The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a volatile trading day marked by fluctuations, ultimately recording a decline of 15.40 points or 0.78%, closing at 1948.57 on Monday, the second trading day of the…
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a volatile trading day marked by fluctuations, ultimately recording a decline of 15.40 points or 0.78%, closing at 1948.57 on Monday, the second trading day of the…
December 11: The price of radish has dropped with the increase in the supply of freshly-produced…
December 11: Due to the rise in the number of students going to Australia and Canada for higher education, there is a shortage of Australian and Canadian dollars in the…
December 11: With the onset of dry season, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started importing electricity from…
December 11: Ncell’s Employees Trade Union has said that its attention has been drawn to the "baseless" publicity stunt in media and social networks regarding the sale of shares of Reynolds Holding, which owns about 80 percent stakes in Ncell Axiata…
December 11: Buddha Air has started commercial flights with its seventeenth aircraft from Sunday.…
December 11: It has been revealed that the Karnali Province government has made very little investment for children in the…
December 11: The government has started a comprehensive study to excavate iron mines in Rukum…
A high-level committee, tasked with investigating the Ncell share sale controversy, officially commenced its inquiry on…
Global IME Bank Limited has brought four new branches into operation…
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a massive surge, reaching 1963.98 points, marking a remarkable 6% increase or 112.20 points on the first trading day of the week,…
December 10: The central bank, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy for 'economic reforms', has become flexible to 'make the economy…
December 10: At a time when there is a serious debate about the legality of marijuana cultivation in Nepal, experts have recommended the government for ‘controlled legitimacy’ in production and use of the banned…
December 10: Traders in the border town of Birgunj are disappointed due to lack of business even during the recently held festive…
December 10: Agricultural Census 2078 has shown that the share of women who own agricultural land in Nepal is 34.4…
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The day's turnover reached Rs 4.84 billion, indicating increased investor activity and a prevailing positive sentiment among them.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A total of 303 scrips were traded in 109,918 transactions, involving 14,698,517 shares, amounting to Rs 4.84 billion turnover. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sonapur Minerals and Oil Limited (SONAPUR) took the lead in turnover with Rs 25 crores.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bottler Nepal Limited (BNL), Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SLBSL), and Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI), each saw a significant gain of 10%, triggering a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the downside, Samata Gharelu Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SMATA) incurred the highest loss at 7.15%, closing at a market price of Rs 610 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed in the red zone, with the exception of Mutual Fund, Non-Life Insurance, and Microfinance Index. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Development Index suffered the most significant loss at 2.09%, while the Mutual Fund Index saw the highest gain at 2.16%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19432', 'image' => '20231211035244_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:51:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19703', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Price of Radish Declines, Farmers Struggle to Find Market for Tomatoes ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: The price of radish has dropped with the increase in the supply of freshly-produced radish.', '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 11: The price of radish has dropped with the increase in the supply of freshly-produced radish.</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 Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee, the price of red radish has decreased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">63</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in one month.</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 committee, the average price of red radish per kg a month ago was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">43</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, which has now dropped to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per kg.</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"">Meanwhile, farmers of Sindhupalchowk are struggling to find market for the tomatoes produced in the district. Around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">400</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">500</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> crates of tomatoes are produced daily in the district while hardly </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">200</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> crates are sold. As a result, the tomatoes have started rotting in the fields.</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"">Uddhav Nepal, local elected representative of Chautara, said that the farmers who produced and sold about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</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"">1</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million kilos of tomatoes in the last fiscal year have suffered losses due to lack of market this year.</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"">Resham Bahadur Alemgar, a farmer from Chautara, said that he had sold tomatoes worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">370,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> last year but the sale this year is not even worth Rs </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"">,</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:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"I spent around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">300,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">on seeds, fertilizer, medicine, etc," he said. I am struggling to get returns on investment even though I have produced plentiful tomatoes worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">600</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> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19431', 'image' => '20231211032603_rad-pin-3.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:25:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19701', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shortage of Australian and Canadian Dollar as Students Prefer Cash over Electronic Means', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Due to the rise in the number of students going to Australia and Canada for higher education, there is a shortage of Australian and Canadian dollars in the market.', '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 11: Due to the rise in the number of students going to Australia and Canada for higher education, there is a shortage of Australian and Canadian dollars in the market. Although students pay university fees through bank transfer, there is a shortage because they use cash for personal expenses. The people in general have complained that they are not getting proper facilities for foreign currency exchange even from the counter of Nepal Rastra Bank.</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 central bank is currently providing students with cash of up to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">300</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Australian and Canadian dollars after confirmation of visas and air tickets. If they require more than this amount, the students can get it through the verified electronic card issued by banks and financial institutions, said Dilliram Pokharel, deputy spokesperson of Nepal Rastra Bank. He admitted that due to the low cash reserve, the students could not be provided with adequate facilities as per their demand.</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 Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the increase in the number of students going to Australia and Canada, there is an increase in pressure for currency exchange through the medium of cash," he said. However, he said that there is no problem for currency exchange through other means.</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"">Currently, the central bank has made arrangements for foreign exchange facilities to students going abroad for higher education based on the 'No Objection Letter' issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Students are given the facility on the basis of theitr university bill to pay the fees. In addition, up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">is also provided for their passports.</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"">Deputy Spokesperson Pokharel said that the tendency to look for exchange facilities in cash has led to a shortage. </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"">"Currently, we have enough foreign currency reserves so there is no problem in providing the same facilities as specified," he said, "The problem has surfaced because they seek cash rather than such facility through electronic means." </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"">Yuvraj Karki, the operations manager of Oli and Associates, an organization that has been providing educational consultancy to students, said that students consider it a hassle to carry dollar cards. He shared that if the dollar card is converted into local currency, it will be expensive, so the students look for cash as much as possible.</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 instructions of the central bank, students can also exchange a minimum of USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">to a maximum of USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">for the annual subsistence expenses. Accordingly, they can avail up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">to study in Bangladesh and Pakistan, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for China, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">6,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for Singapore and South Korea, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for Canada, America, Australia and European countries and up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">for other countries. </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"">With the end of the Covid-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pandemic, the number of Nepalis going abroad for higher education is increasing. Due to this, the capital flight from Nepal for higher education is also increasing.</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 data of NRB, Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">32</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"">92</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion have been spent for higher education in the first three months of the current fiscal year. During the corresponding period of last fiscal year, Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">17.89</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were spent for higher education. Last year, a total of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">142</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion were spent on higher education abroad.</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 Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, by mid-October of the current fiscal year, more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">30,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> people have received no objection letters to study abroad. </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 for the ministry Shiva Kumar Sapkota said that most of the students have applied for studies in Australia, Canada, Japan, America and the UK. In the last fiscal year, more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> people were issued no objection letters by the ministry for studying abroad.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19430', 'image' => '20231211030215_1702262066.collection-dollar-money-usa-canada-australia_359031-4146.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:01:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19700', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Starts Importing Electricity from India with the Onset of Dry Season', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: With the onset of dry season, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started importing electricity from India.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">December 11: With the onset of dry season, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started importing electricity from India. The flow of water in the rivers and streams has decreased due to the onset of winter and the production of the power plants in the country has started to decrease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As the demand for electricity has increased in the domestic market, the NEA has started importing electricity import from the Indian market.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The NEA had been selling surplus electricity to India during the monsoon. The authority said that electricity export has already been stopped from Friday night.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Kulman Ghising, executive director of the authority, said that the maximum demand for electricity on a daily basis is around 1,700 megawatts, and since domestic production alone is not enough to meet it, a small amount of electricity has been imported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Currently, electricity generation and demand are almost equal, we are collecting water in our semi-reservoir power plants during the day and night time and running them during the peak hours in the evening and morning to meet the electricity demand," said Executive Director Ghising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to Ghising, the export will resume from the second week of Baisakh (last week of April, 2024).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This year, around 900 megawatts electricity is being added to the national grid. Similarly, next year, power worth approximately Rs 25 billion will be exported. High-powered transmission lines are being constructed for improving the transmission of electricity between the two countries. On the other hand, hydropower projects are being built within the country. In this context, a climate is being created wherein electricity worth around Rs 100 billion will be exported in the next five years." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The NEA exported electricity worth Rs 15.4 billion to India between June 1 and December 6, 2023. A maximum of 700 megawatts of electricity was sold on a daily basis at Rs 8.77 per unit. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => 'Nepal, India, electricity, import, export, surplus, dry, season, river, water, decline, demand, market, peak, hour', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19429', 'image' => '20231211013200_20231208030316_elec.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 13:31:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19702', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Ncell Employees Trade Union says Rumors about Sale of the Company’s Shares are Baseless', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Ncell’s Employees Trade Union has said that its attention has been drawn to the "baseless" publicity stunt in media and social networks regarding the sale of shares of Reynolds Holding, which owns about 80 percent stakes in Ncell Axiata Limited.', '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 11: Ncell’s Employees Trade Union has said that its attention has been drawn to the "baseless" publicity stunt in media and social networks regarding the sale of shares of Reynolds Holding, which owns about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent stakes in Ncell Axiata Limited.</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 union said in a statement that it is a normal process to buy and sell shares of the company and since Ncell is a multinational company, it is natural to do business according to national and international practices. The statement further mentions that the process of purchase and sale of shares did not make any difference in the company's daily performance and service operations. </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"">Referring to the fact that Ncell has been paying taxes regularly, the statement added that the company has so far paid more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">283</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in taxes to the Government of Nepal.</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 company has made significant contributions in various fields under corporate social responsibility and has extended the network to the far reaches of the country and provided telecommunication services to more than </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"">million people," reads the statement.</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 union, Ncell has directly and indirectly created more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</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"">jobs. The union alleges that the unfounded accusation is motivated by the desire to influence the investigation report at a time when the government has formed an investigation committee to find the truth behild the process of the purchase and sale of shares of Ncell Axiata.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19428', 'image' => '20231211032452_ncell.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:23:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19699', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Buddha Air adds another Aircraft to its Fleet', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Buddha Air has started commercial flights with its seventeenth aircraft from Sunday. ', '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 11: Buddha Air has started commercial flights with its seventeenth aircraft from Sunday. The aircraft made its first flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">59</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> passengers. </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"">Buddha Air had brought the aircraft to Kathmandu on October </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"">. After bringing the plane, it was painted and all the necessary procedures were completed before Buddha Air started commercial flights from Sunday.</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"">With the addition of the new aircraft with call sign </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">N-AOC, Buddha Air now has a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">72</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft in its fleet.</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"">Buddha Air said it added the new aircraft in line with its commitment to make air travel easy and comfortable to its customers.</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 Rupesh Joshi, marketing director of Buddha Air, passengers will get easy access to flights as the company has increased the number of flights significantly.</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"">Buddha Air has three</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42-320 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">72-500 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19427', 'image' => '20231211122755_1702208049.budhha air.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 12:27:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19698', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investment in Children’s Sector Low in Karnali Province', 'sub_title' => 'Provincial Government Invests One Percent Budget for Children, School Infrastructure Development', 'summary' => 'December 11: It has been revealed that the Karnali Province government has made very little investment for children in the province. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 11: It has been revealed that the Karnali Province government has made very little investment for children in the province. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Only one percent budget has been appropriated for the children sector in Karnali Province, a study undertaken by the Collective Campaign for Child Rights Karnali revealed. An analysis of the budget appropriated by the Karnali Province government in three fiscal years, from 2021/22 to 2023/24, revealed that only minimal budget has been allocated for this sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Out of a total annual budget of Rs 28.47 billion for the fiscal year 2021/22, over Rs 149 million (1.28 percent) was allocated for children. Likewise, only 0.86 percent budget was appropriated for children in the fiscal year 2022/23. Similarly, 1.07 percent budget has been allocated for children in the fiscal year 2023/24. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CCR Karnali Chair Tekraj Acharya shared that the Karnali province government has allocated over Rs 355.8 million for the children’s sector this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that four areas of child rights were studied in the budget analysis. Budget allocated for the development of school infrastructure was also considered as budget for the children’s sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stakeholders have urged all three tiers of the governments to increase investment in the children’s sector. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19426', 'image' => '20231211115038_children.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 11:49:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19697', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Study on Iron Mines Excavation Gains Pace in Rukum East ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: The government has started a comprehensive study to excavate iron mines in Rukum (East). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 11: The government has started a comprehensive study to excavate iron mines in Rukum (East). A feasibility study has been initiated for excavation since last week after detection of iron mine in Bhume Rural Municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A team consisting of geologists of the Department of Mines and Geology Sujan Devkota and Saunak Bhandari started carrying out feasibility study in Bhume Rural Municipality-3, Jhumlabang. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the past, the task of comprehensive study did not gain momentum due to financial reason. Bhume Rural Municipality’s Chairperson Hom Prakash Shrestha said that fresh studies on iron mines have been started in several places of the rural municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The locals also informed that iron mine excavations are taking place in the areas where iron mines were detected earlier. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19425', 'image' => '20231211110802_iron.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 11:06:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19696', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'High-level Committee Begins Probe into Ncell's Share Rale row', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A high-level committee, tasked with investigating the Ncell share sale controversy, officially commenced its inquiry on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 11: A high-level committee, tasked with investigating the Ncell share sale controversy, officially commenced its inquiry on Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Tankamani Sharma, the coordinator of the five-member committee, said that they had initiated the investigation in accordance with the government's mandate, aiming to conclude the inquiry within a specified timeline and present a comprehensive report with recommendations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Coordinator Sharma outlined the committee's approach, stating that they plan to engage in discussions with relevant regulatory bodies, government officials, and service provider companies during the investigation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee will actively gather essential documents and information from individuals and organizations involved, seeking input and suggestions from experts, stakeholders, organizations, and the general public.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee has called for cooperation from all parties involved, urging them to provide factual information and any evidence pertinent to the issue under investigation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The secretariat of the probe is located at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The committee is required to present its findings within 30 days of its formation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is worth noting that the government established the committee on December 7 to delve into matters related to Ncell's share and purchase, assess its compliance with existing laws, and analyze its impact on revenue collection and foreign investment in Nepal, among other aspects. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19424', 'image' => '20231211060023_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 05:58:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19695', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Global IME Bank Operates Four New Branches Simultaneously', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Global IME Bank Limited has brought four new branches into operation simultaneously.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 10: Global IME Bank Limited has brought four new branches into operation simultaneously. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bank has inaugurated new branches in Budhanilkantha Municipality-5, Budhanilkantha, Chandragiri Municipality-13, Dahachok, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-8 in Chitwan, Sharadpur, and Abu Khaireni Rural Municipality-3 in Tanahun.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Starting from Sunday, all banking services will be available at these new branches. Global IME Bank stands out as the first private sector bank with a branch network in all seventy-seven districts across the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bank, with 355 branches, 376 ATMs, 274 branchless banking services, 65 extensions, revenue collection counters, and three foreign representative offices, has been serving more than 4.6 million customers through over 1,100 service centers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Moreover, the bank has been playing a significant role in the country's economy by facilitating remittances from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, India, Jordan, and Hong Kong.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19423', 'image' => '20231210054554_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 17:44:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19694', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Trading Halted as Index Surges 6% in Early Market Rally', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a massive surge, reaching 1963.98 points, marking a remarkable 6% increase or 112.20 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 10: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a massive surge, reaching 1963.98 points, marking a remarkable 6% increase or 112.20 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This sudden upswing in the NEPSE triggered multiple trading halts throughout the day, leading to the early closure of the market. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The first pause occurred after just 5 minutes of trading, following a 4% rise in the index. This initial halt lasted for 20 minutes. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When trading resumed at 11:25 AM, the market experienced another pause just two minutes later, lasting 40 minutes, as the index climbed by 5%. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The final resumption at 12:07 PM saw a rapid 6% positive circuit within two minutes, resulting in the ultimate closure of the market for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the trading session, a total of 244 scrips were traded through 7,014 transactions, with 1,367,615 shares changing hands, amounting to Rs 48 crores in value. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Five companies—Reliance Finance Limited (RLFL), Joshi Hydropower Development Limited (JOSHI), Rapti Hydro And General Construction Limited (RHGCL), Shuvam Power Limited (SPL), and Kalinchowk Darshan Limited (KDL)—each experienced a 10% rise, hitting the positive circuit for the day. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mountain Energy Nepal (MEN) led in turnover with Rs 3.58 crores, while NMB Sulav Investment Fund-2 (NSIF2) incurred the highest loss at 1.97%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sector indices closed in the green zone. The HydroPower Index saw the most significant gain at 8.63%, while the Mutual Fund Index had the smallest increase at 0.21%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19422', 'image' => '20231210035429_collage (5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 15:53:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19692', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Makes Effort to Revitalize the Economy by Reducing Interest Rates', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: The central bank, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy for 'economic reforms', has become flexible to 'make the economy vibrant.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">December 10: The central bank, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy for 'economic reforms', has become flexible to 'make the economy vibrant. Nepal Rastra Bank has become flexible towards the monetary policy through the first quarter review after analyzing that the indicators of the external sector have eased in the economy due to the tight policy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the central bank, it adopted flexibility in the policy arrangements in view of the improvement in domestic economic situation along with the increase in foreign exchange reserves. Moreover, there was pressure from all sides to become flexible because of the increasing problems in the economy due to strict policies.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">On Friday, while unveiling the first quarterly review of the monetary policy of the current fiscal year, the central bank indicated that it is going to reduce the interest rate by reducing the interest rate corridor. Likewise, the provisions related to the existing risk weight of share mortgage, real estate and hire purchase loans have been reviewed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The installment of housing loan has also revised. In order to provide relief to the businessmen who are in trouble due to the decline in economic activities, arrangements have been made to restructure loans and provide housing loans at subsidized interest rates in earthquake-affected areas.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NRB Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari said in a press conference on Friday that the policy rates have been reviewed to increase credit investment. "Although the liquidity situation has eased recently, banks have not been able to increase credit flow," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Governor Adhikari claimed that if the central bank’s decision to reduce the policy rates will decrease the interest rate and the credit flow will increase and this will revive the sluggish economy. "The big countries of the world still have a tight monetary policy," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Efforts to reduce interest rates</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The central bank has tried to reduce the interest rate by reviewing the monetary policy. In the policy, the bank rate has been reduced from 7.5 percent to 7 percent, the policy rate has been reduced from 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent and the deposit collection rate has been reduced from 4.5 percent to 3 percent. However, the mandatory cash reserve ratio (CRR) and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) have been kept unchanged. Banks get overnight liquidity facility at policy rate and permanent liquidity facility at bank rate. The central bank has said that if the policy and bank rates decrease, the cost of liquidity management of the banks will be reduced and the interest rate will also be cheaper.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Likewise, the period during which bonds can be counted as deposits has also been extended to raise funds for lending to the banks. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Relief to distressed debtors</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NRB announced that relief will be given to the borrowers of banks and financial institutions who are in trouble due to the review of monetary policy. It is mentioned in the review that the central bank will facilitate the borrowers who are in trouble due to circumstances through means such as loan restructuring and rescheduling while action will be taken against those who do not pay loan on purpose.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Based on the analysis of the applications received from the borrowers who are in trouble, it has been announced that the period in which the banks can restructure the loan by charging 10 percent of the outstanding interest will be maintained until mid-April.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Previously, the period for loan restructuring and rescheduling was until the mid-December.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, it is mentioned in the review that if the borrowers who are in regular contact with the microfinance financial institution but are unable to regularize their loan payments due to situational problems, they will be able to restructure the loans of such borrowers if they submit an application for loan restructuring within the next three months.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Address to earthquake victims</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Nepal Rastra Bank has announced that it will provide loans at subsidized interest rates for the reconstruction of residential houses damaged due to the November 3 earthquake in western Nepal. In the review of monetary policy, it is mentioned that when banks and financial institutions give residential home loans of up to Rs 2.5 million to the families listed as earthquake victims, there will be no additional premium of more than 2 percentage points on the base rate. Similarly, it has been announced in the review that for the reconstruction of public schools, public hospitals and health posts damaged due to the earthquake, banks can contribute up to 40 percent of the amount to be spent separately to the social responsibility fund from the profits of the previous and current years.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Flexible in real estate loans</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Through the revised monetary policy, the NRB has decided to reduce the risk weight of real estate loans and maintain the risk weight for share mortgage loans exceeding Rs 50 million at 125 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19421', 'image' => '20231210025922_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 14:58:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19691', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Experts Recommend 'Controlled Legalization' of Marijuana', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: At a time when there is a serious debate about the legality of marijuana cultivation in Nepal, experts have recommended the government for ‘controlled legitimacy’ in production and use of the banned substance.', '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"">Bijay Damase</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"">December 10: At a time when there is a serious debate about the legality of marijuana cultivation in Nepal, experts have recommended the government for ‘controlled legitimacy’ in production and use of the banned substance.</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 Policy Research Institute in collaboration with Nepal Health Research Council conducted a study on 'Legalization of Marijuana Cultivation in Nepal: Possibilities and Challenges' and made this recommendation to the government saying that many countries of the world have adopted this policy.</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 team of experts including Dr Manita Kusi, Dr Hari Sharma Neupane, Dr Mukunda Raj Kattel, Advocate Hari Prasad Mainali, Prof Rajendra Gyawali, Dr Prerak Regmi, Pushkar Basyal and others researched and prepared the report for the institute. The report has recommended the government to amend the current laws of the Narcotic Drug Control Act, 2033. </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 experts recommended developing regulatios, method and structure for the use and trade of marijuana. Although the full legalization of marijuana is not possible at the moment, researchers have indicated in the report that 'controlled legalization' can be followed as other countries have adopted.</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 report concluded that it is important to be aware of the "harmful effects" of marijuana products. It is essential to create necessary regulations for its monitoring and to prepare specific methods, structures and human resources to address the social ills caused by its use such as addiction, social violence, etc.</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 study report, clarity should be maintained about the controlled use of marijuana in the current Narcotic Drugs Control Act. In addition, the study shows that the ambiguity regarding the use of marijuana can be removed if the relevant government agencies create clear regulations and implement them.</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 experts have recommended defining marijuana based on its use. The current definition of the Narcotics Drug Control Act makes all varieties of marijuana illegal. </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 this law, as the cultivation and business of marijuana species with less than 0.3 percent tetra-hydro-cannabinol (THC)</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, whose medicinal and recreational effects are considered insignificant and used for industrial production, is also considered illegal.</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 study says that this definition resulted in the closure of industries that processed marijuana.</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 is necessary to define marijuana based on the compounds found in marijuana to prevent such a situation in the future. The report suggests that marijuana species with less than 0.3% THC should be allowed for cultivation and business under the name of 'Industrial Cannabis' and those with more than 0.3% THC should be allowed for research and medicinal use with proper regulation according to the principle of 'controlled use'. </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"">Similarly, in the study report, it is recommended to conduct a scientific study about the medicinal aspects of marijuana. Stating that there is not much research on the medicinal properties of cannabis in Nepal, it is also said that the current knowledge based on traditional/Ayurvedic practice is not scientifically agreed upon. It is mentioned in the report that it is necessary to determine the amount of chemical elements found in which type of cannabis and the necessary infrastructure for production of modern laboratory, skilled manpower and quality control, keeping in mind the possibility that Nepali cannabis can be established in the world market as an integral part of pharmaceutical science. </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 report suggests promoting scientific hemp cultivation for industrial purposes. According to the study, there is a lack of scientific knowledge about which type of cannabis cultivation is suitable in which climate of Nepal.</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 order to fill this gap, it is recommended to carry out necessary studies and research to promote the cultivation of cannabis suitable for the geographical environment and climate, and to orient and train the farmers accordingly.</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 study report also suggested promoting evidence-based Ayurvedic medicine. According to the study, there is a long tradition of making cannabis-mixed medicine in the Ayurvedic medical system. Such medicines are used in the treatment of many diseases including indigestion, rheumatism, problems caused by contaminated food (food poisoning). However, there is a lack of reliable (scientific) knowledge about the long-term effects of these and other Ayurvedic medicines, due to which the expected promotion of the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which has a long history and tradition, has not been possible. In order to solve this problem, testing the medicinal properties of cannabis and other plants used in the manufacture of Ayurvedic medicine, identifying the diseases that can be diagnosed and treating them through scientific methods and developing human resources to promote evidence-based Ayurvedic medicine can contribute to human health, the research pointed out.</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"">History of Prohibition in Nepal</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 1961, the United Nations adopted a convention with the proposal that marijuana be listed as a narcotic drug and its production and use should be restricted worldwide. As a member of the United Nations, the government of Nepal banned the cultivation, use and trade of cannabis in Nepal through a declaration in 2030 BS. Three years later, in the year 2033, the government formulated law necessary to implement the declaration. The Narcotic Drugs Control Act, 2033, was amended at various times based on the experience and practice of developed countries.</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 a bill regarding the legalization of marijuana has been registered in the Parliament of Nepal, it has not been able to move forward. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19420', 'image' => '20231210023326_20221030030309_20201204014433_1607039093.Clipboard09.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 14:32:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19690', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Revenue Policy Affecting Business in Border Areas', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: Traders in the border town of Birgunj are disappointed due to lack of business even during the recently held festive season.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 10: Traders in the border town of Birgunj are disappointed due to lack of business even during the recently held festive season. Deepak Sarraf, a businessman from Maisthanchowk, was expecting that his business would increase during festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Chhath. However, he was disappointed as customers did not come to his shop as expected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Traders who were worried due to lack of business amid economic recession were hopeful that they would get some relief during the festive season. However, traders like Sarraf are worried what to do next as their business did not go well even during the major festivals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While the businessmen of Birgunj spend the day waiting for customers in vain, the Indian city of Raxaul across the border is crowded with Nepali customers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajendra Gupta, a businessman in the area said, “During the festival, it is difficult to even set foot in Raxaul due to the crowd of Nepali customers. At other times as well, majority of customers shopping across border are from Nepal.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2007, the government introduced a rule requiring importers to pay customs duty on goods worth more than Rs 100. However, this rule is yet to be implemented.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Customers from Birgunj shopping across the border in the Indian market is not the only problem. Another major problem is the flourishing business of illegally smuggled goods into Nepal as the goods are easily available across the border.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Traders claim that the smuggled goods, which are imported by evading customs duty, reach the main cities of the country including Kathmandu. The government has deployed customs officials, security forces and revenue investigation agencies at the border to control illegal imports. However, smuggling of goods continues unabated.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Traders complain that smuggling has flourished due to the collusion of those agencies. A trader said, “The empire of illegal imports is becoming so strong that it has become a challenge for domestically-produced goods.” A study conducted by Nepal Rastra Bank a few years ago revealed that about 35 percent of the total imports from India is brought through informal channels. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Businessman Gupta says that when goods are imported through illegal means, there is an adverse effect on trade, production and all aspects related to it in the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> According to experts, Nepali customers are attracted to the Indian market because the goods are cheaper there after India's reforms in the tax system through the goods and services tax.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They claim that the problem of smuggling will not be controlled until the government improves the revenue system because this is also the cause of the illegal import that is happening institutionally. India imposes less tax on consumer goods and more on luxury goods.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of Madhesh Province chapter of FNCCI said, “When the prices of common consumable goods are low there, they are imported illegally. We have a high rate of revenue for the import of those goods. This has led to the problem of smuggling.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Temani claims that if the total revenue collected in Nepal's customs is made equal to the goods and services tax in India, this problem will be solved automatically. India does not levy GST on exports to Nepal. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19418', 'image' => '20231210015420_1702175870.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 13:53:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19689', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '34.4 Percent of Women Own Agricultural Land in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: Agricultural Census 2078 has shown that the share of women who own agricultural land in Nepal is 34.4 percent.', '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 10: Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> has shown that the share of women who own agricultural land in Nepal is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34.4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. This is the first study in Nepal about women's ownership of agricultural land.</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 National Statistics Office announced the results of the National Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> regarding indicators of sustainable development goals and published data on women's ownership of agricultural land. </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 data, women in Gandaki Province own most of the agricultural land, while Karnali Province has the least amount of women’s ownership. The share of women having agricultural land in their name is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38.5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in Gandaki Province and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">28.7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in Karnali.</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"">Director of the NSO, Badri Kumar Karki, said that Gandaki Province announced large amount of tax exemption while keeping agricultural land in name of women and therefore more women in the province have ownership of agricultural. </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 results of the National Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">shows that the percentage of adult agricultural population (</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years and above) who have secured ownership of agricultural land is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31.4. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Looking at the state wise data, this percentage is the highest in Gandaki at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> and the lowest in Karnali at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">29</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent.</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"">From the point of view of gender analysis, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42.9</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the total adult males involved in farming families have secure ownership of agricultural land. In case of women, this percentage is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20.8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. Province-wise, the percentage of adult males is the highest at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">47.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Bagmati Province and the lowest at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">40.1</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Madhesh Province. </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"">Similarly, in the case of adult women having ownership of agricultural land, it has been found that the highest percentage is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Gandaki Province and the lowest is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">16.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Karnali Province.</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 Nepal, out of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">62</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the households involved in agricultural work, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">32</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the households are headed by women.</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"">Agricultural land has an important contribution to the livelihood in Nepal. Therefore, the ownership of agricultural land can make a significant contribution to the overall upliftment of the agricultural population as well as women's empowerment in particular. </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 data shows that a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</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"">32</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"">11</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"">349</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> are involved in agriculture in Nepal</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">including </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">68</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"">63</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"">412 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">women and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">63</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"">47</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"">936 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">men.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19417', 'image' => '20231210124135_1702174003.1 omen.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 12:40:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19704', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Records Decline of 15.40 to Close at 1948.57', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a volatile trading day marked by fluctuations, ultimately recording a decline of 15.40 points or 0.78%, closing at 1948.57 on Monday, the second trading day of the week.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 11: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a volatile trading day marked by fluctuations, ultimately recording a decline of 15.40 points or 0.78%, closing at 1948.57 on Monday, the second trading day of the week.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Financial experts and stock analysts attribute today's correction to the natural course of market dynamics following yesterday's remarkable surge of over 100 points. The day's turnover reached Rs 4.84 billion, indicating increased investor activity and a prevailing positive sentiment among them.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A total of 303 scrips were traded in 109,918 transactions, involving 14,698,517 shares, amounting to Rs 4.84 billion turnover. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sonapur Minerals and Oil Limited (SONAPUR) took the lead in turnover with Rs 25 crores.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bottler Nepal Limited (BNL), Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SLBSL), and Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI), each saw a significant gain of 10%, triggering a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the downside, Samata Gharelu Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SMATA) incurred the highest loss at 7.15%, closing at a market price of Rs 610 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed in the red zone, with the exception of Mutual Fund, Non-Life Insurance, and Microfinance Index. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Development Index suffered the most significant loss at 2.09%, while the Mutual Fund Index saw the highest gain at 2.16%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19432', 'image' => '20231211035244_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:51:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19703', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Price of Radish Declines, Farmers Struggle to Find Market for Tomatoes ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: The price of radish has dropped with the increase in the supply of freshly-produced radish.', '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 11: The price of radish has dropped with the increase in the supply of freshly-produced radish.</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 Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee, the price of red radish has decreased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">63</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in one month.</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 committee, the average price of red radish per kg a month ago was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">43</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, which has now dropped to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per kg.</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"">Meanwhile, farmers of Sindhupalchowk are struggling to find market for the tomatoes produced in the district. Around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">400</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">500</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> crates of tomatoes are produced daily in the district while hardly </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">200</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> crates are sold. As a result, the tomatoes have started rotting in the fields.</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"">Uddhav Nepal, local elected representative of Chautara, said that the farmers who produced and sold about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</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"">1</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million kilos of tomatoes in the last fiscal year have suffered losses due to lack of market this year.</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"">Resham Bahadur Alemgar, a farmer from Chautara, said that he had sold tomatoes worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">370,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> last year but the sale this year is not even worth Rs </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"">,</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:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"I spent around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">300,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">on seeds, fertilizer, medicine, etc," he said. I am struggling to get returns on investment even though I have produced plentiful tomatoes worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">600</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> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19431', 'image' => '20231211032603_rad-pin-3.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:25:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19701', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shortage of Australian and Canadian Dollar as Students Prefer Cash over Electronic Means', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Due to the rise in the number of students going to Australia and Canada for higher education, there is a shortage of Australian and Canadian dollars in the market.', '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 11: Due to the rise in the number of students going to Australia and Canada for higher education, there is a shortage of Australian and Canadian dollars in the market. Although students pay university fees through bank transfer, there is a shortage because they use cash for personal expenses. The people in general have complained that they are not getting proper facilities for foreign currency exchange even from the counter of Nepal Rastra Bank.</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 central bank is currently providing students with cash of up to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">300</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Australian and Canadian dollars after confirmation of visas and air tickets. If they require more than this amount, the students can get it through the verified electronic card issued by banks and financial institutions, said Dilliram Pokharel, deputy spokesperson of Nepal Rastra Bank. He admitted that due to the low cash reserve, the students could not be provided with adequate facilities as per their demand.</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 Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the increase in the number of students going to Australia and Canada, there is an increase in pressure for currency exchange through the medium of cash," he said. However, he said that there is no problem for currency exchange through other means.</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"">Currently, the central bank has made arrangements for foreign exchange facilities to students going abroad for higher education based on the 'No Objection Letter' issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Students are given the facility on the basis of theitr university bill to pay the fees. In addition, up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">is also provided for their passports.</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"">Deputy Spokesperson Pokharel said that the tendency to look for exchange facilities in cash has led to a shortage. </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"">"Currently, we have enough foreign currency reserves so there is no problem in providing the same facilities as specified," he said, "The problem has surfaced because they seek cash rather than such facility through electronic means." </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"">Yuvraj Karki, the operations manager of Oli and Associates, an organization that has been providing educational consultancy to students, said that students consider it a hassle to carry dollar cards. He shared that if the dollar card is converted into local currency, it will be expensive, so the students look for cash as much as possible.</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 instructions of the central bank, students can also exchange a minimum of USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">to a maximum of USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">for the annual subsistence expenses. Accordingly, they can avail up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">to study in Bangladesh and Pakistan, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for China, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">6,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for Singapore and South Korea, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for Canada, America, Australia and European countries and up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">for other countries. </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"">With the end of the Covid-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pandemic, the number of Nepalis going abroad for higher education is increasing. Due to this, the capital flight from Nepal for higher education is also increasing.</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 data of NRB, Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">32</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"">92</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion have been spent for higher education in the first three months of the current fiscal year. During the corresponding period of last fiscal year, Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">17.89</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were spent for higher education. Last year, a total of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">142</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion were spent on higher education abroad.</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 Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, by mid-October of the current fiscal year, more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">30,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> people have received no objection letters to study abroad. </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 for the ministry Shiva Kumar Sapkota said that most of the students have applied for studies in Australia, Canada, Japan, America and the UK. In the last fiscal year, more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> people were issued no objection letters by the ministry for studying abroad.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19430', 'image' => '20231211030215_1702262066.collection-dollar-money-usa-canada-australia_359031-4146.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:01:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19700', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Starts Importing Electricity from India with the Onset of Dry Season', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: With the onset of dry season, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started importing electricity from India.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">December 11: With the onset of dry season, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started importing electricity from India. The flow of water in the rivers and streams has decreased due to the onset of winter and the production of the power plants in the country has started to decrease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As the demand for electricity has increased in the domestic market, the NEA has started importing electricity import from the Indian market.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The NEA had been selling surplus electricity to India during the monsoon. The authority said that electricity export has already been stopped from Friday night.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Kulman Ghising, executive director of the authority, said that the maximum demand for electricity on a daily basis is around 1,700 megawatts, and since domestic production alone is not enough to meet it, a small amount of electricity has been imported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Currently, electricity generation and demand are almost equal, we are collecting water in our semi-reservoir power plants during the day and night time and running them during the peak hours in the evening and morning to meet the electricity demand," said Executive Director Ghising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to Ghising, the export will resume from the second week of Baisakh (last week of April, 2024).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This year, around 900 megawatts electricity is being added to the national grid. Similarly, next year, power worth approximately Rs 25 billion will be exported. High-powered transmission lines are being constructed for improving the transmission of electricity between the two countries. On the other hand, hydropower projects are being built within the country. In this context, a climate is being created wherein electricity worth around Rs 100 billion will be exported in the next five years." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The NEA exported electricity worth Rs 15.4 billion to India between June 1 and December 6, 2023. A maximum of 700 megawatts of electricity was sold on a daily basis at Rs 8.77 per unit. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => 'Nepal, India, electricity, import, export, surplus, dry, season, river, water, decline, demand, market, peak, hour', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19429', 'image' => '20231211013200_20231208030316_elec.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 13:31:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19702', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Ncell Employees Trade Union says Rumors about Sale of the Company’s Shares are Baseless', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Ncell’s Employees Trade Union has said that its attention has been drawn to the "baseless" publicity stunt in media and social networks regarding the sale of shares of Reynolds Holding, which owns about 80 percent stakes in Ncell Axiata Limited.', '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 11: Ncell’s Employees Trade Union has said that its attention has been drawn to the "baseless" publicity stunt in media and social networks regarding the sale of shares of Reynolds Holding, which owns about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent stakes in Ncell Axiata Limited.</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 union said in a statement that it is a normal process to buy and sell shares of the company and since Ncell is a multinational company, it is natural to do business according to national and international practices. The statement further mentions that the process of purchase and sale of shares did not make any difference in the company's daily performance and service operations. </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"">Referring to the fact that Ncell has been paying taxes regularly, the statement added that the company has so far paid more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">283</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in taxes to the Government of Nepal.</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 company has made significant contributions in various fields under corporate social responsibility and has extended the network to the far reaches of the country and provided telecommunication services to more than </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"">million people," reads the statement.</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 union, Ncell has directly and indirectly created more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</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"">jobs. The union alleges that the unfounded accusation is motivated by the desire to influence the investigation report at a time when the government has formed an investigation committee to find the truth behild the process of the purchase and sale of shares of Ncell Axiata.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19428', 'image' => '20231211032452_ncell.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:23:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19699', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Buddha Air adds another Aircraft to its Fleet', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Buddha Air has started commercial flights with its seventeenth aircraft from Sunday. ', '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 11: Buddha Air has started commercial flights with its seventeenth aircraft from Sunday. The aircraft made its first flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">59</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> passengers. </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"">Buddha Air had brought the aircraft to Kathmandu on October </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"">. After bringing the plane, it was painted and all the necessary procedures were completed before Buddha Air started commercial flights from Sunday.</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"">With the addition of the new aircraft with call sign </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">N-AOC, Buddha Air now has a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">72</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft in its fleet.</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"">Buddha Air said it added the new aircraft in line with its commitment to make air travel easy and comfortable to its customers.</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 Rupesh Joshi, marketing director of Buddha Air, passengers will get easy access to flights as the company has increased the number of flights significantly.</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"">Buddha Air has three</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42-320 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">72-500 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19427', 'image' => '20231211122755_1702208049.budhha air.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 12:27:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19698', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investment in Children’s Sector Low in Karnali Province', 'sub_title' => 'Provincial Government Invests One Percent Budget for Children, School Infrastructure Development', 'summary' => 'December 11: It has been revealed that the Karnali Province government has made very little investment for children in the province. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 11: It has been revealed that the Karnali Province government has made very little investment for children in the province. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Only one percent budget has been appropriated for the children sector in Karnali Province, a study undertaken by the Collective Campaign for Child Rights Karnali revealed. An analysis of the budget appropriated by the Karnali Province government in three fiscal years, from 2021/22 to 2023/24, revealed that only minimal budget has been allocated for this sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Out of a total annual budget of Rs 28.47 billion for the fiscal year 2021/22, over Rs 149 million (1.28 percent) was allocated for children. Likewise, only 0.86 percent budget was appropriated for children in the fiscal year 2022/23. Similarly, 1.07 percent budget has been allocated for children in the fiscal year 2023/24. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CCR Karnali Chair Tekraj Acharya shared that the Karnali province government has allocated over Rs 355.8 million for the children’s sector this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that four areas of child rights were studied in the budget analysis. Budget allocated for the development of school infrastructure was also considered as budget for the children’s sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stakeholders have urged all three tiers of the governments to increase investment in the children’s sector. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19426', 'image' => '20231211115038_children.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 11:49:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19697', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Study on Iron Mines Excavation Gains Pace in Rukum East ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: The government has started a comprehensive study to excavate iron mines in Rukum (East). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 11: The government has started a comprehensive study to excavate iron mines in Rukum (East). A feasibility study has been initiated for excavation since last week after detection of iron mine in Bhume Rural Municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A team consisting of geologists of the Department of Mines and Geology Sujan Devkota and Saunak Bhandari started carrying out feasibility study in Bhume Rural Municipality-3, Jhumlabang. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the past, the task of comprehensive study did not gain momentum due to financial reason. Bhume Rural Municipality’s Chairperson Hom Prakash Shrestha said that fresh studies on iron mines have been started in several places of the rural municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The locals also informed that iron mine excavations are taking place in the areas where iron mines were detected earlier. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19425', 'image' => '20231211110802_iron.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 11:06:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19696', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'High-level Committee Begins Probe into Ncell's Share Rale row', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A high-level committee, tasked with investigating the Ncell share sale controversy, officially commenced its inquiry on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 11: A high-level committee, tasked with investigating the Ncell share sale controversy, officially commenced its inquiry on Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Tankamani Sharma, the coordinator of the five-member committee, said that they had initiated the investigation in accordance with the government's mandate, aiming to conclude the inquiry within a specified timeline and present a comprehensive report with recommendations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Coordinator Sharma outlined the committee's approach, stating that they plan to engage in discussions with relevant regulatory bodies, government officials, and service provider companies during the investigation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee will actively gather essential documents and information from individuals and organizations involved, seeking input and suggestions from experts, stakeholders, organizations, and the general public.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee has called for cooperation from all parties involved, urging them to provide factual information and any evidence pertinent to the issue under investigation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The secretariat of the probe is located at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The committee is required to present its findings within 30 days of its formation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is worth noting that the government established the committee on December 7 to delve into matters related to Ncell's share and purchase, assess its compliance with existing laws, and analyze its impact on revenue collection and foreign investment in Nepal, among other aspects. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19424', 'image' => '20231211060023_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 05:58:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19695', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Global IME Bank Operates Four New Branches Simultaneously', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Global IME Bank Limited has brought four new branches into operation simultaneously.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 10: Global IME Bank Limited has brought four new branches into operation simultaneously. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bank has inaugurated new branches in Budhanilkantha Municipality-5, Budhanilkantha, Chandragiri Municipality-13, Dahachok, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-8 in Chitwan, Sharadpur, and Abu Khaireni Rural Municipality-3 in Tanahun.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Starting from Sunday, all banking services will be available at these new branches. Global IME Bank stands out as the first private sector bank with a branch network in all seventy-seven districts across the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bank, with 355 branches, 376 ATMs, 274 branchless banking services, 65 extensions, revenue collection counters, and three foreign representative offices, has been serving more than 4.6 million customers through over 1,100 service centers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Moreover, the bank has been playing a significant role in the country's economy by facilitating remittances from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, India, Jordan, and Hong Kong.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19423', 'image' => '20231210054554_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 17:44:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19694', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Trading Halted as Index Surges 6% in Early Market Rally', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a massive surge, reaching 1963.98 points, marking a remarkable 6% increase or 112.20 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 10: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a massive surge, reaching 1963.98 points, marking a remarkable 6% increase or 112.20 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This sudden upswing in the NEPSE triggered multiple trading halts throughout the day, leading to the early closure of the market. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The first pause occurred after just 5 minutes of trading, following a 4% rise in the index. This initial halt lasted for 20 minutes. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When trading resumed at 11:25 AM, the market experienced another pause just two minutes later, lasting 40 minutes, as the index climbed by 5%. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The final resumption at 12:07 PM saw a rapid 6% positive circuit within two minutes, resulting in the ultimate closure of the market for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the trading session, a total of 244 scrips were traded through 7,014 transactions, with 1,367,615 shares changing hands, amounting to Rs 48 crores in value. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Five companies—Reliance Finance Limited (RLFL), Joshi Hydropower Development Limited (JOSHI), Rapti Hydro And General Construction Limited (RHGCL), Shuvam Power Limited (SPL), and Kalinchowk Darshan Limited (KDL)—each experienced a 10% rise, hitting the positive circuit for the day. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mountain Energy Nepal (MEN) led in turnover with Rs 3.58 crores, while NMB Sulav Investment Fund-2 (NSIF2) incurred the highest loss at 1.97%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sector indices closed in the green zone. The HydroPower Index saw the most significant gain at 8.63%, while the Mutual Fund Index had the smallest increase at 0.21%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19422', 'image' => '20231210035429_collage (5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 15:53:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19692', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Makes Effort to Revitalize the Economy by Reducing Interest Rates', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: The central bank, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy for 'economic reforms', has become flexible to 'make the economy vibrant.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">December 10: The central bank, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy for 'economic reforms', has become flexible to 'make the economy vibrant. Nepal Rastra Bank has become flexible towards the monetary policy through the first quarter review after analyzing that the indicators of the external sector have eased in the economy due to the tight policy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the central bank, it adopted flexibility in the policy arrangements in view of the improvement in domestic economic situation along with the increase in foreign exchange reserves. Moreover, there was pressure from all sides to become flexible because of the increasing problems in the economy due to strict policies.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">On Friday, while unveiling the first quarterly review of the monetary policy of the current fiscal year, the central bank indicated that it is going to reduce the interest rate by reducing the interest rate corridor. Likewise, the provisions related to the existing risk weight of share mortgage, real estate and hire purchase loans have been reviewed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The installment of housing loan has also revised. In order to provide relief to the businessmen who are in trouble due to the decline in economic activities, arrangements have been made to restructure loans and provide housing loans at subsidized interest rates in earthquake-affected areas.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NRB Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari said in a press conference on Friday that the policy rates have been reviewed to increase credit investment. "Although the liquidity situation has eased recently, banks have not been able to increase credit flow," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Governor Adhikari claimed that if the central bank’s decision to reduce the policy rates will decrease the interest rate and the credit flow will increase and this will revive the sluggish economy. "The big countries of the world still have a tight monetary policy," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Efforts to reduce interest rates</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The central bank has tried to reduce the interest rate by reviewing the monetary policy. In the policy, the bank rate has been reduced from 7.5 percent to 7 percent, the policy rate has been reduced from 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent and the deposit collection rate has been reduced from 4.5 percent to 3 percent. However, the mandatory cash reserve ratio (CRR) and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) have been kept unchanged. Banks get overnight liquidity facility at policy rate and permanent liquidity facility at bank rate. The central bank has said that if the policy and bank rates decrease, the cost of liquidity management of the banks will be reduced and the interest rate will also be cheaper.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Likewise, the period during which bonds can be counted as deposits has also been extended to raise funds for lending to the banks. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Relief to distressed debtors</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NRB announced that relief will be given to the borrowers of banks and financial institutions who are in trouble due to the review of monetary policy. It is mentioned in the review that the central bank will facilitate the borrowers who are in trouble due to circumstances through means such as loan restructuring and rescheduling while action will be taken against those who do not pay loan on purpose.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Based on the analysis of the applications received from the borrowers who are in trouble, it has been announced that the period in which the banks can restructure the loan by charging 10 percent of the outstanding interest will be maintained until mid-April.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Previously, the period for loan restructuring and rescheduling was until the mid-December.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, it is mentioned in the review that if the borrowers who are in regular contact with the microfinance financial institution but are unable to regularize their loan payments due to situational problems, they will be able to restructure the loans of such borrowers if they submit an application for loan restructuring within the next three months.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Address to earthquake victims</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Nepal Rastra Bank has announced that it will provide loans at subsidized interest rates for the reconstruction of residential houses damaged due to the November 3 earthquake in western Nepal. In the review of monetary policy, it is mentioned that when banks and financial institutions give residential home loans of up to Rs 2.5 million to the families listed as earthquake victims, there will be no additional premium of more than 2 percentage points on the base rate. Similarly, it has been announced in the review that for the reconstruction of public schools, public hospitals and health posts damaged due to the earthquake, banks can contribute up to 40 percent of the amount to be spent separately to the social responsibility fund from the profits of the previous and current years.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Flexible in real estate loans</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Through the revised monetary policy, the NRB has decided to reduce the risk weight of real estate loans and maintain the risk weight for share mortgage loans exceeding Rs 50 million at 125 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19421', 'image' => '20231210025922_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 14:58:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19691', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Experts Recommend 'Controlled Legalization' of Marijuana', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: At a time when there is a serious debate about the legality of marijuana cultivation in Nepal, experts have recommended the government for ‘controlled legitimacy’ in production and use of the banned substance.', '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"">Bijay Damase</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"">December 10: At a time when there is a serious debate about the legality of marijuana cultivation in Nepal, experts have recommended the government for ‘controlled legitimacy’ in production and use of the banned substance.</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 Policy Research Institute in collaboration with Nepal Health Research Council conducted a study on 'Legalization of Marijuana Cultivation in Nepal: Possibilities and Challenges' and made this recommendation to the government saying that many countries of the world have adopted this policy.</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 team of experts including Dr Manita Kusi, Dr Hari Sharma Neupane, Dr Mukunda Raj Kattel, Advocate Hari Prasad Mainali, Prof Rajendra Gyawali, Dr Prerak Regmi, Pushkar Basyal and others researched and prepared the report for the institute. The report has recommended the government to amend the current laws of the Narcotic Drug Control Act, 2033. </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 experts recommended developing regulatios, method and structure for the use and trade of marijuana. Although the full legalization of marijuana is not possible at the moment, researchers have indicated in the report that 'controlled legalization' can be followed as other countries have adopted.</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 report concluded that it is important to be aware of the "harmful effects" of marijuana products. It is essential to create necessary regulations for its monitoring and to prepare specific methods, structures and human resources to address the social ills caused by its use such as addiction, social violence, etc.</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 study report, clarity should be maintained about the controlled use of marijuana in the current Narcotic Drugs Control Act. In addition, the study shows that the ambiguity regarding the use of marijuana can be removed if the relevant government agencies create clear regulations and implement them.</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 experts have recommended defining marijuana based on its use. The current definition of the Narcotics Drug Control Act makes all varieties of marijuana illegal. </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 this law, as the cultivation and business of marijuana species with less than 0.3 percent tetra-hydro-cannabinol (THC)</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, whose medicinal and recreational effects are considered insignificant and used for industrial production, is also considered illegal.</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 study says that this definition resulted in the closure of industries that processed marijuana.</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 is necessary to define marijuana based on the compounds found in marijuana to prevent such a situation in the future. The report suggests that marijuana species with less than 0.3% THC should be allowed for cultivation and business under the name of 'Industrial Cannabis' and those with more than 0.3% THC should be allowed for research and medicinal use with proper regulation according to the principle of 'controlled use'. </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"">Similarly, in the study report, it is recommended to conduct a scientific study about the medicinal aspects of marijuana. Stating that there is not much research on the medicinal properties of cannabis in Nepal, it is also said that the current knowledge based on traditional/Ayurvedic practice is not scientifically agreed upon. It is mentioned in the report that it is necessary to determine the amount of chemical elements found in which type of cannabis and the necessary infrastructure for production of modern laboratory, skilled manpower and quality control, keeping in mind the possibility that Nepali cannabis can be established in the world market as an integral part of pharmaceutical science. </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 report suggests promoting scientific hemp cultivation for industrial purposes. According to the study, there is a lack of scientific knowledge about which type of cannabis cultivation is suitable in which climate of Nepal.</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 order to fill this gap, it is recommended to carry out necessary studies and research to promote the cultivation of cannabis suitable for the geographical environment and climate, and to orient and train the farmers accordingly.</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 study report also suggested promoting evidence-based Ayurvedic medicine. According to the study, there is a long tradition of making cannabis-mixed medicine in the Ayurvedic medical system. Such medicines are used in the treatment of many diseases including indigestion, rheumatism, problems caused by contaminated food (food poisoning). However, there is a lack of reliable (scientific) knowledge about the long-term effects of these and other Ayurvedic medicines, due to which the expected promotion of the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which has a long history and tradition, has not been possible. In order to solve this problem, testing the medicinal properties of cannabis and other plants used in the manufacture of Ayurvedic medicine, identifying the diseases that can be diagnosed and treating them through scientific methods and developing human resources to promote evidence-based Ayurvedic medicine can contribute to human health, the research pointed out.</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"">History of Prohibition in Nepal</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 1961, the United Nations adopted a convention with the proposal that marijuana be listed as a narcotic drug and its production and use should be restricted worldwide. As a member of the United Nations, the government of Nepal banned the cultivation, use and trade of cannabis in Nepal through a declaration in 2030 BS. Three years later, in the year 2033, the government formulated law necessary to implement the declaration. The Narcotic Drugs Control Act, 2033, was amended at various times based on the experience and practice of developed countries.</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 a bill regarding the legalization of marijuana has been registered in the Parliament of Nepal, it has not been able to move forward. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19420', 'image' => '20231210023326_20221030030309_20201204014433_1607039093.Clipboard09.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 14:32:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19690', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Revenue Policy Affecting Business in Border Areas', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: Traders in the border town of Birgunj are disappointed due to lack of business even during the recently held festive season.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 10: Traders in the border town of Birgunj are disappointed due to lack of business even during the recently held festive season. Deepak Sarraf, a businessman from Maisthanchowk, was expecting that his business would increase during festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Chhath. However, he was disappointed as customers did not come to his shop as expected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Traders who were worried due to lack of business amid economic recession were hopeful that they would get some relief during the festive season. However, traders like Sarraf are worried what to do next as their business did not go well even during the major festivals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While the businessmen of Birgunj spend the day waiting for customers in vain, the Indian city of Raxaul across the border is crowded with Nepali customers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajendra Gupta, a businessman in the area said, “During the festival, it is difficult to even set foot in Raxaul due to the crowd of Nepali customers. At other times as well, majority of customers shopping across border are from Nepal.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2007, the government introduced a rule requiring importers to pay customs duty on goods worth more than Rs 100. However, this rule is yet to be implemented.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Customers from Birgunj shopping across the border in the Indian market is not the only problem. Another major problem is the flourishing business of illegally smuggled goods into Nepal as the goods are easily available across the border.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Traders claim that the smuggled goods, which are imported by evading customs duty, reach the main cities of the country including Kathmandu. The government has deployed customs officials, security forces and revenue investigation agencies at the border to control illegal imports. However, smuggling of goods continues unabated.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Traders complain that smuggling has flourished due to the collusion of those agencies. A trader said, “The empire of illegal imports is becoming so strong that it has become a challenge for domestically-produced goods.” A study conducted by Nepal Rastra Bank a few years ago revealed that about 35 percent of the total imports from India is brought through informal channels. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Businessman Gupta says that when goods are imported through illegal means, there is an adverse effect on trade, production and all aspects related to it in the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> According to experts, Nepali customers are attracted to the Indian market because the goods are cheaper there after India's reforms in the tax system through the goods and services tax.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They claim that the problem of smuggling will not be controlled until the government improves the revenue system because this is also the cause of the illegal import that is happening institutionally. India imposes less tax on consumer goods and more on luxury goods.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of Madhesh Province chapter of FNCCI said, “When the prices of common consumable goods are low there, they are imported illegally. We have a high rate of revenue for the import of those goods. This has led to the problem of smuggling.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Temani claims that if the total revenue collected in Nepal's customs is made equal to the goods and services tax in India, this problem will be solved automatically. India does not levy GST on exports to Nepal. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19418', 'image' => '20231210015420_1702175870.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 13:53:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19689', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '34.4 Percent of Women Own Agricultural Land in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: Agricultural Census 2078 has shown that the share of women who own agricultural land in Nepal is 34.4 percent.', '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 10: Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> has shown that the share of women who own agricultural land in Nepal is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34.4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. This is the first study in Nepal about women's ownership of agricultural land.</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 National Statistics Office announced the results of the National Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> regarding indicators of sustainable development goals and published data on women's ownership of agricultural land. </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 data, women in Gandaki Province own most of the agricultural land, while Karnali Province has the least amount of women’s ownership. The share of women having agricultural land in their name is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38.5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in Gandaki Province and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">28.7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in Karnali.</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"">Director of the NSO, Badri Kumar Karki, said that Gandaki Province announced large amount of tax exemption while keeping agricultural land in name of women and therefore more women in the province have ownership of agricultural. </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 results of the National Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">shows that the percentage of adult agricultural population (</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years and above) who have secured ownership of agricultural land is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31.4. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Looking at the state wise data, this percentage is the highest in Gandaki at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> and the lowest in Karnali at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">29</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent.</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"">From the point of view of gender analysis, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42.9</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the total adult males involved in farming families have secure ownership of agricultural land. In case of women, this percentage is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20.8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. Province-wise, the percentage of adult males is the highest at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">47.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Bagmati Province and the lowest at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">40.1</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Madhesh Province. </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"">Similarly, in the case of adult women having ownership of agricultural land, it has been found that the highest percentage is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Gandaki Province and the lowest is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">16.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Karnali Province.</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 Nepal, out of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">62</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the households involved in agricultural work, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">32</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the households are headed by women.</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"">Agricultural land has an important contribution to the livelihood in Nepal. Therefore, the ownership of agricultural land can make a significant contribution to the overall upliftment of the agricultural population as well as women's empowerment in particular. </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 data shows that a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</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"">32</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"">11</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"">349</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> are involved in agriculture in Nepal</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">including </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">68</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"">63</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"">412 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">women and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">63</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"">47</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"">936 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">men.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19417', 'image' => '20231210124135_1702174003.1 omen.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 12:40:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19704', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Records Decline of 15.40 to Close at 1948.57', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a volatile trading day marked by fluctuations, ultimately recording a decline of 15.40 points or 0.78%, closing at 1948.57 on Monday, the second trading day of the week.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 11: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a volatile trading day marked by fluctuations, ultimately recording a decline of 15.40 points or 0.78%, closing at 1948.57 on Monday, the second trading day of the week.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Financial experts and stock analysts attribute today's correction to the natural course of market dynamics following yesterday's remarkable surge of over 100 points. The day's turnover reached Rs 4.84 billion, indicating increased investor activity and a prevailing positive sentiment among them.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A total of 303 scrips were traded in 109,918 transactions, involving 14,698,517 shares, amounting to Rs 4.84 billion turnover. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sonapur Minerals and Oil Limited (SONAPUR) took the lead in turnover with Rs 25 crores.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bottler Nepal Limited (BNL), Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SLBSL), and Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI), each saw a significant gain of 10%, triggering a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the downside, Samata Gharelu Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SMATA) incurred the highest loss at 7.15%, closing at a market price of Rs 610 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed in the red zone, with the exception of Mutual Fund, Non-Life Insurance, and Microfinance Index. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Development Index suffered the most significant loss at 2.09%, while the Mutual Fund Index saw the highest gain at 2.16%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19432', 'image' => '20231211035244_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:51:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19703', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Price of Radish Declines, Farmers Struggle to Find Market for Tomatoes ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: The price of radish has dropped with the increase in the supply of freshly-produced radish.', '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 11: The price of radish has dropped with the increase in the supply of freshly-produced radish.</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 Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee, the price of red radish has decreased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">63</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in one month.</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 committee, the average price of red radish per kg a month ago was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">43</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, which has now dropped to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per kg.</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"">Meanwhile, farmers of Sindhupalchowk are struggling to find market for the tomatoes produced in the district. Around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">400</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">500</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> crates of tomatoes are produced daily in the district while hardly </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">200</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> crates are sold. As a result, the tomatoes have started rotting in the fields.</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"">Uddhav Nepal, local elected representative of Chautara, said that the farmers who produced and sold about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</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"">1</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million kilos of tomatoes in the last fiscal year have suffered losses due to lack of market this year.</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"">Resham Bahadur Alemgar, a farmer from Chautara, said that he had sold tomatoes worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">370,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> last year but the sale this year is not even worth Rs </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"">,</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:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"I spent around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">300,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">on seeds, fertilizer, medicine, etc," he said. I am struggling to get returns on investment even though I have produced plentiful tomatoes worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">600</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> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19431', 'image' => '20231211032603_rad-pin-3.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:25:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19701', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shortage of Australian and Canadian Dollar as Students Prefer Cash over Electronic Means', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Due to the rise in the number of students going to Australia and Canada for higher education, there is a shortage of Australian and Canadian dollars in the market.', '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 11: Due to the rise in the number of students going to Australia and Canada for higher education, there is a shortage of Australian and Canadian dollars in the market. Although students pay university fees through bank transfer, there is a shortage because they use cash for personal expenses. The people in general have complained that they are not getting proper facilities for foreign currency exchange even from the counter of Nepal Rastra Bank.</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 central bank is currently providing students with cash of up to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">300</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Australian and Canadian dollars after confirmation of visas and air tickets. If they require more than this amount, the students can get it through the verified electronic card issued by banks and financial institutions, said Dilliram Pokharel, deputy spokesperson of Nepal Rastra Bank. He admitted that due to the low cash reserve, the students could not be provided with adequate facilities as per their demand.</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 Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the increase in the number of students going to Australia and Canada, there is an increase in pressure for currency exchange through the medium of cash," he said. However, he said that there is no problem for currency exchange through other means.</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"">Currently, the central bank has made arrangements for foreign exchange facilities to students going abroad for higher education based on the 'No Objection Letter' issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Students are given the facility on the basis of theitr university bill to pay the fees. In addition, up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">is also provided for their passports.</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"">Deputy Spokesperson Pokharel said that the tendency to look for exchange facilities in cash has led to a shortage. </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"">"Currently, we have enough foreign currency reserves so there is no problem in providing the same facilities as specified," he said, "The problem has surfaced because they seek cash rather than such facility through electronic means." </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"">Yuvraj Karki, the operations manager of Oli and Associates, an organization that has been providing educational consultancy to students, said that students consider it a hassle to carry dollar cards. He shared that if the dollar card is converted into local currency, it will be expensive, so the students look for cash as much as possible.</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 instructions of the central bank, students can also exchange a minimum of USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">to a maximum of USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">for the annual subsistence expenses. Accordingly, they can avail up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">to study in Bangladesh and Pakistan, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for China, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">6,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for Singapore and South Korea, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for Canada, America, Australia and European countries and up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">for other countries. </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"">With the end of the Covid-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pandemic, the number of Nepalis going abroad for higher education is increasing. Due to this, the capital flight from Nepal for higher education is also increasing.</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 data of NRB, Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">32</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"">92</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion have been spent for higher education in the first three months of the current fiscal year. During the corresponding period of last fiscal year, Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">17.89</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were spent for higher education. Last year, a total of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">142</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion were spent on higher education abroad.</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 Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, by mid-October of the current fiscal year, more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">30,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> people have received no objection letters to study abroad. </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 for the ministry Shiva Kumar Sapkota said that most of the students have applied for studies in Australia, Canada, Japan, America and the UK. In the last fiscal year, more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> people were issued no objection letters by the ministry for studying abroad.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19430', 'image' => '20231211030215_1702262066.collection-dollar-money-usa-canada-australia_359031-4146.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:01:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19700', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Starts Importing Electricity from India with the Onset of Dry Season', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: With the onset of dry season, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started importing electricity from India.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">December 11: With the onset of dry season, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started importing electricity from India. The flow of water in the rivers and streams has decreased due to the onset of winter and the production of the power plants in the country has started to decrease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As the demand for electricity has increased in the domestic market, the NEA has started importing electricity import from the Indian market.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The NEA had been selling surplus electricity to India during the monsoon. The authority said that electricity export has already been stopped from Friday night.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Kulman Ghising, executive director of the authority, said that the maximum demand for electricity on a daily basis is around 1,700 megawatts, and since domestic production alone is not enough to meet it, a small amount of electricity has been imported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Currently, electricity generation and demand are almost equal, we are collecting water in our semi-reservoir power plants during the day and night time and running them during the peak hours in the evening and morning to meet the electricity demand," said Executive Director Ghising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to Ghising, the export will resume from the second week of Baisakh (last week of April, 2024).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This year, around 900 megawatts electricity is being added to the national grid. Similarly, next year, power worth approximately Rs 25 billion will be exported. High-powered transmission lines are being constructed for improving the transmission of electricity between the two countries. On the other hand, hydropower projects are being built within the country. In this context, a climate is being created wherein electricity worth around Rs 100 billion will be exported in the next five years." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The NEA exported electricity worth Rs 15.4 billion to India between June 1 and December 6, 2023. A maximum of 700 megawatts of electricity was sold on a daily basis at Rs 8.77 per unit. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => 'Nepal, India, electricity, import, export, surplus, dry, season, river, water, decline, demand, market, peak, hour', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19429', 'image' => '20231211013200_20231208030316_elec.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 13:31:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19702', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Ncell Employees Trade Union says Rumors about Sale of the Company’s Shares are Baseless', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Ncell’s Employees Trade Union has said that its attention has been drawn to the "baseless" publicity stunt in media and social networks regarding the sale of shares of Reynolds Holding, which owns about 80 percent stakes in Ncell Axiata Limited.', '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 11: Ncell’s Employees Trade Union has said that its attention has been drawn to the "baseless" publicity stunt in media and social networks regarding the sale of shares of Reynolds Holding, which owns about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent stakes in Ncell Axiata Limited.</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 union said in a statement that it is a normal process to buy and sell shares of the company and since Ncell is a multinational company, it is natural to do business according to national and international practices. The statement further mentions that the process of purchase and sale of shares did not make any difference in the company's daily performance and service operations. </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"">Referring to the fact that Ncell has been paying taxes regularly, the statement added that the company has so far paid more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">283</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in taxes to the Government of Nepal.</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 company has made significant contributions in various fields under corporate social responsibility and has extended the network to the far reaches of the country and provided telecommunication services to more than </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"">million people," reads the statement.</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 union, Ncell has directly and indirectly created more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</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"">jobs. The union alleges that the unfounded accusation is motivated by the desire to influence the investigation report at a time when the government has formed an investigation committee to find the truth behild the process of the purchase and sale of shares of Ncell Axiata.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19428', 'image' => '20231211032452_ncell.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:23:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19699', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Buddha Air adds another Aircraft to its Fleet', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Buddha Air has started commercial flights with its seventeenth aircraft from Sunday. ', '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 11: Buddha Air has started commercial flights with its seventeenth aircraft from Sunday. The aircraft made its first flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">59</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> passengers. </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"">Buddha Air had brought the aircraft to Kathmandu on October </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"">. After bringing the plane, it was painted and all the necessary procedures were completed before Buddha Air started commercial flights from Sunday.</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"">With the addition of the new aircraft with call sign </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">N-AOC, Buddha Air now has a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">72</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft in its fleet.</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"">Buddha Air said it added the new aircraft in line with its commitment to make air travel easy and comfortable to its customers.</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 Rupesh Joshi, marketing director of Buddha Air, passengers will get easy access to flights as the company has increased the number of flights significantly.</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"">Buddha Air has three</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42-320 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">72-500 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19427', 'image' => '20231211122755_1702208049.budhha air.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 12:27:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19698', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investment in Children’s Sector Low in Karnali Province', 'sub_title' => 'Provincial Government Invests One Percent Budget for Children, School Infrastructure Development', 'summary' => 'December 11: It has been revealed that the Karnali Province government has made very little investment for children in the province. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 11: It has been revealed that the Karnali Province government has made very little investment for children in the province. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Only one percent budget has been appropriated for the children sector in Karnali Province, a study undertaken by the Collective Campaign for Child Rights Karnali revealed. An analysis of the budget appropriated by the Karnali Province government in three fiscal years, from 2021/22 to 2023/24, revealed that only minimal budget has been allocated for this sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Out of a total annual budget of Rs 28.47 billion for the fiscal year 2021/22, over Rs 149 million (1.28 percent) was allocated for children. Likewise, only 0.86 percent budget was appropriated for children in the fiscal year 2022/23. Similarly, 1.07 percent budget has been allocated for children in the fiscal year 2023/24. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CCR Karnali Chair Tekraj Acharya shared that the Karnali province government has allocated over Rs 355.8 million for the children’s sector this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that four areas of child rights were studied in the budget analysis. Budget allocated for the development of school infrastructure was also considered as budget for the children’s sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stakeholders have urged all three tiers of the governments to increase investment in the children’s sector. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19426', 'image' => '20231211115038_children.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 11:49:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19697', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Study on Iron Mines Excavation Gains Pace in Rukum East ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: The government has started a comprehensive study to excavate iron mines in Rukum (East). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 11: The government has started a comprehensive study to excavate iron mines in Rukum (East). A feasibility study has been initiated for excavation since last week after detection of iron mine in Bhume Rural Municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A team consisting of geologists of the Department of Mines and Geology Sujan Devkota and Saunak Bhandari started carrying out feasibility study in Bhume Rural Municipality-3, Jhumlabang. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the past, the task of comprehensive study did not gain momentum due to financial reason. Bhume Rural Municipality’s Chairperson Hom Prakash Shrestha said that fresh studies on iron mines have been started in several places of the rural municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The locals also informed that iron mine excavations are taking place in the areas where iron mines were detected earlier. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19425', 'image' => '20231211110802_iron.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 11:06:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19696', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'High-level Committee Begins Probe into Ncell's Share Rale row', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A high-level committee, tasked with investigating the Ncell share sale controversy, officially commenced its inquiry on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 11: A high-level committee, tasked with investigating the Ncell share sale controversy, officially commenced its inquiry on Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Tankamani Sharma, the coordinator of the five-member committee, said that they had initiated the investigation in accordance with the government's mandate, aiming to conclude the inquiry within a specified timeline and present a comprehensive report with recommendations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Coordinator Sharma outlined the committee's approach, stating that they plan to engage in discussions with relevant regulatory bodies, government officials, and service provider companies during the investigation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee will actively gather essential documents and information from individuals and organizations involved, seeking input and suggestions from experts, stakeholders, organizations, and the general public.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee has called for cooperation from all parties involved, urging them to provide factual information and any evidence pertinent to the issue under investigation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The secretariat of the probe is located at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The committee is required to present its findings within 30 days of its formation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is worth noting that the government established the committee on December 7 to delve into matters related to Ncell's share and purchase, assess its compliance with existing laws, and analyze its impact on revenue collection and foreign investment in Nepal, among other aspects. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19424', 'image' => '20231211060023_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 05:58:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19695', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Global IME Bank Operates Four New Branches Simultaneously', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Global IME Bank Limited has brought four new branches into operation simultaneously.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 10: Global IME Bank Limited has brought four new branches into operation simultaneously. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bank has inaugurated new branches in Budhanilkantha Municipality-5, Budhanilkantha, Chandragiri Municipality-13, Dahachok, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-8 in Chitwan, Sharadpur, and Abu Khaireni Rural Municipality-3 in Tanahun.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Starting from Sunday, all banking services will be available at these new branches. Global IME Bank stands out as the first private sector bank with a branch network in all seventy-seven districts across the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bank, with 355 branches, 376 ATMs, 274 branchless banking services, 65 extensions, revenue collection counters, and three foreign representative offices, has been serving more than 4.6 million customers through over 1,100 service centers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Moreover, the bank has been playing a significant role in the country's economy by facilitating remittances from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, India, Jordan, and Hong Kong.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19423', 'image' => '20231210054554_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 17:44:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19694', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Trading Halted as Index Surges 6% in Early Market Rally', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a massive surge, reaching 1963.98 points, marking a remarkable 6% increase or 112.20 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 10: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a massive surge, reaching 1963.98 points, marking a remarkable 6% increase or 112.20 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This sudden upswing in the NEPSE triggered multiple trading halts throughout the day, leading to the early closure of the market. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The first pause occurred after just 5 minutes of trading, following a 4% rise in the index. This initial halt lasted for 20 minutes. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When trading resumed at 11:25 AM, the market experienced another pause just two minutes later, lasting 40 minutes, as the index climbed by 5%. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The final resumption at 12:07 PM saw a rapid 6% positive circuit within two minutes, resulting in the ultimate closure of the market for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the trading session, a total of 244 scrips were traded through 7,014 transactions, with 1,367,615 shares changing hands, amounting to Rs 48 crores in value. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Five companies—Reliance Finance Limited (RLFL), Joshi Hydropower Development Limited (JOSHI), Rapti Hydro And General Construction Limited (RHGCL), Shuvam Power Limited (SPL), and Kalinchowk Darshan Limited (KDL)—each experienced a 10% rise, hitting the positive circuit for the day. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mountain Energy Nepal (MEN) led in turnover with Rs 3.58 crores, while NMB Sulav Investment Fund-2 (NSIF2) incurred the highest loss at 1.97%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sector indices closed in the green zone. The HydroPower Index saw the most significant gain at 8.63%, while the Mutual Fund Index had the smallest increase at 0.21%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19422', 'image' => '20231210035429_collage (5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 15:53:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19692', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Makes Effort to Revitalize the Economy by Reducing Interest Rates', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: The central bank, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy for 'economic reforms', has become flexible to 'make the economy vibrant.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">December 10: The central bank, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy for 'economic reforms', has become flexible to 'make the economy vibrant. Nepal Rastra Bank has become flexible towards the monetary policy through the first quarter review after analyzing that the indicators of the external sector have eased in the economy due to the tight policy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the central bank, it adopted flexibility in the policy arrangements in view of the improvement in domestic economic situation along with the increase in foreign exchange reserves. Moreover, there was pressure from all sides to become flexible because of the increasing problems in the economy due to strict policies.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">On Friday, while unveiling the first quarterly review of the monetary policy of the current fiscal year, the central bank indicated that it is going to reduce the interest rate by reducing the interest rate corridor. Likewise, the provisions related to the existing risk weight of share mortgage, real estate and hire purchase loans have been reviewed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The installment of housing loan has also revised. In order to provide relief to the businessmen who are in trouble due to the decline in economic activities, arrangements have been made to restructure loans and provide housing loans at subsidized interest rates in earthquake-affected areas.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NRB Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari said in a press conference on Friday that the policy rates have been reviewed to increase credit investment. "Although the liquidity situation has eased recently, banks have not been able to increase credit flow," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Governor Adhikari claimed that if the central bank’s decision to reduce the policy rates will decrease the interest rate and the credit flow will increase and this will revive the sluggish economy. "The big countries of the world still have a tight monetary policy," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Efforts to reduce interest rates</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The central bank has tried to reduce the interest rate by reviewing the monetary policy. In the policy, the bank rate has been reduced from 7.5 percent to 7 percent, the policy rate has been reduced from 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent and the deposit collection rate has been reduced from 4.5 percent to 3 percent. However, the mandatory cash reserve ratio (CRR) and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) have been kept unchanged. Banks get overnight liquidity facility at policy rate and permanent liquidity facility at bank rate. The central bank has said that if the policy and bank rates decrease, the cost of liquidity management of the banks will be reduced and the interest rate will also be cheaper.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Likewise, the period during which bonds can be counted as deposits has also been extended to raise funds for lending to the banks. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Relief to distressed debtors</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NRB announced that relief will be given to the borrowers of banks and financial institutions who are in trouble due to the review of monetary policy. It is mentioned in the review that the central bank will facilitate the borrowers who are in trouble due to circumstances through means such as loan restructuring and rescheduling while action will be taken against those who do not pay loan on purpose.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Based on the analysis of the applications received from the borrowers who are in trouble, it has been announced that the period in which the banks can restructure the loan by charging 10 percent of the outstanding interest will be maintained until mid-April.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Previously, the period for loan restructuring and rescheduling was until the mid-December.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, it is mentioned in the review that if the borrowers who are in regular contact with the microfinance financial institution but are unable to regularize their loan payments due to situational problems, they will be able to restructure the loans of such borrowers if they submit an application for loan restructuring within the next three months.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Address to earthquake victims</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Nepal Rastra Bank has announced that it will provide loans at subsidized interest rates for the reconstruction of residential houses damaged due to the November 3 earthquake in western Nepal. In the review of monetary policy, it is mentioned that when banks and financial institutions give residential home loans of up to Rs 2.5 million to the families listed as earthquake victims, there will be no additional premium of more than 2 percentage points on the base rate. Similarly, it has been announced in the review that for the reconstruction of public schools, public hospitals and health posts damaged due to the earthquake, banks can contribute up to 40 percent of the amount to be spent separately to the social responsibility fund from the profits of the previous and current years.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Flexible in real estate loans</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Through the revised monetary policy, the NRB has decided to reduce the risk weight of real estate loans and maintain the risk weight for share mortgage loans exceeding Rs 50 million at 125 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19421', 'image' => '20231210025922_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 14:58:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19691', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Experts Recommend 'Controlled Legalization' of Marijuana', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: At a time when there is a serious debate about the legality of marijuana cultivation in Nepal, experts have recommended the government for ‘controlled legitimacy’ in production and use of the banned substance.', '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"">Bijay Damase</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"">December 10: At a time when there is a serious debate about the legality of marijuana cultivation in Nepal, experts have recommended the government for ‘controlled legitimacy’ in production and use of the banned substance.</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 Policy Research Institute in collaboration with Nepal Health Research Council conducted a study on 'Legalization of Marijuana Cultivation in Nepal: Possibilities and Challenges' and made this recommendation to the government saying that many countries of the world have adopted this policy.</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 team of experts including Dr Manita Kusi, Dr Hari Sharma Neupane, Dr Mukunda Raj Kattel, Advocate Hari Prasad Mainali, Prof Rajendra Gyawali, Dr Prerak Regmi, Pushkar Basyal and others researched and prepared the report for the institute. The report has recommended the government to amend the current laws of the Narcotic Drug Control Act, 2033. </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 experts recommended developing regulatios, method and structure for the use and trade of marijuana. Although the full legalization of marijuana is not possible at the moment, researchers have indicated in the report that 'controlled legalization' can be followed as other countries have adopted.</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 report concluded that it is important to be aware of the "harmful effects" of marijuana products. It is essential to create necessary regulations for its monitoring and to prepare specific methods, structures and human resources to address the social ills caused by its use such as addiction, social violence, etc.</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 study report, clarity should be maintained about the controlled use of marijuana in the current Narcotic Drugs Control Act. In addition, the study shows that the ambiguity regarding the use of marijuana can be removed if the relevant government agencies create clear regulations and implement them.</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 experts have recommended defining marijuana based on its use. The current definition of the Narcotics Drug Control Act makes all varieties of marijuana illegal. </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 this law, as the cultivation and business of marijuana species with less than 0.3 percent tetra-hydro-cannabinol (THC)</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, whose medicinal and recreational effects are considered insignificant and used for industrial production, is also considered illegal.</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 study says that this definition resulted in the closure of industries that processed marijuana.</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 is necessary to define marijuana based on the compounds found in marijuana to prevent such a situation in the future. The report suggests that marijuana species with less than 0.3% THC should be allowed for cultivation and business under the name of 'Industrial Cannabis' and those with more than 0.3% THC should be allowed for research and medicinal use with proper regulation according to the principle of 'controlled use'. </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"">Similarly, in the study report, it is recommended to conduct a scientific study about the medicinal aspects of marijuana. Stating that there is not much research on the medicinal properties of cannabis in Nepal, it is also said that the current knowledge based on traditional/Ayurvedic practice is not scientifically agreed upon. It is mentioned in the report that it is necessary to determine the amount of chemical elements found in which type of cannabis and the necessary infrastructure for production of modern laboratory, skilled manpower and quality control, keeping in mind the possibility that Nepali cannabis can be established in the world market as an integral part of pharmaceutical science. </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 report suggests promoting scientific hemp cultivation for industrial purposes. According to the study, there is a lack of scientific knowledge about which type of cannabis cultivation is suitable in which climate of Nepal.</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 order to fill this gap, it is recommended to carry out necessary studies and research to promote the cultivation of cannabis suitable for the geographical environment and climate, and to orient and train the farmers accordingly.</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 study report also suggested promoting evidence-based Ayurvedic medicine. According to the study, there is a long tradition of making cannabis-mixed medicine in the Ayurvedic medical system. Such medicines are used in the treatment of many diseases including indigestion, rheumatism, problems caused by contaminated food (food poisoning). However, there is a lack of reliable (scientific) knowledge about the long-term effects of these and other Ayurvedic medicines, due to which the expected promotion of the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which has a long history and tradition, has not been possible. In order to solve this problem, testing the medicinal properties of cannabis and other plants used in the manufacture of Ayurvedic medicine, identifying the diseases that can be diagnosed and treating them through scientific methods and developing human resources to promote evidence-based Ayurvedic medicine can contribute to human health, the research pointed out.</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"">History of Prohibition in Nepal</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 1961, the United Nations adopted a convention with the proposal that marijuana be listed as a narcotic drug and its production and use should be restricted worldwide. As a member of the United Nations, the government of Nepal banned the cultivation, use and trade of cannabis in Nepal through a declaration in 2030 BS. Three years later, in the year 2033, the government formulated law necessary to implement the declaration. The Narcotic Drugs Control Act, 2033, was amended at various times based on the experience and practice of developed countries.</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 a bill regarding the legalization of marijuana has been registered in the Parliament of Nepal, it has not been able to move forward. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19420', 'image' => '20231210023326_20221030030309_20201204014433_1607039093.Clipboard09.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 14:32:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19690', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Revenue Policy Affecting Business in Border Areas', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: Traders in the border town of Birgunj are disappointed due to lack of business even during the recently held festive season.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 10: Traders in the border town of Birgunj are disappointed due to lack of business even during the recently held festive season. Deepak Sarraf, a businessman from Maisthanchowk, was expecting that his business would increase during festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Chhath. However, he was disappointed as customers did not come to his shop as expected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Traders who were worried due to lack of business amid economic recession were hopeful that they would get some relief during the festive season. However, traders like Sarraf are worried what to do next as their business did not go well even during the major festivals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While the businessmen of Birgunj spend the day waiting for customers in vain, the Indian city of Raxaul across the border is crowded with Nepali customers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajendra Gupta, a businessman in the area said, “During the festival, it is difficult to even set foot in Raxaul due to the crowd of Nepali customers. At other times as well, majority of customers shopping across border are from Nepal.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2007, the government introduced a rule requiring importers to pay customs duty on goods worth more than Rs 100. However, this rule is yet to be implemented.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Customers from Birgunj shopping across the border in the Indian market is not the only problem. Another major problem is the flourishing business of illegally smuggled goods into Nepal as the goods are easily available across the border.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Traders claim that the smuggled goods, which are imported by evading customs duty, reach the main cities of the country including Kathmandu. The government has deployed customs officials, security forces and revenue investigation agencies at the border to control illegal imports. However, smuggling of goods continues unabated.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Traders complain that smuggling has flourished due to the collusion of those agencies. A trader said, “The empire of illegal imports is becoming so strong that it has become a challenge for domestically-produced goods.” A study conducted by Nepal Rastra Bank a few years ago revealed that about 35 percent of the total imports from India is brought through informal channels. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Businessman Gupta says that when goods are imported through illegal means, there is an adverse effect on trade, production and all aspects related to it in the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> According to experts, Nepali customers are attracted to the Indian market because the goods are cheaper there after India's reforms in the tax system through the goods and services tax.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They claim that the problem of smuggling will not be controlled until the government improves the revenue system because this is also the cause of the illegal import that is happening institutionally. India imposes less tax on consumer goods and more on luxury goods.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of Madhesh Province chapter of FNCCI said, “When the prices of common consumable goods are low there, they are imported illegally. We have a high rate of revenue for the import of those goods. This has led to the problem of smuggling.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Temani claims that if the total revenue collected in Nepal's customs is made equal to the goods and services tax in India, this problem will be solved automatically. India does not levy GST on exports to Nepal. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19418', 'image' => '20231210015420_1702175870.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 13:53:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19689', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '34.4 Percent of Women Own Agricultural Land in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: Agricultural Census 2078 has shown that the share of women who own agricultural land in Nepal is 34.4 percent.', '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 10: Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> has shown that the share of women who own agricultural land in Nepal is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34.4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. This is the first study in Nepal about women's ownership of agricultural land.</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 National Statistics Office announced the results of the National Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> regarding indicators of sustainable development goals and published data on women's ownership of agricultural land. </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 data, women in Gandaki Province own most of the agricultural land, while Karnali Province has the least amount of women’s ownership. The share of women having agricultural land in their name is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38.5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in Gandaki Province and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">28.7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in Karnali.</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"">Director of the NSO, Badri Kumar Karki, said that Gandaki Province announced large amount of tax exemption while keeping agricultural land in name of women and therefore more women in the province have ownership of agricultural. </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 results of the National Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">shows that the percentage of adult agricultural population (</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years and above) who have secured ownership of agricultural land is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31.4. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Looking at the state wise data, this percentage is the highest in Gandaki at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> and the lowest in Karnali at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">29</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent.</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"">From the point of view of gender analysis, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42.9</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the total adult males involved in farming families have secure ownership of agricultural land. In case of women, this percentage is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20.8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. Province-wise, the percentage of adult males is the highest at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">47.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Bagmati Province and the lowest at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">40.1</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Madhesh Province. </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"">Similarly, in the case of adult women having ownership of agricultural land, it has been found that the highest percentage is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Gandaki Province and the lowest is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">16.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Karnali Province.</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 Nepal, out of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">62</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the households involved in agricultural work, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">32</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the households are headed by women.</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"">Agricultural land has an important contribution to the livelihood in Nepal. Therefore, the ownership of agricultural land can make a significant contribution to the overall upliftment of the agricultural population as well as women's empowerment in particular. </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 data shows that a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</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"">32</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"">11</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"">349</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> are involved in agriculture in Nepal</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">including </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">68</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"">63</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"">412 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">women and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">63</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"">47</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"">936 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">men.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19417', 'image' => '20231210124135_1702174003.1 omen.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 12:40:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19704', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Records Decline of 15.40 to Close at 1948.57', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a volatile trading day marked by fluctuations, ultimately recording a decline of 15.40 points or 0.78%, closing at 1948.57 on Monday, the second trading day of the week.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 11: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a volatile trading day marked by fluctuations, ultimately recording a decline of 15.40 points or 0.78%, closing at 1948.57 on Monday, the second trading day of the week.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Financial experts and stock analysts attribute today's correction to the natural course of market dynamics following yesterday's remarkable surge of over 100 points. The day's turnover reached Rs 4.84 billion, indicating increased investor activity and a prevailing positive sentiment among them.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A total of 303 scrips were traded in 109,918 transactions, involving 14,698,517 shares, amounting to Rs 4.84 billion turnover. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sonapur Minerals and Oil Limited (SONAPUR) took the lead in turnover with Rs 25 crores.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bottler Nepal Limited (BNL), Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SLBSL), and Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI), each saw a significant gain of 10%, triggering a positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the downside, Samata Gharelu Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SMATA) incurred the highest loss at 7.15%, closing at a market price of Rs 610 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sectors closed in the red zone, with the exception of Mutual Fund, Non-Life Insurance, and Microfinance Index. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Development Index suffered the most significant loss at 2.09%, while the Mutual Fund Index saw the highest gain at 2.16%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19432', 'image' => '20231211035244_collage (7).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:51:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19703', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Price of Radish Declines, Farmers Struggle to Find Market for Tomatoes ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: The price of radish has dropped with the increase in the supply of freshly-produced radish.', '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 11: The price of radish has dropped with the increase in the supply of freshly-produced radish.</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 Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee, the price of red radish has decreased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">63</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in one month.</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 committee, the average price of red radish per kg a month ago was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">43</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, which has now dropped to Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per kg.</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"">Meanwhile, farmers of Sindhupalchowk are struggling to find market for the tomatoes produced in the district. Around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">400</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">500</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> crates of tomatoes are produced daily in the district while hardly </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">200</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> crates are sold. As a result, the tomatoes have started rotting in the fields.</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"">Uddhav Nepal, local elected representative of Chautara, said that the farmers who produced and sold about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</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"">1</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million kilos of tomatoes in the last fiscal year have suffered losses due to lack of market this year.</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"">Resham Bahadur Alemgar, a farmer from Chautara, said that he had sold tomatoes worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">370,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> last year but the sale this year is not even worth Rs </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"">,</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:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"I spent around </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">300,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">on seeds, fertilizer, medicine, etc," he said. I am struggling to get returns on investment even though I have produced plentiful tomatoes worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">600</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> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19431', 'image' => '20231211032603_rad-pin-3.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:25:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19701', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shortage of Australian and Canadian Dollar as Students Prefer Cash over Electronic Means', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Due to the rise in the number of students going to Australia and Canada for higher education, there is a shortage of Australian and Canadian dollars in the market.', '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 11: Due to the rise in the number of students going to Australia and Canada for higher education, there is a shortage of Australian and Canadian dollars in the market. Although students pay university fees through bank transfer, there is a shortage because they use cash for personal expenses. The people in general have complained that they are not getting proper facilities for foreign currency exchange even from the counter of Nepal Rastra Bank.</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 central bank is currently providing students with cash of up to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">300</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> Australian and Canadian dollars after confirmation of visas and air tickets. If they require more than this amount, the students can get it through the verified electronic card issued by banks and financial institutions, said Dilliram Pokharel, deputy spokesperson of Nepal Rastra Bank. He admitted that due to the low cash reserve, the students could not be provided with adequate facilities as per their demand.</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 Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the increase in the number of students going to Australia and Canada, there is an increase in pressure for currency exchange through the medium of cash," he said. However, he said that there is no problem for currency exchange through other means.</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"">Currently, the central bank has made arrangements for foreign exchange facilities to students going abroad for higher education based on the 'No Objection Letter' issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Students are given the facility on the basis of theitr university bill to pay the fees. In addition, up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">is also provided for their passports.</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"">Deputy Spokesperson Pokharel said that the tendency to look for exchange facilities in cash has led to a shortage. </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"">"Currently, we have enough foreign currency reserves so there is no problem in providing the same facilities as specified," he said, "The problem has surfaced because they seek cash rather than such facility through electronic means." </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"">Yuvraj Karki, the operations manager of Oli and Associates, an organization that has been providing educational consultancy to students, said that students consider it a hassle to carry dollar cards. He shared that if the dollar card is converted into local currency, it will be expensive, so the students look for cash as much as possible.</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 instructions of the central bank, students can also exchange a minimum of USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">to a maximum of USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">for the annual subsistence expenses. Accordingly, they can avail up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2,500</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">to study in Bangladesh and Pakistan, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for China, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">6,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for Singapore and South Korea, USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> for Canada, America, Australia and European countries and up to USD </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5,000</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">for other countries. </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"">With the end of the Covid-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pandemic, the number of Nepalis going abroad for higher education is increasing. Due to this, the capital flight from Nepal for higher education is also increasing.</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 data of NRB, Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">32</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"">92</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion have been spent for higher education in the first three months of the current fiscal year. During the corresponding period of last fiscal year, Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">17.89</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were spent for higher education. Last year, a total of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">142</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion were spent on higher education abroad.</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 Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, by mid-October of the current fiscal year, more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">30,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> people have received no objection letters to study abroad. </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 for the ministry Shiva Kumar Sapkota said that most of the students have applied for studies in Australia, Canada, Japan, America and the UK. In the last fiscal year, more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">100,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> people were issued no objection letters by the ministry for studying abroad.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19430', 'image' => '20231211030215_1702262066.collection-dollar-money-usa-canada-australia_359031-4146.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:01:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19700', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Starts Importing Electricity from India with the Onset of Dry Season', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: With the onset of dry season, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started importing electricity from India.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">December 11: With the onset of dry season, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started importing electricity from India. The flow of water in the rivers and streams has decreased due to the onset of winter and the production of the power plants in the country has started to decrease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As the demand for electricity has increased in the domestic market, the NEA has started importing electricity import from the Indian market.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The NEA had been selling surplus electricity to India during the monsoon. The authority said that electricity export has already been stopped from Friday night.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Kulman Ghising, executive director of the authority, said that the maximum demand for electricity on a daily basis is around 1,700 megawatts, and since domestic production alone is not enough to meet it, a small amount of electricity has been imported.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Currently, electricity generation and demand are almost equal, we are collecting water in our semi-reservoir power plants during the day and night time and running them during the peak hours in the evening and morning to meet the electricity demand," said Executive Director Ghising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to Ghising, the export will resume from the second week of Baisakh (last week of April, 2024).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This year, around 900 megawatts electricity is being added to the national grid. Similarly, next year, power worth approximately Rs 25 billion will be exported. High-powered transmission lines are being constructed for improving the transmission of electricity between the two countries. On the other hand, hydropower projects are being built within the country. In this context, a climate is being created wherein electricity worth around Rs 100 billion will be exported in the next five years." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The NEA exported electricity worth Rs 15.4 billion to India between June 1 and December 6, 2023. A maximum of 700 megawatts of electricity was sold on a daily basis at Rs 8.77 per unit. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => 'Nepal, India, electricity, import, export, surplus, dry, season, river, water, decline, demand, market, peak, hour', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19429', 'image' => '20231211013200_20231208030316_elec.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 13:31:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19702', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Ncell Employees Trade Union says Rumors about Sale of the Company’s Shares are Baseless', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Ncell’s Employees Trade Union has said that its attention has been drawn to the "baseless" publicity stunt in media and social networks regarding the sale of shares of Reynolds Holding, which owns about 80 percent stakes in Ncell Axiata Limited.', '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 11: Ncell’s Employees Trade Union has said that its attention has been drawn to the "baseless" publicity stunt in media and social networks regarding the sale of shares of Reynolds Holding, which owns about </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent stakes in Ncell Axiata Limited.</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 union said in a statement that it is a normal process to buy and sell shares of the company and since Ncell is a multinational company, it is natural to do business according to national and international practices. The statement further mentions that the process of purchase and sale of shares did not make any difference in the company's daily performance and service operations. </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"">Referring to the fact that Ncell has been paying taxes regularly, the statement added that the company has so far paid more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">283</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in taxes to the Government of Nepal.</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 company has made significant contributions in various fields under corporate social responsibility and has extended the network to the far reaches of the country and provided telecommunication services to more than </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"">million people," reads the statement.</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 union, Ncell has directly and indirectly created more than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</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"">jobs. The union alleges that the unfounded accusation is motivated by the desire to influence the investigation report at a time when the government has formed an investigation committee to find the truth behild the process of the purchase and sale of shares of Ncell Axiata.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19428', 'image' => '20231211032452_ncell.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 15:23:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19699', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Buddha Air adds another Aircraft to its Fleet', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: Buddha Air has started commercial flights with its seventeenth aircraft from Sunday. ', '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 11: Buddha Air has started commercial flights with its seventeenth aircraft from Sunday. The aircraft made its first flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">59</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> passengers. </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"">Buddha Air had brought the aircraft to Kathmandu on October </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"">. After bringing the plane, it was painted and all the necessary procedures were completed before Buddha Air started commercial flights from Sunday.</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"">With the addition of the new aircraft with call sign </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">N-AOC, Buddha Air now has a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">72</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft in its fleet.</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"">Buddha Air said it added the new aircraft in line with its commitment to make air travel easy and comfortable to its customers.</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 Rupesh Joshi, marketing director of Buddha Air, passengers will get easy access to flights as the company has increased the number of flights significantly.</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"">Buddha Air has three</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42-320 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ATR-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">72-500 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">aircraft.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19427', 'image' => '20231211122755_1702208049.budhha air.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 12:27:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19698', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investment in Children’s Sector Low in Karnali Province', 'sub_title' => 'Provincial Government Invests One Percent Budget for Children, School Infrastructure Development', 'summary' => 'December 11: It has been revealed that the Karnali Province government has made very little investment for children in the province. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 11: It has been revealed that the Karnali Province government has made very little investment for children in the province. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Only one percent budget has been appropriated for the children sector in Karnali Province, a study undertaken by the Collective Campaign for Child Rights Karnali revealed. An analysis of the budget appropriated by the Karnali Province government in three fiscal years, from 2021/22 to 2023/24, revealed that only minimal budget has been allocated for this sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Out of a total annual budget of Rs 28.47 billion for the fiscal year 2021/22, over Rs 149 million (1.28 percent) was allocated for children. Likewise, only 0.86 percent budget was appropriated for children in the fiscal year 2022/23. Similarly, 1.07 percent budget has been allocated for children in the fiscal year 2023/24. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CCR Karnali Chair Tekraj Acharya shared that the Karnali province government has allocated over Rs 355.8 million for the children’s sector this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that four areas of child rights were studied in the budget analysis. Budget allocated for the development of school infrastructure was also considered as budget for the children’s sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stakeholders have urged all three tiers of the governments to increase investment in the children’s sector. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19426', 'image' => '20231211115038_children.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 11:49:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19697', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Study on Iron Mines Excavation Gains Pace in Rukum East ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 11: The government has started a comprehensive study to excavate iron mines in Rukum (East). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 11: The government has started a comprehensive study to excavate iron mines in Rukum (East). A feasibility study has been initiated for excavation since last week after detection of iron mine in Bhume Rural Municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A team consisting of geologists of the Department of Mines and Geology Sujan Devkota and Saunak Bhandari started carrying out feasibility study in Bhume Rural Municipality-3, Jhumlabang. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the past, the task of comprehensive study did not gain momentum due to financial reason. Bhume Rural Municipality’s Chairperson Hom Prakash Shrestha said that fresh studies on iron mines have been started in several places of the rural municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The locals also informed that iron mine excavations are taking place in the areas where iron mines were detected earlier. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19425', 'image' => '20231211110802_iron.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 11:06:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19696', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'High-level Committee Begins Probe into Ncell's Share Rale row', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A high-level committee, tasked with investigating the Ncell share sale controversy, officially commenced its inquiry on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 11: A high-level committee, tasked with investigating the Ncell share sale controversy, officially commenced its inquiry on Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Tankamani Sharma, the coordinator of the five-member committee, said that they had initiated the investigation in accordance with the government's mandate, aiming to conclude the inquiry within a specified timeline and present a comprehensive report with recommendations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Coordinator Sharma outlined the committee's approach, stating that they plan to engage in discussions with relevant regulatory bodies, government officials, and service provider companies during the investigation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee will actively gather essential documents and information from individuals and organizations involved, seeking input and suggestions from experts, stakeholders, organizations, and the general public.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee has called for cooperation from all parties involved, urging them to provide factual information and any evidence pertinent to the issue under investigation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The secretariat of the probe is located at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The committee is required to present its findings within 30 days of its formation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is worth noting that the government established the committee on December 7 to delve into matters related to Ncell's share and purchase, assess its compliance with existing laws, and analyze its impact on revenue collection and foreign investment in Nepal, among other aspects. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-11', 'modified' => '2023-12-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19424', 'image' => '20231211060023_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-11 05:58:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19695', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Global IME Bank Operates Four New Branches Simultaneously', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Global IME Bank Limited has brought four new branches into operation simultaneously.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 10: Global IME Bank Limited has brought four new branches into operation simultaneously. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bank has inaugurated new branches in Budhanilkantha Municipality-5, Budhanilkantha, Chandragiri Municipality-13, Dahachok, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-8 in Chitwan, Sharadpur, and Abu Khaireni Rural Municipality-3 in Tanahun.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Starting from Sunday, all banking services will be available at these new branches. Global IME Bank stands out as the first private sector bank with a branch network in all seventy-seven districts across the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bank, with 355 branches, 376 ATMs, 274 branchless banking services, 65 extensions, revenue collection counters, and three foreign representative offices, has been serving more than 4.6 million customers through over 1,100 service centers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Moreover, the bank has been playing a significant role in the country's economy by facilitating remittances from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, India, Jordan, and Hong Kong.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19423', 'image' => '20231210054554_collage (6).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 17:44:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19694', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Trading Halted as Index Surges 6% in Early Market Rally', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a massive surge, reaching 1963.98 points, marking a remarkable 6% increase or 112.20 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">December 10: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index witnessed a massive surge, reaching 1963.98 points, marking a remarkable 6% increase or 112.20 points on the first trading day of the week, Sunday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This sudden upswing in the NEPSE triggered multiple trading halts throughout the day, leading to the early closure of the market. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The first pause occurred after just 5 minutes of trading, following a 4% rise in the index. This initial halt lasted for 20 minutes. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When trading resumed at 11:25 AM, the market experienced another pause just two minutes later, lasting 40 minutes, as the index climbed by 5%. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The final resumption at 12:07 PM saw a rapid 6% positive circuit within two minutes, resulting in the ultimate closure of the market for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the trading session, a total of 244 scrips were traded through 7,014 transactions, with 1,367,615 shares changing hands, amounting to Rs 48 crores in value. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Five companies—Reliance Finance Limited (RLFL), Joshi Hydropower Development Limited (JOSHI), Rapti Hydro And General Construction Limited (RHGCL), Shuvam Power Limited (SPL), and Kalinchowk Darshan Limited (KDL)—each experienced a 10% rise, hitting the positive circuit for the day. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mountain Energy Nepal (MEN) led in turnover with Rs 3.58 crores, while NMB Sulav Investment Fund-2 (NSIF2) incurred the highest loss at 1.97%.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, all sector indices closed in the green zone. The HydroPower Index saw the most significant gain at 8.63%, while the Mutual Fund Index had the smallest increase at 0.21%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19422', 'image' => '20231210035429_collage (5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 15:53:08', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19692', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Makes Effort to Revitalize the Economy by Reducing Interest Rates', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: The central bank, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy for 'economic reforms', has become flexible to 'make the economy vibrant.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">December 10: The central bank, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy for 'economic reforms', has become flexible to 'make the economy vibrant. Nepal Rastra Bank has become flexible towards the monetary policy through the first quarter review after analyzing that the indicators of the external sector have eased in the economy due to the tight policy.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the central bank, it adopted flexibility in the policy arrangements in view of the improvement in domestic economic situation along with the increase in foreign exchange reserves. Moreover, there was pressure from all sides to become flexible because of the increasing problems in the economy due to strict policies.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">On Friday, while unveiling the first quarterly review of the monetary policy of the current fiscal year, the central bank indicated that it is going to reduce the interest rate by reducing the interest rate corridor. Likewise, the provisions related to the existing risk weight of share mortgage, real estate and hire purchase loans have been reviewed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The installment of housing loan has also revised. In order to provide relief to the businessmen who are in trouble due to the decline in economic activities, arrangements have been made to restructure loans and provide housing loans at subsidized interest rates in earthquake-affected areas.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NRB Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari said in a press conference on Friday that the policy rates have been reviewed to increase credit investment. "Although the liquidity situation has eased recently, banks have not been able to increase credit flow," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Governor Adhikari claimed that if the central bank’s decision to reduce the policy rates will decrease the interest rate and the credit flow will increase and this will revive the sluggish economy. "The big countries of the world still have a tight monetary policy," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Efforts to reduce interest rates</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The central bank has tried to reduce the interest rate by reviewing the monetary policy. In the policy, the bank rate has been reduced from 7.5 percent to 7 percent, the policy rate has been reduced from 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent and the deposit collection rate has been reduced from 4.5 percent to 3 percent. However, the mandatory cash reserve ratio (CRR) and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) have been kept unchanged. Banks get overnight liquidity facility at policy rate and permanent liquidity facility at bank rate. The central bank has said that if the policy and bank rates decrease, the cost of liquidity management of the banks will be reduced and the interest rate will also be cheaper.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Likewise, the period during which bonds can be counted as deposits has also been extended to raise funds for lending to the banks. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Relief to distressed debtors</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NRB announced that relief will be given to the borrowers of banks and financial institutions who are in trouble due to the review of monetary policy. It is mentioned in the review that the central bank will facilitate the borrowers who are in trouble due to circumstances through means such as loan restructuring and rescheduling while action will be taken against those who do not pay loan on purpose.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Based on the analysis of the applications received from the borrowers who are in trouble, it has been announced that the period in which the banks can restructure the loan by charging 10 percent of the outstanding interest will be maintained until mid-April.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Previously, the period for loan restructuring and rescheduling was until the mid-December.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, it is mentioned in the review that if the borrowers who are in regular contact with the microfinance financial institution but are unable to regularize their loan payments due to situational problems, they will be able to restructure the loans of such borrowers if they submit an application for loan restructuring within the next three months.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Address to earthquake victims</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Nepal Rastra Bank has announced that it will provide loans at subsidized interest rates for the reconstruction of residential houses damaged due to the November 3 earthquake in western Nepal. In the review of monetary policy, it is mentioned that when banks and financial institutions give residential home loans of up to Rs 2.5 million to the families listed as earthquake victims, there will be no additional premium of more than 2 percentage points on the base rate. Similarly, it has been announced in the review that for the reconstruction of public schools, public hospitals and health posts damaged due to the earthquake, banks can contribute up to 40 percent of the amount to be spent separately to the social responsibility fund from the profits of the previous and current years.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Flexible in real estate loans</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Through the revised monetary policy, the NRB has decided to reduce the risk weight of real estate loans and maintain the risk weight for share mortgage loans exceeding Rs 50 million at 125 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19421', 'image' => '20231210025922_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 14:58:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19691', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Experts Recommend 'Controlled Legalization' of Marijuana', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: At a time when there is a serious debate about the legality of marijuana cultivation in Nepal, experts have recommended the government for ‘controlled legitimacy’ in production and use of the banned substance.', '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"">Bijay Damase</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"">December 10: At a time when there is a serious debate about the legality of marijuana cultivation in Nepal, experts have recommended the government for ‘controlled legitimacy’ in production and use of the banned substance.</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 Policy Research Institute in collaboration with Nepal Health Research Council conducted a study on 'Legalization of Marijuana Cultivation in Nepal: Possibilities and Challenges' and made this recommendation to the government saying that many countries of the world have adopted this policy.</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 team of experts including Dr Manita Kusi, Dr Hari Sharma Neupane, Dr Mukunda Raj Kattel, Advocate Hari Prasad Mainali, Prof Rajendra Gyawali, Dr Prerak Regmi, Pushkar Basyal and others researched and prepared the report for the institute. The report has recommended the government to amend the current laws of the Narcotic Drug Control Act, 2033. </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 experts recommended developing regulatios, method and structure for the use and trade of marijuana. Although the full legalization of marijuana is not possible at the moment, researchers have indicated in the report that 'controlled legalization' can be followed as other countries have adopted.</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 report concluded that it is important to be aware of the "harmful effects" of marijuana products. It is essential to create necessary regulations for its monitoring and to prepare specific methods, structures and human resources to address the social ills caused by its use such as addiction, social violence, etc.</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 study report, clarity should be maintained about the controlled use of marijuana in the current Narcotic Drugs Control Act. In addition, the study shows that the ambiguity regarding the use of marijuana can be removed if the relevant government agencies create clear regulations and implement them.</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 experts have recommended defining marijuana based on its use. The current definition of the Narcotics Drug Control Act makes all varieties of marijuana illegal. </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 this law, as the cultivation and business of marijuana species with less than 0.3 percent tetra-hydro-cannabinol (THC)</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, whose medicinal and recreational effects are considered insignificant and used for industrial production, is also considered illegal.</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 study says that this definition resulted in the closure of industries that processed marijuana.</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 is necessary to define marijuana based on the compounds found in marijuana to prevent such a situation in the future. The report suggests that marijuana species with less than 0.3% THC should be allowed for cultivation and business under the name of 'Industrial Cannabis' and those with more than 0.3% THC should be allowed for research and medicinal use with proper regulation according to the principle of 'controlled use'. </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"">Similarly, in the study report, it is recommended to conduct a scientific study about the medicinal aspects of marijuana. Stating that there is not much research on the medicinal properties of cannabis in Nepal, it is also said that the current knowledge based on traditional/Ayurvedic practice is not scientifically agreed upon. It is mentioned in the report that it is necessary to determine the amount of chemical elements found in which type of cannabis and the necessary infrastructure for production of modern laboratory, skilled manpower and quality control, keeping in mind the possibility that Nepali cannabis can be established in the world market as an integral part of pharmaceutical science. </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 report suggests promoting scientific hemp cultivation for industrial purposes. According to the study, there is a lack of scientific knowledge about which type of cannabis cultivation is suitable in which climate of Nepal.</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 order to fill this gap, it is recommended to carry out necessary studies and research to promote the cultivation of cannabis suitable for the geographical environment and climate, and to orient and train the farmers accordingly.</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 study report also suggested promoting evidence-based Ayurvedic medicine. According to the study, there is a long tradition of making cannabis-mixed medicine in the Ayurvedic medical system. Such medicines are used in the treatment of many diseases including indigestion, rheumatism, problems caused by contaminated food (food poisoning). However, there is a lack of reliable (scientific) knowledge about the long-term effects of these and other Ayurvedic medicines, due to which the expected promotion of the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which has a long history and tradition, has not been possible. In order to solve this problem, testing the medicinal properties of cannabis and other plants used in the manufacture of Ayurvedic medicine, identifying the diseases that can be diagnosed and treating them through scientific methods and developing human resources to promote evidence-based Ayurvedic medicine can contribute to human health, the research pointed out.</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"">History of Prohibition in Nepal</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 1961, the United Nations adopted a convention with the proposal that marijuana be listed as a narcotic drug and its production and use should be restricted worldwide. As a member of the United Nations, the government of Nepal banned the cultivation, use and trade of cannabis in Nepal through a declaration in 2030 BS. Three years later, in the year 2033, the government formulated law necessary to implement the declaration. The Narcotic Drugs Control Act, 2033, was amended at various times based on the experience and practice of developed countries.</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 a bill regarding the legalization of marijuana has been registered in the Parliament of Nepal, it has not been able to move forward. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19420', 'image' => '20231210023326_20221030030309_20201204014433_1607039093.Clipboard09.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 14:32:46', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19690', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Revenue Policy Affecting Business in Border Areas', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: Traders in the border town of Birgunj are disappointed due to lack of business even during the recently held festive season.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 10: Traders in the border town of Birgunj are disappointed due to lack of business even during the recently held festive season. Deepak Sarraf, a businessman from Maisthanchowk, was expecting that his business would increase during festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Chhath. However, he was disappointed as customers did not come to his shop as expected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Traders who were worried due to lack of business amid economic recession were hopeful that they would get some relief during the festive season. However, traders like Sarraf are worried what to do next as their business did not go well even during the major festivals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While the businessmen of Birgunj spend the day waiting for customers in vain, the Indian city of Raxaul across the border is crowded with Nepali customers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajendra Gupta, a businessman in the area said, “During the festival, it is difficult to even set foot in Raxaul due to the crowd of Nepali customers. At other times as well, majority of customers shopping across border are from Nepal.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2007, the government introduced a rule requiring importers to pay customs duty on goods worth more than Rs 100. However, this rule is yet to be implemented.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Customers from Birgunj shopping across the border in the Indian market is not the only problem. Another major problem is the flourishing business of illegally smuggled goods into Nepal as the goods are easily available across the border.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Traders claim that the smuggled goods, which are imported by evading customs duty, reach the main cities of the country including Kathmandu. The government has deployed customs officials, security forces and revenue investigation agencies at the border to control illegal imports. However, smuggling of goods continues unabated.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Traders complain that smuggling has flourished due to the collusion of those agencies. A trader said, “The empire of illegal imports is becoming so strong that it has become a challenge for domestically-produced goods.” A study conducted by Nepal Rastra Bank a few years ago revealed that about 35 percent of the total imports from India is brought through informal channels. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Businessman Gupta says that when goods are imported through illegal means, there is an adverse effect on trade, production and all aspects related to it in the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> According to experts, Nepali customers are attracted to the Indian market because the goods are cheaper there after India's reforms in the tax system through the goods and services tax.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They claim that the problem of smuggling will not be controlled until the government improves the revenue system because this is also the cause of the illegal import that is happening institutionally. India imposes less tax on consumer goods and more on luxury goods.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of Madhesh Province chapter of FNCCI said, “When the prices of common consumable goods are low there, they are imported illegally. We have a high rate of revenue for the import of those goods. This has led to the problem of smuggling.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Temani claims that if the total revenue collected in Nepal's customs is made equal to the goods and services tax in India, this problem will be solved automatically. India does not levy GST on exports to Nepal. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19418', 'image' => '20231210015420_1702175870.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 13:53:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19689', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '34.4 Percent of Women Own Agricultural Land in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 10: Agricultural Census 2078 has shown that the share of women who own agricultural land in Nepal is 34.4 percent.', '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 10: Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> has shown that the share of women who own agricultural land in Nepal is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34.4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. This is the first study in Nepal about women's ownership of agricultural land.</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 National Statistics Office announced the results of the National Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> regarding indicators of sustainable development goals and published data on women's ownership of agricultural land. </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 data, women in Gandaki Province own most of the agricultural land, while Karnali Province has the least amount of women’s ownership. The share of women having agricultural land in their name is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38.5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in Gandaki Province and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">28.7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent in Karnali.</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"">Director of the NSO, Badri Kumar Karki, said that Gandaki Province announced large amount of tax exemption while keeping agricultural land in name of women and therefore more women in the province have ownership of agricultural. </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 results of the National Agricultural Census </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">shows that the percentage of adult agricultural population (</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">18</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> years and above) who have secured ownership of agricultural land is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31.4. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Looking at the state wise data, this percentage is the highest in Gandaki at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> and the lowest in Karnali at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">29</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent.</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"">From the point of view of gender analysis, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">42.9</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the total adult males involved in farming families have secure ownership of agricultural land. In case of women, this percentage is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20.8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. Province-wise, the percentage of adult males is the highest at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">47.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Bagmati Province and the lowest at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">40.1</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Madhesh Province. </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"">Similarly, in the case of adult women having ownership of agricultural land, it has been found that the highest percentage is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Gandaki Province and the lowest is </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">16.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> in Karnali Province.</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 Nepal, out of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">62</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the households involved in agricultural work, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">32</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent of the households are headed by women.</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"">Agricultural land has an important contribution to the livelihood in Nepal. Therefore, the ownership of agricultural land can make a significant contribution to the overall upliftment of the agricultural population as well as women's empowerment in particular. </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 data shows that a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</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"">32</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"">11</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"">349</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> are involved in agriculture in Nepal</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">including </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">68</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"">63</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"">412 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">women and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">63</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"">47</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"">936 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">men.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-12-10', 'modified' => '2023-12-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19417', 'image' => '20231210124135_1702174003.1 omen.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-12-10 12:40:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
