NEWS

NRB Directs BFIs to Provide 2% Discount on Interest

Apr 30, 2020 0 1 minutes 37 seconds to read

April 30: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide a two percent discount on the interest rate to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on borrowers.…

EU to Provide Rs 9.8 Billion to Tackle Coronavirus in Nepal

Apr 28, 2020 0 2 minutes 16 seconds to read

April 29: The European Union (EU) is all set to provide an aid package of Rs 9.8 billion to Nepal to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its impacts, the national news agency RSS reported.…

Shortage of Construction Materials Affecting Infrastructure Projects

Apr 28, 2020 0 1 minutes 48 seconds to read

April 28: The ongoing construction of infrastructural projects during the lockdown has been affected due to the shortage of construction materials.…

Experts urge Government to Start Preparation for Promoting Domestic Tourism

Apr 28, 2020 0 1 minutes 54 seconds to read

April 28: Experts have advised the government to start internal preparations for promoting domestic tourism to support the country’s economy which is reeling under the effect of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.…

Budget for PMEP Spent on Paying Salary of Government Employees

Apr 28, 2020 0 2 minutes 23 seconds to read

April 28: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to provide double amount for the Prime Minister Employment Programme for the upcoming fiscal year than the amount allocated for the current fiscal…

NCC calls on Government to bring Financial Package for Tourism Sector

Apr 28, 2020 0 1 minutes 35 seconds to read

April 29: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to bring a fiscal stimulus package for reviving the tourism sector that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.…

Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday

Apr 28, 2020 0 53 seconds to read

April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.…

Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers

Apr 28, 2020 0 1 minutes 2 seconds to read

April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.…

Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices

Apr 27, 2020 0 2 minutes 40 seconds to read

April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days.…

NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates

Apr 27, 2020 0 2 minutes 53 seconds to read

April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year.…

No Yarsagumba Picking this Year

Apr 27, 2020 0 1 minutes 41 seconds to read

April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.…

Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days

Apr 26, 2020 0 1 minutes 25 seconds to read

April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May…

Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country

Apr 26, 2020 0 57 seconds to read

April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS.…

Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time

Apr 26, 2020 0 3 minutes 20 seconds to read

April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus.…

80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT

Apr 26, 2020 0 2 minutes 20 seconds to read

April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar.…

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			'title' => 'NRB Directs BFIs to Provide 2% Discount on Interest',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 30: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide a two percent discount on the interest rate to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on borrowers.     ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 30: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide a two percent discount on the interest rate to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on borrowers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The central bank in a notice issued on Tuesday instructed the BFIs to provide the discount to the coronavirus affected entrepreneurs on the interest as of April 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NRB stated that the banks and financial institutions issuing loans henceforth have to reduce the interest by 2% and count the interest amount of the fourth trimester of the fiscal year 2019/2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, the central bank said this provision does not apply in the case of food processing, sale and distribution; LPG bottling, sale and distribution; the internet service providers; telecom service providers; the television service providers; the tobacco and alcohol based industries; and the hydropower projects in operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, NRB has directed BFIs to make provisions for extending the time for payment of the monthly/trimester instalments to be collected in the months of Baisakh and Jeth &nbsp;(mid-April to mid-June) till the coming Asar-end (mid-July). The NRB directive states that no additional charges or fines can be levied in the case of such instalments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The central bank has stated that the timeline for payment of the principal and interest of short-term loans of all recurrent capital-type to be paid during the lockdown period could be extended by 60 days. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'EU to Provide Rs 9.8 Billion to Tackle Coronavirus in Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 29: The European Union (EU) is all set to provide an aid package of Rs 9.8 billion to Nepal to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its impacts, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 29: The European Union (EU) is all set to provide an aid package of Rs 9.8 billion to Nepal to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its impacts, the national news agency RSS reported. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, the support includes redirected existing commitments with new funds.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU said in a statement that the Government of Nepal can &nbsp;have direct and swift access to this financing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU&rsquo;s support will be focused on two areas. Firstly, it will be assisting the authorities in Nepal to respond to the immediate health crisis and secondly to boost the country&rsquo;s economic response and recovery. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU will provide Rs 1.6 billion to support the government&rsquo;s health and preparedness plan, according to RSS. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;These funds are being made available either by topping up resources for already existing projects on the health sector, or by reorienting resources to other projects that would integrate health related activities and crisis response, including tackling gender based violence,&rdquo; RSS reported citing the EU.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, Rs 8.2 billion will support the government&rsquo;s response to the social and economic consequences of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While the government&rsquo;s strict measures to trace, isolate and treat the virus have so far helped to contain the health crisis, such measures will have a negative economic impact, the EU noted. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">By stimulating the economy and labour demand, through support to people&rsquo;s incomes, employment retention and the extension of social protection programmes that assist the most vulnerable, the European Union said in the statement issued on Monday that it hopes to assist the government&rsquo;s economic recovery plan. </span></span></span></p>
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			'title' => 'Shortage of Construction Materials Affecting Infrastructure Projects ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The ongoing construction of infrastructural projects during the lockdown has been affected due to the shortage of construction materials. ',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 28: The ongoing construction of infrastructural projects during the lockdown has been affected due to the shortage of construction materials. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The shortage in supply of construction materials has affected the construction work of roads, bridges, drinking water and airport related projects.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Road widening and blacktopping inside Kathmandu Valley has come to a standstill due to the shortage of raw materials. The scarcity also has halted the construction works of two international projects. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Due to the lockdown, crucial equipment and cement could not be brought from China&#39;s Kerung Dry Port and India&#39;s Kolkata Port for the construction of the two national pride projects.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Roshan Dahal, general secretary of the Federation of Construction Entrepreneurs of Nepal, informed new Business Age that many small and larger construction projects are facing the shortage of resources and construction materials, due to the closure of the crusher, cement and rod industries. The industries are also facing shortage of raw materials because of the lockdown, he informed.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&quot;It is obvious for the projects to face the scarcity of construction materials while the construction industries and factories are closed,&rdquo; Dahal added.</span></span></h1>

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			'id' => '11996',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Experts urge Government to Start Preparation for Promoting Domestic Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Experts have advised the government to start internal preparations for promoting domestic tourism to support the country’s economy which is reeling under the effect of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: Experts have advised the government to start internal preparations for promoting domestic tourism to support the country&rsquo;s economy which is reeling under the effect of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">They were of the view that Nepal holds good potential for domestic tourism but the government has never given priority to this sector. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Speaking at a video conference organised by Excel Trip on Monday, the experts drew the attention of the government to channelize the budget allocated for the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign to promote internal tourism.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism expert and hotel entrepreneur Karna Shakya said that Nepal has great potential for domestic tourism and the government must start preparation for it right away. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;We can reach the international tourism market through the regional market by making the domestic market its base,&rdquo; said Shakya.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, former CEO of Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi said that the fact than no one has died of coronavirus in Nepal is a plus point for Nepal&rsquo;s tourism industry. He said that the Nepalis&rsquo; propensity to spend is increasing and the tourism sector must capitalize on it to bail out the&nbsp; sector which is currently under crisis due to coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, First Vice President of Hotel Association of Nepal Binayak Shah informed that the hotel entrepreneurs are preparing to launch special packages for domestic tourists.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Budget for PMEP Spent on Paying Salary of Government Employees',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to provide double amount for the Prime Minister Employment Programme for the upcoming fiscal year than the amount allocated for the current fiscal year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to provide double amount for the Prime Minister Employment Programme for the upcoming fiscal year than the amount allocated for the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The labour ministry has demanded Rs 11.28 billion from the finance ministry to run the 100-day employment programme for unemployed youths in FY 2020/21.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">In the letter, the ministry has asked the finance ministry to provide Rs 5.91 billion pledged by the World Bank and to manage an additional Rs 5.37 billion from the government&rsquo;s internal source. However, the ministry is yet to determine how many youths will be provided with employment opportunities during next fiscal year. The labour ministry is currently studying the prospects, said sources at the ministry.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has announced to provide employment to youths who have been rendered jobless due to the lockdown as well as to the migrant workers who have received permit to work abroad but have been denied opportunity due to the travel restrictions. Therefore, the labour ministry intends to create employment opportunities within the country to minimize the impact created by jobless situation in the country.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Ministry of Labour and Employment aims to mobilize unemployed youths in road, drinking water, agriculture and irrigation projects as well as construction and renovation of government hospitals, health posts among others.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The programme was launched last year. The government had allocated Rs 5.1 billion for this programme in the current fiscal year. However, the government has not been able to spend the allocated amount for any productive work except paying salary and allowances of the employees as of mid-April this year. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The World Bank was supposed to provide Rs 2 billion for the programme for the current fiscal year but the amount was withheld as the government failed to prepare a work procedure for the programme. The World Bank has agreed to release the budget for the upcoming fiscal year after the government prepared the work procedure recently.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'NCC calls on Government to bring Financial Package for Tourism Sector',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 29: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to bring a fiscal stimulus package for reviving the tourism sector that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 29: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to bring a fiscal stimulus package for reviving the tourism sector that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">An NCC delegation led by its president Rajesh Kaji Shrestha called for such package in suggestions it presented to the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yogesh Bhattarai, on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NCC urged the government to rescue the hotel and airlines companies by means of fiscal package as these sectors have been badly affected by the impact of COVID-19. It also called for bailing out the tourism sector as a whole from the adverse economic impact of the coronavirus by means of various measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NCC delegation has suggested providing financial support including tax and airport charge exemption. It called on the government and the Nepal Rastra Bank to support the sectors through loan, loan guarantees and corporate bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NCC also suggested the government to formulate plan keeping the domestic tourism in priority and to focus its attention to promotion of internal tourism soon after COVID-19 impact subsided.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It also urged the government to take initiatives for bringing in maximum number of tourists from various Chinese cities on competitive packages by Nepal Airlines, Himalayan Airlines and Chinese airlines in the upcoming tourism season of October and November.&nbsp; -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday ',
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			'summary' => 'April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, a notification issued by the government through the Nepal Gazette states that the lockdown period starting from March 24 and the extended period will be considered as public holiday as per Clause 2 of the Communicable Diseases Act, 2020 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;The chief of the offices concerned are required to decide to maintain the period during which all government offices, bodies or industries gave a holiday, in accordance with the order issued on March 22 and various dates after that, in the case of employees or workers with the salary and allowances they are entitled to, as a public holiday,&quot; RSS quoted the notice in the Nepal Gazettee as saying. </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11993',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A monitoring team from the Department had found that the Bhatbhateni Supermarket at Tangal had sold consumer goods exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP). The Department said the store has been fined as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2075.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, the Department fined a fine of Rs 100,000 to the MBT Food Store in Kapan as it was found operating without keeping the price list of commodities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has permitted big stores including Bhatbhateni to operate even during the lockdown for the convenience of the people to buy essentials. The Department has intensified market monitoring despite the lockdown to prevent consumers from being cheated during the present adverse situation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11743',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:04:08',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11992',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. But the consumers have been paying exorbitant prices for vegetables in the retail shops. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to the price list issued by the Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee, prices of most of the vegetables have reduced by 75 to 80 percent in one month since the lockdown was first imposed on March 24. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">This is due to the increase in domestic production of vegetables. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, most of the people have left the Kathmandu Valley and the hotels and restaurants are also closed due to which the demand for vegetables has dropped sharply. All these factors have resulted in reduction of prices of vegetables, according to Binay Shreshta, information officer at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The prices of a variety of gourds has dropped by 66 percent, according to the list. Likewise, beans (80 percent), tomatoes (64 percent) and cauliflower (26 percent) have also witnessed significant reduction in prices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the significant decline in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market, consumers say they have not felt a drop in the prices of vegetables in the retail shops.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Cauliflower is available at a maximum price of Rs 25 per kilogram in Kalimati. However, the price of the same vegetable is between Rs 45 to Rs 50 at retail shops in Kirtipur, says Sanu Maiya Maharjan, a local of Kirtipur.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, onion imported from India is being sold at Rs 28 per kg at Kalimati but the same product is being sold at Rs 45 per kg elsewhere. Traders have been selling carrot at Rs 55 per kg in the retail market although it costs only Rs 30 per kg in the wholesale market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It has been found that the retail shops have been charging the consumers high prices as per their wish, taking advantage of the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/3332_vege1.jpg" style="height:258px; width:450px" /></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11991',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. The central bank has also said that the deadline for payment of loans can be extended during the lockdown period.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Newly appointed Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari made such announcement while unveiling a six-point decision taken by the central bank to address the financial crisis created due to the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. NRB Goverrnor Adhikari made the announcement during the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the central bank on Sunday (April 26).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to officials at the central bank, preparations are underway to avail the sectors affected by coronavirus with working capital loan. The central bank is also working to amend the work procedure on renewal of loan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;NRB will amend the work procedure on renewal of loan to facilitate the small and medium-scale enterprises, tourism industry and other sectors badly affected by coronavirus,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NRB governor said that the central bank will increase the fund for renewal of loan as per the requirement. The fund currently stands at Rs 60 billion. It may be noted that the NRB had recently increased the fund for renewal of loan from Rs 50 billion to Rs 60 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Adhikari further said that the central bank will take appropriate measures to facilitate the flow of loans from the banking sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He said that preparations are underway to reschedule or restructure the loan provided to the sectors affected by coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Adhikari, the central bank is closely studying the impacts on the country&rsquo;s economy due to the lockdown. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He was of the view that the cost factor and timeframe of big projects would increase due to the disruption in supply of construction materials.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The disruption in supply chain is expected to increase the cost of big projects and extend their deadline,&rdquo; said Adhikari, adding, &ldquo;Although we do not have the exact figures regarding the impact of coronavirus on the economy at the moment, we have been making efforts to minimize the effects and to bring the economy back on track.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11990',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'No Yarsagumba Picking this Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.   ',
			'content' => '<p><em>People heading to highlands in western Nepal to pick yarsagumba in this file photo. Photo: NBA Files</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">People from Saipal, Surma, Bungal and other local levels in the district used to walk up the mountainous to comb meadows for the rare medicinal herb. With the onset of the New Year, it is time for the people here to pick the yarsagumba.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Chairperson of Saipal Rural Municipality Rajendra Dhami informed that people have been banned from collecting the medicinal herb because the crowd could spread the coronavirus. Yarsagumba is a major source of income for most of the people in Bajhang district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, a local from Saipal Rural Municipality Bam Bahadur Bohara shared the plight that it would be difficult for them to manage family expense including children&#39;s school fee as they were not allowed to pick yarsagumba. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;Not only the people from the district but those from neighbouring districts used to gather in thousands of number to collect the medicinal herb found at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters from Baisakh to Ashar (mid-April to mid-June),&quot; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Even the schools used to remain closed as the children were taken together by the parents to comb the meadows for the rare plant. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11740',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11989',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days',
			'sub_title' => 'International Borders to Remain Closed until May 13',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A cabinet meeting took a decision to this effect on Sunday (April 26). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada informed that the lockdown has been &ldquo;extended until midnight of May 7 to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection&rdquo;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 after a case of coronavirus was reported in the country. So far, Nepal has confirmed 51 cases of coronavirus.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Khatiwada, who also holds the portfolio of finance as well as communication minister, added that the cabinet&nbsp; has decided to close the international borders of Nepal until May 13. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Minister Khatiwada, the decision to restrict cross-border movement was taken considering the high risk of spreading coronavirus from people coming to Nepal from countries already reeling under the effect of the pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers also decided to allow migrant workers to join work in South Korea under the EPS agreement. He said workers can now start jobs in South Korea as per the mutual understanding reached between the two countries. &nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11739',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-26 20:36:07',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11988',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. With this, the number of people infected with the virus has reached 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, two men in their 50&#39;s from Birgunj of Parsa and one person from Jhapa have tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday (April 26). Their swab samples were tested at Teku-based National Public Health Laboratory and the Koshi Provincial Hospital, according to co-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Those infected are under isolation and their health condition is said to be normal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Altogether 16&nbsp; infected persons have already returned home after full recovery.&nbsp; The active number of cases stands at 36.</span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11986',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Informed sources told New Business Age that the government has given high priority to health infrastructure as it prepares to announce the budget which will also give special emphasis to employment, tourism, industrial sector and agriculture reeling under the effects of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Sources at the Finance Ministry say that the budget this time will not include populist agenda.&nbsp; High-ranking officials at the ministry informed that the government is making preparations to announce the budget within the deadline of May 28 as per the constitutional provision to make the announcement one and a half months ahead of the new fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, said that the government has decided to allocate less budget for development purpose and focus on health services to control the spread of coronavirus as well as to increase employment opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to him, the government is planning to spend the maximum amount on prevention and treatment of coronavirus. He said that the government will ensure that the budget for national pride projects would not be interrupted while the budget for other infrastructural development projects would be channelized toward the health sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Naational Planning Commission has set a ceiling of Rs 81 billion in the upcoming budget for the Ministry of Energy and&nbsp; Irrigation. The ministry had received Rs 83.49 billion in the current fiscal year. Likewise, the NPC has set a ceiling of Rs 33 billion for the Agriculture Ministry while that for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been set at Rs 58 billion. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile,&nbsp; officials at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security say that the government is preparing to announce budget that would focus on creating employment opportunities to minimize the impact of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry Suman Ghimire informed New Business Age that the government is doing necessary homework to announce a special package of at least Rs 10 billion for self employment.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coronavirus has mostly affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and the people from the low-income group are at the receiving end due to various measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism, construction and production-oriented sectors have also been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. Many people dependent on these sectors have lost their jobs. Therefore, economist Keshav Acharya suggests that the government should announce programmes in the budget that would address the problems of the labourers and low-income groups and provide them immediate relief.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11985',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While announce relief for the sectors affected by coronavirus, the government has said that the companies were bound to pay the workers salary for mid-March to mid-April although it had exempted the contribution of 31 percent to the Social Security Fund during the crisis period. The government had decided to contribute the amount itself on behalf of the companies listed in the scheme.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the government&rsquo;s support and assurance, the private sector has not paid salary to 80 percent of the workers, according to the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">GEFONT has started writing letters to the industries and other business organisations of the private sector to release the salary of the workers. The umbrella organisation of workers has also warned that the withholding or payment would deteriorate working environment in the industries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Kamalesh Jha, chairman of Province 2 chapter of GEFONT, some of the pharmaceutical companies have posted notices that read &ndash; &ldquo;No Work No Pay&rdquo;.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government has clearly directed the industries to pay the workers, the companies are dilly dallying in making the payment on the pretext that they haven&rsquo;t received any instruction from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) and the banks have not released the amount, said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Some companies have paid the workers but many others have withheld the amount under various excuses,&rdquo; said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">More than 95 percent of industries across the country are shut due to the lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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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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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12000',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Directs BFIs to Provide 2% Discount on Interest',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 30: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide a two percent discount on the interest rate to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on borrowers.     ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 30: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide a two percent discount on the interest rate to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on borrowers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The central bank in a notice issued on Tuesday instructed the BFIs to provide the discount to the coronavirus affected entrepreneurs on the interest as of April 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NRB stated that the banks and financial institutions issuing loans henceforth have to reduce the interest by 2% and count the interest amount of the fourth trimester of the fiscal year 2019/2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, the central bank said this provision does not apply in the case of food processing, sale and distribution; LPG bottling, sale and distribution; the internet service providers; telecom service providers; the television service providers; the tobacco and alcohol based industries; and the hydropower projects in operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, NRB has directed BFIs to make provisions for extending the time for payment of the monthly/trimester instalments to be collected in the months of Baisakh and Jeth &nbsp;(mid-April to mid-June) till the coming Asar-end (mid-July). The NRB directive states that no additional charges or fines can be levied in the case of such instalments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The central bank has stated that the timeline for payment of the principal and interest of short-term loans of all recurrent capital-type to be paid during the lockdown period could be extended by 60 days. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-04-30',
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			'sortorder' => '11750',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11999',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'EU to Provide Rs 9.8 Billion to Tackle Coronavirus in Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 29: The European Union (EU) is all set to provide an aid package of Rs 9.8 billion to Nepal to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its impacts, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 29: The European Union (EU) is all set to provide an aid package of Rs 9.8 billion to Nepal to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its impacts, the national news agency RSS reported. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, the support includes redirected existing commitments with new funds.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU said in a statement that the Government of Nepal can &nbsp;have direct and swift access to this financing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU&rsquo;s support will be focused on two areas. Firstly, it will be assisting the authorities in Nepal to respond to the immediate health crisis and secondly to boost the country&rsquo;s economic response and recovery. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU will provide Rs 1.6 billion to support the government&rsquo;s health and preparedness plan, according to RSS. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;These funds are being made available either by topping up resources for already existing projects on the health sector, or by reorienting resources to other projects that would integrate health related activities and crisis response, including tackling gender based violence,&rdquo; RSS reported citing the EU.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, Rs 8.2 billion will support the government&rsquo;s response to the social and economic consequences of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While the government&rsquo;s strict measures to trace, isolate and treat the virus have so far helped to contain the health crisis, such measures will have a negative economic impact, the EU noted. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">By stimulating the economy and labour demand, through support to people&rsquo;s incomes, employment retention and the extension of social protection programmes that assist the most vulnerable, the European Union said in the statement issued on Monday that it hopes to assist the government&rsquo;s economic recovery plan. </span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11998',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Shortage of Construction Materials Affecting Infrastructure Projects ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The ongoing construction of infrastructural projects during the lockdown has been affected due to the shortage of construction materials. ',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 28: The ongoing construction of infrastructural projects during the lockdown has been affected due to the shortage of construction materials. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The shortage in supply of construction materials has affected the construction work of roads, bridges, drinking water and airport related projects.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Road widening and blacktopping inside Kathmandu Valley has come to a standstill due to the shortage of raw materials. The scarcity also has halted the construction works of two international projects. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Due to the lockdown, crucial equipment and cement could not be brought from China&#39;s Kerung Dry Port and India&#39;s Kolkata Port for the construction of the two national pride projects.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Roshan Dahal, general secretary of the Federation of Construction Entrepreneurs of Nepal, informed new Business Age that many small and larger construction projects are facing the shortage of resources and construction materials, due to the closure of the crusher, cement and rod industries. The industries are also facing shortage of raw materials because of the lockdown, he informed.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&quot;It is obvious for the projects to face the scarcity of construction materials while the construction industries and factories are closed,&rdquo; Dahal added.</span></span></h1>

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			'sortorder' => '11748',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11996',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Experts urge Government to Start Preparation for Promoting Domestic Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Experts have advised the government to start internal preparations for promoting domestic tourism to support the country’s economy which is reeling under the effect of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: Experts have advised the government to start internal preparations for promoting domestic tourism to support the country&rsquo;s economy which is reeling under the effect of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">They were of the view that Nepal holds good potential for domestic tourism but the government has never given priority to this sector. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Speaking at a video conference organised by Excel Trip on Monday, the experts drew the attention of the government to channelize the budget allocated for the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign to promote internal tourism.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism expert and hotel entrepreneur Karna Shakya said that Nepal has great potential for domestic tourism and the government must start preparation for it right away. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;We can reach the international tourism market through the regional market by making the domestic market its base,&rdquo; said Shakya.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, former CEO of Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi said that the fact than no one has died of coronavirus in Nepal is a plus point for Nepal&rsquo;s tourism industry. He said that the Nepalis&rsquo; propensity to spend is increasing and the tourism sector must capitalize on it to bail out the&nbsp; sector which is currently under crisis due to coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, First Vice President of Hotel Association of Nepal Binayak Shah informed that the hotel entrepreneurs are preparing to launch special packages for domestic tourists.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11995',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Budget for PMEP Spent on Paying Salary of Government Employees',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to provide double amount for the Prime Minister Employment Programme for the upcoming fiscal year than the amount allocated for the current fiscal year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to provide double amount for the Prime Minister Employment Programme for the upcoming fiscal year than the amount allocated for the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The labour ministry has demanded Rs 11.28 billion from the finance ministry to run the 100-day employment programme for unemployed youths in FY 2020/21.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">In the letter, the ministry has asked the finance ministry to provide Rs 5.91 billion pledged by the World Bank and to manage an additional Rs 5.37 billion from the government&rsquo;s internal source. However, the ministry is yet to determine how many youths will be provided with employment opportunities during next fiscal year. The labour ministry is currently studying the prospects, said sources at the ministry.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has announced to provide employment to youths who have been rendered jobless due to the lockdown as well as to the migrant workers who have received permit to work abroad but have been denied opportunity due to the travel restrictions. Therefore, the labour ministry intends to create employment opportunities within the country to minimize the impact created by jobless situation in the country.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Ministry of Labour and Employment aims to mobilize unemployed youths in road, drinking water, agriculture and irrigation projects as well as construction and renovation of government hospitals, health posts among others.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The programme was launched last year. The government had allocated Rs 5.1 billion for this programme in the current fiscal year. However, the government has not been able to spend the allocated amount for any productive work except paying salary and allowances of the employees as of mid-April this year. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The World Bank was supposed to provide Rs 2 billion for the programme for the current fiscal year but the amount was withheld as the government failed to prepare a work procedure for the programme. The World Bank has agreed to release the budget for the upcoming fiscal year after the government prepared the work procedure recently.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11997',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NCC calls on Government to bring Financial Package for Tourism Sector',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 29: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to bring a fiscal stimulus package for reviving the tourism sector that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 29: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to bring a fiscal stimulus package for reviving the tourism sector that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">An NCC delegation led by its president Rajesh Kaji Shrestha called for such package in suggestions it presented to the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yogesh Bhattarai, on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NCC urged the government to rescue the hotel and airlines companies by means of fiscal package as these sectors have been badly affected by the impact of COVID-19. It also called for bailing out the tourism sector as a whole from the adverse economic impact of the coronavirus by means of various measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NCC delegation has suggested providing financial support including tax and airport charge exemption. It called on the government and the Nepal Rastra Bank to support the sectors through loan, loan guarantees and corporate bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NCC also suggested the government to formulate plan keeping the domestic tourism in priority and to focus its attention to promotion of internal tourism soon after COVID-19 impact subsided.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It also urged the government to take initiatives for bringing in maximum number of tourists from various Chinese cities on competitive packages by Nepal Airlines, Himalayan Airlines and Chinese airlines in the upcoming tourism season of October and November.&nbsp; -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11994',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, a notification issued by the government through the Nepal Gazette states that the lockdown period starting from March 24 and the extended period will be considered as public holiday as per Clause 2 of the Communicable Diseases Act, 2020 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;The chief of the offices concerned are required to decide to maintain the period during which all government offices, bodies or industries gave a holiday, in accordance with the order issued on March 22 and various dates after that, in the case of employees or workers with the salary and allowances they are entitled to, as a public holiday,&quot; RSS quoted the notice in the Nepal Gazettee as saying. </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11744',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:11:20',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11993',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A monitoring team from the Department had found that the Bhatbhateni Supermarket at Tangal had sold consumer goods exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP). The Department said the store has been fined as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2075.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, the Department fined a fine of Rs 100,000 to the MBT Food Store in Kapan as it was found operating without keeping the price list of commodities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has permitted big stores including Bhatbhateni to operate even during the lockdown for the convenience of the people to buy essentials. The Department has intensified market monitoring despite the lockdown to prevent consumers from being cheated during the present adverse situation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11992',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. But the consumers have been paying exorbitant prices for vegetables in the retail shops. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to the price list issued by the Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee, prices of most of the vegetables have reduced by 75 to 80 percent in one month since the lockdown was first imposed on March 24. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">This is due to the increase in domestic production of vegetables. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, most of the people have left the Kathmandu Valley and the hotels and restaurants are also closed due to which the demand for vegetables has dropped sharply. All these factors have resulted in reduction of prices of vegetables, according to Binay Shreshta, information officer at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The prices of a variety of gourds has dropped by 66 percent, according to the list. Likewise, beans (80 percent), tomatoes (64 percent) and cauliflower (26 percent) have also witnessed significant reduction in prices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the significant decline in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market, consumers say they have not felt a drop in the prices of vegetables in the retail shops.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Cauliflower is available at a maximum price of Rs 25 per kilogram in Kalimati. However, the price of the same vegetable is between Rs 45 to Rs 50 at retail shops in Kirtipur, says Sanu Maiya Maharjan, a local of Kirtipur.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, onion imported from India is being sold at Rs 28 per kg at Kalimati but the same product is being sold at Rs 45 per kg elsewhere. Traders have been selling carrot at Rs 55 per kg in the retail market although it costs only Rs 30 per kg in the wholesale market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It has been found that the retail shops have been charging the consumers high prices as per their wish, taking advantage of the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/3332_vege1.jpg" style="height:258px; width:450px" /></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11991',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. The central bank has also said that the deadline for payment of loans can be extended during the lockdown period.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Newly appointed Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari made such announcement while unveiling a six-point decision taken by the central bank to address the financial crisis created due to the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. NRB Goverrnor Adhikari made the announcement during the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the central bank on Sunday (April 26).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to officials at the central bank, preparations are underway to avail the sectors affected by coronavirus with working capital loan. The central bank is also working to amend the work procedure on renewal of loan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;NRB will amend the work procedure on renewal of loan to facilitate the small and medium-scale enterprises, tourism industry and other sectors badly affected by coronavirus,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NRB governor said that the central bank will increase the fund for renewal of loan as per the requirement. The fund currently stands at Rs 60 billion. It may be noted that the NRB had recently increased the fund for renewal of loan from Rs 50 billion to Rs 60 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Adhikari further said that the central bank will take appropriate measures to facilitate the flow of loans from the banking sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He said that preparations are underway to reschedule or restructure the loan provided to the sectors affected by coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Adhikari, the central bank is closely studying the impacts on the country&rsquo;s economy due to the lockdown. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He was of the view that the cost factor and timeframe of big projects would increase due to the disruption in supply of construction materials.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The disruption in supply chain is expected to increase the cost of big projects and extend their deadline,&rdquo; said Adhikari, adding, &ldquo;Although we do not have the exact figures regarding the impact of coronavirus on the economy at the moment, we have been making efforts to minimize the effects and to bring the economy back on track.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11990',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'No Yarsagumba Picking this Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.   ',
			'content' => '<p><em>People heading to highlands in western Nepal to pick yarsagumba in this file photo. Photo: NBA Files</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">People from Saipal, Surma, Bungal and other local levels in the district used to walk up the mountainous to comb meadows for the rare medicinal herb. With the onset of the New Year, it is time for the people here to pick the yarsagumba.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Chairperson of Saipal Rural Municipality Rajendra Dhami informed that people have been banned from collecting the medicinal herb because the crowd could spread the coronavirus. Yarsagumba is a major source of income for most of the people in Bajhang district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, a local from Saipal Rural Municipality Bam Bahadur Bohara shared the plight that it would be difficult for them to manage family expense including children&#39;s school fee as they were not allowed to pick yarsagumba. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;Not only the people from the district but those from neighbouring districts used to gather in thousands of number to collect the medicinal herb found at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters from Baisakh to Ashar (mid-April to mid-June),&quot; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Even the schools used to remain closed as the children were taken together by the parents to comb the meadows for the rare plant. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '11740',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11989',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days',
			'sub_title' => 'International Borders to Remain Closed until May 13',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A cabinet meeting took a decision to this effect on Sunday (April 26). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada informed that the lockdown has been &ldquo;extended until midnight of May 7 to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection&rdquo;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 after a case of coronavirus was reported in the country. So far, Nepal has confirmed 51 cases of coronavirus.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Khatiwada, who also holds the portfolio of finance as well as communication minister, added that the cabinet&nbsp; has decided to close the international borders of Nepal until May 13. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Minister Khatiwada, the decision to restrict cross-border movement was taken considering the high risk of spreading coronavirus from people coming to Nepal from countries already reeling under the effect of the pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers also decided to allow migrant workers to join work in South Korea under the EPS agreement. He said workers can now start jobs in South Korea as per the mutual understanding reached between the two countries. &nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11739',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11988',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. With this, the number of people infected with the virus has reached 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, two men in their 50&#39;s from Birgunj of Parsa and one person from Jhapa have tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday (April 26). Their swab samples were tested at Teku-based National Public Health Laboratory and the Koshi Provincial Hospital, according to co-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Those infected are under isolation and their health condition is said to be normal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Altogether 16&nbsp; infected persons have already returned home after full recovery.&nbsp; The active number of cases stands at 36.</span></span></span></p>
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11738',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11986',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Informed sources told New Business Age that the government has given high priority to health infrastructure as it prepares to announce the budget which will also give special emphasis to employment, tourism, industrial sector and agriculture reeling under the effects of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Sources at the Finance Ministry say that the budget this time will not include populist agenda.&nbsp; High-ranking officials at the ministry informed that the government is making preparations to announce the budget within the deadline of May 28 as per the constitutional provision to make the announcement one and a half months ahead of the new fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, said that the government has decided to allocate less budget for development purpose and focus on health services to control the spread of coronavirus as well as to increase employment opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to him, the government is planning to spend the maximum amount on prevention and treatment of coronavirus. He said that the government will ensure that the budget for national pride projects would not be interrupted while the budget for other infrastructural development projects would be channelized toward the health sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Naational Planning Commission has set a ceiling of Rs 81 billion in the upcoming budget for the Ministry of Energy and&nbsp; Irrigation. The ministry had received Rs 83.49 billion in the current fiscal year. Likewise, the NPC has set a ceiling of Rs 33 billion for the Agriculture Ministry while that for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been set at Rs 58 billion. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile,&nbsp; officials at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security say that the government is preparing to announce budget that would focus on creating employment opportunities to minimize the impact of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry Suman Ghimire informed New Business Age that the government is doing necessary homework to announce a special package of at least Rs 10 billion for self employment.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coronavirus has mostly affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and the people from the low-income group are at the receiving end due to various measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism, construction and production-oriented sectors have also been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. Many people dependent on these sectors have lost their jobs. Therefore, economist Keshav Acharya suggests that the government should announce programmes in the budget that would address the problems of the labourers and low-income groups and provide them immediate relief.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11985',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While announce relief for the sectors affected by coronavirus, the government has said that the companies were bound to pay the workers salary for mid-March to mid-April although it had exempted the contribution of 31 percent to the Social Security Fund during the crisis period. The government had decided to contribute the amount itself on behalf of the companies listed in the scheme.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the government&rsquo;s support and assurance, the private sector has not paid salary to 80 percent of the workers, according to the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">GEFONT has started writing letters to the industries and other business organisations of the private sector to release the salary of the workers. The umbrella organisation of workers has also warned that the withholding or payment would deteriorate working environment in the industries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Kamalesh Jha, chairman of Province 2 chapter of GEFONT, some of the pharmaceutical companies have posted notices that read &ndash; &ldquo;No Work No Pay&rdquo;.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government has clearly directed the industries to pay the workers, the companies are dilly dallying in making the payment on the pretext that they haven&rsquo;t received any instruction from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) and the banks have not released the amount, said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Some companies have paid the workers but many others have withheld the amount under various excuses,&rdquo; said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">More than 95 percent of industries across the country are shut due to the lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '12000',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Directs BFIs to Provide 2% Discount on Interest',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 30: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide a two percent discount on the interest rate to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on borrowers.     ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 30: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide a two percent discount on the interest rate to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on borrowers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The central bank in a notice issued on Tuesday instructed the BFIs to provide the discount to the coronavirus affected entrepreneurs on the interest as of April 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NRB stated that the banks and financial institutions issuing loans henceforth have to reduce the interest by 2% and count the interest amount of the fourth trimester of the fiscal year 2019/2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, the central bank said this provision does not apply in the case of food processing, sale and distribution; LPG bottling, sale and distribution; the internet service providers; telecom service providers; the television service providers; the tobacco and alcohol based industries; and the hydropower projects in operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, NRB has directed BFIs to make provisions for extending the time for payment of the monthly/trimester instalments to be collected in the months of Baisakh and Jeth &nbsp;(mid-April to mid-June) till the coming Asar-end (mid-July). The NRB directive states that no additional charges or fines can be levied in the case of such instalments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The central bank has stated that the timeline for payment of the principal and interest of short-term loans of all recurrent capital-type to be paid during the lockdown period could be extended by 60 days. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2020-04-30',
			'modified' => '2020-04-30',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11750',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11999',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'EU to Provide Rs 9.8 Billion to Tackle Coronavirus in Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 29: The European Union (EU) is all set to provide an aid package of Rs 9.8 billion to Nepal to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its impacts, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 29: The European Union (EU) is all set to provide an aid package of Rs 9.8 billion to Nepal to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its impacts, the national news agency RSS reported. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, the support includes redirected existing commitments with new funds.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU said in a statement that the Government of Nepal can &nbsp;have direct and swift access to this financing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU&rsquo;s support will be focused on two areas. Firstly, it will be assisting the authorities in Nepal to respond to the immediate health crisis and secondly to boost the country&rsquo;s economic response and recovery. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU will provide Rs 1.6 billion to support the government&rsquo;s health and preparedness plan, according to RSS. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;These funds are being made available either by topping up resources for already existing projects on the health sector, or by reorienting resources to other projects that would integrate health related activities and crisis response, including tackling gender based violence,&rdquo; RSS reported citing the EU.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, Rs 8.2 billion will support the government&rsquo;s response to the social and economic consequences of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While the government&rsquo;s strict measures to trace, isolate and treat the virus have so far helped to contain the health crisis, such measures will have a negative economic impact, the EU noted. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">By stimulating the economy and labour demand, through support to people&rsquo;s incomes, employment retention and the extension of social protection programmes that assist the most vulnerable, the European Union said in the statement issued on Monday that it hopes to assist the government&rsquo;s economic recovery plan. </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11749',
			'image' => '20200428110203_EU.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 23:01:10',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11998',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Shortage of Construction Materials Affecting Infrastructure Projects ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The ongoing construction of infrastructural projects during the lockdown has been affected due to the shortage of construction materials. ',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 28: The ongoing construction of infrastructural projects during the lockdown has been affected due to the shortage of construction materials. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The shortage in supply of construction materials has affected the construction work of roads, bridges, drinking water and airport related projects.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Road widening and blacktopping inside Kathmandu Valley has come to a standstill due to the shortage of raw materials. The scarcity also has halted the construction works of two international projects. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Due to the lockdown, crucial equipment and cement could not be brought from China&#39;s Kerung Dry Port and India&#39;s Kolkata Port for the construction of the two national pride projects.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Roshan Dahal, general secretary of the Federation of Construction Entrepreneurs of Nepal, informed new Business Age that many small and larger construction projects are facing the shortage of resources and construction materials, due to the closure of the crusher, cement and rod industries. The industries are also facing shortage of raw materials because of the lockdown, he informed.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&quot;It is obvious for the projects to face the scarcity of construction materials while the construction industries and factories are closed,&rdquo; Dahal added.</span></span></h1>

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',
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			'sortorder' => '11748',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11996',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Experts urge Government to Start Preparation for Promoting Domestic Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Experts have advised the government to start internal preparations for promoting domestic tourism to support the country’s economy which is reeling under the effect of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: Experts have advised the government to start internal preparations for promoting domestic tourism to support the country&rsquo;s economy which is reeling under the effect of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">They were of the view that Nepal holds good potential for domestic tourism but the government has never given priority to this sector. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Speaking at a video conference organised by Excel Trip on Monday, the experts drew the attention of the government to channelize the budget allocated for the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign to promote internal tourism.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism expert and hotel entrepreneur Karna Shakya said that Nepal has great potential for domestic tourism and the government must start preparation for it right away. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;We can reach the international tourism market through the regional market by making the domestic market its base,&rdquo; said Shakya.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, former CEO of Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi said that the fact than no one has died of coronavirus in Nepal is a plus point for Nepal&rsquo;s tourism industry. He said that the Nepalis&rsquo; propensity to spend is increasing and the tourism sector must capitalize on it to bail out the&nbsp; sector which is currently under crisis due to coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, First Vice President of Hotel Association of Nepal Binayak Shah informed that the hotel entrepreneurs are preparing to launch special packages for domestic tourists.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-04-28',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11747',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11995',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Budget for PMEP Spent on Paying Salary of Government Employees',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to provide double amount for the Prime Minister Employment Programme for the upcoming fiscal year than the amount allocated for the current fiscal year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to provide double amount for the Prime Minister Employment Programme for the upcoming fiscal year than the amount allocated for the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The labour ministry has demanded Rs 11.28 billion from the finance ministry to run the 100-day employment programme for unemployed youths in FY 2020/21.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">In the letter, the ministry has asked the finance ministry to provide Rs 5.91 billion pledged by the World Bank and to manage an additional Rs 5.37 billion from the government&rsquo;s internal source. However, the ministry is yet to determine how many youths will be provided with employment opportunities during next fiscal year. The labour ministry is currently studying the prospects, said sources at the ministry.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has announced to provide employment to youths who have been rendered jobless due to the lockdown as well as to the migrant workers who have received permit to work abroad but have been denied opportunity due to the travel restrictions. Therefore, the labour ministry intends to create employment opportunities within the country to minimize the impact created by jobless situation in the country.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Ministry of Labour and Employment aims to mobilize unemployed youths in road, drinking water, agriculture and irrigation projects as well as construction and renovation of government hospitals, health posts among others.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The programme was launched last year. The government had allocated Rs 5.1 billion for this programme in the current fiscal year. However, the government has not been able to spend the allocated amount for any productive work except paying salary and allowances of the employees as of mid-April this year. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The World Bank was supposed to provide Rs 2 billion for the programme for the current fiscal year but the amount was withheld as the government failed to prepare a work procedure for the programme. The World Bank has agreed to release the budget for the upcoming fiscal year after the government prepared the work procedure recently.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11746',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11997',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NCC calls on Government to bring Financial Package for Tourism Sector',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 29: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to bring a fiscal stimulus package for reviving the tourism sector that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 29: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to bring a fiscal stimulus package for reviving the tourism sector that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">An NCC delegation led by its president Rajesh Kaji Shrestha called for such package in suggestions it presented to the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yogesh Bhattarai, on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NCC urged the government to rescue the hotel and airlines companies by means of fiscal package as these sectors have been badly affected by the impact of COVID-19. It also called for bailing out the tourism sector as a whole from the adverse economic impact of the coronavirus by means of various measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NCC delegation has suggested providing financial support including tax and airport charge exemption. It called on the government and the Nepal Rastra Bank to support the sectors through loan, loan guarantees and corporate bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NCC also suggested the government to formulate plan keeping the domestic tourism in priority and to focus its attention to promotion of internal tourism soon after COVID-19 impact subsided.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It also urged the government to take initiatives for bringing in maximum number of tourists from various Chinese cities on competitive packages by Nepal Airlines, Himalayan Airlines and Chinese airlines in the upcoming tourism season of October and November.&nbsp; -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'created' => '2020-04-28',
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			'sortorder' => '11745',
			'image' => '20200428110156_1587986794.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 11:01:16',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11994',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, a notification issued by the government through the Nepal Gazette states that the lockdown period starting from March 24 and the extended period will be considered as public holiday as per Clause 2 of the Communicable Diseases Act, 2020 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;The chief of the offices concerned are required to decide to maintain the period during which all government offices, bodies or industries gave a holiday, in accordance with the order issued on March 22 and various dates after that, in the case of employees or workers with the salary and allowances they are entitled to, as a public holiday,&quot; RSS quoted the notice in the Nepal Gazettee as saying. </span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-04-28',
			'modified' => '2020-04-28',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11744',
			'image' => '20200428091156_1588040240.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:11:20',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11993',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A monitoring team from the Department had found that the Bhatbhateni Supermarket at Tangal had sold consumer goods exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP). The Department said the store has been fined as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2075.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, the Department fined a fine of Rs 100,000 to the MBT Food Store in Kapan as it was found operating without keeping the price list of commodities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has permitted big stores including Bhatbhateni to operate even during the lockdown for the convenience of the people to buy essentials. The Department has intensified market monitoring despite the lockdown to prevent consumers from being cheated during the present adverse situation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11743',
			'image' => '20200428090449_1588001001.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:04:08',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11992',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. But the consumers have been paying exorbitant prices for vegetables in the retail shops. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to the price list issued by the Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee, prices of most of the vegetables have reduced by 75 to 80 percent in one month since the lockdown was first imposed on March 24. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">This is due to the increase in domestic production of vegetables. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, most of the people have left the Kathmandu Valley and the hotels and restaurants are also closed due to which the demand for vegetables has dropped sharply. All these factors have resulted in reduction of prices of vegetables, according to Binay Shreshta, information officer at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The prices of a variety of gourds has dropped by 66 percent, according to the list. Likewise, beans (80 percent), tomatoes (64 percent) and cauliflower (26 percent) have also witnessed significant reduction in prices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the significant decline in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market, consumers say they have not felt a drop in the prices of vegetables in the retail shops.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Cauliflower is available at a maximum price of Rs 25 per kilogram in Kalimati. However, the price of the same vegetable is between Rs 45 to Rs 50 at retail shops in Kirtipur, says Sanu Maiya Maharjan, a local of Kirtipur.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, onion imported from India is being sold at Rs 28 per kg at Kalimati but the same product is being sold at Rs 45 per kg elsewhere. Traders have been selling carrot at Rs 55 per kg in the retail market although it costs only Rs 30 per kg in the wholesale market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It has been found that the retail shops have been charging the consumers high prices as per their wish, taking advantage of the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/3332_vege1.jpg" style="height:258px; width:450px" /></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11991',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. The central bank has also said that the deadline for payment of loans can be extended during the lockdown period.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Newly appointed Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari made such announcement while unveiling a six-point decision taken by the central bank to address the financial crisis created due to the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. NRB Goverrnor Adhikari made the announcement during the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the central bank on Sunday (April 26).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to officials at the central bank, preparations are underway to avail the sectors affected by coronavirus with working capital loan. The central bank is also working to amend the work procedure on renewal of loan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;NRB will amend the work procedure on renewal of loan to facilitate the small and medium-scale enterprises, tourism industry and other sectors badly affected by coronavirus,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NRB governor said that the central bank will increase the fund for renewal of loan as per the requirement. The fund currently stands at Rs 60 billion. It may be noted that the NRB had recently increased the fund for renewal of loan from Rs 50 billion to Rs 60 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Adhikari further said that the central bank will take appropriate measures to facilitate the flow of loans from the banking sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He said that preparations are underway to reschedule or restructure the loan provided to the sectors affected by coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Adhikari, the central bank is closely studying the impacts on the country&rsquo;s economy due to the lockdown. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He was of the view that the cost factor and timeframe of big projects would increase due to the disruption in supply of construction materials.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The disruption in supply chain is expected to increase the cost of big projects and extend their deadline,&rdquo; said Adhikari, adding, &ldquo;Although we do not have the exact figures regarding the impact of coronavirus on the economy at the moment, we have been making efforts to minimize the effects and to bring the economy back on track.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11990',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'No Yarsagumba Picking this Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.   ',
			'content' => '<p><em>People heading to highlands in western Nepal to pick yarsagumba in this file photo. Photo: NBA Files</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">People from Saipal, Surma, Bungal and other local levels in the district used to walk up the mountainous to comb meadows for the rare medicinal herb. With the onset of the New Year, it is time for the people here to pick the yarsagumba.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Chairperson of Saipal Rural Municipality Rajendra Dhami informed that people have been banned from collecting the medicinal herb because the crowd could spread the coronavirus. Yarsagumba is a major source of income for most of the people in Bajhang district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, a local from Saipal Rural Municipality Bam Bahadur Bohara shared the plight that it would be difficult for them to manage family expense including children&#39;s school fee as they were not allowed to pick yarsagumba. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;Not only the people from the district but those from neighbouring districts used to gather in thousands of number to collect the medicinal herb found at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters from Baisakh to Ashar (mid-April to mid-June),&quot; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Even the schools used to remain closed as the children were taken together by the parents to comb the meadows for the rare plant. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11989',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days',
			'sub_title' => 'International Borders to Remain Closed until May 13',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A cabinet meeting took a decision to this effect on Sunday (April 26). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada informed that the lockdown has been &ldquo;extended until midnight of May 7 to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection&rdquo;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 after a case of coronavirus was reported in the country. So far, Nepal has confirmed 51 cases of coronavirus.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Khatiwada, who also holds the portfolio of finance as well as communication minister, added that the cabinet&nbsp; has decided to close the international borders of Nepal until May 13. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Minister Khatiwada, the decision to restrict cross-border movement was taken considering the high risk of spreading coronavirus from people coming to Nepal from countries already reeling under the effect of the pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers also decided to allow migrant workers to join work in South Korea under the EPS agreement. He said workers can now start jobs in South Korea as per the mutual understanding reached between the two countries. &nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '11988',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. With this, the number of people infected with the virus has reached 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, two men in their 50&#39;s from Birgunj of Parsa and one person from Jhapa have tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday (April 26). Their swab samples were tested at Teku-based National Public Health Laboratory and the Koshi Provincial Hospital, according to co-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Those infected are under isolation and their health condition is said to be normal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Altogether 16&nbsp; infected persons have already returned home after full recovery.&nbsp; The active number of cases stands at 36.</span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11986',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Informed sources told New Business Age that the government has given high priority to health infrastructure as it prepares to announce the budget which will also give special emphasis to employment, tourism, industrial sector and agriculture reeling under the effects of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Sources at the Finance Ministry say that the budget this time will not include populist agenda.&nbsp; High-ranking officials at the ministry informed that the government is making preparations to announce the budget within the deadline of May 28 as per the constitutional provision to make the announcement one and a half months ahead of the new fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, said that the government has decided to allocate less budget for development purpose and focus on health services to control the spread of coronavirus as well as to increase employment opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to him, the government is planning to spend the maximum amount on prevention and treatment of coronavirus. He said that the government will ensure that the budget for national pride projects would not be interrupted while the budget for other infrastructural development projects would be channelized toward the health sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Naational Planning Commission has set a ceiling of Rs 81 billion in the upcoming budget for the Ministry of Energy and&nbsp; Irrigation. The ministry had received Rs 83.49 billion in the current fiscal year. Likewise, the NPC has set a ceiling of Rs 33 billion for the Agriculture Ministry while that for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been set at Rs 58 billion. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile,&nbsp; officials at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security say that the government is preparing to announce budget that would focus on creating employment opportunities to minimize the impact of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry Suman Ghimire informed New Business Age that the government is doing necessary homework to announce a special package of at least Rs 10 billion for self employment.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coronavirus has mostly affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and the people from the low-income group are at the receiving end due to various measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism, construction and production-oriented sectors have also been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. Many people dependent on these sectors have lost their jobs. Therefore, economist Keshav Acharya suggests that the government should announce programmes in the budget that would address the problems of the labourers and low-income groups and provide them immediate relief.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11985',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While announce relief for the sectors affected by coronavirus, the government has said that the companies were bound to pay the workers salary for mid-March to mid-April although it had exempted the contribution of 31 percent to the Social Security Fund during the crisis period. The government had decided to contribute the amount itself on behalf of the companies listed in the scheme.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the government&rsquo;s support and assurance, the private sector has not paid salary to 80 percent of the workers, according to the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">GEFONT has started writing letters to the industries and other business organisations of the private sector to release the salary of the workers. The umbrella organisation of workers has also warned that the withholding or payment would deteriorate working environment in the industries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Kamalesh Jha, chairman of Province 2 chapter of GEFONT, some of the pharmaceutical companies have posted notices that read &ndash; &ldquo;No Work No Pay&rdquo;.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government has clearly directed the industries to pay the workers, the companies are dilly dallying in making the payment on the pretext that they haven&rsquo;t received any instruction from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) and the banks have not released the amount, said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Some companies have paid the workers but many others have withheld the amount under various excuses,&rdquo; said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">More than 95 percent of industries across the country are shut due to the lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'summary' => 'April 30: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide a two percent discount on the interest rate to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on borrowers.     ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 30: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide a two percent discount on the interest rate to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on borrowers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The central bank in a notice issued on Tuesday instructed the BFIs to provide the discount to the coronavirus affected entrepreneurs on the interest as of April 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NRB stated that the banks and financial institutions issuing loans henceforth have to reduce the interest by 2% and count the interest amount of the fourth trimester of the fiscal year 2019/2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, the central bank said this provision does not apply in the case of food processing, sale and distribution; LPG bottling, sale and distribution; the internet service providers; telecom service providers; the television service providers; the tobacco and alcohol based industries; and the hydropower projects in operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, NRB has directed BFIs to make provisions for extending the time for payment of the monthly/trimester instalments to be collected in the months of Baisakh and Jeth &nbsp;(mid-April to mid-June) till the coming Asar-end (mid-July). The NRB directive states that no additional charges or fines can be levied in the case of such instalments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The central bank has stated that the timeline for payment of the principal and interest of short-term loans of all recurrent capital-type to be paid during the lockdown period could be extended by 60 days. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-04-30',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11750',
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	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11999',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'EU to Provide Rs 9.8 Billion to Tackle Coronavirus in Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 29: The European Union (EU) is all set to provide an aid package of Rs 9.8 billion to Nepal to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its impacts, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 29: The European Union (EU) is all set to provide an aid package of Rs 9.8 billion to Nepal to tackle the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its impacts, the national news agency RSS reported. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, the support includes redirected existing commitments with new funds.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU said in a statement that the Government of Nepal can &nbsp;have direct and swift access to this financing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU&rsquo;s support will be focused on two areas. Firstly, it will be assisting the authorities in Nepal to respond to the immediate health crisis and secondly to boost the country&rsquo;s economic response and recovery. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The EU will provide Rs 1.6 billion to support the government&rsquo;s health and preparedness plan, according to RSS. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;These funds are being made available either by topping up resources for already existing projects on the health sector, or by reorienting resources to other projects that would integrate health related activities and crisis response, including tackling gender based violence,&rdquo; RSS reported citing the EU.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, Rs 8.2 billion will support the government&rsquo;s response to the social and economic consequences of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While the government&rsquo;s strict measures to trace, isolate and treat the virus have so far helped to contain the health crisis, such measures will have a negative economic impact, the EU noted. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">By stimulating the economy and labour demand, through support to people&rsquo;s incomes, employment retention and the extension of social protection programmes that assist the most vulnerable, the European Union said in the statement issued on Monday that it hopes to assist the government&rsquo;s economic recovery plan. </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11749',
			'image' => '20200428110203_EU.jpg',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11998',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Shortage of Construction Materials Affecting Infrastructure Projects ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The ongoing construction of infrastructural projects during the lockdown has been affected due to the shortage of construction materials. ',
			'content' => '<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">April 28: The ongoing construction of infrastructural projects during the lockdown has been affected due to the shortage of construction materials. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">The shortage in supply of construction materials has affected the construction work of roads, bridges, drinking water and airport related projects.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Road widening and blacktopping inside Kathmandu Valley has come to a standstill due to the shortage of raw materials. The scarcity also has halted the construction works of two international projects. </span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Due to the lockdown, crucial equipment and cement could not be brought from China&#39;s Kerung Dry Port and India&#39;s Kolkata Port for the construction of the two national pride projects.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Roshan Dahal, general secretary of the Federation of Construction Entrepreneurs of Nepal, informed new Business Age that many small and larger construction projects are facing the shortage of resources and construction materials, due to the closure of the crusher, cement and rod industries. The industries are also facing shortage of raw materials because of the lockdown, he informed.</span></span></h1>

<h1><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&quot;It is obvious for the projects to face the scarcity of construction materials while the construction industries and factories are closed,&rdquo; Dahal added.</span></span></h1>

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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11996',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Experts urge Government to Start Preparation for Promoting Domestic Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Experts have advised the government to start internal preparations for promoting domestic tourism to support the country’s economy which is reeling under the effect of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: Experts have advised the government to start internal preparations for promoting domestic tourism to support the country&rsquo;s economy which is reeling under the effect of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">They were of the view that Nepal holds good potential for domestic tourism but the government has never given priority to this sector. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Speaking at a video conference organised by Excel Trip on Monday, the experts drew the attention of the government to channelize the budget allocated for the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign to promote internal tourism.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism expert and hotel entrepreneur Karna Shakya said that Nepal has great potential for domestic tourism and the government must start preparation for it right away. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;We can reach the international tourism market through the regional market by making the domestic market its base,&rdquo; said Shakya.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile, former CEO of Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi said that the fact than no one has died of coronavirus in Nepal is a plus point for Nepal&rsquo;s tourism industry. He said that the Nepalis&rsquo; propensity to spend is increasing and the tourism sector must capitalize on it to bail out the&nbsp; sector which is currently under crisis due to coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, First Vice President of Hotel Association of Nepal Binayak Shah informed that the hotel entrepreneurs are preparing to launch special packages for domestic tourists.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11995',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Budget for PMEP Spent on Paying Salary of Government Employees',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to provide double amount for the Prime Minister Employment Programme for the upcoming fiscal year than the amount allocated for the current fiscal year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to provide double amount for the Prime Minister Employment Programme for the upcoming fiscal year than the amount allocated for the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The labour ministry has demanded Rs 11.28 billion from the finance ministry to run the 100-day employment programme for unemployed youths in FY 2020/21.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">In the letter, the ministry has asked the finance ministry to provide Rs 5.91 billion pledged by the World Bank and to manage an additional Rs 5.37 billion from the government&rsquo;s internal source. However, the ministry is yet to determine how many youths will be provided with employment opportunities during next fiscal year. The labour ministry is currently studying the prospects, said sources at the ministry.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has announced to provide employment to youths who have been rendered jobless due to the lockdown as well as to the migrant workers who have received permit to work abroad but have been denied opportunity due to the travel restrictions. Therefore, the labour ministry intends to create employment opportunities within the country to minimize the impact created by jobless situation in the country.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Ministry of Labour and Employment aims to mobilize unemployed youths in road, drinking water, agriculture and irrigation projects as well as construction and renovation of government hospitals, health posts among others.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The programme was launched last year. The government had allocated Rs 5.1 billion for this programme in the current fiscal year. However, the government has not been able to spend the allocated amount for any productive work except paying salary and allowances of the employees as of mid-April this year. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The World Bank was supposed to provide Rs 2 billion for the programme for the current fiscal year but the amount was withheld as the government failed to prepare a work procedure for the programme. The World Bank has agreed to release the budget for the upcoming fiscal year after the government prepared the work procedure recently.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11997',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NCC calls on Government to bring Financial Package for Tourism Sector',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 29: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to bring a fiscal stimulus package for reviving the tourism sector that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 29: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to bring a fiscal stimulus package for reviving the tourism sector that has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">An NCC delegation led by its president Rajesh Kaji Shrestha called for such package in suggestions it presented to the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yogesh Bhattarai, on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NCC urged the government to rescue the hotel and airlines companies by means of fiscal package as these sectors have been badly affected by the impact of COVID-19. It also called for bailing out the tourism sector as a whole from the adverse economic impact of the coronavirus by means of various measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NCC delegation has suggested providing financial support including tax and airport charge exemption. It called on the government and the Nepal Rastra Bank to support the sectors through loan, loan guarantees and corporate bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">NCC also suggested the government to formulate plan keeping the domestic tourism in priority and to focus its attention to promotion of internal tourism soon after COVID-19 impact subsided.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It also urged the government to take initiatives for bringing in maximum number of tourists from various Chinese cities on competitive packages by Nepal Airlines, Himalayan Airlines and Chinese airlines in the upcoming tourism season of October and November.&nbsp; -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 11:01:16',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11994',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Lockdown Period to be Counted as Public Holiday ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The government has announced public holiday during the lockdown period, the national news agency RSS reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, a notification issued by the government through the Nepal Gazette states that the lockdown period starting from March 24 and the extended period will be considered as public holiday as per Clause 2 of the Communicable Diseases Act, 2020 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;The chief of the offices concerned are required to decide to maintain the period during which all government offices, bodies or industries gave a holiday, in accordance with the order issued on March 22 and various dates after that, in the case of employees or workers with the salary and allowances they are entitled to, as a public holiday,&quot; RSS quoted the notice in the Nepal Gazettee as saying. </span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2020-04-28',
			'modified' => '2020-04-28',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11744',
			'image' => '20200428091156_1588040240.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:11:20',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11993',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Bhatbhateni Supermarket Fined for Overcharging Customers',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 28: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has slapped a fine of Rs 300,000 against Bhatbhateni Supermarket for selling daily essentials at a price more than the stated price of the goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">A monitoring team from the Department had found that the Bhatbhateni Supermarket at Tangal had sold consumer goods exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP). The Department said the store has been fined as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2075.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Similarly, the Department fined a fine of Rs 100,000 to the MBT Food Store in Kapan as it was found operating without keeping the price list of commodities.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The government has permitted big stores including Bhatbhateni to operate even during the lockdown for the convenience of the people to buy essentials. The Department has intensified market monitoring despite the lockdown to prevent consumers from being cheated during the present adverse situation. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11743',
			'image' => '20200428090449_1588001001.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2020-04-28 09:04:08',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11992',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Consumers yet to Benefit from Fall in Vegetable Prices',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The prices of vegetables in Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market has gone down significantly in the recent days. But the consumers have been paying exorbitant prices for vegetables in the retail shops. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to the price list issued by the Katimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee, prices of most of the vegetables have reduced by 75 to 80 percent in one month since the lockdown was first imposed on March 24. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">This is due to the increase in domestic production of vegetables. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, most of the people have left the Kathmandu Valley and the hotels and restaurants are also closed due to which the demand for vegetables has dropped sharply. All these factors have resulted in reduction of prices of vegetables, according to Binay Shreshta, information officer at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The prices of a variety of gourds has dropped by 66 percent, according to the list. Likewise, beans (80 percent), tomatoes (64 percent) and cauliflower (26 percent) have also witnessed significant reduction in prices.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the significant decline in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market, consumers say they have not felt a drop in the prices of vegetables in the retail shops.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Cauliflower is available at a maximum price of Rs 25 per kilogram in Kalimati. However, the price of the same vegetable is between Rs 45 to Rs 50 at retail shops in Kirtipur, says Sanu Maiya Maharjan, a local of Kirtipur.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Likewise, onion imported from India is being sold at Rs 28 per kg at Kalimati but the same product is being sold at Rs 45 per kg elsewhere. Traders have been selling carrot at Rs 55 per kg in the retail market although it costs only Rs 30 per kg in the wholesale market.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">It has been found that the retail shops have been charging the consumers high prices as per their wish, taking advantage of the lockdown.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/3332_vege1.jpg" style="height:258px; width:450px" /></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '11742',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-27 10:09:44',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11991',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Announces Concession on Interest Rates',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced concession on interest rates for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year. The central bank has also said that the deadline for payment of loans can be extended during the lockdown period.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Newly appointed Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari made such announcement while unveiling a six-point decision taken by the central bank to address the financial crisis created due to the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. NRB Goverrnor Adhikari made the announcement during the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the central bank on Sunday (April 26).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to officials at the central bank, preparations are underway to avail the sectors affected by coronavirus with working capital loan. The central bank is also working to amend the work procedure on renewal of loan.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;NRB will amend the work procedure on renewal of loan to facilitate the small and medium-scale enterprises, tourism industry and other sectors badly affected by coronavirus,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The NRB governor said that the central bank will increase the fund for renewal of loan as per the requirement. The fund currently stands at Rs 60 billion. It may be noted that the NRB had recently increased the fund for renewal of loan from Rs 50 billion to Rs 60 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Adhikari further said that the central bank will take appropriate measures to facilitate the flow of loans from the banking sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He said that preparations are underway to reschedule or restructure the loan provided to the sectors affected by coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Adhikari, the central bank is closely studying the impacts on the country&rsquo;s economy due to the lockdown. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">He was of the view that the cost factor and timeframe of big projects would increase due to the disruption in supply of construction materials.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The disruption in supply chain is expected to increase the cost of big projects and extend their deadline,&rdquo; said Adhikari, adding, &ldquo;Although we do not have the exact figures regarding the impact of coronavirus on the economy at the moment, we have been making efforts to minimize the effects and to bring the economy back on track.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11990',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'No Yarsagumba Picking this Year',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.   ',
			'content' => '<p><em>People heading to highlands in western Nepal to pick yarsagumba in this file photo. Photo: NBA Files</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 27: The local levels in Bajhang district have decided not to let people pick yarsagumba this year in the wake of lockdown enforced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">People from Saipal, Surma, Bungal and other local levels in the district used to walk up the mountainous to comb meadows for the rare medicinal herb. With the onset of the New Year, it is time for the people here to pick the yarsagumba.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Chairperson of Saipal Rural Municipality Rajendra Dhami informed that people have been banned from collecting the medicinal herb because the crowd could spread the coronavirus. Yarsagumba is a major source of income for most of the people in Bajhang district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">However, a local from Saipal Rural Municipality Bam Bahadur Bohara shared the plight that it would be difficult for them to manage family expense including children&#39;s school fee as they were not allowed to pick yarsagumba. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&quot;Not only the people from the district but those from neighbouring districts used to gather in thousands of number to collect the medicinal herb found at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 meters from Baisakh to Ashar (mid-April to mid-June),&quot; he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Even the schools used to remain closed as the children were taken together by the parents to comb the meadows for the rare plant. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11989',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Extends Lockdown by 10 days',
			'sub_title' => 'International Borders to Remain Closed until May 13',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">April 26: The government has decided to extend the lockdown by ten days until May 7.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">A cabinet meeting took a decision to this effect on Sunday (April 26). </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada informed that the lockdown has been &ldquo;extended until midnight of May 7 to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection&rdquo;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">The government had imposed the lockdown for the first time on March 24 after a case of coronavirus was reported in the country. So far, Nepal has confirmed 51 cases of coronavirus.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Khatiwada, who also holds the portfolio of finance as well as communication minister, added that the cabinet&nbsp; has decided to close the international borders of Nepal until May 13. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">According to Minister Khatiwada, the decision to restrict cross-border movement was taken considering the high risk of spreading coronavirus from people coming to Nepal from countries already reeling under the effect of the pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers also decided to allow migrant workers to join work in South Korea under the EPS agreement. He said workers can now start jobs in South Korea as per the mutual understanding reached between the two countries. &nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11739',
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			'article_date' => '2020-04-26 20:36:07',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11988',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Number of Coronavirus Cases Reach 52 in the Country ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: Three more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, according to the national news agency - RSS. With this, the number of people infected with the virus has reached 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to RSS, two men in their 50&#39;s from Birgunj of Parsa and one person from Jhapa have tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday (April 26). Their swab samples were tested at Teku-based National Public Health Laboratory and the Koshi Provincial Hospital, according to co-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Adhikari. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Those infected are under isolation and their health condition is said to be normal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Altogether 16&nbsp; infected persons have already returned home after full recovery.&nbsp; The active number of cases stands at 36.</span></span></span></p>
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '11738',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11986',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Announce Budget on Time',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country’s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: The government is preparing to announce the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2020/21 at a time when the country&rsquo;s economy has been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Informed sources told New Business Age that the government has given high priority to health infrastructure as it prepares to announce the budget which will also give special emphasis to employment, tourism, industrial sector and agriculture reeling under the effects of the pandemic. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Sources at the Finance Ministry say that the budget this time will not include populist agenda.&nbsp; High-ranking officials at the ministry informed that the government is making preparations to announce the budget within the deadline of May 28 as per the constitutional provision to make the announcement one and a half months ahead of the new fiscal year.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, said that the government has decided to allocate less budget for development purpose and focus on health services to control the spread of coronavirus as well as to increase employment opportunities.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to him, the government is planning to spend the maximum amount on prevention and treatment of coronavirus. He said that the government will ensure that the budget for national pride projects would not be interrupted while the budget for other infrastructural development projects would be channelized toward the health sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">The Naational Planning Commission has set a ceiling of Rs 81 billion in the upcoming budget for the Ministry of Energy and&nbsp; Irrigation. The ministry had received Rs 83.49 billion in the current fiscal year. Likewise, the NPC has set a ceiling of Rs 33 billion for the Agriculture Ministry while that for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been set at Rs 58 billion. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Meanwhile,&nbsp; officials at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security say that the government is preparing to announce budget that would focus on creating employment opportunities to minimize the impact of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Joint Secretary at the ministry Suman Ghimire informed New Business Age that the government is doing necessary homework to announce a special package of at least Rs 10 billion for self employment.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Coronavirus has mostly affected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and the people from the low-income group are at the receiving end due to various measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Tourism, construction and production-oriented sectors have also been badly affected by the impact of coronavirus. Many people dependent on these sectors have lost their jobs. Therefore, economist Keshav Acharya suggests that the government should announce programmes in the budget that would address the problems of the labourers and low-income groups and provide them immediate relief.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '11985',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => '80 Percent Workers Denied Salary: GEFONT ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">April 26: More than 80 percent of workers involved in the formal sector have not received salary for the month of Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) even two weeks into the new month according to the Nepali calendar. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">While announce relief for the sectors affected by coronavirus, the government has said that the companies were bound to pay the workers salary for mid-March to mid-April although it had exempted the contribution of 31 percent to the Social Security Fund during the crisis period. The government had decided to contribute the amount itself on behalf of the companies listed in the scheme.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Despite the government&rsquo;s support and assurance, the private sector has not paid salary to 80 percent of the workers, according to the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">GEFONT has started writing letters to the industries and other business organisations of the private sector to release the salary of the workers. The umbrella organisation of workers has also warned that the withholding or payment would deteriorate working environment in the industries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to Kamalesh Jha, chairman of Province 2 chapter of GEFONT, some of the pharmaceutical companies have posted notices that read &ndash; &ldquo;No Work No Pay&rdquo;.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the government has clearly directed the industries to pay the workers, the companies are dilly dallying in making the payment on the pretext that they haven&rsquo;t received any instruction from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) and the banks have not released the amount, said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Some companies have paid the workers but many others have withheld the amount under various excuses,&rdquo; said Jha.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">More than 95 percent of industries across the country are shut due to the lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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FOREX

Currency	Unit	Buy	Sell
U.S. Dollar	1	121.23	121.83
European Euro	1	131.65	132.31
UK Pound Sterling	1	142.47	143.18
Swiss Franc	1	124.29	124.90
Australian Dollar	1	71.69	72.05
Canadian Dollar	1	83.90	84.32
Japanese Yen	10	10.94	11.00
Chinese Yuan	1	17.17	17.26
Saudi Arabian Riyal	1	32.27	32.43
UAE Dirham	1	33.01	33.17
Malaysian Ringgit	1	27.36	27.50
South Korean Won	100	9.77	9.82

Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)

Bullion

Fine Gold	1 tola	77000.00
Tejabi Gold	1 tola	76700.00
Silver	1 tola	720.00

Update : 2020-03-25

Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association

Petroleum

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