, Minister Khatiwada said that the new budget will help bolster coordination among the three-tier governments since the federal government acknowledged that more authority should be given to the local units. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Stating that the local units had actively performed in prevention and control of COVID-19 and treat the infected ones thereby proving the importance of federalism, Khatiwada assured that the government would take into account the parliamentarians’ suggestions to prioritize agriculture sector and health sector while formulating the budget. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, all the recommendations given by the parliamentarians would be taken as guidance while formulating the budget. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Furthermore, the finance minister assured that no Nepali citizen abroad would be left stranded and any possible support would be extended to them through diplomatic channel but when it comes to opening the borders with our immediate neighbours it could spell disaster in terms of infection and its spread. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The NA shall next meeting on May 13, Wednesday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11794', 'image' => '20200512093643_20190605083713_Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:33:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12042', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agriculture is the Most Profitable Business in Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: Agriculture seems to be the most lucrative business in Nepal, according to the National Economic Census 2018.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 12: Agriculture seems to be the most lucrative business in Nepal, according to the National Economic Census 2018.</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> However, the agriculture sector has not been able to commercialize in Nepal due to the traditional mindset of the people that this sector is not profitable. But the report of the National Economic Census 2018 dismisses such notion with the new finding that agriculture is the most profitable area of business in Nepal.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The recently updated data of the First National Economic Census-2018 by the Department of Statistics shows that agriculture is the most profitable business in Nepal among 18 different sectors.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">According to the study, the profit in agriculture sector was 55.7 percent during the incubation period while the average profit of all other sectors was 29.3 percent only.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The statistics show that agriculture, forestry and fisheries are among the most lucrative businesses in Nepal.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Although the banking and financial sector has been severely criticized for making huge profits, the department's data show that the most profitable sector after agriculture is education-related business.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The annual profit of education-related business sector is 46.1 percent while the annual profit in wholesale and retail vehicle maintenance is 43 percent. Similarly the annual profit of mining and quarrying is 42.2 percent, real estate business (40 percent) and finance and insurance (40.5 percent). </span></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/bn%281%29.jpg" style="height:225px; width:400px" /></span></span></p> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span></h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11792', 'image' => '20200512091924_20190527010000_Makai.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:18:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12043', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Task Force to Decide Workers’ Salary', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: With the issue of payment of workers taking centre stage, stakeholders have decided to form a task force to seek a solution to the crisis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 12: With the issue of payment of workers taking centre stage, stakeholders have decided to form a task force to seek a solution to the crisis.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">The task force was formed after a meeting between Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Raya Yadav, the employers and the respective trade unions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">As the meeting failed to find a solution, the ministry decided to form a the task force. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Associations of private companies had decided to provide 50 percent salary during the lockdown. They said that they would eventually provide the remaining half salary after lockdown. The employers associations have been continuously discussing about implementation of the decision. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Suman Ghimire, spokesperson at the ministry, the task force will consist of representatives from the government, employers and workers’ associations. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Binod Shrestha, president of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), private companies should follow the instruction of Nepal Government. The employers said that trilateral understanding is necessary to maintain the enterprises and maintain security of the staff.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">In the meeting, officials from the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Development were present. Similarly, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Hotel Association of Nepal and Trade Union from private sector also attended the meeting. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11791', 'image' => '20200512093917_morgan-mckinley-it-salary-guide-position-worth-992x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:29:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12040', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kumari Bank to Acquire Deva Bikas Bank ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 9: Kumari Bank is in the process to acquire Deva Bikas Bank. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Devanagari Sangam MN"">May 9: </span>Kumari Bank is in the process to acquire Deva Bikas Bank. The two companies have called a meeting on June 1 to finalize the deal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Kumari Bank will hold its General Assembly on the stipulated date at Naxal at 11 am while Deva Bikas Bank will also hold AGM at the same time at its head office in Lal Durbar.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Kumari Bank will present the acquisition proposal to the General Assembly with the power of attorney vested on the board of directors. Kumari Bank is preparing to close its book on May 20 for the Special General Assembly.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the AGM of Deva Bikas Bank is scheduled to approve the acquisition proposal and the financial report of fiscal year 2019/20. The AGM is also expected to approve distribution of 8.55 percent bonus share. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Deva Bikas Bank is preparing to close its book between May 18 and June 1 ahead of its AGM.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The paid-up capital of Deva Bikas Bank currently stands at Rs 3.17 billion while that of Kumari Bank is Rs 9.41 billion.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11790', 'image' => '20200511093237_acquisition-e1541341949121.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:32:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12038', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' Finance Minister Presents Proposal on Priorities and Principles of budget ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 11: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada on Sunday (May 10) presented the proposal seeking deliberation on the principles and priorities (except tax proposal) of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of House of Representatives (HoR). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 11: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada on Sunday (May 10) presented the proposal seeking deliberation on the principles and priorities (except tax proposal) of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of House of Representatives (HoR). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has aimed to minimize the COVID-10’s adverse impacts on the country’s economy and to usher the country towards economic growth, good-governance and prosperity by keeping these things in mind while allocating the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada said that the new budget would be centered on achieving prosperous and socialism-oriented economy and it would also take into account establishing social justice through private, public and cooperatives. Outlining the government’s economic policies, the finance minister said that the government’s main priority was implementing the fundamental rights of the citizens as enshrined in the constitution and providing effective and quality healthcare services to the people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also underscored the establishment of an able health organization which would tackle any health related pandemic in future. Mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 and its fallout and making the economy more dynamic were also high in priority for the government for which the budget for the new fiscal year would be prudently mobilized, according to the minister. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada was confident that the government would be successful in utilizing national and international resources and capitalizing on the international communities’ commitment to Nepal for helping in prevention and control of COVID-19. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Furthermore, he was of the belief that the private sectors’ issues could be addressed through various measures and relief packages. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The lower House of the Federal Parliament is scheduled to deliberate on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 on May 11 and 12. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The HoR is scheduled to meet at 11 am Monday (May 11). -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11789', 'image' => '20200511090536_1589147822.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:04:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12039', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Storm, Rainfall Predicated till Tuesday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 11: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted storm coupled with rainfall with the weather remaining mostly cloudy in most of the places across the country till Tuesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 11: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted storm coupled with rainfall with the weather remaining mostly cloudy in most of the places across the country till Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">This phenomena is caused by the influence of the westerly wind and local wind as well as due to the moisture-laden wind coming from the Bay of Bengal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Division has also published an advisory, urging caution as the impact of westerly and local winds will continue to cause storm and rainfall in most of the places in the country. Furthermore, there are also chances of thunderstorm, lightning and light to moderate rainfall in majority of the places across the country till Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The western parts of the country is currently experiencing storm, lightning and thunderstorm along with rainfall, according to the Division. The Division has forecast generally cloudy weather throughout the country on Monday while some places in the mountainous areas of the country and a couple of areas in Terai region will witness thunderstorm accompanied with hailstorm and storm. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the weather will remain generally cloudy throughout the country while thunderstorm coupled with gusty winds and lightning are likely to occur in some areas in the country on Tuesday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11788', 'image' => '20200511091310_Storm.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:12:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12037', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Directs Banks to Lower Interest on Loan by 2 Percentage Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: Banks are facing dilemma over implementation of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to lower the interest rate on loan for the affected businesses by 2 percentage points.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 8: Banks are facing dilemma over implementation of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to lower the interest rate on loan for the affected businesses by 2 percentage points. As the banks have already made public announcement about reduction of interest rate on deposit by 1 percentage point, they are hesitant to implement the directive of the central bank.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">As NRB has reduced the rate of interest by 1 percentage points, all commercial banks had decided to reduce the interest rate on deposits accordingly. Apparently, they reduced the interest rate in savings, fixed deposits and call deposits by 1 to 1.5 percentage points. According to Bhuwan Dahal, chairman of Nepal Bankers’ Association, NRB’s directive has made them confused. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">He said that NRB took this decision despite being informed about their preparation to reduce the interest rate by 1 percentage point. “After the directive from NRB, we even shared our concern with them. However, we did not get any response,” said Dahal. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">It is estimated that if the decision is implemented around 10 commercial banks will go in loss in the fourth quarter. “We were planning to reduce the interest rate. But NRB took a unilateral decision without consulting with us,” he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">NRB had directed the BFIs on April 28 to lower the interest rate on loan given to affected sectors by 2 percentage points. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Gunakar Bhatta, spokesperson of NRB, currently everyone should give high priority to saving national economy rather than looking for one’s own profit. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif""> “Bankers should give relief to the affected sectors,” Bhatta said. As NRB has given facility to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 5 percent, banks will have liquidity of Rs 35 billion. According to Bhatta they can invest the amount in government securities and bond as well. So, they should provide interest relief till mid-July. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11787', 'image' => '20200508040331_20160909042218_nrb.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 16:02:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12036', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Allows various Industries to Resume Operation from Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The government has decided to allow 44 different categories of enterprises to resume operation from Friday, May 8. ', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 8: The government has decided to allow 44 different categories of enterprises to resume operation from Friday, May 8. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on May 6 took a decision to this effect.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Despite the risk of coronavirus infection, the government has decided to allow industries and businesses in non-infected zones to operate from Friday as the country is heading to an economic crisis.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Entrepreneurs and industrialists are getting ready to reopen the industries following the government's decision to allow industries to open after 43 days of lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Industries producing cement, iron, rods as well as food processing industries are currently engaged in managing workers to restart production.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The 44 types of enterprises include construction companies, health and education services, national pride projects, agriculture sector, hydropower projects and special economic zones (SEZ) and industrial estates.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, industries in border areas and coronavirus-affected zones will remain closed. Meanwhile, people have demand that the government allow hardware stores to open for limited period during lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span></h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11786', 'image' => '20200508035032_90201015612_sej pic (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 15:49:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12033', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Budget Session of Federal Parliament to begin from Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The budget session of the federal parliament will start at 4:00 pm Friday (May 8) at the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 8: The budget session of the federal parliament will start at 4:00 pm Friday (May 8) at the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. Also known as monsoon session, this session will see the introduction of the policies and programmes as well as budget for the new fiscal year 2020/21. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to general-secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Dr Bharatraj Gautam, a letter received from the Office of the President regarding addressing of joint meeting of the Federal House session will be read out apart from the letter about beginning of the sixth session on Friday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The leaders representing various political parties in the parliament will also deliver their speeches on Friday, informed Gautam. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, President Bidya Devi Bhandari will present the government’s policies and programmes on May 17 at the joint meeting of the House of Representatives and National Assembly. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The subsequent meetings will then discuss about the policies and programmmes, while the Prime Minister will respond queries of lawmakers regarding such policy and programmes and the House will endorse them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Similarly, Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada will present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 28. President Bhandari had summoned the session for tomorrow on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers on May 3. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The federal parliament’s budget session will be held in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential transmission, according to Federal Parliament Secretariat. Necessary measures have been taken and all the criteria as recommended by the WHO have been followed to maintain physical distancing during the session to prevent the infection. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Each parliamentarian will maintain at least one metre of physical distancing and every member of national Assembly will be seated in their respective seats every time they convene for the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the rostrum will be only used by the PM, ministers and members of the National Assembly and each member will use their own mike arranged in their respective seats. Any type of gathering inside and outside the federal parliament building is prohibited for the parliamentarians and the meeting hall will be sanitized properly. Use of sanitizers and masks have been made mandatory for those attending the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The secretariat will provide photos to the media persons electronically and no audiences will be allowed to witness the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The throat and nasal swab of 441 parliamentarians, staffers and guards at the federal secretariat have been collected and sent for test, according to the federal parliament secretariat. There are 275 members in House of Representatives and 58 members in National Assembly. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11785', 'image' => '20200508075145_20200426021504_1587852541.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 07:51:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12034', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Confirms 101 Cases of Coronavirus', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Kapilbastu district on Thursday (May 7).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">May 8: Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Kapilbastu district on Thursday (May 7). With this, the number of coronavirus cases has reached 101 in the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">The Ministry of Health and Population on Thursday confirmed the new cases, according to the national news agency RSS. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, health authorities intensified tests by conducting over 1450 tests for coronavirus on Thursday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">According to the Ministry of Health and Population, they carried out 1451 tests but none of then turned out positive. Among the infected, 73 are male and 28 female. The infected also includes a two-month old child, who tested positive in Parsa on Wednesday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Altogether 31 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in Province 1 followed by 30 in Province 2 and 26 in Province 5. Likewise, Bagmati Province has reported 7 cases, Sudur Paschim Province has 5 cases and Gandaki Province has 2 cases, according to Dr Bikas Devkota, spokesperson at the health ministry.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">The government has so far tested 14,509 samples through PCR method while 54,093 tests have been conducted through RDT method.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">According to Devkota, a total of 17,372 people are currently in quarantine across the country. Likewise, three suspects in the Kathmandu Valley and 130 outside the valley have been kept in isolation.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11784', 'image' => '20200508080149_Toll Rises4.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 08:00:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12032', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'BFIs Focusing on Online Banking', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 7: With the extension of lockdown, banks and financial institutions (BFIs) are encouraging customers to open savings and deposit accounts through online medium.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 7: With the extension of lockdown, banks and financial institutions (BFIs) are encouraging customers to open savings and deposit accounts through online medium.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Though almost all the banks have been providing the online service, the BFIs have been promoting online banking as most customers are not able to use banking service physically. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Nabil Bank had started online system for bank account opening for the first time eight years ago. “However, due to lockdown, now all the banks are focusing on online banking,” said Bhuwan Kumar Dahal, president of Bankers Association of Nepal. Especially Nabil Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Citizens Banks and NMB Bank have been promoting online banking. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Mostly, Nepali nationals in foreign countries used to apply online for opening account. However, most Nepalis in the country preferred to go to bank to take any service. But, due to the lockdown most of the banks have been creating facilities so that people can open their accounts online. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Sanima Bank had brought the system around six years ago. But most customers did not use it. According to president Dahal, who is also the chairperson of Sanima Bank, only a handful of Nepalis in foreign countries had used the service before lockdown. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Now, the most effective medium is to open bank account from home. After all the process, the customer needs to come to the bank once. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">“The customer can deposit money in the bank. But they need to come for identity confirmation once before releasing the money for the first time,” said Dahal. He said that this is an opportunity for the banks to go cashless. “Gradually, all the transactions need to be cashless,” he opined. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Citizens Bank International had also brought this service last week. “The system was already there, but now we have upgraded it,” said Ganesh Raj Pokhrel, CEO of the bank. A year ago, around 100 Nepalis from abroad used the service every month, he said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to the bankers, opening account from bank is quick, secured and safe process.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Nepal Rastra Bank(NRB) has been focusing on the need of digital transaction and has been encouraging the banks to do so. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">“As the new generation is more familiar about these concepts, they should start using it,” added Chnitamani Shiwakoti, deputy governor of NRB. “Also, banks should work on making the process convenient for customers.” Nevertheless, the market needs much time to go cashless to the full extent. “We cannot immediately switch to cashless system right now,” he said. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-07', 'modified' => '2020-05-07', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11783', 'image' => '20200507113521_vector-20452770 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-07 11:34:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12031', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown until May 18 but Eases Restrictions', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 7: The government has extended the lockdown till May 18 but has eased the restrictions to some extent, allowing operation of some industries producing basic needs under certain terms and conditions. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 7: The government has extended the lockdown till May 18 but has eased the restrictions to some extent, allowing operation of some industries producing basic needs under certain terms and conditions. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday decided to reopen industries producing essential goods by adopting safety measures and maintaining physical distancing as a precaution against coronavirus infection.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With the latest cabinet decision, most of the closed industries will now be able to resume operation under strict conditions set by the government. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Pharmaceutical companies, industries producing daily essentials, transportation of raw materials for construction works, banking service among others would be allowed to operate even during the lockdown.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Government Spokesperson Yuba Raj Khatiwada made the announcement during a press conference after the cabinet meeting.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has also decided to allow operation of industries that process drinking water, companies manufacturing soaps, packaging industries, gas bottling plants, small and cottage industries, cement and steel industries and other industries that produce export materials. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Council of Ministers took such decision upon the recommendation of the High Level Committee to Prevent Coronavirus. The committee had recommended the government to extend the lockdown and ease the restrictions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“Besides the industries, the government has decided to resume national pride projects, hydropower projects, construction of airports, roads, and bridges,” said Minister Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has made it mandatory for daily health check-up of workers involved in development projects. The projects must also arrange for the accommodation of the workers at a fixed place in order to prevent them from contracting the disease.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada said that the government would allow farmers to harvest their crop and sell their produce as well as other products like poultry, fish, vegetables, milk in the market without any hindrance. The government has ensured hassle-free transportation for vehicles carrying such goods. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">However, the cabinet has decided to not to allow cargo vehicles to carry passengers and to maintain strict record of the drivers and helpers.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The drivers and helpers entering Kathmandu Valley must enter their names which will be verified while they leave the valley. Any discrepancy would be strictly dealt with,” said Khatiwada.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the government has allowed banks and financial institutions (BFIs), insurance companies and share market to operate with a maximum of one-third workforce. Only some limited branches of BFIs were operational during the lockdown period so far.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> The government has also allowed operation of government and private hospital, nursing homes, polyclinics, labs, and diagnostic centres. The cabinet decision also allows resumption of vaccination drives and all essential medical services.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> Meanwhile, the international borders and all entry points will remain closed until May 31. The government has strictly barred cross-border movement until the period to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Regular international flights will also remain suspended until May 31. However, government has decided to allow the movement of cargo vehicles through the international transit points.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-07', 'modified' => '2020-05-07', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11782', 'image' => '20200507101757_1588777825.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-07 10:16:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12035', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali Congress Studying Impacts of Coronavirus on Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has initiated a study on the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 8: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has initiated a study on the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy. The study also focuses on determining the priorities for the budget of upcoming fiscal year.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">With the objective of analyzing the impact of coronavirus and lockdown and formulating the necessary approach, Nepali Congress on Wednesday (May 6) formed a 14-member special committee lead by former Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat to conduct the study.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The political party informed that it will give suggestions to the government and raise the issues in the parliament accordingly.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nepali Congress in a statement informed that the committee will study the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy. Likewise, it will also formulate the party’s perspectives on building the current economy, policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The party after concluding its study will make suggestions to the government.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The committee will make recommendations for immediate relief, set short-term priorities, and suggest a long-term solution for the post-coronavirus economy.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nepali Congress informed that the study will help the party to make their concept and role more effective. On April 29, the party had decided to form various committees to study the impacts of coronavirus on various sectors of the country. A committee under the coordination of former Finance Minister Mahat was formed on Wednesday based on the decision.</span></span></h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11781', 'image' => '20200508081942_20150731013431_1433670488 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 08:19:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">May 13: Government authorities confirmed 83 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday. With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">During a regular press briefing, the Ministry of Health and Population confirmed 57 new cases following lab tests in the capital. The ministry later issued a late night statement adding 26 more cases. It is the highest confirmed cases in a single day ever since the first case was reported in the capital in January. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">Among the new cases, 57 were confirmed in Parsa, 9 in Rupandehi, 8 in Kapilbastu, 2 in Mahottari, 2 in Dhanusha, 2 in Bhaktapur, 1 in Sarlahi, Kathmandu and Bara. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The ministry informed that the health condition of all the patients is normal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The health ministry informed that they have so far tested 18,964 samples through PCR method and 59,627 through RDT method.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The first case of COVID-19 was reported on January 23 in a Nepali student who returned from China’s Wuhan, where the disease is believed to have originated. Till date, 33 people have recovered from coronavirus in Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/aaaa96798%202.jpg" style="height:1024px; width:758px" /></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-13', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11797', 'image' => '20200513092604_Research1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-13 09:16:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12047', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Customs Offices seek Electronic Means to Check Import and Export', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 13: Activities in the industrial and commercial centers have started to increase after the government announced to allow some industries and businesses to operate amid lockdown.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 13: Activities in the industrial and commercial centers have started to increase after the government announced to allow some industries and businesses to operate amid lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">At the meantime, the government has restricted all movements other than shipments of goods through the border until May 31 to prevent the coronavirus outbreak from spreading.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, the concerned bodies are indifferent towards the risk of infection among the employees working at the checkpoints to facilitate import and export and the service seekers.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">In such situation, Birgunj Customs Office had requested the Customs Department to make arrangements for the inspection of imported goods through electronic means to reduce the direct contact between the employees and the service seekers.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">It has been two weeks since the customs office wrote the letter requesting arrangements for the check pass through online system but it has not received any response. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Both the Birgunj Dry Port and Biratnagar Customs had urged the department to make such arrangements.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The customs department has not yet taken any decision on the request from its subordinate offices. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, Article 89 (D) of the Customs Act 2064 has a provision that the documents forwarded electronically through an authorised ID is considered as signed by the customs official even if it does not bear the signature.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The customs offices have suggested the department to implement this legal provision to reduce the direct contact between the staffers and the service seekers at the checkpoints to stop the contagion. </span></span></h1> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-13', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11796', 'image' => '20200513095138_1589204903.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-13 09:51:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12044', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy will be Revitalized Amid Lockdown: Minister Khatiwada ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwa has said that the country’s economy will be revitalized amid the lockdown in effect since March 24 to protect the lives of people from COVID-19. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 12: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwa has said that the country’s economy will be revitalized amid the lockdown in effect since March 24 to protect the lives of people from COVID-19. In the pre-budget discussion in Monday’s meeting of National Assembly, Minister Khatiwada said that the government was moving towards the direction to forward the economic activities to save lives of people. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20200306122644_0180724052602_IMG_0298%202.jpg" style="height:480px; width:598px" /><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Responding to the queries of the parliamentarians, Minister Khatiwada said that the new budget will help bolster coordination among the three-tier governments since the federal government acknowledged that more authority should be given to the local units. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Stating that the local units had actively performed in prevention and control of COVID-19 and treat the infected ones thereby proving the importance of federalism, Khatiwada assured that the government would take into account the parliamentarians’ suggestions to prioritize agriculture sector and health sector while formulating the budget. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, all the recommendations given by the parliamentarians would be taken as guidance while formulating the budget. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Furthermore, the finance minister assured that no Nepali citizen abroad would be left stranded and any possible support would be extended to them through diplomatic channel but when it comes to opening the borders with our immediate neighbours it could spell disaster in terms of infection and its spread. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The NA shall next meeting on May 13, Wednesday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11794', 'image' => '20200512093643_20190605083713_Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:33:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12042', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agriculture is the Most Profitable Business in Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: Agriculture seems to be the most lucrative business in Nepal, according to the National Economic Census 2018.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 12: Agriculture seems to be the most lucrative business in Nepal, according to the National Economic Census 2018.</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> However, the agriculture sector has not been able to commercialize in Nepal due to the traditional mindset of the people that this sector is not profitable. But the report of the National Economic Census 2018 dismisses such notion with the new finding that agriculture is the most profitable area of business in Nepal.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The recently updated data of the First National Economic Census-2018 by the Department of Statistics shows that agriculture is the most profitable business in Nepal among 18 different sectors.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">According to the study, the profit in agriculture sector was 55.7 percent during the incubation period while the average profit of all other sectors was 29.3 percent only.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The statistics show that agriculture, forestry and fisheries are among the most lucrative businesses in Nepal.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Although the banking and financial sector has been severely criticized for making huge profits, the department's data show that the most profitable sector after agriculture is education-related business.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The annual profit of education-related business sector is 46.1 percent while the annual profit in wholesale and retail vehicle maintenance is 43 percent. Similarly the annual profit of mining and quarrying is 42.2 percent, real estate business (40 percent) and finance and insurance (40.5 percent). </span></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/bn%281%29.jpg" style="height:225px; width:400px" /></span></span></p> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span></h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11792', 'image' => '20200512091924_20190527010000_Makai.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:18:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12043', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Task Force to Decide Workers’ Salary', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: With the issue of payment of workers taking centre stage, stakeholders have decided to form a task force to seek a solution to the crisis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 12: With the issue of payment of workers taking centre stage, stakeholders have decided to form a task force to seek a solution to the crisis.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">The task force was formed after a meeting between Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Raya Yadav, the employers and the respective trade unions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">As the meeting failed to find a solution, the ministry decided to form a the task force. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Associations of private companies had decided to provide 50 percent salary during the lockdown. They said that they would eventually provide the remaining half salary after lockdown. The employers associations have been continuously discussing about implementation of the decision. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Suman Ghimire, spokesperson at the ministry, the task force will consist of representatives from the government, employers and workers’ associations. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Binod Shrestha, president of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), private companies should follow the instruction of Nepal Government. The employers said that trilateral understanding is necessary to maintain the enterprises and maintain security of the staff.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">In the meeting, officials from the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Development were present. Similarly, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Hotel Association of Nepal and Trade Union from private sector also attended the meeting. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11791', 'image' => '20200512093917_morgan-mckinley-it-salary-guide-position-worth-992x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:29:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12040', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kumari Bank to Acquire Deva Bikas Bank ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 9: Kumari Bank is in the process to acquire Deva Bikas Bank. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Devanagari Sangam MN"">May 9: </span>Kumari Bank is in the process to acquire Deva Bikas Bank. The two companies have called a meeting on June 1 to finalize the deal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Kumari Bank will hold its General Assembly on the stipulated date at Naxal at 11 am while Deva Bikas Bank will also hold AGM at the same time at its head office in Lal Durbar.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Kumari Bank will present the acquisition proposal to the General Assembly with the power of attorney vested on the board of directors. Kumari Bank is preparing to close its book on May 20 for the Special General Assembly.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the AGM of Deva Bikas Bank is scheduled to approve the acquisition proposal and the financial report of fiscal year 2019/20. The AGM is also expected to approve distribution of 8.55 percent bonus share. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Deva Bikas Bank is preparing to close its book between May 18 and June 1 ahead of its AGM.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The paid-up capital of Deva Bikas Bank currently stands at Rs 3.17 billion while that of Kumari Bank is Rs 9.41 billion.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11790', 'image' => '20200511093237_acquisition-e1541341949121.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:32:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12038', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' Finance Minister Presents Proposal on Priorities and Principles of budget ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 11: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada on Sunday (May 10) presented the proposal seeking deliberation on the principles and priorities (except tax proposal) of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of House of Representatives (HoR). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 11: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada on Sunday (May 10) presented the proposal seeking deliberation on the principles and priorities (except tax proposal) of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of House of Representatives (HoR). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has aimed to minimize the COVID-10’s adverse impacts on the country’s economy and to usher the country towards economic growth, good-governance and prosperity by keeping these things in mind while allocating the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada said that the new budget would be centered on achieving prosperous and socialism-oriented economy and it would also take into account establishing social justice through private, public and cooperatives. Outlining the government’s economic policies, the finance minister said that the government’s main priority was implementing the fundamental rights of the citizens as enshrined in the constitution and providing effective and quality healthcare services to the people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also underscored the establishment of an able health organization which would tackle any health related pandemic in future. Mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 and its fallout and making the economy more dynamic were also high in priority for the government for which the budget for the new fiscal year would be prudently mobilized, according to the minister. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada was confident that the government would be successful in utilizing national and international resources and capitalizing on the international communities’ commitment to Nepal for helping in prevention and control of COVID-19. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Furthermore, he was of the belief that the private sectors’ issues could be addressed through various measures and relief packages. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The lower House of the Federal Parliament is scheduled to deliberate on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 on May 11 and 12. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The HoR is scheduled to meet at 11 am Monday (May 11). -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11789', 'image' => '20200511090536_1589147822.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:04:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12039', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Storm, Rainfall Predicated till Tuesday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 11: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted storm coupled with rainfall with the weather remaining mostly cloudy in most of the places across the country till Tuesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 11: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted storm coupled with rainfall with the weather remaining mostly cloudy in most of the places across the country till Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">This phenomena is caused by the influence of the westerly wind and local wind as well as due to the moisture-laden wind coming from the Bay of Bengal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Division has also published an advisory, urging caution as the impact of westerly and local winds will continue to cause storm and rainfall in most of the places in the country. Furthermore, there are also chances of thunderstorm, lightning and light to moderate rainfall in majority of the places across the country till Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The western parts of the country is currently experiencing storm, lightning and thunderstorm along with rainfall, according to the Division. The Division has forecast generally cloudy weather throughout the country on Monday while some places in the mountainous areas of the country and a couple of areas in Terai region will witness thunderstorm accompanied with hailstorm and storm. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the weather will remain generally cloudy throughout the country while thunderstorm coupled with gusty winds and lightning are likely to occur in some areas in the country on Tuesday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11788', 'image' => '20200511091310_Storm.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:12:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12037', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Directs Banks to Lower Interest on Loan by 2 Percentage Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: Banks are facing dilemma over implementation of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to lower the interest rate on loan for the affected businesses by 2 percentage points.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 8: Banks are facing dilemma over implementation of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to lower the interest rate on loan for the affected businesses by 2 percentage points. As the banks have already made public announcement about reduction of interest rate on deposit by 1 percentage point, they are hesitant to implement the directive of the central bank.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">As NRB has reduced the rate of interest by 1 percentage points, all commercial banks had decided to reduce the interest rate on deposits accordingly. Apparently, they reduced the interest rate in savings, fixed deposits and call deposits by 1 to 1.5 percentage points. According to Bhuwan Dahal, chairman of Nepal Bankers’ Association, NRB’s directive has made them confused. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">He said that NRB took this decision despite being informed about their preparation to reduce the interest rate by 1 percentage point. “After the directive from NRB, we even shared our concern with them. However, we did not get any response,” said Dahal. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">It is estimated that if the decision is implemented around 10 commercial banks will go in loss in the fourth quarter. “We were planning to reduce the interest rate. But NRB took a unilateral decision without consulting with us,” he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">NRB had directed the BFIs on April 28 to lower the interest rate on loan given to affected sectors by 2 percentage points. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Gunakar Bhatta, spokesperson of NRB, currently everyone should give high priority to saving national economy rather than looking for one’s own profit. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif""> “Bankers should give relief to the affected sectors,” Bhatta said. As NRB has given facility to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 5 percent, banks will have liquidity of Rs 35 billion. According to Bhatta they can invest the amount in government securities and bond as well. So, they should provide interest relief till mid-July. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11787', 'image' => '20200508040331_20160909042218_nrb.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 16:02:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12036', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Allows various Industries to Resume Operation from Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The government has decided to allow 44 different categories of enterprises to resume operation from Friday, May 8. ', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 8: The government has decided to allow 44 different categories of enterprises to resume operation from Friday, May 8. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on May 6 took a decision to this effect.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Despite the risk of coronavirus infection, the government has decided to allow industries and businesses in non-infected zones to operate from Friday as the country is heading to an economic crisis.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Entrepreneurs and industrialists are getting ready to reopen the industries following the government's decision to allow industries to open after 43 days of lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Industries producing cement, iron, rods as well as food processing industries are currently engaged in managing workers to restart production.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The 44 types of enterprises include construction companies, health and education services, national pride projects, agriculture sector, hydropower projects and special economic zones (SEZ) and industrial estates.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, industries in border areas and coronavirus-affected zones will remain closed. Meanwhile, people have demand that the government allow hardware stores to open for limited period during lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span></h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11786', 'image' => '20200508035032_90201015612_sej pic (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 15:49:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12033', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Budget Session of Federal Parliament to begin from Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The budget session of the federal parliament will start at 4:00 pm Friday (May 8) at the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 8: The budget session of the federal parliament will start at 4:00 pm Friday (May 8) at the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. Also known as monsoon session, this session will see the introduction of the policies and programmes as well as budget for the new fiscal year 2020/21. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to general-secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Dr Bharatraj Gautam, a letter received from the Office of the President regarding addressing of joint meeting of the Federal House session will be read out apart from the letter about beginning of the sixth session on Friday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The leaders representing various political parties in the parliament will also deliver their speeches on Friday, informed Gautam. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, President Bidya Devi Bhandari will present the government’s policies and programmes on May 17 at the joint meeting of the House of Representatives and National Assembly. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The subsequent meetings will then discuss about the policies and programmmes, while the Prime Minister will respond queries of lawmakers regarding such policy and programmes and the House will endorse them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Similarly, Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada will present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 28. President Bhandari had summoned the session for tomorrow on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers on May 3. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The federal parliament’s budget session will be held in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential transmission, according to Federal Parliament Secretariat. Necessary measures have been taken and all the criteria as recommended by the WHO have been followed to maintain physical distancing during the session to prevent the infection. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Each parliamentarian will maintain at least one metre of physical distancing and every member of national Assembly will be seated in their respective seats every time they convene for the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the rostrum will be only used by the PM, ministers and members of the National Assembly and each member will use their own mike arranged in their respective seats. Any type of gathering inside and outside the federal parliament building is prohibited for the parliamentarians and the meeting hall will be sanitized properly. Use of sanitizers and masks have been made mandatory for those attending the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The secretariat will provide photos to the media persons electronically and no audiences will be allowed to witness the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The throat and nasal swab of 441 parliamentarians, staffers and guards at the federal secretariat have been collected and sent for test, according to the federal parliament secretariat. There are 275 members in House of Representatives and 58 members in National Assembly. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11785', 'image' => '20200508075145_20200426021504_1587852541.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 07:51:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12034', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Confirms 101 Cases of Coronavirus', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Kapilbastu district on Thursday (May 7).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">May 8: Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Kapilbastu district on Thursday (May 7). With this, the number of coronavirus cases has reached 101 in the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">The Ministry of Health and Population on Thursday confirmed the new cases, according to the national news agency RSS. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, health authorities intensified tests by conducting over 1450 tests for coronavirus on Thursday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">According to the Ministry of Health and Population, they carried out 1451 tests but none of then turned out positive. Among the infected, 73 are male and 28 female. The infected also includes a two-month old child, who tested positive in Parsa on Wednesday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Altogether 31 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in Province 1 followed by 30 in Province 2 and 26 in Province 5. Likewise, Bagmati Province has reported 7 cases, Sudur Paschim Province has 5 cases and Gandaki Province has 2 cases, according to Dr Bikas Devkota, spokesperson at the health ministry.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">The government has so far tested 14,509 samples through PCR method while 54,093 tests have been conducted through RDT method.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">According to Devkota, a total of 17,372 people are currently in quarantine across the country. Likewise, three suspects in the Kathmandu Valley and 130 outside the valley have been kept in isolation.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11784', 'image' => '20200508080149_Toll Rises4.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 08:00:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12032', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'BFIs Focusing on Online Banking', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 7: With the extension of lockdown, banks and financial institutions (BFIs) are encouraging customers to open savings and deposit accounts through online medium.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 7: With the extension of lockdown, banks and financial institutions (BFIs) are encouraging customers to open savings and deposit accounts through online medium.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Though almost all the banks have been providing the online service, the BFIs have been promoting online banking as most customers are not able to use banking service physically. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Nabil Bank had started online system for bank account opening for the first time eight years ago. “However, due to lockdown, now all the banks are focusing on online banking,” said Bhuwan Kumar Dahal, president of Bankers Association of Nepal. Especially Nabil Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Citizens Banks and NMB Bank have been promoting online banking. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Mostly, Nepali nationals in foreign countries used to apply online for opening account. However, most Nepalis in the country preferred to go to bank to take any service. But, due to the lockdown most of the banks have been creating facilities so that people can open their accounts online. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Sanima Bank had brought the system around six years ago. But most customers did not use it. According to president Dahal, who is also the chairperson of Sanima Bank, only a handful of Nepalis in foreign countries had used the service before lockdown. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Now, the most effective medium is to open bank account from home. After all the process, the customer needs to come to the bank once. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">“The customer can deposit money in the bank. But they need to come for identity confirmation once before releasing the money for the first time,” said Dahal. He said that this is an opportunity for the banks to go cashless. “Gradually, all the transactions need to be cashless,” he opined. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Citizens Bank International had also brought this service last week. “The system was already there, but now we have upgraded it,” said Ganesh Raj Pokhrel, CEO of the bank. A year ago, around 100 Nepalis from abroad used the service every month, he said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to the bankers, opening account from bank is quick, secured and safe process.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Nepal Rastra Bank(NRB) has been focusing on the need of digital transaction and has been encouraging the banks to do so. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">“As the new generation is more familiar about these concepts, they should start using it,” added Chnitamani Shiwakoti, deputy governor of NRB. “Also, banks should work on making the process convenient for customers.” Nevertheless, the market needs much time to go cashless to the full extent. “We cannot immediately switch to cashless system right now,” he said. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-07', 'modified' => '2020-05-07', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11783', 'image' => '20200507113521_vector-20452770 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-07 11:34:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12031', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown until May 18 but Eases Restrictions', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 7: The government has extended the lockdown till May 18 but has eased the restrictions to some extent, allowing operation of some industries producing basic needs under certain terms and conditions. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 7: The government has extended the lockdown till May 18 but has eased the restrictions to some extent, allowing operation of some industries producing basic needs under certain terms and conditions. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday decided to reopen industries producing essential goods by adopting safety measures and maintaining physical distancing as a precaution against coronavirus infection.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With the latest cabinet decision, most of the closed industries will now be able to resume operation under strict conditions set by the government. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Pharmaceutical companies, industries producing daily essentials, transportation of raw materials for construction works, banking service among others would be allowed to operate even during the lockdown.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Government Spokesperson Yuba Raj Khatiwada made the announcement during a press conference after the cabinet meeting.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has also decided to allow operation of industries that process drinking water, companies manufacturing soaps, packaging industries, gas bottling plants, small and cottage industries, cement and steel industries and other industries that produce export materials. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Council of Ministers took such decision upon the recommendation of the High Level Committee to Prevent Coronavirus. The committee had recommended the government to extend the lockdown and ease the restrictions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“Besides the industries, the government has decided to resume national pride projects, hydropower projects, construction of airports, roads, and bridges,” said Minister Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has made it mandatory for daily health check-up of workers involved in development projects. The projects must also arrange for the accommodation of the workers at a fixed place in order to prevent them from contracting the disease.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada said that the government would allow farmers to harvest their crop and sell their produce as well as other products like poultry, fish, vegetables, milk in the market without any hindrance. The government has ensured hassle-free transportation for vehicles carrying such goods. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">However, the cabinet has decided to not to allow cargo vehicles to carry passengers and to maintain strict record of the drivers and helpers.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The drivers and helpers entering Kathmandu Valley must enter their names which will be verified while they leave the valley. Any discrepancy would be strictly dealt with,” said Khatiwada.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the government has allowed banks and financial institutions (BFIs), insurance companies and share market to operate with a maximum of one-third workforce. Only some limited branches of BFIs were operational during the lockdown period so far.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> The government has also allowed operation of government and private hospital, nursing homes, polyclinics, labs, and diagnostic centres. The cabinet decision also allows resumption of vaccination drives and all essential medical services.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> Meanwhile, the international borders and all entry points will remain closed until May 31. The government has strictly barred cross-border movement until the period to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Regular international flights will also remain suspended until May 31. However, government has decided to allow the movement of cargo vehicles through the international transit points.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-07', 'modified' => '2020-05-07', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11782', 'image' => '20200507101757_1588777825.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-07 10:16:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12035', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali Congress Studying Impacts of Coronavirus on Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has initiated a study on the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 8: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has initiated a study on the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy. The study also focuses on determining the priorities for the budget of upcoming fiscal year.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">With the objective of analyzing the impact of coronavirus and lockdown and formulating the necessary approach, Nepali Congress on Wednesday (May 6) formed a 14-member special committee lead by former Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat to conduct the study.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The political party informed that it will give suggestions to the government and raise the issues in the parliament accordingly.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nepali Congress in a statement informed that the committee will study the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy. Likewise, it will also formulate the party’s perspectives on building the current economy, policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The party after concluding its study will make suggestions to the government.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The committee will make recommendations for immediate relief, set short-term priorities, and suggest a long-term solution for the post-coronavirus economy.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nepali Congress informed that the study will help the party to make their concept and role more effective. On April 29, the party had decided to form various committees to study the impacts of coronavirus on various sectors of the country. A committee under the coordination of former Finance Minister Mahat was formed on Wednesday based on the decision.</span></span></h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11781', 'image' => '20200508081942_20150731013431_1433670488 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 08:19:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">May 13: Government authorities confirmed 83 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday. With this, the total number of cases has reached 217 in the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">During a regular press briefing, the Ministry of Health and Population confirmed 57 new cases following lab tests in the capital. The ministry later issued a late night statement adding 26 more cases. It is the highest confirmed cases in a single day ever since the first case was reported in the capital in January. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">Among the new cases, 57 were confirmed in Parsa, 9 in Rupandehi, 8 in Kapilbastu, 2 in Mahottari, 2 in Dhanusha, 2 in Bhaktapur, 1 in Sarlahi, Kathmandu and Bara. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The ministry informed that the health condition of all the patients is normal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The health ministry informed that they have so far tested 18,964 samples through PCR method and 59,627 through RDT method.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Arial">The first case of COVID-19 was reported on January 23 in a Nepali student who returned from China’s Wuhan, where the disease is believed to have originated. Till date, 33 people have recovered from coronavirus in Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/aaaa96798%202.jpg" style="height:1024px; width:758px" /></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-13', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11797', 'image' => '20200513092604_Research1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-13 09:16:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12047', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Customs Offices seek Electronic Means to Check Import and Export', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 13: Activities in the industrial and commercial centers have started to increase after the government announced to allow some industries and businesses to operate amid lockdown.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 13: Activities in the industrial and commercial centers have started to increase after the government announced to allow some industries and businesses to operate amid lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">At the meantime, the government has restricted all movements other than shipments of goods through the border until May 31 to prevent the coronavirus outbreak from spreading.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, the concerned bodies are indifferent towards the risk of infection among the employees working at the checkpoints to facilitate import and export and the service seekers.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">In such situation, Birgunj Customs Office had requested the Customs Department to make arrangements for the inspection of imported goods through electronic means to reduce the direct contact between the employees and the service seekers.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">It has been two weeks since the customs office wrote the letter requesting arrangements for the check pass through online system but it has not received any response. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Both the Birgunj Dry Port and Biratnagar Customs had urged the department to make such arrangements.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The customs department has not yet taken any decision on the request from its subordinate offices. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, Article 89 (D) of the Customs Act 2064 has a provision that the documents forwarded electronically through an authorised ID is considered as signed by the customs official even if it does not bear the signature.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The customs offices have suggested the department to implement this legal provision to reduce the direct contact between the staffers and the service seekers at the checkpoints to stop the contagion. </span></span></h1> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-13', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11796', 'image' => '20200513095138_1589204903.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-13 09:51:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12044', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy will be Revitalized Amid Lockdown: Minister Khatiwada ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwa has said that the country’s economy will be revitalized amid the lockdown in effect since March 24 to protect the lives of people from COVID-19. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 12: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwa has said that the country’s economy will be revitalized amid the lockdown in effect since March 24 to protect the lives of people from COVID-19. In the pre-budget discussion in Monday’s meeting of National Assembly, Minister Khatiwada said that the government was moving towards the direction to forward the economic activities to save lives of people. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20200306122644_0180724052602_IMG_0298%202.jpg" style="height:480px; width:598px" /><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Responding to the queries of the parliamentarians, Minister Khatiwada said that the new budget will help bolster coordination among the three-tier governments since the federal government acknowledged that more authority should be given to the local units. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Stating that the local units had actively performed in prevention and control of COVID-19 and treat the infected ones thereby proving the importance of federalism, Khatiwada assured that the government would take into account the parliamentarians’ suggestions to prioritize agriculture sector and health sector while formulating the budget. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, all the recommendations given by the parliamentarians would be taken as guidance while formulating the budget. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Furthermore, the finance minister assured that no Nepali citizen abroad would be left stranded and any possible support would be extended to them through diplomatic channel but when it comes to opening the borders with our immediate neighbours it could spell disaster in terms of infection and its spread. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The NA shall next meeting on May 13, Wednesday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11794', 'image' => '20200512093643_20190605083713_Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:33:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12042', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agriculture is the Most Profitable Business in Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: Agriculture seems to be the most lucrative business in Nepal, according to the National Economic Census 2018.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 12: Agriculture seems to be the most lucrative business in Nepal, according to the National Economic Census 2018.</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> However, the agriculture sector has not been able to commercialize in Nepal due to the traditional mindset of the people that this sector is not profitable. But the report of the National Economic Census 2018 dismisses such notion with the new finding that agriculture is the most profitable area of business in Nepal.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The recently updated data of the First National Economic Census-2018 by the Department of Statistics shows that agriculture is the most profitable business in Nepal among 18 different sectors.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">According to the study, the profit in agriculture sector was 55.7 percent during the incubation period while the average profit of all other sectors was 29.3 percent only.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The statistics show that agriculture, forestry and fisheries are among the most lucrative businesses in Nepal.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Although the banking and financial sector has been severely criticized for making huge profits, the department's data show that the most profitable sector after agriculture is education-related business.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The annual profit of education-related business sector is 46.1 percent while the annual profit in wholesale and retail vehicle maintenance is 43 percent. Similarly the annual profit of mining and quarrying is 42.2 percent, real estate business (40 percent) and finance and insurance (40.5 percent). </span></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/bn%281%29.jpg" style="height:225px; width:400px" /></span></span></p> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span></h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11792', 'image' => '20200512091924_20190527010000_Makai.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:18:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12043', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Task Force to Decide Workers’ Salary', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 12: With the issue of payment of workers taking centre stage, stakeholders have decided to form a task force to seek a solution to the crisis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 12: With the issue of payment of workers taking centre stage, stakeholders have decided to form a task force to seek a solution to the crisis.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">The task force was formed after a meeting between Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Raya Yadav, the employers and the respective trade unions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">As the meeting failed to find a solution, the ministry decided to form a the task force. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Associations of private companies had decided to provide 50 percent salary during the lockdown. They said that they would eventually provide the remaining half salary after lockdown. The employers associations have been continuously discussing about implementation of the decision. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Suman Ghimire, spokesperson at the ministry, the task force will consist of representatives from the government, employers and workers’ associations. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Binod Shrestha, president of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), private companies should follow the instruction of Nepal Government. The employers said that trilateral understanding is necessary to maintain the enterprises and maintain security of the staff.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">In the meeting, officials from the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Development were present. Similarly, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Hotel Association of Nepal and Trade Union from private sector also attended the meeting. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-12', 'modified' => '2020-05-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11791', 'image' => '20200512093917_morgan-mckinley-it-salary-guide-position-worth-992x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-12 09:29:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12040', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kumari Bank to Acquire Deva Bikas Bank ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 9: Kumari Bank is in the process to acquire Deva Bikas Bank. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Devanagari Sangam MN"">May 9: </span>Kumari Bank is in the process to acquire Deva Bikas Bank. The two companies have called a meeting on June 1 to finalize the deal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Kumari Bank will hold its General Assembly on the stipulated date at Naxal at 11 am while Deva Bikas Bank will also hold AGM at the same time at its head office in Lal Durbar.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Kumari Bank will present the acquisition proposal to the General Assembly with the power of attorney vested on the board of directors. Kumari Bank is preparing to close its book on May 20 for the Special General Assembly.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the AGM of Deva Bikas Bank is scheduled to approve the acquisition proposal and the financial report of fiscal year 2019/20. The AGM is also expected to approve distribution of 8.55 percent bonus share. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Deva Bikas Bank is preparing to close its book between May 18 and June 1 ahead of its AGM.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The paid-up capital of Deva Bikas Bank currently stands at Rs 3.17 billion while that of Kumari Bank is Rs 9.41 billion.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11790', 'image' => '20200511093237_acquisition-e1541341949121.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:32:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12038', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' Finance Minister Presents Proposal on Priorities and Principles of budget ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 11: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada on Sunday (May 10) presented the proposal seeking deliberation on the principles and priorities (except tax proposal) of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of House of Representatives (HoR). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 11: Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada on Sunday (May 10) presented the proposal seeking deliberation on the principles and priorities (except tax proposal) of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of House of Representatives (HoR). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has aimed to minimize the COVID-10’s adverse impacts on the country’s economy and to usher the country towards economic growth, good-governance and prosperity by keeping these things in mind while allocating the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada said that the new budget would be centered on achieving prosperous and socialism-oriented economy and it would also take into account establishing social justice through private, public and cooperatives. Outlining the government’s economic policies, the finance minister said that the government’s main priority was implementing the fundamental rights of the citizens as enshrined in the constitution and providing effective and quality healthcare services to the people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also underscored the establishment of an able health organization which would tackle any health related pandemic in future. Mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 and its fallout and making the economy more dynamic were also high in priority for the government for which the budget for the new fiscal year would be prudently mobilized, according to the minister. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada was confident that the government would be successful in utilizing national and international resources and capitalizing on the international communities’ commitment to Nepal for helping in prevention and control of COVID-19. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Furthermore, he was of the belief that the private sectors’ issues could be addressed through various measures and relief packages. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The lower House of the Federal Parliament is scheduled to deliberate on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2020/21 on May 11 and 12. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The HoR is scheduled to meet at 11 am Monday (May 11). -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11789', 'image' => '20200511090536_1589147822.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:04:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12039', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Storm, Rainfall Predicated till Tuesday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 11: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted storm coupled with rainfall with the weather remaining mostly cloudy in most of the places across the country till Tuesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 11: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted storm coupled with rainfall with the weather remaining mostly cloudy in most of the places across the country till Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">This phenomena is caused by the influence of the westerly wind and local wind as well as due to the moisture-laden wind coming from the Bay of Bengal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Division has also published an advisory, urging caution as the impact of westerly and local winds will continue to cause storm and rainfall in most of the places in the country. Furthermore, there are also chances of thunderstorm, lightning and light to moderate rainfall in majority of the places across the country till Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The western parts of the country is currently experiencing storm, lightning and thunderstorm along with rainfall, according to the Division. The Division has forecast generally cloudy weather throughout the country on Monday while some places in the mountainous areas of the country and a couple of areas in Terai region will witness thunderstorm accompanied with hailstorm and storm. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the weather will remain generally cloudy throughout the country while thunderstorm coupled with gusty winds and lightning are likely to occur in some areas in the country on Tuesday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-11', 'modified' => '2020-05-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11788', 'image' => '20200511091310_Storm.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-11 09:12:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12037', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Directs Banks to Lower Interest on Loan by 2 Percentage Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: Banks are facing dilemma over implementation of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to lower the interest rate on loan for the affected businesses by 2 percentage points.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 8: Banks are facing dilemma over implementation of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)’s directive to lower the interest rate on loan for the affected businesses by 2 percentage points. As the banks have already made public announcement about reduction of interest rate on deposit by 1 percentage point, they are hesitant to implement the directive of the central bank.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">As NRB has reduced the rate of interest by 1 percentage points, all commercial banks had decided to reduce the interest rate on deposits accordingly. Apparently, they reduced the interest rate in savings, fixed deposits and call deposits by 1 to 1.5 percentage points. According to Bhuwan Dahal, chairman of Nepal Bankers’ Association, NRB’s directive has made them confused. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">He said that NRB took this decision despite being informed about their preparation to reduce the interest rate by 1 percentage point. “After the directive from NRB, we even shared our concern with them. However, we did not get any response,” said Dahal. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">It is estimated that if the decision is implemented around 10 commercial banks will go in loss in the fourth quarter. “We were planning to reduce the interest rate. But NRB took a unilateral decision without consulting with us,” he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">NRB had directed the BFIs on April 28 to lower the interest rate on loan given to affected sectors by 2 percentage points. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to Gunakar Bhatta, spokesperson of NRB, currently everyone should give high priority to saving national economy rather than looking for one’s own profit. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif""> “Bankers should give relief to the affected sectors,” Bhatta said. As NRB has given facility to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 5 percent, banks will have liquidity of Rs 35 billion. According to Bhatta they can invest the amount in government securities and bond as well. So, they should provide interest relief till mid-July. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11787', 'image' => '20200508040331_20160909042218_nrb.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 16:02:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12036', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Allows various Industries to Resume Operation from Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The government has decided to allow 44 different categories of enterprises to resume operation from Friday, May 8. ', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 8: The government has decided to allow 44 different categories of enterprises to resume operation from Friday, May 8. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on May 6 took a decision to this effect.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Despite the risk of coronavirus infection, the government has decided to allow industries and businesses in non-infected zones to operate from Friday as the country is heading to an economic crisis.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Entrepreneurs and industrialists are getting ready to reopen the industries following the government's decision to allow industries to open after 43 days of lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Industries producing cement, iron, rods as well as food processing industries are currently engaged in managing workers to restart production.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The 44 types of enterprises include construction companies, health and education services, national pride projects, agriculture sector, hydropower projects and special economic zones (SEZ) and industrial estates.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">However, industries in border areas and coronavirus-affected zones will remain closed. Meanwhile, people have demand that the government allow hardware stores to open for limited period during lockdown.</span></span></h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span></h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11786', 'image' => '20200508035032_90201015612_sej pic (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 15:49:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12033', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Budget Session of Federal Parliament to begin from Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The budget session of the federal parliament will start at 4:00 pm Friday (May 8) at the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 8: The budget session of the federal parliament will start at 4:00 pm Friday (May 8) at the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. Also known as monsoon session, this session will see the introduction of the policies and programmes as well as budget for the new fiscal year 2020/21. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to general-secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Dr Bharatraj Gautam, a letter received from the Office of the President regarding addressing of joint meeting of the Federal House session will be read out apart from the letter about beginning of the sixth session on Friday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The leaders representing various political parties in the parliament will also deliver their speeches on Friday, informed Gautam. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, President Bidya Devi Bhandari will present the government’s policies and programmes on May 17 at the joint meeting of the House of Representatives and National Assembly. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The subsequent meetings will then discuss about the policies and programmmes, while the Prime Minister will respond queries of lawmakers regarding such policy and programmes and the House will endorse them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Similarly, Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada will present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on May 28. President Bhandari had summoned the session for tomorrow on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers on May 3. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The federal parliament’s budget session will be held in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential transmission, according to Federal Parliament Secretariat. Necessary measures have been taken and all the criteria as recommended by the WHO have been followed to maintain physical distancing during the session to prevent the infection. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Each parliamentarian will maintain at least one metre of physical distancing and every member of national Assembly will be seated in their respective seats every time they convene for the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the rostrum will be only used by the PM, ministers and members of the National Assembly and each member will use their own mike arranged in their respective seats. Any type of gathering inside and outside the federal parliament building is prohibited for the parliamentarians and the meeting hall will be sanitized properly. Use of sanitizers and masks have been made mandatory for those attending the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The secretariat will provide photos to the media persons electronically and no audiences will be allowed to witness the meeting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The throat and nasal swab of 441 parliamentarians, staffers and guards at the federal secretariat have been collected and sent for test, according to the federal parliament secretariat. There are 275 members in House of Representatives and 58 members in National Assembly. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11785', 'image' => '20200508075145_20200426021504_1587852541.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 07:51:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12034', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Confirms 101 Cases of Coronavirus', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Kapilbastu district on Thursday (May 7).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">May 8: Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Kapilbastu district on Thursday (May 7). With this, the number of coronavirus cases has reached 101 in the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">The Ministry of Health and Population on Thursday confirmed the new cases, according to the national news agency RSS. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, health authorities intensified tests by conducting over 1450 tests for coronavirus on Thursday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">According to the Ministry of Health and Population, they carried out 1451 tests but none of then turned out positive. Among the infected, 73 are male and 28 female. The infected also includes a two-month old child, who tested positive in Parsa on Wednesday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Altogether 31 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in Province 1 followed by 30 in Province 2 and 26 in Province 5. Likewise, Bagmati Province has reported 7 cases, Sudur Paschim Province has 5 cases and Gandaki Province has 2 cases, according to Dr Bikas Devkota, spokesperson at the health ministry.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">The government has so far tested 14,509 samples through PCR method while 54,093 tests have been conducted through RDT method.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">According to Devkota, a total of 17,372 people are currently in quarantine across the country. Likewise, three suspects in the Kathmandu Valley and 130 outside the valley have been kept in isolation.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11784', 'image' => '20200508080149_Toll Rises4.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 08:00:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12032', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'BFIs Focusing on Online Banking', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 7: With the extension of lockdown, banks and financial institutions (BFIs) are encouraging customers to open savings and deposit accounts through online medium.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">May 7: With the extension of lockdown, banks and financial institutions (BFIs) are encouraging customers to open savings and deposit accounts through online medium.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Though almost all the banks have been providing the online service, the BFIs have been promoting online banking as most customers are not able to use banking service physically. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Nabil Bank had started online system for bank account opening for the first time eight years ago. “However, due to lockdown, now all the banks are focusing on online banking,” said Bhuwan Kumar Dahal, president of Bankers Association of Nepal. Especially Nabil Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Citizens Banks and NMB Bank have been promoting online banking. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:Arial">Mostly, Nepali nationals in foreign countries used to apply online for opening account. However, most Nepalis in the country preferred to go to bank to take any service. But, due to the lockdown most of the banks have been creating facilities so that people can open their accounts online. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Sanima Bank had brought the system around six years ago. But most customers did not use it. According to president Dahal, who is also the chairperson of Sanima Bank, only a handful of Nepalis in foreign countries had used the service before lockdown. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Now, the most effective medium is to open bank account from home. After all the process, the customer needs to come to the bank once. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">“The customer can deposit money in the bank. But they need to come for identity confirmation once before releasing the money for the first time,” said Dahal. He said that this is an opportunity for the banks to go cashless. “Gradually, all the transactions need to be cashless,” he opined. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Citizens Bank International had also brought this service last week. “The system was already there, but now we have upgraded it,” said Ganesh Raj Pokhrel, CEO of the bank. A year ago, around 100 Nepalis from abroad used the service every month, he said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">According to the bankers, opening account from bank is quick, secured and safe process.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">Nepal Rastra Bank(NRB) has been focusing on the need of digital transaction and has been encouraging the banks to do so. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman""><span style="font-family:"Mangal","serif"">“As the new generation is more familiar about these concepts, they should start using it,” added Chnitamani Shiwakoti, deputy governor of NRB. “Also, banks should work on making the process convenient for customers.” Nevertheless, the market needs much time to go cashless to the full extent. “We cannot immediately switch to cashless system right now,” he said. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-07', 'modified' => '2020-05-07', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11783', 'image' => '20200507113521_vector-20452770 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-07 11:34:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12031', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown until May 18 but Eases Restrictions', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 7: The government has extended the lockdown till May 18 but has eased the restrictions to some extent, allowing operation of some industries producing basic needs under certain terms and conditions. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">May 7: The government has extended the lockdown till May 18 but has eased the restrictions to some extent, allowing operation of some industries producing basic needs under certain terms and conditions. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday decided to reopen industries producing essential goods by adopting safety measures and maintaining physical distancing as a precaution against coronavirus infection.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With the latest cabinet decision, most of the closed industries will now be able to resume operation under strict conditions set by the government. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Pharmaceutical companies, industries producing daily essentials, transportation of raw materials for construction works, banking service among others would be allowed to operate even during the lockdown.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Government Spokesperson Yuba Raj Khatiwada made the announcement during a press conference after the cabinet meeting.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has also decided to allow operation of industries that process drinking water, companies manufacturing soaps, packaging industries, gas bottling plants, small and cottage industries, cement and steel industries and other industries that produce export materials. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Council of Ministers took such decision upon the recommendation of the High Level Committee to Prevent Coronavirus. The committee had recommended the government to extend the lockdown and ease the restrictions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“Besides the industries, the government has decided to resume national pride projects, hydropower projects, construction of airports, roads, and bridges,” said Minister Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has made it mandatory for daily health check-up of workers involved in development projects. The projects must also arrange for the accommodation of the workers at a fixed place in order to prevent them from contracting the disease.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister Khatiwada said that the government would allow farmers to harvest their crop and sell their produce as well as other products like poultry, fish, vegetables, milk in the market without any hindrance. The government has ensured hassle-free transportation for vehicles carrying such goods. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">However, the cabinet has decided to not to allow cargo vehicles to carry passengers and to maintain strict record of the drivers and helpers.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The drivers and helpers entering Kathmandu Valley must enter their names which will be verified while they leave the valley. Any discrepancy would be strictly dealt with,” said Khatiwada.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the government has allowed banks and financial institutions (BFIs), insurance companies and share market to operate with a maximum of one-third workforce. Only some limited branches of BFIs were operational during the lockdown period so far.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> The government has also allowed operation of government and private hospital, nursing homes, polyclinics, labs, and diagnostic centres. The cabinet decision also allows resumption of vaccination drives and all essential medical services.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> Meanwhile, the international borders and all entry points will remain closed until May 31. The government has strictly barred cross-border movement until the period to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Regular international flights will also remain suspended until May 31. However, government has decided to allow the movement of cargo vehicles through the international transit points.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-07', 'modified' => '2020-05-07', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11782', 'image' => '20200507101757_1588777825.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-07 10:16:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '20' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12035', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali Congress Studying Impacts of Coronavirus on Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'May 8: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has initiated a study on the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy.', 'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">May 8: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has initiated a study on the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy. The study also focuses on determining the priorities for the budget of upcoming fiscal year.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">With the objective of analyzing the impact of coronavirus and lockdown and formulating the necessary approach, Nepali Congress on Wednesday (May 6) formed a 14-member special committee lead by former Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat to conduct the study.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The political party informed that it will give suggestions to the government and raise the issues in the parliament accordingly.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nepali Congress in a statement informed that the committee will study the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on the country's economy. Likewise, it will also formulate the party’s perspectives on building the current economy, policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. </span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The party after concluding its study will make suggestions to the government.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The committee will make recommendations for immediate relief, set short-term priorities, and suggest a long-term solution for the post-coronavirus economy.</span></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Nepali Congress informed that the study will help the party to make their concept and role more effective. On April 29, the party had decided to form various committees to study the impacts of coronavirus on various sectors of the country. A committee under the coordination of former Finance Minister Mahat was formed on Wednesday based on the decision.</span></span></h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> <h1> </h1> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-05-08', 'modified' => '2020-05-08', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '11781', 'image' => '20200508081942_20150731013431_1433670488 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-05-08 08:19:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '20' ) ) ) $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
