December 21: Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) is preparing to write another letter to the government to proceed with the license process of the new stock…
December 21: Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) is preparing to write another letter to the government to proceed with the license process of the new stock…
December 21: Although Nepal Rastra Bank has time and again warned Nepali citizens through public notices against investing money abroad, it has done little to deter Nepalis from investing in the real estate business in…
December 21: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has said that the project is preparing to supply water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within the next three…
December 21: The government has fixed the minimum support price of…
December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has…
The government has reassured the public not to panic in light of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that there is no need for alarm regarding the new variant observed in the state of Kerala,…
December 20: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government not to approve the transaction of Ncell shares until an inquiry committee submits its…
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced significant surge, climbing by 35.39 points or 1.68% and concluding at 2141.87 points on the fourth trading day of the week on…
December 20: Foreign investors have expressed commitment to invest Rs 20.61 billion in Nepal in the first five months of the current fiscal year (FY)…
December 20: Amid complaints that the shops operating on the airport premises are charging exorbitant prices for food items, a study committee has recommended to regulate them and set reasonable…
December 20: Cases of looting in the name of exchanging dollar are on the rise of late in the Kathmandu Valley.…
December 20: The income of Nepal Airlines Corporation has more than doubled in the last three…
December 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has claimed that the country's economy has been improving…
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is going to host an Information Technology Conference in coming Nepali month of Chaitra. The conference, for which exact date is yet to be set, is aimed at rendering easy, convenient, and technology-based public services to the KMC residents, said Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson at the…
The Nepal Stock Index (NEPSE) witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 45.98 points or 2.23% to reach a closing value of 2106.48 points on the third trading day of the week on…
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The board wrote a letter to the Ministry of Finance on Sunday asking for its opinion on whether the license process can be continued. One of the board members of SEBON said that they decided to write a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers after the Ministry of Finance replied to their letter seeking more clarity on the issue.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The board member said that SEBON decided to send a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers through the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 9 had decided to stop the license process of the new stock exchange immediately. After receiving a letter from the Ministry of Finance to implement the decision of the Council of Ministers, the board stopped the license distribution process.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives had earlier instructed the government on June 12 to halt the process of license distribution by SEBON. After the directive, the committee asked for documents from the concerned authorities to study the issue. Upon completion of the study, the committee concluded that there was no need to withhold the license distribution process as the Supreme Court had already delivered its verdict on the issue. The Finance Committee has clarified that the directive to halt the license distribution process has already expired on November 10. After about five months of study, the Finance Committee already issued a new directive to the government to proceed ahead with the license distribution process.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Finance Committee concluded that the government should not stop the matter which has been cleared by the Supreme Court. SEBON has already received no objection letter from the Finance Committee. It has been learnt that the Ministry of Finance has now asked SEBON to write a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Minister regarding the matter.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Although the Finance Committee has already given the green signal to SEBON to proceed with the licensing process, it is waiting response from the Council of Ministers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">SEBON Chairman Ramesh Kumar Hamal said that despite receiving the instructions from the Finance Committee, he wanted to be clear about whether or not it is justified to proceed with the issue that is yet to be decided by the Council of Ministers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chairman Hamal's </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">21-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">month tenure is ending on January 5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">.</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He wants the board's decades-long plan to launch the new stock exchange to be completed during his tenure. Hamal, who earned praise for doing good work for the securities market in a short tenure, has also been accused of burdening investors by allowing bad companies to issue IPOs at a premium rate. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The process for the distribution of license of the new stock exchange was started on September 18, 2022</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After going through ups and downs, Hamal completed the process of distribution of new license. Three companies have applied for the new stock exchange namely Himalayan Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange of Nepal and Annapurna Stock Exchange Limited. Among these, one company will get the license.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19513', 'image' => '20231221014703_Sebon-update.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 13:46:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19784', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepalis Investing in Real Estate Sector of Australia', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: Although Nepal Rastra Bank has time and again warned Nepali citizens through public notices against investing money abroad, it has done little to deter Nepalis from investing in the real estate business in Australia.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: Although Nepal Rastra Bank has time and again warned Nepali citizens through public notices against investing money abroad, it has done little to deter Nepalis from investing in the real estate business in Australia. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a report published by the Australian government, Nepalis have invested more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in Australia’s real estate in one year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the report on foreign investment published by the Treasury Department of Australia, Nepalis invested USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million in Australian real estate business through </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">126</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2022-23</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. According to the exchange rate set by Nepal Rastra Bank on Wednesday, the investment amount is equal to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report also mentions that Nepalis invested USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million through </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">140</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2021-22</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, Nepali citizens have submitted </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">58</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in Australia’s real estate sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report mentions the names of the top </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries which invests in Australia’s real estate business, and Nepal ranks eighth. Numerically, Nepal’s investment in Australia’s real estate falls behind China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Singapore. Below Nepal lie Indonesia, the UK and Malaysia. Based on the amount of investment, Nepal is at the bottom. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Jyotindra Kadaria, who works as a sales manager in Australian real estate agent company Land and Lease, Nepalese investment is increasing because real estate investment in Australia is safe and returns are good. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"The real estate business in Australia is highly regulated and it is considered safe to invest because the returns are guaranteed," he told New Business Age, adding, "Nepalis are investing in this sector because their income is good. Nepalis also insist on investing in this sector because they think that they can settle in Australia only after buying real estate." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Australia is becoming an attractive destination for Nepalis for higher education, employment and overseas stay. Kadaria says that the number of Nepalis who are established in various professions and businesses is increasing in Australia. This has made it easy for Nepalis to invest in this sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Australian government, as of June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2021</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">129,870</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Nepalis have received permanent residence permits. In </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2011</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, this number was only </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">27</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of Nepal has made a legal provision to allow Nepalis living abroad to invest abroad from their earnings during their stay, but they are not allowed to take investment from Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2019 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">prohibits Nepali citizens living in the country from investing abroad. According to the same provision, the central bank has been issuing notices from time to time and has been cautioning against buying real estate, securities, property, making deposits in foreign banks and financial institutions, etc. However, the huge investment in the real estate business in Australia raises concerns of illegal capital flight from Nepal. It is assumed that those who migrated to Australia with their families sell their property here and buy in Australia.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19512', 'image' => '20231221123856_-1x-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 12:38:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19783', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway to Supply Water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within Three Weeks', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has said that the project is preparing to supply water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within the next three weeks.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has said that the project is preparing to supply water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within the next three weeks. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Rajendra Prasad Pant, spokesman for the committee, said that preparations have been started to divert the water from Melamchi to Kathmandu following an agreement between the project and the contractor company. He added that the water supply is likely to resume within 28 days. Pant added that water from Melamchi will reach the households in Kathmandu within the stipulated time if there is no emergency situation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee issued a statement saying that the board meeting chaired by Suresh Acharya, secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply, signed a memorandum of understanding with the construction entrepreneurs and decided to immediately facilitate and coordinate the construction works. According to the agreement, the contractors will immediately mobilize resources for the construction work.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“As per the urgent work schedule prepared of the next 28 days, human resources will be mobilized in two shifts to complete the necessary work for water diversion," said spokesperson Pant. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After the diversion, 170 million liters of water from Melamchi river will be supplied to Kathmandu on a daily basis. The said water will be processed by Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Limited at Sundarijal Water Treatment Center and made available for distribution in the valley.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19511', 'image' => '20231221115635_Headworks-Diversion-Tunnel-Gate-no-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 11:55:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19782', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Fixes Minimum Support Price of Sugarcane', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: The government has fixed the minimum support price of sugarcane.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: The government has fixed the minimum support price of sugarcane. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday fixed the minimum purchase price of sugarcane at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">565</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal. The meeting also decided to give subsidy of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">70</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal to the farmers on behalf of the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Government Spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communication Rekha Sharma informed that the government has fixed the price of sugarcane at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">635</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal for the farmers including government subsidies. The farmers were demanding that the purchase price of sugarcane should be increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">750</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Sharma also shared that the government has reviewed its one-year tenure and the chief secretary has presented an action plan along with the problems and recommendations to speed up the work of the government. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19510', 'image' => '20231221105518_wrPsuVgWd9UpVxC8oEZ7sS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 10:54:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19781', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'One more Nepali Serving in Russian Army Dies, Four Held Captive in Ukraine ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has died.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has died. The deceased has been identified as Kundan Nagal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Government of Nepal has requested Russia via the Russian Ambassador to Nepal to repatriate the dead bodies of the Nepalis killed in the war against Ukraine and provide compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again urged Russia not to recruit Nepali citizens in its military rank and file and to send back any Nepali citizen who is currently serving in the army. The ministry has also sought information from Russia about the number of Nepalis who have joined the Russian Army, in addition to the injured ones and their condition. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Foreign Ministry has also urged all Nepalis to compulsorily receive no objection certificates (NOC) from the Nepali embassies and consulates in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Saudi Arab, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain if they are traveling to Russia via those countries. Earlier, the NOC was issued only from Consular Service Department under the Foreign Ministry for those going to Russia. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the government has expressed serious concern over four Nepalis being held captive in Ukraine. The government has requested the government of Ukraine via diplomatic channel to release and return the captives, according to the Foreign Ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Efforts are underway for the release and return of the Nepalis held captive, via International Committee of Red Cross. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those held captive by Ukraine are Bibek Khatri from Rajapur-1, Bardiya; Siddhartha Dhakal from Mandandeupur-6, Kavrepalanchok; Bikas Rai from Letang-2, Morang; and Pratik Pun from Runtigadhi-8, Rolpa. Utmost efforts are underway for their release, the Foreign Ministry said. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19509', 'image' => '20231221102854_thumbs_b_c_c9c447d72ee0340a5035282e09e7f600.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 10:27:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19780', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Urges Public Not to Panic Due to New COVID-19 Variant', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The government has reassured the public not to panic in light of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that there is no need for alarm regarding the new variant observed in the state of Kerala, India.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 21: The government has reassured the public not to panic in light of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that there is no need for alarm regarding the new variant observed in the state of Kerala, India.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> He explained that the current situation does not warrant concern, as the infection is primarily associated with the respiratory system.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Budhathoki highlighted the increasing respiratory issues in India and China, pointing out that the infrastructure developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as ICU facilities and oxygen plants, is available and can be utilized if necessary. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr Budhathoki clarified that while a new variant has been identified, there are no new symptoms associated with it, and the symptoms remain consistent with respiratory problems.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As a precautionary measure, health desks at checkpoints and international airports have been placed on standby, and a request has been made to monitor individuals with respiratory problems more closely.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, Dr. Budhathoki informed the public that patients with long-standing respiratory issues are being recommended for gene sequencing. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The World Health Organization has officially confirmed the presence of the new COVID-19 variant in the Kerala State of India. (RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19508', 'image' => '20231221061133_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 06:09:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19779', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Parliamentary Committee Directs Government not to Approve Share Transaction of Ncell', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government not to approve the transaction of Ncell shares until an inquiry committee submits its report.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government not to approve the transaction of Ncell shares until an inquiry committee submits its report.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee issued this instruction after holding a discussion with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, along with Communications Minister Rekha Sharma on Tuesday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee meeting has decided to instruct the Government of Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies not to give any approval or consent to Ncell’s share transaction until the probe committee prepares its report on the contentious deal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The parliamentary committee has instructed the government to recover the taxes from Ncell due to the state based on the report of the inquiry committee and as per the prevailing laws. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also asked to check the buyer's capacity and experience in running the company while buying and selling large companies like Ncell. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has instructed the government to take the initiative to bring Ncell under the ownership of the government in 2086 BS (2029 AD). The committee has decided to instruct the Government of Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply to amend the necessary laws and regulations for this.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Telecommunication Act mentions that the license period of any telecommunication company shall be a maximum of 25 years. Ncell received license on September 1, 2004. Its license will expire after the 25th year on September 1, 2029. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Section 33 of the Act states that "land, buildings, devices, equipment and structures related to telecommunication services in which more than 50 percent of the total capital investment is invested by foreign individuals or organizations shall be owned by the government after the expiry of the license." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the current situation, Ncell will come under the ownership of Government of Nepal after 6 years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19507', 'image' => '20231220041035_Parliament.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 16:09:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19778', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Sustains Its Upward Trajectory with Gain of 35.39 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced significant surge, climbing by 35.39 points or 1.68% and concluding at 2141.87 points on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 20: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced significant surge, climbing by 35.39 points or 1.68% and concluding at 2141.87 points on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, a total of 306 scrips were traded in 111,723 transactions, involving 19,963,604 traded shares, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 7 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Shivam Cements LTD (SHIVM) took the lead in turnover, amounting to Rs 37 crores, closing at a market price of Rs 613 per share. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Eleven companies, including Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL), NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN), and Nepal Republic Media (NRM), each witnessed a 10% gain, triggering a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Contrarily, Kumari Dhanbriddhi Yojana (KDBY) experienced the highest decline at 3.82%. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed in the green zone, except for Hotels and Tourism Index and Non-Life Insurance.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The Manufacturing and Processing sector posted the highest gain at 7.15%, while the Development Bank Index registered the least gain at 0.14%. On the other hand, Non-Life Insurance incurred a slight loss at 0.08%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Market participants and analysts attribute the upward trajectory of the stock market to the positive sentiment among investors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to one investor, the impact of declining bank interest rates and excess liquidity in the banking system is responsible for the upsurge in the stock market. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19506', 'image' => '20231220035504_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 15:53:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19777', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Foreign Investors Pledged Rs 20.61 Billion FDI in Five Months', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Foreign investors have expressed commitment to invest Rs 20.61 billion in Nepal in the first five months of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: Foreign investors have expressed commitment to invest Rs 20.61 billion in Nepal in the first five months of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign investors committed to invest Rs 2.25 billion in the month of Mangshir (mid-November to mid-December) alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors have made commitments for 199 projects proposed between mid-July to mid-December. According to the statistics of the Department of Industry, most of the investment commitments received in mid-November to mid-December are for small industries. Commitments were made for 19 small and two medium industries in the review month. There was no commitment to invest in large-scale industries in mid-November to mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, foreign investors have pledged to invest in three big projects in the current fiscal year. The have also made commitments to invest in 7 medium and 189 small scale industries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the first five months of the current fiscal year, foreign investors have shown interest in the tourism, service and manufacturing sectors. Foreign investors have always been interested in the tourism sector. During this period, foreign investors have submitted proposals to invest in 95 projects in the tourism sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the second place is the service sector. Investors have pledged to invest in 74 service industries and 10 manufacturing industries. During this period, there was no investment commitment in the energy sector. Sectors such as agriculture, minerals, construction, information technology etc have very little investment commitment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It seems that the investment commitments have gradually increased at a time when the government is preparing to hold an investment summit in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May).</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19505', 'image' => '20231220035304_Foreign investment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 15:52:13', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19776', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Study Committee Recommends Regulating Excessive Prices of Food Items Sold at Airport', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Amid complaints that the shops operating on the airport premises are charging exorbitant prices for food items, a study committee has recommended to regulate them and set reasonable prices.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: Amid complaints that the shops operating on the airport premises are charging exorbitant prices for food items, a study committee has recommended to regulate them and set reasonable prices.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee formed by the government has recommended that the shops operating inside the airport should be instructed by the concerned office to sell goods at a maximum retail price (MRP) specified by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sometime ago, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, had made a surprise visit to the Tribhuvan International Airport for inspection, when passengers complained they had to pay higher prices for the consumables kept at the shops in the airport. To solve this problem, the government had formed a study committee under the coordination of Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Jagannath Niraula. The committee submitted the report to CAAN’s Director General Pradip Adhikari on Tuesday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also mentioned that it is not possible to force businessmen to sell and distribute food and other items according to the market price in Nepal's international and domestic airports. Currently, shops operating at the airport are charging more than the MRP for bottled water, biscuits, noodles and other food and drinks.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has recommended that the concerned office give instructions to all individuals, firms and companies to sell these items at a specified MRP. Individuals, firms and companies who have entered into contracts with the authority and subordinate offices for operating shops at the airport have been asked to sell goods and services in a way that does not exceed the maximum profit limit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They have also been instructed to sell the items by displaying the pricelist.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also suggested necessary amendments to the Airport Service Fee Regulations </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19504', 'image' => '20231220015758_20230627040802_20220428023242_5e.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 13:56:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19775', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kathmandu Valley Reports Rise in Cases of Looting in the Pretext of Exchanging Dollars ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Cases of looting in the name of exchanging dollar are on the rise of late in the Kathmandu Valley. A', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 20: Cases of looting in the name of exchanging dollar are on the rise of late in the Kathmandu Valley. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, a racket of looters is reportedly active in the Valley. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kathmandu Police Range Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Kumud Dhungel said cases of fraud in the pretext of exchanging dollars are being reported from various parts of the Valley. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Police said they are trying to crack down on the racket by mobilizing a dedicated team for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A police team jointly mobilized from the District Police Range, Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested eight people as of Tuesday in course of the operation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those arrested have been identified as 34-year-old Khadka Bahadur Tamang of Dhading and currently living in Samakhusi, Kathmandu; 36-year-old Ashok Limbu of Morang; Ram Bahadur Lama of Sindhupalchowk; Subba Tamang, 36, of Duwakot, Bhaktapur; Chandra Bahadur Tamang, 45, of Tarakeshwar, Kathmandu and Rel Bahadur Tamang, Devraj Tamang and Krishna Kumari Tamang alias Manju of Sindhupalchowk. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Police confiscated 16 stacks of genuine US dollars of 50 denomination, two copies of passport, one gold Tilahari necklace and a scooter from them. Further investigation is underway by keeping the arrestees at the District Police Range, Kathmandu. Police said search is ongoing for other people involved in looting in complicit with the arrested persons. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19503', 'image' => '20231220124842_20210804111341_20200903113103_1599056781.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 12:47:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19774', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NAC’s Income Doubles in Three Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The income of Nepal Airlines Corporation has more than doubled in the last three years.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: The income of Nepal Airlines Corporation has more than doubled in the last three years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the audit report of the Office of the Auditor General, the total income of the corporation in the fiscal year (FY) </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2077/78 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">was Rs 9.1 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, the income of the state-owned airline company increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">16</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">46 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078/79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.The company’s income further increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">22</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2079/80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The records show that the NAC’s income increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">144 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">percent in the last three years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The NAC has four aircraft for international flights and two for domestic flights. The NAC claims that it succeeded in increasing its profit by making optimal use of the available aircraft and resources after the current leadership took over the management of the company. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The NAC further stated that it is making necessary action plan to purchase aircraft as it is facing shortage of airplanes in sufficient quantity to meet the market demand and to generate more income.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19502', 'image' => '20231220112459_NAC.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 11:22:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19773', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy Improving Gradually: Finance Minister Mahat', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has claimed that the country's economy has been improving gradually.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has claimed that the country's economy has been improving gradually. He urged investors to make their investment confidently stating that the interest rates of banks have started declining. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat made such remarks at the first district convention of the Makawanpur district committee of Nepali Congress. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, Mahat stated that economy is at ease as the banks’ interest rates have declined, share market and real estate have improved, tourism arrival is good and the remittance inflow has posted impressive growth. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"Country's economy is improving. We have created favorable environment by bringing monetary policy. A huge amount of loan was circulated in the time of crisis. But, the loan investment was poured into the share market and real estate when economic activities could not happen during the time of COVID-19. The current crisis was created due to that impact," Minister Mahat argued. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that the banks and insurance companies have paid the tax to the government along with the decision to bring them under the ambit of tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Following the government's direction to the authority concerned to collect revenues gained from premium of further public offering, mergers and acquisitions and sale of auction shares, over Rs 12.8 billion in revenue was collected in the state coffers recently. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat stated that the loan to be received by the government would be focused on production and result-oriented sectors adding that such investment would be made in hydropower, technology-driven agriculture, tourism and road networks development. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19501', 'image' => '20231220102957_KTM_RSS_04_20230921140427_IMG_2777.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 10:29:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19772', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KMC to Organize Information Technology Conference', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is going to host an Information Technology Conference in coming Nepali month of Chaitra. The conference, for which exact date is yet to be set, is aimed at rendering easy, convenient, and technology-based public services to the KMC residents, said Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson at the KMC.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> December 19: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is going to host an Information Technology Conference in the coming Nepali month of Chaitra. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The conference, for which exact date is yet to be set, is aimed at rendering easy, convenient, and technology-based public services to the KMC residents, said Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson at the KMC. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Spokesperson Manandhar shared that the major agenda of the conference is to seek means to connect innovation, newest technology and newest thinking through the conference and how to rope in youths, stakeholders and international communities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"The KMC must devise policies, plans and programmes in order to institutionalize the achievements gained by the KMC as well as to be A responsible, transparent and responsive government and to adopt new innovations," asserted the Spokesperson. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He added, "The recommendations collected from the conference and the summary would help formulate policies for the KMC to provide technology-based public services to its residents."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The conference would promote digital inclusiveness in the policy level, in governance, and community thereby ensuring its reach to the social sector, private enterprises, industries, and commerce sectors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interactive workshops among the specialists and stakeholders would be held during the conference who would exchange their ideas and knowledge on leveraging the technologies to optimize operations and create efficiencies, it was shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, various power-point presentations and discussions will be organized on the topics surrounding technologies employed by the government for good-governance and public service delivery, access of IT among the service-seekers and interrelation among the government, stakeholders and public offices and use and expansion of IT among others.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The event would serve as a platform for networking among IT professionals, entrepreneurs, youths, and government mechanisms, the organisers have said. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19500', 'image' => '20231220062505_collage (5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 06:21:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19771', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Surges by 45.98 Points, Closing Strong at 2106.48', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Index (NEPSE) witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 45.98 points or 2.23% to reach a closing value of 2106.48 points on the third trading day of the week on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 19: The Nepal Stock Index (NEPSE) witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 45.98 points or 2.23% to reach a closing value of 2106.48 points on the third trading day of the week on Tuesday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, a total of 313 scrips were exchanged in 99,641 transactions, involving 16,457,138 shares. The cumulative trading volume amounted to Rs 5.98 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Shivam Cements LTD (SHIVM) led in turnover with Rs 37 crores. Nine companies, including Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL), Shivam Cements Limited (SHIVM), and Nepal Republic Media (NRM), each gained 10%, triggering positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the flip side, Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme (SIGS2) suffered the highest loss at 7.26%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed the day in the green zone. The Hotels and Tourism Index experienced the highest gain at 6.94%, while the Finance Index saw the least gain at 0.42%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-19', 'modified' => '2023-12-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19499', 'image' => '20231219034755_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-19 15:46:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19785', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'SEBON to Write Letter to the Council of Ministers to Resume License Distribution Process', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) is preparing to write another letter to the government to proceed with the license process of the new stock exchange.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) is preparing to write another letter to the government to proceed with the license process of the new stock exchange. The board wrote a letter to the Ministry of Finance on Sunday asking for its opinion on whether the license process can be continued. One of the board members of SEBON said that they decided to write a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers after the Ministry of Finance replied to their letter seeking more clarity on the issue.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The board member said that SEBON decided to send a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers through the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 9 had decided to stop the license process of the new stock exchange immediately. After receiving a letter from the Ministry of Finance to implement the decision of the Council of Ministers, the board stopped the license distribution process.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives had earlier instructed the government on June 12 to halt the process of license distribution by SEBON. After the directive, the committee asked for documents from the concerned authorities to study the issue. Upon completion of the study, the committee concluded that there was no need to withhold the license distribution process as the Supreme Court had already delivered its verdict on the issue. The Finance Committee has clarified that the directive to halt the license distribution process has already expired on November 10. After about five months of study, the Finance Committee already issued a new directive to the government to proceed ahead with the license distribution process.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Finance Committee concluded that the government should not stop the matter which has been cleared by the Supreme Court. SEBON has already received no objection letter from the Finance Committee. It has been learnt that the Ministry of Finance has now asked SEBON to write a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Minister regarding the matter.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Although the Finance Committee has already given the green signal to SEBON to proceed with the licensing process, it is waiting response from the Council of Ministers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">SEBON Chairman Ramesh Kumar Hamal said that despite receiving the instructions from the Finance Committee, he wanted to be clear about whether or not it is justified to proceed with the issue that is yet to be decided by the Council of Ministers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chairman Hamal's </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">21-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">month tenure is ending on January 5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">.</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He wants the board's decades-long plan to launch the new stock exchange to be completed during his tenure. Hamal, who earned praise for doing good work for the securities market in a short tenure, has also been accused of burdening investors by allowing bad companies to issue IPOs at a premium rate. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The process for the distribution of license of the new stock exchange was started on September 18, 2022</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After going through ups and downs, Hamal completed the process of distribution of new license. Three companies have applied for the new stock exchange namely Himalayan Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange of Nepal and Annapurna Stock Exchange Limited. Among these, one company will get the license.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19513', 'image' => '20231221014703_Sebon-update.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 13:46:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19784', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepalis Investing in Real Estate Sector of Australia', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: Although Nepal Rastra Bank has time and again warned Nepali citizens through public notices against investing money abroad, it has done little to deter Nepalis from investing in the real estate business in Australia.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: Although Nepal Rastra Bank has time and again warned Nepali citizens through public notices against investing money abroad, it has done little to deter Nepalis from investing in the real estate business in Australia. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a report published by the Australian government, Nepalis have invested more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in Australia’s real estate in one year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the report on foreign investment published by the Treasury Department of Australia, Nepalis invested USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million in Australian real estate business through </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">126</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2022-23</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. According to the exchange rate set by Nepal Rastra Bank on Wednesday, the investment amount is equal to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report also mentions that Nepalis invested USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million through </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">140</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2021-22</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, Nepali citizens have submitted </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">58</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in Australia’s real estate sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report mentions the names of the top </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries which invests in Australia’s real estate business, and Nepal ranks eighth. Numerically, Nepal’s investment in Australia’s real estate falls behind China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Singapore. Below Nepal lie Indonesia, the UK and Malaysia. Based on the amount of investment, Nepal is at the bottom. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Jyotindra Kadaria, who works as a sales manager in Australian real estate agent company Land and Lease, Nepalese investment is increasing because real estate investment in Australia is safe and returns are good. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"The real estate business in Australia is highly regulated and it is considered safe to invest because the returns are guaranteed," he told New Business Age, adding, "Nepalis are investing in this sector because their income is good. Nepalis also insist on investing in this sector because they think that they can settle in Australia only after buying real estate." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Australia is becoming an attractive destination for Nepalis for higher education, employment and overseas stay. Kadaria says that the number of Nepalis who are established in various professions and businesses is increasing in Australia. This has made it easy for Nepalis to invest in this sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Australian government, as of June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2021</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">129,870</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Nepalis have received permanent residence permits. In </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2011</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, this number was only </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">27</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of Nepal has made a legal provision to allow Nepalis living abroad to invest abroad from their earnings during their stay, but they are not allowed to take investment from Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2019 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">prohibits Nepali citizens living in the country from investing abroad. According to the same provision, the central bank has been issuing notices from time to time and has been cautioning against buying real estate, securities, property, making deposits in foreign banks and financial institutions, etc. However, the huge investment in the real estate business in Australia raises concerns of illegal capital flight from Nepal. It is assumed that those who migrated to Australia with their families sell their property here and buy in Australia.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19512', 'image' => '20231221123856_-1x-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 12:38:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19783', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway to Supply Water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within Three Weeks', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has said that the project is preparing to supply water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within the next three weeks.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has said that the project is preparing to supply water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within the next three weeks. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Rajendra Prasad Pant, spokesman for the committee, said that preparations have been started to divert the water from Melamchi to Kathmandu following an agreement between the project and the contractor company. He added that the water supply is likely to resume within 28 days. Pant added that water from Melamchi will reach the households in Kathmandu within the stipulated time if there is no emergency situation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee issued a statement saying that the board meeting chaired by Suresh Acharya, secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply, signed a memorandum of understanding with the construction entrepreneurs and decided to immediately facilitate and coordinate the construction works. According to the agreement, the contractors will immediately mobilize resources for the construction work.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“As per the urgent work schedule prepared of the next 28 days, human resources will be mobilized in two shifts to complete the necessary work for water diversion," said spokesperson Pant. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After the diversion, 170 million liters of water from Melamchi river will be supplied to Kathmandu on a daily basis. The said water will be processed by Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Limited at Sundarijal Water Treatment Center and made available for distribution in the valley.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19511', 'image' => '20231221115635_Headworks-Diversion-Tunnel-Gate-no-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 11:55:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19782', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Fixes Minimum Support Price of Sugarcane', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: The government has fixed the minimum support price of sugarcane.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: The government has fixed the minimum support price of sugarcane. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday fixed the minimum purchase price of sugarcane at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">565</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal. The meeting also decided to give subsidy of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">70</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal to the farmers on behalf of the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Government Spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communication Rekha Sharma informed that the government has fixed the price of sugarcane at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">635</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal for the farmers including government subsidies. The farmers were demanding that the purchase price of sugarcane should be increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">750</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Sharma also shared that the government has reviewed its one-year tenure and the chief secretary has presented an action plan along with the problems and recommendations to speed up the work of the government. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19510', 'image' => '20231221105518_wrPsuVgWd9UpVxC8oEZ7sS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 10:54:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19781', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'One more Nepali Serving in Russian Army Dies, Four Held Captive in Ukraine ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has died.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has died. The deceased has been identified as Kundan Nagal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Government of Nepal has requested Russia via the Russian Ambassador to Nepal to repatriate the dead bodies of the Nepalis killed in the war against Ukraine and provide compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again urged Russia not to recruit Nepali citizens in its military rank and file and to send back any Nepali citizen who is currently serving in the army. The ministry has also sought information from Russia about the number of Nepalis who have joined the Russian Army, in addition to the injured ones and their condition. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Foreign Ministry has also urged all Nepalis to compulsorily receive no objection certificates (NOC) from the Nepali embassies and consulates in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Saudi Arab, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain if they are traveling to Russia via those countries. Earlier, the NOC was issued only from Consular Service Department under the Foreign Ministry for those going to Russia. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the government has expressed serious concern over four Nepalis being held captive in Ukraine. The government has requested the government of Ukraine via diplomatic channel to release and return the captives, according to the Foreign Ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Efforts are underway for the release and return of the Nepalis held captive, via International Committee of Red Cross. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those held captive by Ukraine are Bibek Khatri from Rajapur-1, Bardiya; Siddhartha Dhakal from Mandandeupur-6, Kavrepalanchok; Bikas Rai from Letang-2, Morang; and Pratik Pun from Runtigadhi-8, Rolpa. Utmost efforts are underway for their release, the Foreign Ministry said. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19509', 'image' => '20231221102854_thumbs_b_c_c9c447d72ee0340a5035282e09e7f600.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 10:27:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19780', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Urges Public Not to Panic Due to New COVID-19 Variant', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The government has reassured the public not to panic in light of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that there is no need for alarm regarding the new variant observed in the state of Kerala, India.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 21: The government has reassured the public not to panic in light of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that there is no need for alarm regarding the new variant observed in the state of Kerala, India.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> He explained that the current situation does not warrant concern, as the infection is primarily associated with the respiratory system.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Budhathoki highlighted the increasing respiratory issues in India and China, pointing out that the infrastructure developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as ICU facilities and oxygen plants, is available and can be utilized if necessary. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr Budhathoki clarified that while a new variant has been identified, there are no new symptoms associated with it, and the symptoms remain consistent with respiratory problems.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As a precautionary measure, health desks at checkpoints and international airports have been placed on standby, and a request has been made to monitor individuals with respiratory problems more closely.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, Dr. Budhathoki informed the public that patients with long-standing respiratory issues are being recommended for gene sequencing. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The World Health Organization has officially confirmed the presence of the new COVID-19 variant in the Kerala State of India. (RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19508', 'image' => '20231221061133_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 06:09:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19779', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Parliamentary Committee Directs Government not to Approve Share Transaction of Ncell', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government not to approve the transaction of Ncell shares until an inquiry committee submits its report.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government not to approve the transaction of Ncell shares until an inquiry committee submits its report.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee issued this instruction after holding a discussion with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, along with Communications Minister Rekha Sharma on Tuesday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee meeting has decided to instruct the Government of Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies not to give any approval or consent to Ncell’s share transaction until the probe committee prepares its report on the contentious deal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The parliamentary committee has instructed the government to recover the taxes from Ncell due to the state based on the report of the inquiry committee and as per the prevailing laws. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also asked to check the buyer's capacity and experience in running the company while buying and selling large companies like Ncell. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has instructed the government to take the initiative to bring Ncell under the ownership of the government in 2086 BS (2029 AD). The committee has decided to instruct the Government of Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply to amend the necessary laws and regulations for this.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Telecommunication Act mentions that the license period of any telecommunication company shall be a maximum of 25 years. Ncell received license on September 1, 2004. Its license will expire after the 25th year on September 1, 2029. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Section 33 of the Act states that "land, buildings, devices, equipment and structures related to telecommunication services in which more than 50 percent of the total capital investment is invested by foreign individuals or organizations shall be owned by the government after the expiry of the license." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the current situation, Ncell will come under the ownership of Government of Nepal after 6 years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19507', 'image' => '20231220041035_Parliament.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 16:09:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19778', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Sustains Its Upward Trajectory with Gain of 35.39 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced significant surge, climbing by 35.39 points or 1.68% and concluding at 2141.87 points on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 20: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced significant surge, climbing by 35.39 points or 1.68% and concluding at 2141.87 points on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, a total of 306 scrips were traded in 111,723 transactions, involving 19,963,604 traded shares, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 7 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Shivam Cements LTD (SHIVM) took the lead in turnover, amounting to Rs 37 crores, closing at a market price of Rs 613 per share. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Eleven companies, including Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL), NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN), and Nepal Republic Media (NRM), each witnessed a 10% gain, triggering a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Contrarily, Kumari Dhanbriddhi Yojana (KDBY) experienced the highest decline at 3.82%. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed in the green zone, except for Hotels and Tourism Index and Non-Life Insurance.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The Manufacturing and Processing sector posted the highest gain at 7.15%, while the Development Bank Index registered the least gain at 0.14%. On the other hand, Non-Life Insurance incurred a slight loss at 0.08%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Market participants and analysts attribute the upward trajectory of the stock market to the positive sentiment among investors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to one investor, the impact of declining bank interest rates and excess liquidity in the banking system is responsible for the upsurge in the stock market. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19506', 'image' => '20231220035504_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 15:53:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19777', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Foreign Investors Pledged Rs 20.61 Billion FDI in Five Months', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Foreign investors have expressed commitment to invest Rs 20.61 billion in Nepal in the first five months of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: Foreign investors have expressed commitment to invest Rs 20.61 billion in Nepal in the first five months of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign investors committed to invest Rs 2.25 billion in the month of Mangshir (mid-November to mid-December) alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors have made commitments for 199 projects proposed between mid-July to mid-December. According to the statistics of the Department of Industry, most of the investment commitments received in mid-November to mid-December are for small industries. Commitments were made for 19 small and two medium industries in the review month. There was no commitment to invest in large-scale industries in mid-November to mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, foreign investors have pledged to invest in three big projects in the current fiscal year. The have also made commitments to invest in 7 medium and 189 small scale industries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the first five months of the current fiscal year, foreign investors have shown interest in the tourism, service and manufacturing sectors. Foreign investors have always been interested in the tourism sector. During this period, foreign investors have submitted proposals to invest in 95 projects in the tourism sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the second place is the service sector. Investors have pledged to invest in 74 service industries and 10 manufacturing industries. During this period, there was no investment commitment in the energy sector. Sectors such as agriculture, minerals, construction, information technology etc have very little investment commitment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It seems that the investment commitments have gradually increased at a time when the government is preparing to hold an investment summit in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May).</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19505', 'image' => '20231220035304_Foreign investment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 15:52:13', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19776', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Study Committee Recommends Regulating Excessive Prices of Food Items Sold at Airport', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Amid complaints that the shops operating on the airport premises are charging exorbitant prices for food items, a study committee has recommended to regulate them and set reasonable prices.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: Amid complaints that the shops operating on the airport premises are charging exorbitant prices for food items, a study committee has recommended to regulate them and set reasonable prices.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee formed by the government has recommended that the shops operating inside the airport should be instructed by the concerned office to sell goods at a maximum retail price (MRP) specified by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sometime ago, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, had made a surprise visit to the Tribhuvan International Airport for inspection, when passengers complained they had to pay higher prices for the consumables kept at the shops in the airport. To solve this problem, the government had formed a study committee under the coordination of Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Jagannath Niraula. The committee submitted the report to CAAN’s Director General Pradip Adhikari on Tuesday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also mentioned that it is not possible to force businessmen to sell and distribute food and other items according to the market price in Nepal's international and domestic airports. Currently, shops operating at the airport are charging more than the MRP for bottled water, biscuits, noodles and other food and drinks.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has recommended that the concerned office give instructions to all individuals, firms and companies to sell these items at a specified MRP. Individuals, firms and companies who have entered into contracts with the authority and subordinate offices for operating shops at the airport have been asked to sell goods and services in a way that does not exceed the maximum profit limit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They have also been instructed to sell the items by displaying the pricelist.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also suggested necessary amendments to the Airport Service Fee Regulations </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19504', 'image' => '20231220015758_20230627040802_20220428023242_5e.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 13:56:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19775', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kathmandu Valley Reports Rise in Cases of Looting in the Pretext of Exchanging Dollars ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Cases of looting in the name of exchanging dollar are on the rise of late in the Kathmandu Valley. A', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 20: Cases of looting in the name of exchanging dollar are on the rise of late in the Kathmandu Valley. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, a racket of looters is reportedly active in the Valley. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kathmandu Police Range Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Kumud Dhungel said cases of fraud in the pretext of exchanging dollars are being reported from various parts of the Valley. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Police said they are trying to crack down on the racket by mobilizing a dedicated team for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A police team jointly mobilized from the District Police Range, Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested eight people as of Tuesday in course of the operation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those arrested have been identified as 34-year-old Khadka Bahadur Tamang of Dhading and currently living in Samakhusi, Kathmandu; 36-year-old Ashok Limbu of Morang; Ram Bahadur Lama of Sindhupalchowk; Subba Tamang, 36, of Duwakot, Bhaktapur; Chandra Bahadur Tamang, 45, of Tarakeshwar, Kathmandu and Rel Bahadur Tamang, Devraj Tamang and Krishna Kumari Tamang alias Manju of Sindhupalchowk. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Police confiscated 16 stacks of genuine US dollars of 50 denomination, two copies of passport, one gold Tilahari necklace and a scooter from them. Further investigation is underway by keeping the arrestees at the District Police Range, Kathmandu. Police said search is ongoing for other people involved in looting in complicit with the arrested persons. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19503', 'image' => '20231220124842_20210804111341_20200903113103_1599056781.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 12:47:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19774', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NAC’s Income Doubles in Three Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The income of Nepal Airlines Corporation has more than doubled in the last three years.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: The income of Nepal Airlines Corporation has more than doubled in the last three years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the audit report of the Office of the Auditor General, the total income of the corporation in the fiscal year (FY) </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2077/78 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">was Rs 9.1 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, the income of the state-owned airline company increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">16</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">46 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078/79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.The company’s income further increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">22</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2079/80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The records show that the NAC’s income increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">144 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">percent in the last three years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The NAC has four aircraft for international flights and two for domestic flights. The NAC claims that it succeeded in increasing its profit by making optimal use of the available aircraft and resources after the current leadership took over the management of the company. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The NAC further stated that it is making necessary action plan to purchase aircraft as it is facing shortage of airplanes in sufficient quantity to meet the market demand and to generate more income.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19502', 'image' => '20231220112459_NAC.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 11:22:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19773', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy Improving Gradually: Finance Minister Mahat', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has claimed that the country's economy has been improving gradually.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has claimed that the country's economy has been improving gradually. He urged investors to make their investment confidently stating that the interest rates of banks have started declining. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat made such remarks at the first district convention of the Makawanpur district committee of Nepali Congress. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, Mahat stated that economy is at ease as the banks’ interest rates have declined, share market and real estate have improved, tourism arrival is good and the remittance inflow has posted impressive growth. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"Country's economy is improving. We have created favorable environment by bringing monetary policy. A huge amount of loan was circulated in the time of crisis. But, the loan investment was poured into the share market and real estate when economic activities could not happen during the time of COVID-19. The current crisis was created due to that impact," Minister Mahat argued. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that the banks and insurance companies have paid the tax to the government along with the decision to bring them under the ambit of tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Following the government's direction to the authority concerned to collect revenues gained from premium of further public offering, mergers and acquisitions and sale of auction shares, over Rs 12.8 billion in revenue was collected in the state coffers recently. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat stated that the loan to be received by the government would be focused on production and result-oriented sectors adding that such investment would be made in hydropower, technology-driven agriculture, tourism and road networks development. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19501', 'image' => '20231220102957_KTM_RSS_04_20230921140427_IMG_2777.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 10:29:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19772', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KMC to Organize Information Technology Conference', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is going to host an Information Technology Conference in coming Nepali month of Chaitra. The conference, for which exact date is yet to be set, is aimed at rendering easy, convenient, and technology-based public services to the KMC residents, said Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson at the KMC.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> December 19: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is going to host an Information Technology Conference in the coming Nepali month of Chaitra. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The conference, for which exact date is yet to be set, is aimed at rendering easy, convenient, and technology-based public services to the KMC residents, said Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson at the KMC. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Spokesperson Manandhar shared that the major agenda of the conference is to seek means to connect innovation, newest technology and newest thinking through the conference and how to rope in youths, stakeholders and international communities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"The KMC must devise policies, plans and programmes in order to institutionalize the achievements gained by the KMC as well as to be A responsible, transparent and responsive government and to adopt new innovations," asserted the Spokesperson. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He added, "The recommendations collected from the conference and the summary would help formulate policies for the KMC to provide technology-based public services to its residents."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The conference would promote digital inclusiveness in the policy level, in governance, and community thereby ensuring its reach to the social sector, private enterprises, industries, and commerce sectors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interactive workshops among the specialists and stakeholders would be held during the conference who would exchange their ideas and knowledge on leveraging the technologies to optimize operations and create efficiencies, it was shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, various power-point presentations and discussions will be organized on the topics surrounding technologies employed by the government for good-governance and public service delivery, access of IT among the service-seekers and interrelation among the government, stakeholders and public offices and use and expansion of IT among others.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The event would serve as a platform for networking among IT professionals, entrepreneurs, youths, and government mechanisms, the organisers have said. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19500', 'image' => '20231220062505_collage (5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 06:21:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19771', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Surges by 45.98 Points, Closing Strong at 2106.48', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Index (NEPSE) witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 45.98 points or 2.23% to reach a closing value of 2106.48 points on the third trading day of the week on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 19: The Nepal Stock Index (NEPSE) witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 45.98 points or 2.23% to reach a closing value of 2106.48 points on the third trading day of the week on Tuesday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, a total of 313 scrips were exchanged in 99,641 transactions, involving 16,457,138 shares. The cumulative trading volume amounted to Rs 5.98 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Shivam Cements LTD (SHIVM) led in turnover with Rs 37 crores. Nine companies, including Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL), Shivam Cements Limited (SHIVM), and Nepal Republic Media (NRM), each gained 10%, triggering positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the flip side, Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme (SIGS2) suffered the highest loss at 7.26%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed the day in the green zone. The Hotels and Tourism Index experienced the highest gain at 6.94%, while the Finance Index saw the least gain at 0.42%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-19', 'modified' => '2023-12-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19499', 'image' => '20231219034755_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-19 15:46:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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The board wrote a letter to the Ministry of Finance on Sunday asking for its opinion on whether the license process can be continued. One of the board members of SEBON said that they decided to write a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers after the Ministry of Finance replied to their letter seeking more clarity on the issue.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The board member said that SEBON decided to send a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers through the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 9 had decided to stop the license process of the new stock exchange immediately. After receiving a letter from the Ministry of Finance to implement the decision of the Council of Ministers, the board stopped the license distribution process.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives had earlier instructed the government on June 12 to halt the process of license distribution by SEBON. After the directive, the committee asked for documents from the concerned authorities to study the issue. Upon completion of the study, the committee concluded that there was no need to withhold the license distribution process as the Supreme Court had already delivered its verdict on the issue. The Finance Committee has clarified that the directive to halt the license distribution process has already expired on November 10. After about five months of study, the Finance Committee already issued a new directive to the government to proceed ahead with the license distribution process.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Finance Committee concluded that the government should not stop the matter which has been cleared by the Supreme Court. SEBON has already received no objection letter from the Finance Committee. It has been learnt that the Ministry of Finance has now asked SEBON to write a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Minister regarding the matter.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Although the Finance Committee has already given the green signal to SEBON to proceed with the licensing process, it is waiting response from the Council of Ministers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">SEBON Chairman Ramesh Kumar Hamal said that despite receiving the instructions from the Finance Committee, he wanted to be clear about whether or not it is justified to proceed with the issue that is yet to be decided by the Council of Ministers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chairman Hamal's </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">21-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">month tenure is ending on January 5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">.</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He wants the board's decades-long plan to launch the new stock exchange to be completed during his tenure. Hamal, who earned praise for doing good work for the securities market in a short tenure, has also been accused of burdening investors by allowing bad companies to issue IPOs at a premium rate. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The process for the distribution of license of the new stock exchange was started on September 18, 2022</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After going through ups and downs, Hamal completed the process of distribution of new license. Three companies have applied for the new stock exchange namely Himalayan Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange of Nepal and Annapurna Stock Exchange Limited. Among these, one company will get the license.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19513', 'image' => '20231221014703_Sebon-update.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 13:46:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19784', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepalis Investing in Real Estate Sector of Australia', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: Although Nepal Rastra Bank has time and again warned Nepali citizens through public notices against investing money abroad, it has done little to deter Nepalis from investing in the real estate business in Australia.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: Although Nepal Rastra Bank has time and again warned Nepali citizens through public notices against investing money abroad, it has done little to deter Nepalis from investing in the real estate business in Australia. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a report published by the Australian government, Nepalis have invested more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in Australia’s real estate in one year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the report on foreign investment published by the Treasury Department of Australia, Nepalis invested USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million in Australian real estate business through </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">126</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2022-23</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. According to the exchange rate set by Nepal Rastra Bank on Wednesday, the investment amount is equal to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report also mentions that Nepalis invested USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million through </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">140</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2021-22</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, Nepali citizens have submitted </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">58</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in Australia’s real estate sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report mentions the names of the top </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries which invests in Australia’s real estate business, and Nepal ranks eighth. Numerically, Nepal’s investment in Australia’s real estate falls behind China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Singapore. Below Nepal lie Indonesia, the UK and Malaysia. Based on the amount of investment, Nepal is at the bottom. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Jyotindra Kadaria, who works as a sales manager in Australian real estate agent company Land and Lease, Nepalese investment is increasing because real estate investment in Australia is safe and returns are good. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"The real estate business in Australia is highly regulated and it is considered safe to invest because the returns are guaranteed," he told New Business Age, adding, "Nepalis are investing in this sector because their income is good. Nepalis also insist on investing in this sector because they think that they can settle in Australia only after buying real estate." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Australia is becoming an attractive destination for Nepalis for higher education, employment and overseas stay. Kadaria says that the number of Nepalis who are established in various professions and businesses is increasing in Australia. This has made it easy for Nepalis to invest in this sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Australian government, as of June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2021</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">129,870</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Nepalis have received permanent residence permits. In </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2011</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, this number was only </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">27</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of Nepal has made a legal provision to allow Nepalis living abroad to invest abroad from their earnings during their stay, but they are not allowed to take investment from Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2019 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">prohibits Nepali citizens living in the country from investing abroad. According to the same provision, the central bank has been issuing notices from time to time and has been cautioning against buying real estate, securities, property, making deposits in foreign banks and financial institutions, etc. However, the huge investment in the real estate business in Australia raises concerns of illegal capital flight from Nepal. It is assumed that those who migrated to Australia with their families sell their property here and buy in Australia.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19512', 'image' => '20231221123856_-1x-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 12:38:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19783', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway to Supply Water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within Three Weeks', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has said that the project is preparing to supply water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within the next three weeks.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has said that the project is preparing to supply water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within the next three weeks. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Rajendra Prasad Pant, spokesman for the committee, said that preparations have been started to divert the water from Melamchi to Kathmandu following an agreement between the project and the contractor company. He added that the water supply is likely to resume within 28 days. Pant added that water from Melamchi will reach the households in Kathmandu within the stipulated time if there is no emergency situation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee issued a statement saying that the board meeting chaired by Suresh Acharya, secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply, signed a memorandum of understanding with the construction entrepreneurs and decided to immediately facilitate and coordinate the construction works. According to the agreement, the contractors will immediately mobilize resources for the construction work.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“As per the urgent work schedule prepared of the next 28 days, human resources will be mobilized in two shifts to complete the necessary work for water diversion," said spokesperson Pant. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After the diversion, 170 million liters of water from Melamchi river will be supplied to Kathmandu on a daily basis. The said water will be processed by Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Limited at Sundarijal Water Treatment Center and made available for distribution in the valley.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19511', 'image' => '20231221115635_Headworks-Diversion-Tunnel-Gate-no-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 11:55:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19782', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Fixes Minimum Support Price of Sugarcane', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: The government has fixed the minimum support price of sugarcane.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: The government has fixed the minimum support price of sugarcane. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday fixed the minimum purchase price of sugarcane at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">565</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal. The meeting also decided to give subsidy of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">70</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal to the farmers on behalf of the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Government Spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communication Rekha Sharma informed that the government has fixed the price of sugarcane at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">635</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal for the farmers including government subsidies. The farmers were demanding that the purchase price of sugarcane should be increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">750</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Sharma also shared that the government has reviewed its one-year tenure and the chief secretary has presented an action plan along with the problems and recommendations to speed up the work of the government. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19510', 'image' => '20231221105518_wrPsuVgWd9UpVxC8oEZ7sS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 10:54:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19781', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'One more Nepali Serving in Russian Army Dies, Four Held Captive in Ukraine ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has died.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has died. The deceased has been identified as Kundan Nagal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Government of Nepal has requested Russia via the Russian Ambassador to Nepal to repatriate the dead bodies of the Nepalis killed in the war against Ukraine and provide compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again urged Russia not to recruit Nepali citizens in its military rank and file and to send back any Nepali citizen who is currently serving in the army. The ministry has also sought information from Russia about the number of Nepalis who have joined the Russian Army, in addition to the injured ones and their condition. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Foreign Ministry has also urged all Nepalis to compulsorily receive no objection certificates (NOC) from the Nepali embassies and consulates in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Saudi Arab, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain if they are traveling to Russia via those countries. Earlier, the NOC was issued only from Consular Service Department under the Foreign Ministry for those going to Russia. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the government has expressed serious concern over four Nepalis being held captive in Ukraine. The government has requested the government of Ukraine via diplomatic channel to release and return the captives, according to the Foreign Ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Efforts are underway for the release and return of the Nepalis held captive, via International Committee of Red Cross. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those held captive by Ukraine are Bibek Khatri from Rajapur-1, Bardiya; Siddhartha Dhakal from Mandandeupur-6, Kavrepalanchok; Bikas Rai from Letang-2, Morang; and Pratik Pun from Runtigadhi-8, Rolpa. Utmost efforts are underway for their release, the Foreign Ministry said. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19509', 'image' => '20231221102854_thumbs_b_c_c9c447d72ee0340a5035282e09e7f600.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 10:27:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19780', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Urges Public Not to Panic Due to New COVID-19 Variant', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The government has reassured the public not to panic in light of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that there is no need for alarm regarding the new variant observed in the state of Kerala, India.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 21: The government has reassured the public not to panic in light of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that there is no need for alarm regarding the new variant observed in the state of Kerala, India.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> He explained that the current situation does not warrant concern, as the infection is primarily associated with the respiratory system.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Budhathoki highlighted the increasing respiratory issues in India and China, pointing out that the infrastructure developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as ICU facilities and oxygen plants, is available and can be utilized if necessary. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr Budhathoki clarified that while a new variant has been identified, there are no new symptoms associated with it, and the symptoms remain consistent with respiratory problems.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As a precautionary measure, health desks at checkpoints and international airports have been placed on standby, and a request has been made to monitor individuals with respiratory problems more closely.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, Dr. Budhathoki informed the public that patients with long-standing respiratory issues are being recommended for gene sequencing. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The World Health Organization has officially confirmed the presence of the new COVID-19 variant in the Kerala State of India. (RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19508', 'image' => '20231221061133_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 06:09:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19779', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Parliamentary Committee Directs Government not to Approve Share Transaction of Ncell', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government not to approve the transaction of Ncell shares until an inquiry committee submits its report.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government not to approve the transaction of Ncell shares until an inquiry committee submits its report.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee issued this instruction after holding a discussion with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, along with Communications Minister Rekha Sharma on Tuesday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee meeting has decided to instruct the Government of Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies not to give any approval or consent to Ncell’s share transaction until the probe committee prepares its report on the contentious deal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The parliamentary committee has instructed the government to recover the taxes from Ncell due to the state based on the report of the inquiry committee and as per the prevailing laws. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also asked to check the buyer's capacity and experience in running the company while buying and selling large companies like Ncell. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has instructed the government to take the initiative to bring Ncell under the ownership of the government in 2086 BS (2029 AD). The committee has decided to instruct the Government of Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply to amend the necessary laws and regulations for this.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Telecommunication Act mentions that the license period of any telecommunication company shall be a maximum of 25 years. Ncell received license on September 1, 2004. Its license will expire after the 25th year on September 1, 2029. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Section 33 of the Act states that "land, buildings, devices, equipment and structures related to telecommunication services in which more than 50 percent of the total capital investment is invested by foreign individuals or organizations shall be owned by the government after the expiry of the license." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the current situation, Ncell will come under the ownership of Government of Nepal after 6 years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19507', 'image' => '20231220041035_Parliament.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 16:09:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19778', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Sustains Its Upward Trajectory with Gain of 35.39 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced significant surge, climbing by 35.39 points or 1.68% and concluding at 2141.87 points on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 20: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced significant surge, climbing by 35.39 points or 1.68% and concluding at 2141.87 points on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, a total of 306 scrips were traded in 111,723 transactions, involving 19,963,604 traded shares, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 7 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Shivam Cements LTD (SHIVM) took the lead in turnover, amounting to Rs 37 crores, closing at a market price of Rs 613 per share. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Eleven companies, including Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL), NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN), and Nepal Republic Media (NRM), each witnessed a 10% gain, triggering a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Contrarily, Kumari Dhanbriddhi Yojana (KDBY) experienced the highest decline at 3.82%. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed in the green zone, except for Hotels and Tourism Index and Non-Life Insurance.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The Manufacturing and Processing sector posted the highest gain at 7.15%, while the Development Bank Index registered the least gain at 0.14%. On the other hand, Non-Life Insurance incurred a slight loss at 0.08%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Market participants and analysts attribute the upward trajectory of the stock market to the positive sentiment among investors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to one investor, the impact of declining bank interest rates and excess liquidity in the banking system is responsible for the upsurge in the stock market. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19506', 'image' => '20231220035504_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 15:53:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19777', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Foreign Investors Pledged Rs 20.61 Billion FDI in Five Months', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Foreign investors have expressed commitment to invest Rs 20.61 billion in Nepal in the first five months of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: Foreign investors have expressed commitment to invest Rs 20.61 billion in Nepal in the first five months of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign investors committed to invest Rs 2.25 billion in the month of Mangshir (mid-November to mid-December) alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors have made commitments for 199 projects proposed between mid-July to mid-December. According to the statistics of the Department of Industry, most of the investment commitments received in mid-November to mid-December are for small industries. Commitments were made for 19 small and two medium industries in the review month. There was no commitment to invest in large-scale industries in mid-November to mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, foreign investors have pledged to invest in three big projects in the current fiscal year. The have also made commitments to invest in 7 medium and 189 small scale industries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the first five months of the current fiscal year, foreign investors have shown interest in the tourism, service and manufacturing sectors. Foreign investors have always been interested in the tourism sector. During this period, foreign investors have submitted proposals to invest in 95 projects in the tourism sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the second place is the service sector. Investors have pledged to invest in 74 service industries and 10 manufacturing industries. During this period, there was no investment commitment in the energy sector. Sectors such as agriculture, minerals, construction, information technology etc have very little investment commitment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It seems that the investment commitments have gradually increased at a time when the government is preparing to hold an investment summit in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May).</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19505', 'image' => '20231220035304_Foreign investment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 15:52:13', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19776', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Study Committee Recommends Regulating Excessive Prices of Food Items Sold at Airport', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Amid complaints that the shops operating on the airport premises are charging exorbitant prices for food items, a study committee has recommended to regulate them and set reasonable prices.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: Amid complaints that the shops operating on the airport premises are charging exorbitant prices for food items, a study committee has recommended to regulate them and set reasonable prices.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee formed by the government has recommended that the shops operating inside the airport should be instructed by the concerned office to sell goods at a maximum retail price (MRP) specified by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sometime ago, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, had made a surprise visit to the Tribhuvan International Airport for inspection, when passengers complained they had to pay higher prices for the consumables kept at the shops in the airport. To solve this problem, the government had formed a study committee under the coordination of Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Jagannath Niraula. The committee submitted the report to CAAN’s Director General Pradip Adhikari on Tuesday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also mentioned that it is not possible to force businessmen to sell and distribute food and other items according to the market price in Nepal's international and domestic airports. Currently, shops operating at the airport are charging more than the MRP for bottled water, biscuits, noodles and other food and drinks.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has recommended that the concerned office give instructions to all individuals, firms and companies to sell these items at a specified MRP. Individuals, firms and companies who have entered into contracts with the authority and subordinate offices for operating shops at the airport have been asked to sell goods and services in a way that does not exceed the maximum profit limit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They have also been instructed to sell the items by displaying the pricelist.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also suggested necessary amendments to the Airport Service Fee Regulations </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19504', 'image' => '20231220015758_20230627040802_20220428023242_5e.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 13:56:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19775', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kathmandu Valley Reports Rise in Cases of Looting in the Pretext of Exchanging Dollars ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Cases of looting in the name of exchanging dollar are on the rise of late in the Kathmandu Valley. A', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 20: Cases of looting in the name of exchanging dollar are on the rise of late in the Kathmandu Valley. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, a racket of looters is reportedly active in the Valley. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kathmandu Police Range Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Kumud Dhungel said cases of fraud in the pretext of exchanging dollars are being reported from various parts of the Valley. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Police said they are trying to crack down on the racket by mobilizing a dedicated team for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A police team jointly mobilized from the District Police Range, Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested eight people as of Tuesday in course of the operation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those arrested have been identified as 34-year-old Khadka Bahadur Tamang of Dhading and currently living in Samakhusi, Kathmandu; 36-year-old Ashok Limbu of Morang; Ram Bahadur Lama of Sindhupalchowk; Subba Tamang, 36, of Duwakot, Bhaktapur; Chandra Bahadur Tamang, 45, of Tarakeshwar, Kathmandu and Rel Bahadur Tamang, Devraj Tamang and Krishna Kumari Tamang alias Manju of Sindhupalchowk. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Police confiscated 16 stacks of genuine US dollars of 50 denomination, two copies of passport, one gold Tilahari necklace and a scooter from them. Further investigation is underway by keeping the arrestees at the District Police Range, Kathmandu. Police said search is ongoing for other people involved in looting in complicit with the arrested persons. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19503', 'image' => '20231220124842_20210804111341_20200903113103_1599056781.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 12:47:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19774', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NAC’s Income Doubles in Three Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The income of Nepal Airlines Corporation has more than doubled in the last three years.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: The income of Nepal Airlines Corporation has more than doubled in the last three years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the audit report of the Office of the Auditor General, the total income of the corporation in the fiscal year (FY) </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2077/78 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">was Rs 9.1 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, the income of the state-owned airline company increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">16</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">46 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078/79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.The company’s income further increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">22</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2079/80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The records show that the NAC’s income increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">144 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">percent in the last three years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The NAC has four aircraft for international flights and two for domestic flights. The NAC claims that it succeeded in increasing its profit by making optimal use of the available aircraft and resources after the current leadership took over the management of the company. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The NAC further stated that it is making necessary action plan to purchase aircraft as it is facing shortage of airplanes in sufficient quantity to meet the market demand and to generate more income.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19502', 'image' => '20231220112459_NAC.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 11:22:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19773', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy Improving Gradually: Finance Minister Mahat', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has claimed that the country's economy has been improving gradually.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has claimed that the country's economy has been improving gradually. He urged investors to make their investment confidently stating that the interest rates of banks have started declining. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat made such remarks at the first district convention of the Makawanpur district committee of Nepali Congress. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, Mahat stated that economy is at ease as the banks’ interest rates have declined, share market and real estate have improved, tourism arrival is good and the remittance inflow has posted impressive growth. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"Country's economy is improving. We have created favorable environment by bringing monetary policy. A huge amount of loan was circulated in the time of crisis. But, the loan investment was poured into the share market and real estate when economic activities could not happen during the time of COVID-19. The current crisis was created due to that impact," Minister Mahat argued. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that the banks and insurance companies have paid the tax to the government along with the decision to bring them under the ambit of tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Following the government's direction to the authority concerned to collect revenues gained from premium of further public offering, mergers and acquisitions and sale of auction shares, over Rs 12.8 billion in revenue was collected in the state coffers recently. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat stated that the loan to be received by the government would be focused on production and result-oriented sectors adding that such investment would be made in hydropower, technology-driven agriculture, tourism and road networks development. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19501', 'image' => '20231220102957_KTM_RSS_04_20230921140427_IMG_2777.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 10:29:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19772', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KMC to Organize Information Technology Conference', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is going to host an Information Technology Conference in coming Nepali month of Chaitra. The conference, for which exact date is yet to be set, is aimed at rendering easy, convenient, and technology-based public services to the KMC residents, said Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson at the KMC.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> December 19: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is going to host an Information Technology Conference in the coming Nepali month of Chaitra. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The conference, for which exact date is yet to be set, is aimed at rendering easy, convenient, and technology-based public services to the KMC residents, said Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson at the KMC. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Spokesperson Manandhar shared that the major agenda of the conference is to seek means to connect innovation, newest technology and newest thinking through the conference and how to rope in youths, stakeholders and international communities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"The KMC must devise policies, plans and programmes in order to institutionalize the achievements gained by the KMC as well as to be A responsible, transparent and responsive government and to adopt new innovations," asserted the Spokesperson. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He added, "The recommendations collected from the conference and the summary would help formulate policies for the KMC to provide technology-based public services to its residents."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The conference would promote digital inclusiveness in the policy level, in governance, and community thereby ensuring its reach to the social sector, private enterprises, industries, and commerce sectors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interactive workshops among the specialists and stakeholders would be held during the conference who would exchange their ideas and knowledge on leveraging the technologies to optimize operations and create efficiencies, it was shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, various power-point presentations and discussions will be organized on the topics surrounding technologies employed by the government for good-governance and public service delivery, access of IT among the service-seekers and interrelation among the government, stakeholders and public offices and use and expansion of IT among others.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The event would serve as a platform for networking among IT professionals, entrepreneurs, youths, and government mechanisms, the organisers have said. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19500', 'image' => '20231220062505_collage (5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 06:21:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19771', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Surges by 45.98 Points, Closing Strong at 2106.48', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Index (NEPSE) witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 45.98 points or 2.23% to reach a closing value of 2106.48 points on the third trading day of the week on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 19: The Nepal Stock Index (NEPSE) witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 45.98 points or 2.23% to reach a closing value of 2106.48 points on the third trading day of the week on Tuesday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, a total of 313 scrips were exchanged in 99,641 transactions, involving 16,457,138 shares. The cumulative trading volume amounted to Rs 5.98 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Shivam Cements LTD (SHIVM) led in turnover with Rs 37 crores. Nine companies, including Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL), Shivam Cements Limited (SHIVM), and Nepal Republic Media (NRM), each gained 10%, triggering positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the flip side, Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme (SIGS2) suffered the highest loss at 7.26%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed the day in the green zone. The Hotels and Tourism Index experienced the highest gain at 6.94%, while the Finance Index saw the least gain at 0.42%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-19', 'modified' => '2023-12-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19499', 'image' => '20231219034755_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-19 15:46:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19785', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'SEBON to Write Letter to the Council of Ministers to Resume License Distribution Process', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) is preparing to write another letter to the government to proceed with the license process of the new stock exchange.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) is preparing to write another letter to the government to proceed with the license process of the new stock exchange. The board wrote a letter to the Ministry of Finance on Sunday asking for its opinion on whether the license process can be continued. One of the board members of SEBON said that they decided to write a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers after the Ministry of Finance replied to their letter seeking more clarity on the issue.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The board member said that SEBON decided to send a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers through the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 9 had decided to stop the license process of the new stock exchange immediately. After receiving a letter from the Ministry of Finance to implement the decision of the Council of Ministers, the board stopped the license distribution process.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives had earlier instructed the government on June 12 to halt the process of license distribution by SEBON. After the directive, the committee asked for documents from the concerned authorities to study the issue. Upon completion of the study, the committee concluded that there was no need to withhold the license distribution process as the Supreme Court had already delivered its verdict on the issue. The Finance Committee has clarified that the directive to halt the license distribution process has already expired on November 10. After about five months of study, the Finance Committee already issued a new directive to the government to proceed ahead with the license distribution process.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Finance Committee concluded that the government should not stop the matter which has been cleared by the Supreme Court. SEBON has already received no objection letter from the Finance Committee. It has been learnt that the Ministry of Finance has now asked SEBON to write a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Minister regarding the matter.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Although the Finance Committee has already given the green signal to SEBON to proceed with the licensing process, it is waiting response from the Council of Ministers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">SEBON Chairman Ramesh Kumar Hamal said that despite receiving the instructions from the Finance Committee, he wanted to be clear about whether or not it is justified to proceed with the issue that is yet to be decided by the Council of Ministers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chairman Hamal's </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">21-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">month tenure is ending on January 5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">.</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He wants the board's decades-long plan to launch the new stock exchange to be completed during his tenure. Hamal, who earned praise for doing good work for the securities market in a short tenure, has also been accused of burdening investors by allowing bad companies to issue IPOs at a premium rate. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The process for the distribution of license of the new stock exchange was started on September 18, 2022</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After going through ups and downs, Hamal completed the process of distribution of new license. Three companies have applied for the new stock exchange namely Himalayan Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange of Nepal and Annapurna Stock Exchange Limited. Among these, one company will get the license.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19513', 'image' => '20231221014703_Sebon-update.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 13:46:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19784', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepalis Investing in Real Estate Sector of Australia', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: Although Nepal Rastra Bank has time and again warned Nepali citizens through public notices against investing money abroad, it has done little to deter Nepalis from investing in the real estate business in Australia.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: Although Nepal Rastra Bank has time and again warned Nepali citizens through public notices against investing money abroad, it has done little to deter Nepalis from investing in the real estate business in Australia. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a report published by the Australian government, Nepalis have invested more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in Australia’s real estate in one year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the report on foreign investment published by the Treasury Department of Australia, Nepalis invested USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million in Australian real estate business through </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">126</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2022-23</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. According to the exchange rate set by Nepal Rastra Bank on Wednesday, the investment amount is equal to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report also mentions that Nepalis invested USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million through </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">140</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2021-22</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, Nepali citizens have submitted </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">58</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> investment proposals in Australia’s real estate sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report mentions the names of the top </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries which invests in Australia’s real estate business, and Nepal ranks eighth. Numerically, Nepal’s investment in Australia’s real estate falls behind China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Singapore. Below Nepal lie Indonesia, the UK and Malaysia. Based on the amount of investment, Nepal is at the bottom. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Jyotindra Kadaria, who works as a sales manager in Australian real estate agent company Land and Lease, Nepalese investment is increasing because real estate investment in Australia is safe and returns are good. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"The real estate business in Australia is highly regulated and it is considered safe to invest because the returns are guaranteed," he told New Business Age, adding, "Nepalis are investing in this sector because their income is good. Nepalis also insist on investing in this sector because they think that they can settle in Australia only after buying real estate." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Australia is becoming an attractive destination for Nepalis for higher education, employment and overseas stay. Kadaria says that the number of Nepalis who are established in various professions and businesses is increasing in Australia. This has made it easy for Nepalis to invest in this sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Australian government, as of June </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2021</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">129,870</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Nepalis have received permanent residence permits. In </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2011</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, this number was only </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">27</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of Nepal has made a legal provision to allow Nepalis living abroad to invest abroad from their earnings during their stay, but they are not allowed to take investment from Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2019 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">prohibits Nepali citizens living in the country from investing abroad. According to the same provision, the central bank has been issuing notices from time to time and has been cautioning against buying real estate, securities, property, making deposits in foreign banks and financial institutions, etc. However, the huge investment in the real estate business in Australia raises concerns of illegal capital flight from Nepal. It is assumed that those who migrated to Australia with their families sell their property here and buy in Australia.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19512', 'image' => '20231221123856_-1x-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 12:38:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19783', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway to Supply Water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within Three Weeks', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has said that the project is preparing to supply water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within the next three weeks.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: The Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee has said that the project is preparing to supply water from Melamchi to Kathmandu within the next three weeks. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Rajendra Prasad Pant, spokesman for the committee, said that preparations have been started to divert the water from Melamchi to Kathmandu following an agreement between the project and the contractor company. He added that the water supply is likely to resume within 28 days. Pant added that water from Melamchi will reach the households in Kathmandu within the stipulated time if there is no emergency situation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee issued a statement saying that the board meeting chaired by Suresh Acharya, secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply, signed a memorandum of understanding with the construction entrepreneurs and decided to immediately facilitate and coordinate the construction works. According to the agreement, the contractors will immediately mobilize resources for the construction work.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“As per the urgent work schedule prepared of the next 28 days, human resources will be mobilized in two shifts to complete the necessary work for water diversion," said spokesperson Pant. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After the diversion, 170 million liters of water from Melamchi river will be supplied to Kathmandu on a daily basis. The said water will be processed by Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Limited at Sundarijal Water Treatment Center and made available for distribution in the valley.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19511', 'image' => '20231221115635_Headworks-Diversion-Tunnel-Gate-no-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 11:55:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19782', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Fixes Minimum Support Price of Sugarcane', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: The government has fixed the minimum support price of sugarcane.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 21: The government has fixed the minimum support price of sugarcane. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday fixed the minimum purchase price of sugarcane at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">565</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal. The meeting also decided to give subsidy of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">70</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal to the farmers on behalf of the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Government Spokesperson and Minister for Information and Communication Rekha Sharma informed that the government has fixed the price of sugarcane at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">635</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal for the farmers including government subsidies. The farmers were demanding that the purchase price of sugarcane should be increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">750</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per quintal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Sharma also shared that the government has reviewed its one-year tenure and the chief secretary has presented an action plan along with the problems and recommendations to speed up the work of the government. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19510', 'image' => '20231221105518_wrPsuVgWd9UpVxC8oEZ7sS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 10:54:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19781', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'One more Nepali Serving in Russian Army Dies, Four Held Captive in Ukraine ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has died.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 21: One more Nepali national serving in the Russian Army has died. The deceased has been identified as Kundan Nagal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Government of Nepal has requested Russia via the Russian Ambassador to Nepal to repatriate the dead bodies of the Nepalis killed in the war against Ukraine and provide compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again urged Russia not to recruit Nepali citizens in its military rank and file and to send back any Nepali citizen who is currently serving in the army. The ministry has also sought information from Russia about the number of Nepalis who have joined the Russian Army, in addition to the injured ones and their condition. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Foreign Ministry has also urged all Nepalis to compulsorily receive no objection certificates (NOC) from the Nepali embassies and consulates in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Saudi Arab, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain if they are traveling to Russia via those countries. Earlier, the NOC was issued only from Consular Service Department under the Foreign Ministry for those going to Russia. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the government has expressed serious concern over four Nepalis being held captive in Ukraine. The government has requested the government of Ukraine via diplomatic channel to release and return the captives, according to the Foreign Ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Efforts are underway for the release and return of the Nepalis held captive, via International Committee of Red Cross. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those held captive by Ukraine are Bibek Khatri from Rajapur-1, Bardiya; Siddhartha Dhakal from Mandandeupur-6, Kavrepalanchok; Bikas Rai from Letang-2, Morang; and Pratik Pun from Runtigadhi-8, Rolpa. Utmost efforts are underway for their release, the Foreign Ministry said. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19509', 'image' => '20231221102854_thumbs_b_c_c9c447d72ee0340a5035282e09e7f600.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 10:27:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19780', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Urges Public Not to Panic Due to New COVID-19 Variant', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The government has reassured the public not to panic in light of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that there is no need for alarm regarding the new variant observed in the state of Kerala, India.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 21: The government has reassured the public not to panic in light of the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus in India. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized that there is no need for alarm regarding the new variant observed in the state of Kerala, India.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> He explained that the current situation does not warrant concern, as the infection is primarily associated with the respiratory system.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Budhathoki highlighted the increasing respiratory issues in India and China, pointing out that the infrastructure developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as ICU facilities and oxygen plants, is available and can be utilized if necessary. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr Budhathoki clarified that while a new variant has been identified, there are no new symptoms associated with it, and the symptoms remain consistent with respiratory problems.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As a precautionary measure, health desks at checkpoints and international airports have been placed on standby, and a request has been made to monitor individuals with respiratory problems more closely.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, Dr. Budhathoki informed the public that patients with long-standing respiratory issues are being recommended for gene sequencing. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The World Health Organization has officially confirmed the presence of the new COVID-19 variant in the Kerala State of India. (RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-21', 'modified' => '2023-12-21', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19508', 'image' => '20231221061133_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-21 06:09:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19779', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Parliamentary Committee Directs Government not to Approve Share Transaction of Ncell', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government not to approve the transaction of Ncell shares until an inquiry committee submits its report.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government not to approve the transaction of Ncell shares until an inquiry committee submits its report.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee issued this instruction after holding a discussion with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, along with Communications Minister Rekha Sharma on Tuesday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee meeting has decided to instruct the Government of Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies not to give any approval or consent to Ncell’s share transaction until the probe committee prepares its report on the contentious deal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The parliamentary committee has instructed the government to recover the taxes from Ncell due to the state based on the report of the inquiry committee and as per the prevailing laws. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also asked to check the buyer's capacity and experience in running the company while buying and selling large companies like Ncell. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has instructed the government to take the initiative to bring Ncell under the ownership of the government in 2086 BS (2029 AD). The committee has decided to instruct the Government of Nepal, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply to amend the necessary laws and regulations for this.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Telecommunication Act mentions that the license period of any telecommunication company shall be a maximum of 25 years. Ncell received license on September 1, 2004. Its license will expire after the 25th year on September 1, 2029. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Section 33 of the Act states that "land, buildings, devices, equipment and structures related to telecommunication services in which more than 50 percent of the total capital investment is invested by foreign individuals or organizations shall be owned by the government after the expiry of the license." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the current situation, Ncell will come under the ownership of Government of Nepal after 6 years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19507', 'image' => '20231220041035_Parliament.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 16:09:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19778', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Sustains Its Upward Trajectory with Gain of 35.39 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced significant surge, climbing by 35.39 points or 1.68% and concluding at 2141.87 points on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 20: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced significant surge, climbing by 35.39 points or 1.68% and concluding at 2141.87 points on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, a total of 306 scrips were traded in 111,723 transactions, involving 19,963,604 traded shares, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 7 billion. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Shivam Cements LTD (SHIVM) took the lead in turnover, amounting to Rs 37 crores, closing at a market price of Rs 613 per share. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Eleven companies, including Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL), NRN Infrastructure and Development Limited (NRN), and Nepal Republic Media (NRM), each witnessed a 10% gain, triggering a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Contrarily, Kumari Dhanbriddhi Yojana (KDBY) experienced the highest decline at 3.82%. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed in the green zone, except for Hotels and Tourism Index and Non-Life Insurance.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The Manufacturing and Processing sector posted the highest gain at 7.15%, while the Development Bank Index registered the least gain at 0.14%. On the other hand, Non-Life Insurance incurred a slight loss at 0.08%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Market participants and analysts attribute the upward trajectory of the stock market to the positive sentiment among investors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to one investor, the impact of declining bank interest rates and excess liquidity in the banking system is responsible for the upsurge in the stock market. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19506', 'image' => '20231220035504_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 15:53:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19777', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Foreign Investors Pledged Rs 20.61 Billion FDI in Five Months', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Foreign investors have expressed commitment to invest Rs 20.61 billion in Nepal in the first five months of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: Foreign investors have expressed commitment to invest Rs 20.61 billion in Nepal in the first five months of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign investors committed to invest Rs 2.25 billion in the month of Mangshir (mid-November to mid-December) alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors have made commitments for 199 projects proposed between mid-July to mid-December. According to the statistics of the Department of Industry, most of the investment commitments received in mid-November to mid-December are for small industries. Commitments were made for 19 small and two medium industries in the review month. There was no commitment to invest in large-scale industries in mid-November to mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, foreign investors have pledged to invest in three big projects in the current fiscal year. The have also made commitments to invest in 7 medium and 189 small scale industries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the first five months of the current fiscal year, foreign investors have shown interest in the tourism, service and manufacturing sectors. Foreign investors have always been interested in the tourism sector. During this period, foreign investors have submitted proposals to invest in 95 projects in the tourism sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the second place is the service sector. Investors have pledged to invest in 74 service industries and 10 manufacturing industries. During this period, there was no investment commitment in the energy sector. Sectors such as agriculture, minerals, construction, information technology etc have very little investment commitment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It seems that the investment commitments have gradually increased at a time when the government is preparing to hold an investment summit in the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May).</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19505', 'image' => '20231220035304_Foreign investment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 15:52:13', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19776', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Study Committee Recommends Regulating Excessive Prices of Food Items Sold at Airport', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Amid complaints that the shops operating on the airport premises are charging exorbitant prices for food items, a study committee has recommended to regulate them and set reasonable prices.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: Amid complaints that the shops operating on the airport premises are charging exorbitant prices for food items, a study committee has recommended to regulate them and set reasonable prices.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee formed by the government has recommended that the shops operating inside the airport should be instructed by the concerned office to sell goods at a maximum retail price (MRP) specified by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sometime ago, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, had made a surprise visit to the Tribhuvan International Airport for inspection, when passengers complained they had to pay higher prices for the consumables kept at the shops in the airport. To solve this problem, the government had formed a study committee under the coordination of Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Jagannath Niraula. The committee submitted the report to CAAN’s Director General Pradip Adhikari on Tuesday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also mentioned that it is not possible to force businessmen to sell and distribute food and other items according to the market price in Nepal's international and domestic airports. Currently, shops operating at the airport are charging more than the MRP for bottled water, biscuits, noodles and other food and drinks.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has recommended that the concerned office give instructions to all individuals, firms and companies to sell these items at a specified MRP. Individuals, firms and companies who have entered into contracts with the authority and subordinate offices for operating shops at the airport have been asked to sell goods and services in a way that does not exceed the maximum profit limit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They have also been instructed to sell the items by displaying the pricelist.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The committee has also suggested necessary amendments to the Airport Service Fee Regulations </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19504', 'image' => '20231220015758_20230627040802_20220428023242_5e.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 13:56:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19775', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Kathmandu Valley Reports Rise in Cases of Looting in the Pretext of Exchanging Dollars ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Cases of looting in the name of exchanging dollar are on the rise of late in the Kathmandu Valley. A', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 20: Cases of looting in the name of exchanging dollar are on the rise of late in the Kathmandu Valley. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, a racket of looters is reportedly active in the Valley. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kathmandu Police Range Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Kumud Dhungel said cases of fraud in the pretext of exchanging dollars are being reported from various parts of the Valley. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Police said they are trying to crack down on the racket by mobilizing a dedicated team for the past few days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A police team jointly mobilized from the District Police Range, Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested eight people as of Tuesday in course of the operation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those arrested have been identified as 34-year-old Khadka Bahadur Tamang of Dhading and currently living in Samakhusi, Kathmandu; 36-year-old Ashok Limbu of Morang; Ram Bahadur Lama of Sindhupalchowk; Subba Tamang, 36, of Duwakot, Bhaktapur; Chandra Bahadur Tamang, 45, of Tarakeshwar, Kathmandu and Rel Bahadur Tamang, Devraj Tamang and Krishna Kumari Tamang alias Manju of Sindhupalchowk. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Police confiscated 16 stacks of genuine US dollars of 50 denomination, two copies of passport, one gold Tilahari necklace and a scooter from them. Further investigation is underway by keeping the arrestees at the District Police Range, Kathmandu. Police said search is ongoing for other people involved in looting in complicit with the arrested persons. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19503', 'image' => '20231220124842_20210804111341_20200903113103_1599056781.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 12:47:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19774', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NAC’s Income Doubles in Three Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The income of Nepal Airlines Corporation has more than doubled in the last three years.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">December 20: The income of Nepal Airlines Corporation has more than doubled in the last three years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the audit report of the Office of the Auditor General, the total income of the corporation in the fiscal year (FY) </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2077/78 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">was Rs 9.1 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, the income of the state-owned airline company increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">16</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">46 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078/79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.The company’s income further increased to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">22</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2079/80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The records show that the NAC’s income increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">144 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">percent in the last three years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The NAC has four aircraft for international flights and two for domestic flights. The NAC claims that it succeeded in increasing its profit by making optimal use of the available aircraft and resources after the current leadership took over the management of the company. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The NAC further stated that it is making necessary action plan to purchase aircraft as it is facing shortage of airplanes in sufficient quantity to meet the market demand and to generate more income.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19502', 'image' => '20231220112459_NAC.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 11:22:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19773', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy Improving Gradually: Finance Minister Mahat', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has claimed that the country's economy has been improving gradually.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has claimed that the country's economy has been improving gradually. He urged investors to make their investment confidently stating that the interest rates of banks have started declining. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat made such remarks at the first district convention of the Makawanpur district committee of Nepali Congress. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, Mahat stated that economy is at ease as the banks’ interest rates have declined, share market and real estate have improved, tourism arrival is good and the remittance inflow has posted impressive growth. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"Country's economy is improving. We have created favorable environment by bringing monetary policy. A huge amount of loan was circulated in the time of crisis. But, the loan investment was poured into the share market and real estate when economic activities could not happen during the time of COVID-19. The current crisis was created due to that impact," Minister Mahat argued. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that the banks and insurance companies have paid the tax to the government along with the decision to bring them under the ambit of tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Following the government's direction to the authority concerned to collect revenues gained from premium of further public offering, mergers and acquisitions and sale of auction shares, over Rs 12.8 billion in revenue was collected in the state coffers recently. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat stated that the loan to be received by the government would be focused on production and result-oriented sectors adding that such investment would be made in hydropower, technology-driven agriculture, tourism and road networks development. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19501', 'image' => '20231220102957_KTM_RSS_04_20230921140427_IMG_2777.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 10:29:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19772', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KMC to Organize Information Technology Conference', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is going to host an Information Technology Conference in coming Nepali month of Chaitra. The conference, for which exact date is yet to be set, is aimed at rendering easy, convenient, and technology-based public services to the KMC residents, said Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson at the KMC.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> December 19: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is going to host an Information Technology Conference in the coming Nepali month of Chaitra. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The conference, for which exact date is yet to be set, is aimed at rendering easy, convenient, and technology-based public services to the KMC residents, said Nabin Manandhar, Spokesperson at the KMC. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Spokesperson Manandhar shared that the major agenda of the conference is to seek means to connect innovation, newest technology and newest thinking through the conference and how to rope in youths, stakeholders and international communities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"The KMC must devise policies, plans and programmes in order to institutionalize the achievements gained by the KMC as well as to be A responsible, transparent and responsive government and to adopt new innovations," asserted the Spokesperson. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He added, "The recommendations collected from the conference and the summary would help formulate policies for the KMC to provide technology-based public services to its residents."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The conference would promote digital inclusiveness in the policy level, in governance, and community thereby ensuring its reach to the social sector, private enterprises, industries, and commerce sectors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interactive workshops among the specialists and stakeholders would be held during the conference who would exchange their ideas and knowledge on leveraging the technologies to optimize operations and create efficiencies, it was shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, various power-point presentations and discussions will be organized on the topics surrounding technologies employed by the government for good-governance and public service delivery, access of IT among the service-seekers and interrelation among the government, stakeholders and public offices and use and expansion of IT among others.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The event would serve as a platform for networking among IT professionals, entrepreneurs, youths, and government mechanisms, the organisers have said. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-20', 'modified' => '2023-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19500', 'image' => '20231220062505_collage (5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-20 06:21:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19771', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Surges by 45.98 Points, Closing Strong at 2106.48', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Index (NEPSE) witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 45.98 points or 2.23% to reach a closing value of 2106.48 points on the third trading day of the week on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 19: The Nepal Stock Index (NEPSE) witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 45.98 points or 2.23% to reach a closing value of 2106.48 points on the third trading day of the week on Tuesday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, a total of 313 scrips were exchanged in 99,641 transactions, involving 16,457,138 shares. The cumulative trading volume amounted to Rs 5.98 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Shivam Cements LTD (SHIVM) led in turnover with Rs 37 crores. Nine companies, including Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL), Shivam Cements Limited (SHIVM), and Nepal Republic Media (NRM), each gained 10%, triggering positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the flip side, Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme (SIGS2) suffered the highest loss at 7.26%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed the day in the green zone. The Hotels and Tourism Index experienced the highest gain at 6.94%, while the Finance Index saw the least gain at 0.42%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-19', 'modified' => '2023-12-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19499', 'image' => '20231219034755_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-19 15:46:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
