November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption.…
November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption.…
November 17: The interest rates of commercial banks have fallen to a single digit five months after the banks started determining the interest rates independently.…
November 17: The production of potatoes and area of potato farming both have increased in the last four years, according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock…
November 17: Nepal’s popular footwear brand Goldstar Shoes has provided shoes and slippers to the Jajarkot earthquake…
Australian government has pledged to provide 600 thousand Australian dollars (approximately Rs 51 million) in humanitarian aid to the recent earthquake victims in the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West. This announcement was made through a press release from the Australian Embassy in…
November 16: Police arrested 165 people on the charge of gambling during the Tihar festival.…
November 16: The European Union (EU) has approved €2 million aid package to bring relief to the people most affected by the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3…
November 16: The directors of cooperatives will have to submit their property details…
November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the…
November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical…
November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of…
As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including…
November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long…
Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and…
November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus.…
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19490', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal has Stock of Dairy Products worth Rs 9. 41 Billion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption. ', '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"">November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption. With the addition of powdered milk and butter stock worth around Rs 3.5 billion, the total stock of dairy products has reached more than Rs 9.41 billion within a month. According to the information provided by the Dairy Development Board, there was a stock of powdered milk and butter worth Rs 6 billion a month ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 consumption of milk has decreased due to the economic recession while the production has increased. Therefore, the stock is increasing. Acting Executive Director of the Board Balak Chaudhary said that the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has stock of powdered milk and butter worth Rs 400 million, Dairy Industry Association has stock of Rs 7.6 billion and Nepal Dairy Association has stock of Rs 1.41 billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 Chaudhary, milk production usually increases from mid-September to February. However, this year, production had increased since May. Lately, the increase in milk production has started ahead of the usual time due to the farmers’ preference in rearing advanced breeds of cattle and the initiative shown by the local and provincial governments in milk production, says Chaudhary.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Increase in milk production is a positive development. However, consumption of milk products is not in the same proportion. Under normal conditions, about 70 million liters of liquid milk is produced every day in Nepal. This year production seems to have increased by 4 percent. On the other hand, consumption in the market has decreased by 15 percent," he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Until five months ago, the dairy industries were seeking permission to import dairy products from India due to shortage in the domestic market. However, within a short span of time, there is excess of milk products. Stakeholders say that it is a matter of concern for the country’s dairy sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prahlad Dahal, president of Nepal Dairy Association, says that while the income of the consumers is stable, the purchasing power has decreased and therefore the consumption has also decreased. According to him, the consumers are not in a position to consume with open heart like before. As the stock of milk has increased, the association is studying the prospect of exporting powdered milk and butter to Bangladesh. The association has sent a team of experts to study the situation in Bangladesh. Dahal said that Bangladesh has not yet sent a reply on whether to purchase milk from Nepal or not.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19218', 'image' => '20231117124706_1700193855.1667860642.w.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 12:46:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19489', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Interest Rates of Banks Drop to Single Digit after Five Months', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The interest rates of commercial banks have fallen to a single digit five months after the banks started determining the interest rates independently. ', '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"">November 17: The interest rates of commercial banks have fallen to a single digit five months after the banks started determining the interest rates independently. Banks have started reducing interest rates as there is no demand for loans while deposit collection has increased.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the gentlemen’s agreement reached between commercial banks earlier, the Nepal Bankers Association had fixed a uniform interest rate on personal term deposits at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9.99</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent for a one-month period from mid-April to mid-May. The banks applied the same interest rates for the next two months but the consensus ended in mid-July and the banks decided to fix the interest rates independently. Thereafter, the interest rates had started to increase.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, most of the banks have reduced the interest rate to a single digit for the Nepali month of Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December). More than a dozen banks have reduced their interest rates for the period of mid-November to mid-December compared to a month ago. Starting from November 17, 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""> commercial banks have fixed the maximum interest rate of personal term deposits at less than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> 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"">In the review month, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> banks reduced the interest rates while one increased. Six banks have kept the interest rates unchanged. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal SBI Bank, Himalayan Bank and Machhapuchchre Bank have set the highest interest rates for personal term deposits in the review month. These three banks have fixed the interest rates at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10.603</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent per annum on personal term deposits. The lowest interest rate has been fixed by NIC Asia Bank, which has set an annual interest rate of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8.968</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent on individual term deposits.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NIC Asia reduced the interest rate by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.035</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points. Similarly, NMB Bank, which increased the interest rate last month, reduced it by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.243</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points. Compared to the previous month (mid-October to mid-November), only Machhapuchhre Bank increased the interest rate. The banks have also reduced the interest rate on general savings accounts. The commercial banks have reduced the maximum interest rate on general savings to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7.60</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent from </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8</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"">According to the instructions of the Nepal Rastra Bank regarding interest rate determination, banks are allowed to increase or decrease the interest rates by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent every month. Similarly, there is a provision that banks should publish the interest rate applicable for every month a day before the start of the new 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"">Banks are required to pay </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""> percentage point more for deposits through remittance and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points less for institutional depositors than for individual deposits.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Deposits in banks are increasing with the recent increase in remittance income. However, due to lack of improvement in economic activities, demand for credit is low. As of mid-November of the current fiscal year, deposits in banks and financial institutions have increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and credit flow by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. During the same period of the last fiscal year, deposits increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">0.4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and lending increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. However, compared to the previous months, the demand for loans has started to increase, according to the report of the central 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"">According to the NRB, the interest rates on deposits and loans have started to decrease along with the base rate of banks. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the deposit collection is higher than credit flow, the credit-deposit ratio (CD ratio) of banks has also decreased. On November </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, the average CD ratio of banks remained at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">81.31</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. According to the central bank, banks can extend credit flow by maintaining a CD ratio of up to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">90</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. So, the banks have the capacity to provide additional loans of about 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""> billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19217', 'image' => '20231117113259_Banks - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:32:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19487', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Production and Area of Cultivation of Potatoes Increasing in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The production of potatoes and area of potato farming both have increased in the last four years, according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.', '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"">November 17: The production of potatoes and area of potato farming both have increased in the last four years, according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the ministry’s data, the area of potato cultivation has increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4,200</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares and the production by about </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"">,</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"">metric tons during the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Data provided by the ministry show that a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31</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"">12</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"">947</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">193</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"">997</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land in Nepal in the fiscal year (FY) </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2075/76</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"">In the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2076/77</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, altogether </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31</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"">31</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"">830</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">188</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"">098</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of 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"">In FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2077/78</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">33</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"">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"">231</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">198</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"">788</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land. Similarly, in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078/79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, potato cultivation was done on a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">198,256</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land. According to the government data, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">829</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> tons of potatoes were produced in that 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"">According to Toyanath Joshi, information officer of the National Potato Vegetable and Spice Crop Development Center, the government has recently been working on allocating potato super-zones in various places in Nepal. In addition, most of the farmers are cultivating advanced varieties than local seeds, so the production has increased. He said that since potatoes can be stored for a long time, there won’t be any problem even if there is no immediate market for the produce. This is the reason that the farmers are interested in potato farming, says Joshi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 potato production has increased in the country recently, import of potatoes from India continues unabated.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 government data, potatoes worth more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million are imported from abroad every year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19216', 'image' => '20231117110131_20230223110227_potato-farming.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:00:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19488', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Goldstar Shoes Provides In-Kind Support to Jajarkot Earthquake Victims', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: Nepal’s popular footwear brand Goldstar Shoes has provided shoes and slippers to the Jajarkot earthquake victims.', '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"">November 17: Nepal’s popular footwear brand Goldstar Shoes has provided shoes and slippers to the Jajarkot earthquake victims. Goldstar claimed that the company provided </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pairs of shoes and slippers worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</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"">4</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million to the quake victims.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vidushi Rana, executive director of Goldstar, said that they extended a helping hand to the earthquake victims of Jajarkot and Rukum West and said that they will provide more support based on their needs. Established in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1990</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Goldstar brand under Kiran Shoes Manufacturing Company has been producing shoes and slippers with the slogan 'Made 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"">Recently, the company has announced the launch of a special series of premium and high quality shoes.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19215', 'image' => '20231117110708_1700195592.2 Gold star support.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:06:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19486', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Australia to Provide Assistance to Earthquake-Affected People', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Australian government has pledged to provide 600 thousand Australian dollars (approximately Rs 51 million) in humanitarian aid to the recent earthquake victims in the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West. This announcement was made through a press release from the Australian Embassy in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 17: Australian government has pledged to provide 600 thousand Australian dollars (approximately Rs 51 million) in humanitarian aid to the recent earthquake victims in the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> This announcement was made through a press release from the Australian Embassy in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The funds will be allocated through established multilateral and local partnerships, with the primary goal of delivering essential emergency humanitarian supplies and providing crucial life-saving protection and assistance. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to immediate relief efforts, Australia's assistance will also play a role in supporting early reconstruction initiatives, specifically focusing on restoring damaged public infrastructure, including healthcare facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Australia has conveyed its deepest condolences to the people of Nepal affected by the earthquake. (RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19214', 'image' => '20231117072133_collage (12).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 07:20:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19485', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '165 Gamblers Held, Rs 3.5 Million Seized during Tihar ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: Police arrested 165 people on the charge of gambling during the Tihar festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: Police arrested 165 people on the charge of gambling during the Tihar festival. According to the police, Rs 3.46 million was seized from the dens during the raid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Kathmandu Valley Police Office said that the police raided 13 locations in Kathmandu, four in Lalitpur and two in Bhaktapur during the festival, making the arrests. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During the same period, eight people were arrested for illegal supplies of firecrackers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, during the Tihar festival, the Kathmandu Valley reported 14 cases of fire causing property loss of above Rs 87.7 million and a fatality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">An 80-year-old person lost his life in a fire at Lokanthali of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-1 that occurred in the evening of Laxmi Puja. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, seven people died in various road accidents while 330 others sustained injuries in the Kathmandu Valley alone. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The police registered cases of thefts worth around Rs 10 million with the arrests of seven suspects. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Moreover, the Central Police News Room said 21 people were arrested in Nuwakot and 13 in Salyan for gambling during the Tihar festival. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19213', 'image' => '20231116083425_20231113095736_066A1493.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 20:33:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19484', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'EU Approves Euro 2 Million in Humanitarian Aid for Nepal to Help People Affected by Earthquake', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The European Union (EU) has approved €2 million aid package to bring relief to the people most affected by the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 .', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 16: The European Union (EU) has approved €2 million aid package to bring relief to the people most affected by the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 .</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Issuing a statement on Thursday, the EU said that the aid will help provide shelter, access to clean water and sanitation, and health care, among other services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The support package includes €600,000 to support the work of humanitarian partners already providing assistance in affected areas. In addition, €200,000 have been allocated to the Nepalese Red Cross Society, via the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), added the statement.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Complementing the financial contribution, the EU said it will mobilise in-kind assistance from its European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC), worth €1.2 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This will include tents and winterisation kits that will be sent from the EU’s stockpile in Kuala Lumpur, to address the crucial shelter needs of vulnerable families whose homes were destroyed.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič reportedly said that the EU is ready to help those most in need as in previous disasters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> “Nepalese people have once again been hit by a deadly earthquake. This new aid package will bring shelter to people that have lost their homes, so they can be prepared to face the upcoming winter, while helping with other pressing needs,” the statement quoted Lenarčič as saying.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the EU, this new funding comes in addition to the €2 million already allocated to Nepal at the start of this year, with the goal of responding to natural hazards and to strengthen disaster preparedness.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Thanks to this programme, EU partners have been able to immediately assist in the response, supporting health and coordination at the provincial level,” reads the statement.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">End</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19212', 'image' => '20231116082723_20231106083535_HK-Jajarkot-IMG_9219 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 20:19:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19483', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Directors of Cooperatives Need to Submit Property Details', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The directors of cooperatives will have to submit their property details soon.', '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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">November 16: The directors of cooperatives will have to submit their property details soon. The Department of Cooperatives has issued instructions to the board of directors and managers of cooperatives to submit their property details.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has sought for the property details of the directors of the cooperatives under its jurisdiction as per the recommendation of the Cooperative Sector Reform Suggestion Task Force formed under the leadership of National Planning Commission member Jayakanta Raut.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to a notice issued by the department, the board of directors, managers and the members of the accounting supervision committee of cooperatives must submit their property details along with relevant documents to the department by mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has instructed the cooperatives under its regulatory jurisdiction to implement the recommendations of the task force and maintain good governance in the cooperative sector. The notice mentions that all cooperatives should issue a white paper containing the financial details including liabilities, investments and assets of the organization and submit it to the department by mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Likewise, all the cooperative organizations that deal mainly with savings and loans have been asked to submit a savings return action plan by the mid-April and to return the customers’ savings as per the demand. The same notice further states that all the cooperatives have been instructed to enter the specified details in the government’s database.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department had instructed the cooperatives to publish a white paper earlier too. Stating that the general public had developed a negative perception towards the cooperatives due to the failure of some organizations to return their savings, the department has adopted a policy of publishing a white paper to reassure 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has adopted a strategy to give more time to the cooperatives to return the savings of the general public by publishing a white paper and making a commitment. Namraj Ghimire, registrar of the department, informed that the directors of the cooperatives, that had received complaints from the members about the non-refund of the savings, were called and asked to publish white paper about the status of the organization and make a commitment with a deadline to return the savings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Due to lack of liquidity in the financial sector since the beginning of the last fiscal year, some cooperatives have not been able to return the savings of their members. Especially the organizations that invested in real estate, shares and private companies are in crisis as they are unable to return their customers’ savings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">To solve the problem of the cooperatives, the government, had formed the task force under the coordination of NPC member Jayakanta Raut. The committee submitted a report with recommendations to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal a few months ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">In the report, it has been suggested to the government to return the money of the depositors within mid-April, even if it requires selling the property of the problematic cooperatives and their directors. According to the suggestion of the committee, the responsibility of monitoring problematic cooperatives should be given to the chief district officer. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19211', 'image' => '20231116024859_cooperative problematic.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 14:47:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19482', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prime Minister's Employment Programme Becoming More Ineffective ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government had claimed that many people would be employed annually under this programme. More than 885,000 unemployed people have been registered under the employment programme in the hope of getting jobs. But so far this year, only 803 people have been employed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The programme was launched to employ citizens between the age group of 18 to 59 years who have not been employed for at least 100 days. If these people do not get employment, the government has been saying that it will provide a subsistence allowance equal to 50 days' wages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, if we look at the employment situation provided by the government so far in the current fiscal year, this programme seems to have become more and more weak.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the current fiscal year, the government had allocated a budget of Rs 5.94 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. According to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Employment Programme, a committee was recently formed for restructuring the programme, but it has not yet started its work in concrete form. According to Shobha Pokharel, the deputy secretary of the secretariat of the programme, the restructuring process will proceed as announced in the budget this year. "In the current fiscal year, the budget has been released for the projects as per the announcement made earlier. It is difficult to restructure the projects this year," she said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While presenting the previous fiscal year’s policies and programmes in the Parliament, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari had announced that the programme would be restructured so that all levels would own it. The restructuring of the programme has not been done.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Deputy Secretary Pokharel, the procedures and laws may have to be amended for restructuring the programme. She said that the necessary arrangements will be made and the programme will be restructured from next year based on the recommendations given by the committee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At present, the budget has been released to the local level as per the selected projects for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. A total of 738 local levels have registered the unemployment list for the current fiscal year, while the number of local levels that have implemented the project so far is only 134. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under the Prime Minister's Employment Programme launched by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in the year 2075/76, billions of rupees have been spent for small jobs. On the very year the programme was launched, the government was accused of exploiting billions of rupees from the state coffers in unproductive areas. The same year, the government was heavily criticized for spending billions of rupees in unproductive areas like chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away among others.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of last year, this programme has failed to create long-term employment. As the government has already allocated Rs 38.76 billion under this programme in the last five years, questions are being raised about its effectiveness and achievement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the initial year (FY 2075/76), the government allocated a budget of Rs 3.10 billion for this program. Rs 5.1 billion was allocated in the year 2076/77.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2077/78, Rs 11.6 billion was allocated and Rs 12 billion in 2078/79. For the year 2079/80, the government allocated a budget of Rs 7.5 billion. It seems that the allocated budget is mostly spent every year but the achievement is zero. The Auditor General's report has repeatedly raised questions about the expenses incurred through the Prime Minister's Employment Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19210', 'image' => '20231116011024_PMEP.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 13:09:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19481', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Tihar for Earthquake Victims of Jajarkot this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures.', '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"">November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless. For the citizens of the affected areas, this festival of Tihar was a mess. Their dream of celebrating Tihar could not be fulfilled this time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Twenty-six</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old Bhumika Shahi Malla and her </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old son Lekhnath, who had come from Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan to their native home in Aathbiskot-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in Rukum West to celebrate Tihar, died in the earthquake. Not only did the mother and her son die, her mother, sister's </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"">month-old son and aunt also died. All five of them died at their maternal home in Jamirekot Ward No. </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"">They had reached there to meet the sick aunt.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the other hand, Laxman Shahi of Aathbiskot Municipality-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, lost his mother, sister and two nephews. He is yet to overcome the pain of losing mothers, sisters, and nephews and Tihar only made him miss them more.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People across the country just celebrated Tihar, singing the Deusibhailo songs with merriment. However, like Shahi, hundreds of earthquake victims were unaffected by the fervor of Tihar. Shahi said that he did not even realize that Tihar had come this year due to the loss of his loved ones in the earthquake. He said, "In the previous year, the sisters used to come from their homes carrying a flower garlands for tika ritual. We used to sit together happily during the festival, but this year, the earthquake killed all our dreams and happiness."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hari Bahadur Oli of Bhalma that they were concerned about how to avoid the cold than to celebrate Tihar. Oli said that he is also appealing to the local government and other relevant agencies to protect them from the diseases caused by cold and arrange safe living arrangements.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kalikadevi Malla of SaniBheri-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> said that spending the cold night in the garden under a tent is a big problem. Malla requested the concerned agencies to make immediate arrangements for temporary accommodation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Panta informed that the first phase of relief distribution to the earthquake victims has been completed, and now the focus is on construction of temporary settlements for which the government is working 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"">Chief District Officer Panta informed that temporary reconstruction work will be started in the earthquake-affected areas immediately after Tihar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19209', 'image' => '20231116103556_1700051881.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:35:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19480', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CAN Federation urges Govt to rethink TikTok Ban ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the CAN Federation urged the government to rethink its decision to ban the popular social media TikTok bearing in the mind that the development of information technology have both opportunities and challenges. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It further said that it would be appropriate to regulate Tiktok as it has become a medium for small and middle-scale entrepreneurs to expand their market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"CAN Federation urges the government to hold talks and coordinate with experts for the proper use of all types of social sites available in Nepal. We are ready to collaborate with the government for any technical cooperation from the position of private sector," reads the statement. -- RSS </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19208', 'image' => '20231116100237_1200x0.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:01:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19479', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway for Chhath Festival in Tarai Madhes Districts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 16: As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Janakpurdham, various lakes and ponds are undergoing a special transformation with the enthusiastic support of locals and organizations gearing up for the Chhath festival. The banks of these water bodies are being meticulously cleaned to construct the Chhath ghats.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting the festival's significance in the Tarai Madhes region, Dr. Rajendra Bimal emphasized the decoration efforts around key locations such as Gangasagar Pond, Dhanush Sagar Pond, Argaja Pond, Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Aragajasar, Nocha Pokhari, Matkoraba Pokhari, and Dudhmati Ghat in Janakpurdham, the historic city of Mithilanchal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As Chhath enthusiasts prepare for the festivities, markets are witnessing a surge in shoppers purchasing necessary articles and items for the upcoming celebrations. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Notably, the growing number of people participating in Chhath each year has contributed to increased demand, leading to a rise in prices, according to local resident Prameshwar Saha. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Chhath festival is set to culminate on November 19 this year, with associated rituals commencing three days prior.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In Birgunj, similar preparations are underway, with ponds and lakes undergoing special decoration to create Chhath ghats for the various rituals and offerings associated with the festival.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cleaning and adornment activities are evident in local landmarks such as Ghadiarba pond, Nagawapokhari, Chhapakaiya Pokhari, Shreepur, and Ranighat pond. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19207', 'image' => '20231116073613_collage (11).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 07:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19478', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhai Tika Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers offer gifts and extend good luck wishes to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Bhai Tika, a special ritual takes place where brothers are seated at a designated spot, and sisters create a trail of mustard oil around them. The brothers are then garlanded with flowers, including marigold and globe amaranth. In return, brothers also apply tika to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Calendar Determination Committee has identified 10:51 am as the auspicious hour for offering tika this year, though it can be done throughout the day. The cultural belief associated with Bhai Tika revolves around a sister obtaining a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother's longevity until the mustard oil dries up and the garland of dubo and makhamali withers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to the ritualistic aspects, sisters offer special delicacies like sweets, walnuts, and sel roti to their brothers. Individuals without biological siblings participate in the celebration by receiving tika from those they consider as brothers or sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, is opened today, a tradition observed annually on Bhai Tika. The temple holds cultural significance, and its doors are unlocked on this auspicious day. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-15', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19206', 'image' => '20231115064107_collage (10).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-15 06:39:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19477', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Korala Check Point in Mustang Comes into Operation After Four Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 14: Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the occasion, member of House of Representatives Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhan Raj Acharya, Chief District Officer of Mustang, Janak Raj Panta and people's representatives of Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda and Lo Manthang rural municipalities were present from the side of Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Likewise, officials of customs, border monitoring, public security bureau, commerce bureau, border control and dry port management committee were present from Chinese side. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chairperson of Lo Manthang rural municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung, said China gifted 100,000 kilogrammes of food grains, clothes and daily essentials to the locals of Lo Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities on the first day of resumption of check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Locals of both rural municipalities have started visiting China on the basis of identity card, said CDO Panta. The check point was completely shut down from 2076 BS after coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">'Departure and Entry Permits for Residents of Nepal-China Border Area Nepal- China' was distributed to around 1,000 people of Lo-Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kund rural municipalities as the preparation for operation of Korala check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Those who have entry pass have the facility to travel to and from China at any time", he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Panta mentioned that temporary infrastructures have been built on Nepal's side near Korala check point and arrangement of regular presence of security personnel has also been made." (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-14', 'modified' => '2023-11-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19205', 'image' => '20231114072613_collage (9).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-14 07:24:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19475', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gai Tihar Observed Across the Country', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. This ritual holds significance in Hindu traditions, where the cow is revered and worshipped as a symbol of motherly love.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The religious belief behind Gai Puja centers on the idea that cows provide unconditional love, similar to that of a mother. The ceremony involves garlanding the cow and offering it various delicacies. This practice has roots in ancient Vedic times, with cows considered sacred and often referred to as cow mothers due to the nutritious milk they provide, likened to that of human mothers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interestingly, modern science supports the importance of cows, highlighting that the energy of local cow breeds is derived from the sun and moon, providing strength to humans through milk.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While some regions traditionally worship cows on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, there is a classical belief that the worship should occur at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada, according to Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, a religious belief suggests that tying the Rakshabandhan (a protective thread) from the right hand to the cow's tail during the cow worship ritual can help the soul cross the river Vaitarani and reach heaven after death. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance attributed to the ritual of Gai Puja during the Tihar festival. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19204', 'image' => '20231113100038_gai-tihar-12-70815.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 07:01:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19490', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal has Stock of Dairy Products worth Rs 9. 41 Billion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption. ', '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"">November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption. With the addition of powdered milk and butter stock worth around Rs 3.5 billion, the total stock of dairy products has reached more than Rs 9.41 billion within a month. According to the information provided by the Dairy Development Board, there was a stock of powdered milk and butter worth Rs 6 billion a month ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 consumption of milk has decreased due to the economic recession while the production has increased. Therefore, the stock is increasing. Acting Executive Director of the Board Balak Chaudhary said that the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has stock of powdered milk and butter worth Rs 400 million, Dairy Industry Association has stock of Rs 7.6 billion and Nepal Dairy Association has stock of Rs 1.41 billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 Chaudhary, milk production usually increases from mid-September to February. However, this year, production had increased since May. Lately, the increase in milk production has started ahead of the usual time due to the farmers’ preference in rearing advanced breeds of cattle and the initiative shown by the local and provincial governments in milk production, says Chaudhary.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Increase in milk production is a positive development. However, consumption of milk products is not in the same proportion. Under normal conditions, about 70 million liters of liquid milk is produced every day in Nepal. This year production seems to have increased by 4 percent. On the other hand, consumption in the market has decreased by 15 percent," he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Until five months ago, the dairy industries were seeking permission to import dairy products from India due to shortage in the domestic market. However, within a short span of time, there is excess of milk products. Stakeholders say that it is a matter of concern for the country’s dairy sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prahlad Dahal, president of Nepal Dairy Association, says that while the income of the consumers is stable, the purchasing power has decreased and therefore the consumption has also decreased. According to him, the consumers are not in a position to consume with open heart like before. As the stock of milk has increased, the association is studying the prospect of exporting powdered milk and butter to Bangladesh. The association has sent a team of experts to study the situation in Bangladesh. Dahal said that Bangladesh has not yet sent a reply on whether to purchase milk from Nepal or not.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19218', 'image' => '20231117124706_1700193855.1667860642.w.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 12:46:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19489', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Interest Rates of Banks Drop to Single Digit after Five Months', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The interest rates of commercial banks have fallen to a single digit five months after the banks started determining the interest rates independently. ', '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"">November 17: The interest rates of commercial banks have fallen to a single digit five months after the banks started determining the interest rates independently. Banks have started reducing interest rates as there is no demand for loans while deposit collection has increased.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the gentlemen’s agreement reached between commercial banks earlier, the Nepal Bankers Association had fixed a uniform interest rate on personal term deposits at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9.99</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent for a one-month period from mid-April to mid-May. The banks applied the same interest rates for the next two months but the consensus ended in mid-July and the banks decided to fix the interest rates independently. Thereafter, the interest rates had started to increase.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, most of the banks have reduced the interest rate to a single digit for the Nepali month of Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December). More than a dozen banks have reduced their interest rates for the period of mid-November to mid-December compared to a month ago. Starting from November 17, 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""> commercial banks have fixed the maximum interest rate of personal term deposits at less than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> 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"">In the review month, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> banks reduced the interest rates while one increased. Six banks have kept the interest rates unchanged. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal SBI Bank, Himalayan Bank and Machhapuchchre Bank have set the highest interest rates for personal term deposits in the review month. These three banks have fixed the interest rates at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10.603</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent per annum on personal term deposits. The lowest interest rate has been fixed by NIC Asia Bank, which has set an annual interest rate of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8.968</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent on individual term deposits.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NIC Asia reduced the interest rate by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.035</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points. Similarly, NMB Bank, which increased the interest rate last month, reduced it by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.243</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points. Compared to the previous month (mid-October to mid-November), only Machhapuchhre Bank increased the interest rate. The banks have also reduced the interest rate on general savings accounts. The commercial banks have reduced the maximum interest rate on general savings to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7.60</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent from </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8</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"">According to the instructions of the Nepal Rastra Bank regarding interest rate determination, banks are allowed to increase or decrease the interest rates by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent every month. Similarly, there is a provision that banks should publish the interest rate applicable for every month a day before the start of the new 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"">Banks are required to pay </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""> percentage point more for deposits through remittance and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points less for institutional depositors than for individual deposits.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Deposits in banks are increasing with the recent increase in remittance income. However, due to lack of improvement in economic activities, demand for credit is low. As of mid-November of the current fiscal year, deposits in banks and financial institutions have increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and credit flow by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. During the same period of the last fiscal year, deposits increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">0.4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and lending increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. However, compared to the previous months, the demand for loans has started to increase, according to the report of the central 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"">According to the NRB, the interest rates on deposits and loans have started to decrease along with the base rate of banks. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the deposit collection is higher than credit flow, the credit-deposit ratio (CD ratio) of banks has also decreased. On November </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, the average CD ratio of banks remained at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">81.31</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. According to the central bank, banks can extend credit flow by maintaining a CD ratio of up to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">90</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. So, the banks have the capacity to provide additional loans of about 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""> billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19217', 'image' => '20231117113259_Banks - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:32:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19487', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Production and Area of Cultivation of Potatoes Increasing in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The production of potatoes and area of potato farming both have increased in the last four years, according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.', '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"">November 17: The production of potatoes and area of potato farming both have increased in the last four years, according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the ministry’s data, the area of potato cultivation has increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4,200</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares and the production by about </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"">,</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"">metric tons during the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Data provided by the ministry show that a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31</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"">12</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"">947</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">193</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"">997</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land in Nepal in the fiscal year (FY) </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2075/76</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"">In the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2076/77</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, altogether </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31</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"">31</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"">830</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">188</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"">098</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of 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"">In FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2077/78</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">33</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"">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"">231</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">198</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"">788</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land. Similarly, in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078/79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, potato cultivation was done on a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">198,256</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land. According to the government data, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">829</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> tons of potatoes were produced in that 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"">According to Toyanath Joshi, information officer of the National Potato Vegetable and Spice Crop Development Center, the government has recently been working on allocating potato super-zones in various places in Nepal. In addition, most of the farmers are cultivating advanced varieties than local seeds, so the production has increased. He said that since potatoes can be stored for a long time, there won’t be any problem even if there is no immediate market for the produce. This is the reason that the farmers are interested in potato farming, says Joshi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 potato production has increased in the country recently, import of potatoes from India continues unabated.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 government data, potatoes worth more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million are imported from abroad every year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19216', 'image' => '20231117110131_20230223110227_potato-farming.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:00:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19488', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Goldstar Shoes Provides In-Kind Support to Jajarkot Earthquake Victims', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: Nepal’s popular footwear brand Goldstar Shoes has provided shoes and slippers to the Jajarkot earthquake victims.', '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"">November 17: Nepal’s popular footwear brand Goldstar Shoes has provided shoes and slippers to the Jajarkot earthquake victims. Goldstar claimed that the company provided </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pairs of shoes and slippers worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</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"">4</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million to the quake victims.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vidushi Rana, executive director of Goldstar, said that they extended a helping hand to the earthquake victims of Jajarkot and Rukum West and said that they will provide more support based on their needs. Established in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1990</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Goldstar brand under Kiran Shoes Manufacturing Company has been producing shoes and slippers with the slogan 'Made 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"">Recently, the company has announced the launch of a special series of premium and high quality shoes.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19215', 'image' => '20231117110708_1700195592.2 Gold star support.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:06:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19486', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Australia to Provide Assistance to Earthquake-Affected People', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Australian government has pledged to provide 600 thousand Australian dollars (approximately Rs 51 million) in humanitarian aid to the recent earthquake victims in the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West. This announcement was made through a press release from the Australian Embassy in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 17: Australian government has pledged to provide 600 thousand Australian dollars (approximately Rs 51 million) in humanitarian aid to the recent earthquake victims in the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> This announcement was made through a press release from the Australian Embassy in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The funds will be allocated through established multilateral and local partnerships, with the primary goal of delivering essential emergency humanitarian supplies and providing crucial life-saving protection and assistance. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to immediate relief efforts, Australia's assistance will also play a role in supporting early reconstruction initiatives, specifically focusing on restoring damaged public infrastructure, including healthcare facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Australia has conveyed its deepest condolences to the people of Nepal affected by the earthquake. (RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19214', 'image' => '20231117072133_collage (12).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 07:20:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19485', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '165 Gamblers Held, Rs 3.5 Million Seized during Tihar ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: Police arrested 165 people on the charge of gambling during the Tihar festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: Police arrested 165 people on the charge of gambling during the Tihar festival. According to the police, Rs 3.46 million was seized from the dens during the raid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Kathmandu Valley Police Office said that the police raided 13 locations in Kathmandu, four in Lalitpur and two in Bhaktapur during the festival, making the arrests. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During the same period, eight people were arrested for illegal supplies of firecrackers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, during the Tihar festival, the Kathmandu Valley reported 14 cases of fire causing property loss of above Rs 87.7 million and a fatality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">An 80-year-old person lost his life in a fire at Lokanthali of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-1 that occurred in the evening of Laxmi Puja. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, seven people died in various road accidents while 330 others sustained injuries in the Kathmandu Valley alone. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The police registered cases of thefts worth around Rs 10 million with the arrests of seven suspects. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Moreover, the Central Police News Room said 21 people were arrested in Nuwakot and 13 in Salyan for gambling during the Tihar festival. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19213', 'image' => '20231116083425_20231113095736_066A1493.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 20:33:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19484', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'EU Approves Euro 2 Million in Humanitarian Aid for Nepal to Help People Affected by Earthquake', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The European Union (EU) has approved €2 million aid package to bring relief to the people most affected by the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 .', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 16: The European Union (EU) has approved €2 million aid package to bring relief to the people most affected by the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 .</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Issuing a statement on Thursday, the EU said that the aid will help provide shelter, access to clean water and sanitation, and health care, among other services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The support package includes €600,000 to support the work of humanitarian partners already providing assistance in affected areas. In addition, €200,000 have been allocated to the Nepalese Red Cross Society, via the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), added the statement.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Complementing the financial contribution, the EU said it will mobilise in-kind assistance from its European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC), worth €1.2 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This will include tents and winterisation kits that will be sent from the EU’s stockpile in Kuala Lumpur, to address the crucial shelter needs of vulnerable families whose homes were destroyed.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič reportedly said that the EU is ready to help those most in need as in previous disasters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> “Nepalese people have once again been hit by a deadly earthquake. This new aid package will bring shelter to people that have lost their homes, so they can be prepared to face the upcoming winter, while helping with other pressing needs,” the statement quoted Lenarčič as saying.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the EU, this new funding comes in addition to the €2 million already allocated to Nepal at the start of this year, with the goal of responding to natural hazards and to strengthen disaster preparedness.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Thanks to this programme, EU partners have been able to immediately assist in the response, supporting health and coordination at the provincial level,” reads the statement.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">End</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19212', 'image' => '20231116082723_20231106083535_HK-Jajarkot-IMG_9219 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 20:19:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19483', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Directors of Cooperatives Need to Submit Property Details', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The directors of cooperatives will have to submit their property details soon.', '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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">November 16: The directors of cooperatives will have to submit their property details soon. The Department of Cooperatives has issued instructions to the board of directors and managers of cooperatives to submit their property details.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has sought for the property details of the directors of the cooperatives under its jurisdiction as per the recommendation of the Cooperative Sector Reform Suggestion Task Force formed under the leadership of National Planning Commission member Jayakanta Raut.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to a notice issued by the department, the board of directors, managers and the members of the accounting supervision committee of cooperatives must submit their property details along with relevant documents to the department by mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has instructed the cooperatives under its regulatory jurisdiction to implement the recommendations of the task force and maintain good governance in the cooperative sector. The notice mentions that all cooperatives should issue a white paper containing the financial details including liabilities, investments and assets of the organization and submit it to the department by mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Likewise, all the cooperative organizations that deal mainly with savings and loans have been asked to submit a savings return action plan by the mid-April and to return the customers’ savings as per the demand. The same notice further states that all the cooperatives have been instructed to enter the specified details in the government’s database.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department had instructed the cooperatives to publish a white paper earlier too. Stating that the general public had developed a negative perception towards the cooperatives due to the failure of some organizations to return their savings, the department has adopted a policy of publishing a white paper to reassure 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has adopted a strategy to give more time to the cooperatives to return the savings of the general public by publishing a white paper and making a commitment. Namraj Ghimire, registrar of the department, informed that the directors of the cooperatives, that had received complaints from the members about the non-refund of the savings, were called and asked to publish white paper about the status of the organization and make a commitment with a deadline to return the savings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Due to lack of liquidity in the financial sector since the beginning of the last fiscal year, some cooperatives have not been able to return the savings of their members. Especially the organizations that invested in real estate, shares and private companies are in crisis as they are unable to return their customers’ savings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">To solve the problem of the cooperatives, the government, had formed the task force under the coordination of NPC member Jayakanta Raut. The committee submitted a report with recommendations to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal a few months ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">In the report, it has been suggested to the government to return the money of the depositors within mid-April, even if it requires selling the property of the problematic cooperatives and their directors. According to the suggestion of the committee, the responsibility of monitoring problematic cooperatives should be given to the chief district officer. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19211', 'image' => '20231116024859_cooperative problematic.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 14:47:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19482', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prime Minister's Employment Programme Becoming More Ineffective ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government had claimed that many people would be employed annually under this programme. More than 885,000 unemployed people have been registered under the employment programme in the hope of getting jobs. But so far this year, only 803 people have been employed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The programme was launched to employ citizens between the age group of 18 to 59 years who have not been employed for at least 100 days. If these people do not get employment, the government has been saying that it will provide a subsistence allowance equal to 50 days' wages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, if we look at the employment situation provided by the government so far in the current fiscal year, this programme seems to have become more and more weak.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the current fiscal year, the government had allocated a budget of Rs 5.94 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. According to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Employment Programme, a committee was recently formed for restructuring the programme, but it has not yet started its work in concrete form. According to Shobha Pokharel, the deputy secretary of the secretariat of the programme, the restructuring process will proceed as announced in the budget this year. "In the current fiscal year, the budget has been released for the projects as per the announcement made earlier. It is difficult to restructure the projects this year," she said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While presenting the previous fiscal year’s policies and programmes in the Parliament, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari had announced that the programme would be restructured so that all levels would own it. The restructuring of the programme has not been done.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Deputy Secretary Pokharel, the procedures and laws may have to be amended for restructuring the programme. She said that the necessary arrangements will be made and the programme will be restructured from next year based on the recommendations given by the committee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At present, the budget has been released to the local level as per the selected projects for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. A total of 738 local levels have registered the unemployment list for the current fiscal year, while the number of local levels that have implemented the project so far is only 134. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under the Prime Minister's Employment Programme launched by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in the year 2075/76, billions of rupees have been spent for small jobs. On the very year the programme was launched, the government was accused of exploiting billions of rupees from the state coffers in unproductive areas. The same year, the government was heavily criticized for spending billions of rupees in unproductive areas like chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away among others.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of last year, this programme has failed to create long-term employment. As the government has already allocated Rs 38.76 billion under this programme in the last five years, questions are being raised about its effectiveness and achievement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the initial year (FY 2075/76), the government allocated a budget of Rs 3.10 billion for this program. Rs 5.1 billion was allocated in the year 2076/77.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2077/78, Rs 11.6 billion was allocated and Rs 12 billion in 2078/79. For the year 2079/80, the government allocated a budget of Rs 7.5 billion. It seems that the allocated budget is mostly spent every year but the achievement is zero. The Auditor General's report has repeatedly raised questions about the expenses incurred through the Prime Minister's Employment Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19210', 'image' => '20231116011024_PMEP.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 13:09:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19481', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Tihar for Earthquake Victims of Jajarkot this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures.', '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"">November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless. For the citizens of the affected areas, this festival of Tihar was a mess. Their dream of celebrating Tihar could not be fulfilled this time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Twenty-six</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old Bhumika Shahi Malla and her </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old son Lekhnath, who had come from Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan to their native home in Aathbiskot-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in Rukum West to celebrate Tihar, died in the earthquake. Not only did the mother and her son die, her mother, sister's </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"">month-old son and aunt also died. All five of them died at their maternal home in Jamirekot Ward No. </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"">They had reached there to meet the sick aunt.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the other hand, Laxman Shahi of Aathbiskot Municipality-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, lost his mother, sister and two nephews. He is yet to overcome the pain of losing mothers, sisters, and nephews and Tihar only made him miss them more.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People across the country just celebrated Tihar, singing the Deusibhailo songs with merriment. However, like Shahi, hundreds of earthquake victims were unaffected by the fervor of Tihar. Shahi said that he did not even realize that Tihar had come this year due to the loss of his loved ones in the earthquake. He said, "In the previous year, the sisters used to come from their homes carrying a flower garlands for tika ritual. We used to sit together happily during the festival, but this year, the earthquake killed all our dreams and happiness."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hari Bahadur Oli of Bhalma that they were concerned about how to avoid the cold than to celebrate Tihar. Oli said that he is also appealing to the local government and other relevant agencies to protect them from the diseases caused by cold and arrange safe living arrangements.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kalikadevi Malla of SaniBheri-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> said that spending the cold night in the garden under a tent is a big problem. Malla requested the concerned agencies to make immediate arrangements for temporary accommodation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Panta informed that the first phase of relief distribution to the earthquake victims has been completed, and now the focus is on construction of temporary settlements for which the government is working 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"">Chief District Officer Panta informed that temporary reconstruction work will be started in the earthquake-affected areas immediately after Tihar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19209', 'image' => '20231116103556_1700051881.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:35:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19480', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CAN Federation urges Govt to rethink TikTok Ban ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the CAN Federation urged the government to rethink its decision to ban the popular social media TikTok bearing in the mind that the development of information technology have both opportunities and challenges. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It further said that it would be appropriate to regulate Tiktok as it has become a medium for small and middle-scale entrepreneurs to expand their market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"CAN Federation urges the government to hold talks and coordinate with experts for the proper use of all types of social sites available in Nepal. We are ready to collaborate with the government for any technical cooperation from the position of private sector," reads the statement. -- RSS </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19208', 'image' => '20231116100237_1200x0.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:01:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19479', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway for Chhath Festival in Tarai Madhes Districts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 16: As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Janakpurdham, various lakes and ponds are undergoing a special transformation with the enthusiastic support of locals and organizations gearing up for the Chhath festival. The banks of these water bodies are being meticulously cleaned to construct the Chhath ghats.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting the festival's significance in the Tarai Madhes region, Dr. Rajendra Bimal emphasized the decoration efforts around key locations such as Gangasagar Pond, Dhanush Sagar Pond, Argaja Pond, Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Aragajasar, Nocha Pokhari, Matkoraba Pokhari, and Dudhmati Ghat in Janakpurdham, the historic city of Mithilanchal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As Chhath enthusiasts prepare for the festivities, markets are witnessing a surge in shoppers purchasing necessary articles and items for the upcoming celebrations. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Notably, the growing number of people participating in Chhath each year has contributed to increased demand, leading to a rise in prices, according to local resident Prameshwar Saha. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Chhath festival is set to culminate on November 19 this year, with associated rituals commencing three days prior.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In Birgunj, similar preparations are underway, with ponds and lakes undergoing special decoration to create Chhath ghats for the various rituals and offerings associated with the festival.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cleaning and adornment activities are evident in local landmarks such as Ghadiarba pond, Nagawapokhari, Chhapakaiya Pokhari, Shreepur, and Ranighat pond. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19207', 'image' => '20231116073613_collage (11).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 07:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19478', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhai Tika Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers offer gifts and extend good luck wishes to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Bhai Tika, a special ritual takes place where brothers are seated at a designated spot, and sisters create a trail of mustard oil around them. The brothers are then garlanded with flowers, including marigold and globe amaranth. In return, brothers also apply tika to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Calendar Determination Committee has identified 10:51 am as the auspicious hour for offering tika this year, though it can be done throughout the day. The cultural belief associated with Bhai Tika revolves around a sister obtaining a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother's longevity until the mustard oil dries up and the garland of dubo and makhamali withers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to the ritualistic aspects, sisters offer special delicacies like sweets, walnuts, and sel roti to their brothers. Individuals without biological siblings participate in the celebration by receiving tika from those they consider as brothers or sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, is opened today, a tradition observed annually on Bhai Tika. The temple holds cultural significance, and its doors are unlocked on this auspicious day. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-15', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19206', 'image' => '20231115064107_collage (10).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-15 06:39:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19477', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Korala Check Point in Mustang Comes into Operation After Four Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 14: Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the occasion, member of House of Representatives Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhan Raj Acharya, Chief District Officer of Mustang, Janak Raj Panta and people's representatives of Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda and Lo Manthang rural municipalities were present from the side of Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Likewise, officials of customs, border monitoring, public security bureau, commerce bureau, border control and dry port management committee were present from Chinese side. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chairperson of Lo Manthang rural municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung, said China gifted 100,000 kilogrammes of food grains, clothes and daily essentials to the locals of Lo Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities on the first day of resumption of check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Locals of both rural municipalities have started visiting China on the basis of identity card, said CDO Panta. The check point was completely shut down from 2076 BS after coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">'Departure and Entry Permits for Residents of Nepal-China Border Area Nepal- China' was distributed to around 1,000 people of Lo-Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kund rural municipalities as the preparation for operation of Korala check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Those who have entry pass have the facility to travel to and from China at any time", he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Panta mentioned that temporary infrastructures have been built on Nepal's side near Korala check point and arrangement of regular presence of security personnel has also been made." (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-14', 'modified' => '2023-11-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19205', 'image' => '20231114072613_collage (9).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-14 07:24:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19475', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gai Tihar Observed Across the Country', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. This ritual holds significance in Hindu traditions, where the cow is revered and worshipped as a symbol of motherly love.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The religious belief behind Gai Puja centers on the idea that cows provide unconditional love, similar to that of a mother. The ceremony involves garlanding the cow and offering it various delicacies. This practice has roots in ancient Vedic times, with cows considered sacred and often referred to as cow mothers due to the nutritious milk they provide, likened to that of human mothers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interestingly, modern science supports the importance of cows, highlighting that the energy of local cow breeds is derived from the sun and moon, providing strength to humans through milk.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While some regions traditionally worship cows on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, there is a classical belief that the worship should occur at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada, according to Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, a religious belief suggests that tying the Rakshabandhan (a protective thread) from the right hand to the cow's tail during the cow worship ritual can help the soul cross the river Vaitarani and reach heaven after death. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance attributed to the ritual of Gai Puja during the Tihar festival. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19204', 'image' => '20231113100038_gai-tihar-12-70815.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 07:01:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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' => '19490', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal has Stock of Dairy Products worth Rs 9. 41 Billion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption. ', '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"">November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption. With the addition of powdered milk and butter stock worth around Rs 3.5 billion, the total stock of dairy products has reached more than Rs 9.41 billion within a month. According to the information provided by the Dairy Development Board, there was a stock of powdered milk and butter worth Rs 6 billion a month ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 consumption of milk has decreased due to the economic recession while the production has increased. Therefore, the stock is increasing. Acting Executive Director of the Board Balak Chaudhary said that the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has stock of powdered milk and butter worth Rs 400 million, Dairy Industry Association has stock of Rs 7.6 billion and Nepal Dairy Association has stock of Rs 1.41 billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 Chaudhary, milk production usually increases from mid-September to February. However, this year, production had increased since May. Lately, the increase in milk production has started ahead of the usual time due to the farmers’ preference in rearing advanced breeds of cattle and the initiative shown by the local and provincial governments in milk production, says Chaudhary.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Increase in milk production is a positive development. However, consumption of milk products is not in the same proportion. Under normal conditions, about 70 million liters of liquid milk is produced every day in Nepal. This year production seems to have increased by 4 percent. On the other hand, consumption in the market has decreased by 15 percent," he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Until five months ago, the dairy industries were seeking permission to import dairy products from India due to shortage in the domestic market. However, within a short span of time, there is excess of milk products. Stakeholders say that it is a matter of concern for the country’s dairy sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prahlad Dahal, president of Nepal Dairy Association, says that while the income of the consumers is stable, the purchasing power has decreased and therefore the consumption has also decreased. According to him, the consumers are not in a position to consume with open heart like before. As the stock of milk has increased, the association is studying the prospect of exporting powdered milk and butter to Bangladesh. The association has sent a team of experts to study the situation in Bangladesh. Dahal said that Bangladesh has not yet sent a reply on whether to purchase milk from Nepal or not.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19218', 'image' => '20231117124706_1700193855.1667860642.w.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 12:46:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19489', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Interest Rates of Banks Drop to Single Digit after Five Months', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The interest rates of commercial banks have fallen to a single digit five months after the banks started determining the interest rates independently. ', '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"">November 17: The interest rates of commercial banks have fallen to a single digit five months after the banks started determining the interest rates independently. Banks have started reducing interest rates as there is no demand for loans while deposit collection has increased.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the gentlemen’s agreement reached between commercial banks earlier, the Nepal Bankers Association had fixed a uniform interest rate on personal term deposits at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9.99</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent for a one-month period from mid-April to mid-May. The banks applied the same interest rates for the next two months but the consensus ended in mid-July and the banks decided to fix the interest rates independently. Thereafter, the interest rates had started to increase.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, most of the banks have reduced the interest rate to a single digit for the Nepali month of Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December). More than a dozen banks have reduced their interest rates for the period of mid-November to mid-December compared to a month ago. Starting from November 17, 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""> commercial banks have fixed the maximum interest rate of personal term deposits at less than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> 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"">In the review month, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> banks reduced the interest rates while one increased. Six banks have kept the interest rates unchanged. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal SBI Bank, Himalayan Bank and Machhapuchchre Bank have set the highest interest rates for personal term deposits in the review month. These three banks have fixed the interest rates at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10.603</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent per annum on personal term deposits. The lowest interest rate has been fixed by NIC Asia Bank, which has set an annual interest rate of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8.968</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent on individual term deposits.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NIC Asia reduced the interest rate by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.035</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points. Similarly, NMB Bank, which increased the interest rate last month, reduced it by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.243</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points. Compared to the previous month (mid-October to mid-November), only Machhapuchhre Bank increased the interest rate. The banks have also reduced the interest rate on general savings accounts. The commercial banks have reduced the maximum interest rate on general savings to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7.60</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent from </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8</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"">According to the instructions of the Nepal Rastra Bank regarding interest rate determination, banks are allowed to increase or decrease the interest rates by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent every month. Similarly, there is a provision that banks should publish the interest rate applicable for every month a day before the start of the new 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"">Banks are required to pay </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""> percentage point more for deposits through remittance and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points less for institutional depositors than for individual deposits.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Deposits in banks are increasing with the recent increase in remittance income. However, due to lack of improvement in economic activities, demand for credit is low. As of mid-November of the current fiscal year, deposits in banks and financial institutions have increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and credit flow by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. During the same period of the last fiscal year, deposits increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">0.4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and lending increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. However, compared to the previous months, the demand for loans has started to increase, according to the report of the central 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"">According to the NRB, the interest rates on deposits and loans have started to decrease along with the base rate of banks. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the deposit collection is higher than credit flow, the credit-deposit ratio (CD ratio) of banks has also decreased. On November </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, the average CD ratio of banks remained at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">81.31</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. According to the central bank, banks can extend credit flow by maintaining a CD ratio of up to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">90</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. So, the banks have the capacity to provide additional loans of about 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""> billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19217', 'image' => '20231117113259_Banks - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:32:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19487', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Production and Area of Cultivation of Potatoes Increasing in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The production of potatoes and area of potato farming both have increased in the last four years, according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.', '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"">November 17: The production of potatoes and area of potato farming both have increased in the last four years, according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the ministry’s data, the area of potato cultivation has increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4,200</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares and the production by about </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"">,</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"">metric tons during the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Data provided by the ministry show that a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31</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"">12</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"">947</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">193</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"">997</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land in Nepal in the fiscal year (FY) </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2075/76</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"">In the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2076/77</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, altogether </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31</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"">31</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"">830</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">188</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"">098</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of 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"">In FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2077/78</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">33</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"">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"">231</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">198</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"">788</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land. Similarly, in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078/79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, potato cultivation was done on a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">198,256</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land. According to the government data, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">829</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> tons of potatoes were produced in that 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"">According to Toyanath Joshi, information officer of the National Potato Vegetable and Spice Crop Development Center, the government has recently been working on allocating potato super-zones in various places in Nepal. In addition, most of the farmers are cultivating advanced varieties than local seeds, so the production has increased. He said that since potatoes can be stored for a long time, there won’t be any problem even if there is no immediate market for the produce. This is the reason that the farmers are interested in potato farming, says Joshi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 potato production has increased in the country recently, import of potatoes from India continues unabated.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 government data, potatoes worth more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million are imported from abroad every year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19216', 'image' => '20231117110131_20230223110227_potato-farming.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:00:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19488', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Goldstar Shoes Provides In-Kind Support to Jajarkot Earthquake Victims', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: Nepal’s popular footwear brand Goldstar Shoes has provided shoes and slippers to the Jajarkot earthquake victims.', '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"">November 17: Nepal’s popular footwear brand Goldstar Shoes has provided shoes and slippers to the Jajarkot earthquake victims. Goldstar claimed that the company provided </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pairs of shoes and slippers worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</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"">4</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million to the quake victims.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vidushi Rana, executive director of Goldstar, said that they extended a helping hand to the earthquake victims of Jajarkot and Rukum West and said that they will provide more support based on their needs. Established in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1990</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Goldstar brand under Kiran Shoes Manufacturing Company has been producing shoes and slippers with the slogan 'Made 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"">Recently, the company has announced the launch of a special series of premium and high quality shoes.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19215', 'image' => '20231117110708_1700195592.2 Gold star support.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:06:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19486', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Australia to Provide Assistance to Earthquake-Affected People', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Australian government has pledged to provide 600 thousand Australian dollars (approximately Rs 51 million) in humanitarian aid to the recent earthquake victims in the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West. This announcement was made through a press release from the Australian Embassy in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 17: Australian government has pledged to provide 600 thousand Australian dollars (approximately Rs 51 million) in humanitarian aid to the recent earthquake victims in the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> This announcement was made through a press release from the Australian Embassy in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The funds will be allocated through established multilateral and local partnerships, with the primary goal of delivering essential emergency humanitarian supplies and providing crucial life-saving protection and assistance. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to immediate relief efforts, Australia's assistance will also play a role in supporting early reconstruction initiatives, specifically focusing on restoring damaged public infrastructure, including healthcare facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Australia has conveyed its deepest condolences to the people of Nepal affected by the earthquake. (RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19214', 'image' => '20231117072133_collage (12).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 07:20:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19485', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '165 Gamblers Held, Rs 3.5 Million Seized during Tihar ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: Police arrested 165 people on the charge of gambling during the Tihar festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: Police arrested 165 people on the charge of gambling during the Tihar festival. According to the police, Rs 3.46 million was seized from the dens during the raid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Kathmandu Valley Police Office said that the police raided 13 locations in Kathmandu, four in Lalitpur and two in Bhaktapur during the festival, making the arrests. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During the same period, eight people were arrested for illegal supplies of firecrackers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, during the Tihar festival, the Kathmandu Valley reported 14 cases of fire causing property loss of above Rs 87.7 million and a fatality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">An 80-year-old person lost his life in a fire at Lokanthali of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-1 that occurred in the evening of Laxmi Puja. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, seven people died in various road accidents while 330 others sustained injuries in the Kathmandu Valley alone. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The police registered cases of thefts worth around Rs 10 million with the arrests of seven suspects. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Moreover, the Central Police News Room said 21 people were arrested in Nuwakot and 13 in Salyan for gambling during the Tihar festival. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19213', 'image' => '20231116083425_20231113095736_066A1493.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 20:33:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19484', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'EU Approves Euro 2 Million in Humanitarian Aid for Nepal to Help People Affected by Earthquake', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The European Union (EU) has approved €2 million aid package to bring relief to the people most affected by the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 .', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 16: The European Union (EU) has approved €2 million aid package to bring relief to the people most affected by the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 .</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Issuing a statement on Thursday, the EU said that the aid will help provide shelter, access to clean water and sanitation, and health care, among other services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The support package includes €600,000 to support the work of humanitarian partners already providing assistance in affected areas. In addition, €200,000 have been allocated to the Nepalese Red Cross Society, via the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), added the statement.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Complementing the financial contribution, the EU said it will mobilise in-kind assistance from its European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC), worth €1.2 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This will include tents and winterisation kits that will be sent from the EU’s stockpile in Kuala Lumpur, to address the crucial shelter needs of vulnerable families whose homes were destroyed.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič reportedly said that the EU is ready to help those most in need as in previous disasters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> “Nepalese people have once again been hit by a deadly earthquake. This new aid package will bring shelter to people that have lost their homes, so they can be prepared to face the upcoming winter, while helping with other pressing needs,” the statement quoted Lenarčič as saying.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the EU, this new funding comes in addition to the €2 million already allocated to Nepal at the start of this year, with the goal of responding to natural hazards and to strengthen disaster preparedness.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Thanks to this programme, EU partners have been able to immediately assist in the response, supporting health and coordination at the provincial level,” reads the statement.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">End</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19212', 'image' => '20231116082723_20231106083535_HK-Jajarkot-IMG_9219 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 20:19:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19483', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Directors of Cooperatives Need to Submit Property Details', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The directors of cooperatives will have to submit their property details soon.', '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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">November 16: The directors of cooperatives will have to submit their property details soon. The Department of Cooperatives has issued instructions to the board of directors and managers of cooperatives to submit their property details.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has sought for the property details of the directors of the cooperatives under its jurisdiction as per the recommendation of the Cooperative Sector Reform Suggestion Task Force formed under the leadership of National Planning Commission member Jayakanta Raut.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to a notice issued by the department, the board of directors, managers and the members of the accounting supervision committee of cooperatives must submit their property details along with relevant documents to the department by mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has instructed the cooperatives under its regulatory jurisdiction to implement the recommendations of the task force and maintain good governance in the cooperative sector. The notice mentions that all cooperatives should issue a white paper containing the financial details including liabilities, investments and assets of the organization and submit it to the department by mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Likewise, all the cooperative organizations that deal mainly with savings and loans have been asked to submit a savings return action plan by the mid-April and to return the customers’ savings as per the demand. The same notice further states that all the cooperatives have been instructed to enter the specified details in the government’s database.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department had instructed the cooperatives to publish a white paper earlier too. Stating that the general public had developed a negative perception towards the cooperatives due to the failure of some organizations to return their savings, the department has adopted a policy of publishing a white paper to reassure 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has adopted a strategy to give more time to the cooperatives to return the savings of the general public by publishing a white paper and making a commitment. Namraj Ghimire, registrar of the department, informed that the directors of the cooperatives, that had received complaints from the members about the non-refund of the savings, were called and asked to publish white paper about the status of the organization and make a commitment with a deadline to return the savings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Due to lack of liquidity in the financial sector since the beginning of the last fiscal year, some cooperatives have not been able to return the savings of their members. Especially the organizations that invested in real estate, shares and private companies are in crisis as they are unable to return their customers’ savings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">To solve the problem of the cooperatives, the government, had formed the task force under the coordination of NPC member Jayakanta Raut. The committee submitted a report with recommendations to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal a few months ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">In the report, it has been suggested to the government to return the money of the depositors within mid-April, even if it requires selling the property of the problematic cooperatives and their directors. According to the suggestion of the committee, the responsibility of monitoring problematic cooperatives should be given to the chief district officer. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19211', 'image' => '20231116024859_cooperative problematic.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 14:47:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19482', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prime Minister's Employment Programme Becoming More Ineffective ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government had claimed that many people would be employed annually under this programme. More than 885,000 unemployed people have been registered under the employment programme in the hope of getting jobs. But so far this year, only 803 people have been employed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The programme was launched to employ citizens between the age group of 18 to 59 years who have not been employed for at least 100 days. If these people do not get employment, the government has been saying that it will provide a subsistence allowance equal to 50 days' wages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, if we look at the employment situation provided by the government so far in the current fiscal year, this programme seems to have become more and more weak.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the current fiscal year, the government had allocated a budget of Rs 5.94 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. According to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Employment Programme, a committee was recently formed for restructuring the programme, but it has not yet started its work in concrete form. According to Shobha Pokharel, the deputy secretary of the secretariat of the programme, the restructuring process will proceed as announced in the budget this year. "In the current fiscal year, the budget has been released for the projects as per the announcement made earlier. It is difficult to restructure the projects this year," she said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While presenting the previous fiscal year’s policies and programmes in the Parliament, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari had announced that the programme would be restructured so that all levels would own it. The restructuring of the programme has not been done.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Deputy Secretary Pokharel, the procedures and laws may have to be amended for restructuring the programme. She said that the necessary arrangements will be made and the programme will be restructured from next year based on the recommendations given by the committee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At present, the budget has been released to the local level as per the selected projects for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. A total of 738 local levels have registered the unemployment list for the current fiscal year, while the number of local levels that have implemented the project so far is only 134. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under the Prime Minister's Employment Programme launched by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in the year 2075/76, billions of rupees have been spent for small jobs. On the very year the programme was launched, the government was accused of exploiting billions of rupees from the state coffers in unproductive areas. The same year, the government was heavily criticized for spending billions of rupees in unproductive areas like chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away among others.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of last year, this programme has failed to create long-term employment. As the government has already allocated Rs 38.76 billion under this programme in the last five years, questions are being raised about its effectiveness and achievement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the initial year (FY 2075/76), the government allocated a budget of Rs 3.10 billion for this program. Rs 5.1 billion was allocated in the year 2076/77.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2077/78, Rs 11.6 billion was allocated and Rs 12 billion in 2078/79. For the year 2079/80, the government allocated a budget of Rs 7.5 billion. It seems that the allocated budget is mostly spent every year but the achievement is zero. The Auditor General's report has repeatedly raised questions about the expenses incurred through the Prime Minister's Employment Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19210', 'image' => '20231116011024_PMEP.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 13:09:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19481', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Tihar for Earthquake Victims of Jajarkot this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures.', '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"">November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless. For the citizens of the affected areas, this festival of Tihar was a mess. Their dream of celebrating Tihar could not be fulfilled this time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Twenty-six</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old Bhumika Shahi Malla and her </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old son Lekhnath, who had come from Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan to their native home in Aathbiskot-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in Rukum West to celebrate Tihar, died in the earthquake. Not only did the mother and her son die, her mother, sister's </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"">month-old son and aunt also died. All five of them died at their maternal home in Jamirekot Ward No. </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"">They had reached there to meet the sick aunt.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the other hand, Laxman Shahi of Aathbiskot Municipality-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, lost his mother, sister and two nephews. He is yet to overcome the pain of losing mothers, sisters, and nephews and Tihar only made him miss them more.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People across the country just celebrated Tihar, singing the Deusibhailo songs with merriment. However, like Shahi, hundreds of earthquake victims were unaffected by the fervor of Tihar. Shahi said that he did not even realize that Tihar had come this year due to the loss of his loved ones in the earthquake. He said, "In the previous year, the sisters used to come from their homes carrying a flower garlands for tika ritual. We used to sit together happily during the festival, but this year, the earthquake killed all our dreams and happiness."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hari Bahadur Oli of Bhalma that they were concerned about how to avoid the cold than to celebrate Tihar. Oli said that he is also appealing to the local government and other relevant agencies to protect them from the diseases caused by cold and arrange safe living arrangements.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kalikadevi Malla of SaniBheri-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> said that spending the cold night in the garden under a tent is a big problem. Malla requested the concerned agencies to make immediate arrangements for temporary accommodation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Panta informed that the first phase of relief distribution to the earthquake victims has been completed, and now the focus is on construction of temporary settlements for which the government is working 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"">Chief District Officer Panta informed that temporary reconstruction work will be started in the earthquake-affected areas immediately after Tihar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19209', 'image' => '20231116103556_1700051881.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:35:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19480', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CAN Federation urges Govt to rethink TikTok Ban ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the CAN Federation urged the government to rethink its decision to ban the popular social media TikTok bearing in the mind that the development of information technology have both opportunities and challenges. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It further said that it would be appropriate to regulate Tiktok as it has become a medium for small and middle-scale entrepreneurs to expand their market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"CAN Federation urges the government to hold talks and coordinate with experts for the proper use of all types of social sites available in Nepal. We are ready to collaborate with the government for any technical cooperation from the position of private sector," reads the statement. -- RSS </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19208', 'image' => '20231116100237_1200x0.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:01:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19479', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway for Chhath Festival in Tarai Madhes Districts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 16: As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Janakpurdham, various lakes and ponds are undergoing a special transformation with the enthusiastic support of locals and organizations gearing up for the Chhath festival. The banks of these water bodies are being meticulously cleaned to construct the Chhath ghats.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting the festival's significance in the Tarai Madhes region, Dr. Rajendra Bimal emphasized the decoration efforts around key locations such as Gangasagar Pond, Dhanush Sagar Pond, Argaja Pond, Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Aragajasar, Nocha Pokhari, Matkoraba Pokhari, and Dudhmati Ghat in Janakpurdham, the historic city of Mithilanchal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As Chhath enthusiasts prepare for the festivities, markets are witnessing a surge in shoppers purchasing necessary articles and items for the upcoming celebrations. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Notably, the growing number of people participating in Chhath each year has contributed to increased demand, leading to a rise in prices, according to local resident Prameshwar Saha. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Chhath festival is set to culminate on November 19 this year, with associated rituals commencing three days prior.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In Birgunj, similar preparations are underway, with ponds and lakes undergoing special decoration to create Chhath ghats for the various rituals and offerings associated with the festival.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cleaning and adornment activities are evident in local landmarks such as Ghadiarba pond, Nagawapokhari, Chhapakaiya Pokhari, Shreepur, and Ranighat pond. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19207', 'image' => '20231116073613_collage (11).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 07:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19478', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhai Tika Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers offer gifts and extend good luck wishes to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Bhai Tika, a special ritual takes place where brothers are seated at a designated spot, and sisters create a trail of mustard oil around them. The brothers are then garlanded with flowers, including marigold and globe amaranth. In return, brothers also apply tika to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Calendar Determination Committee has identified 10:51 am as the auspicious hour for offering tika this year, though it can be done throughout the day. The cultural belief associated with Bhai Tika revolves around a sister obtaining a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother's longevity until the mustard oil dries up and the garland of dubo and makhamali withers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to the ritualistic aspects, sisters offer special delicacies like sweets, walnuts, and sel roti to their brothers. Individuals without biological siblings participate in the celebration by receiving tika from those they consider as brothers or sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, is opened today, a tradition observed annually on Bhai Tika. The temple holds cultural significance, and its doors are unlocked on this auspicious day. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-15', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19206', 'image' => '20231115064107_collage (10).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-15 06:39:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19477', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Korala Check Point in Mustang Comes into Operation After Four Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 14: Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the occasion, member of House of Representatives Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhan Raj Acharya, Chief District Officer of Mustang, Janak Raj Panta and people's representatives of Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda and Lo Manthang rural municipalities were present from the side of Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Likewise, officials of customs, border monitoring, public security bureau, commerce bureau, border control and dry port management committee were present from Chinese side. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chairperson of Lo Manthang rural municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung, said China gifted 100,000 kilogrammes of food grains, clothes and daily essentials to the locals of Lo Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities on the first day of resumption of check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Locals of both rural municipalities have started visiting China on the basis of identity card, said CDO Panta. The check point was completely shut down from 2076 BS after coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">'Departure and Entry Permits for Residents of Nepal-China Border Area Nepal- China' was distributed to around 1,000 people of Lo-Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kund rural municipalities as the preparation for operation of Korala check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Those who have entry pass have the facility to travel to and from China at any time", he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Panta mentioned that temporary infrastructures have been built on Nepal's side near Korala check point and arrangement of regular presence of security personnel has also been made." (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-14', 'modified' => '2023-11-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19205', 'image' => '20231114072613_collage (9).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-14 07:24:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19475', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gai Tihar Observed Across the Country', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. This ritual holds significance in Hindu traditions, where the cow is revered and worshipped as a symbol of motherly love.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The religious belief behind Gai Puja centers on the idea that cows provide unconditional love, similar to that of a mother. The ceremony involves garlanding the cow and offering it various delicacies. This practice has roots in ancient Vedic times, with cows considered sacred and often referred to as cow mothers due to the nutritious milk they provide, likened to that of human mothers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interestingly, modern science supports the importance of cows, highlighting that the energy of local cow breeds is derived from the sun and moon, providing strength to humans through milk.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While some regions traditionally worship cows on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, there is a classical belief that the worship should occur at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada, according to Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, a religious belief suggests that tying the Rakshabandhan (a protective thread) from the right hand to the cow's tail during the cow worship ritual can help the soul cross the river Vaitarani and reach heaven after death. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance attributed to the ritual of Gai Puja during the Tihar festival. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19204', 'image' => '20231113100038_gai-tihar-12-70815.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 07:01:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19490', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal has Stock of Dairy Products worth Rs 9. 41 Billion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption. ', '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"">November 17: The stock of dairy products has increased due to the decline in consumption. With the addition of powdered milk and butter stock worth around Rs 3.5 billion, the total stock of dairy products has reached more than Rs 9.41 billion within a month. According to the information provided by the Dairy Development Board, there was a stock of powdered milk and butter worth Rs 6 billion a month ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 consumption of milk has decreased due to the economic recession while the production has increased. Therefore, the stock is increasing. Acting Executive Director of the Board Balak Chaudhary said that the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has stock of powdered milk and butter worth Rs 400 million, Dairy Industry Association has stock of Rs 7.6 billion and Nepal Dairy Association has stock of Rs 1.41 billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 Chaudhary, milk production usually increases from mid-September to February. However, this year, production had increased since May. Lately, the increase in milk production has started ahead of the usual time due to the farmers’ preference in rearing advanced breeds of cattle and the initiative shown by the local and provincial governments in milk production, says Chaudhary.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Increase in milk production is a positive development. However, consumption of milk products is not in the same proportion. Under normal conditions, about 70 million liters of liquid milk is produced every day in Nepal. This year production seems to have increased by 4 percent. On the other hand, consumption in the market has decreased by 15 percent," he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Until five months ago, the dairy industries were seeking permission to import dairy products from India due to shortage in the domestic market. However, within a short span of time, there is excess of milk products. Stakeholders say that it is a matter of concern for the country’s dairy sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prahlad Dahal, president of Nepal Dairy Association, says that while the income of the consumers is stable, the purchasing power has decreased and therefore the consumption has also decreased. According to him, the consumers are not in a position to consume with open heart like before. As the stock of milk has increased, the association is studying the prospect of exporting powdered milk and butter to Bangladesh. The association has sent a team of experts to study the situation in Bangladesh. Dahal said that Bangladesh has not yet sent a reply on whether to purchase milk from Nepal or not.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19218', 'image' => '20231117124706_1700193855.1667860642.w.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 12:46:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19489', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Interest Rates of Banks Drop to Single Digit after Five Months', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The interest rates of commercial banks have fallen to a single digit five months after the banks started determining the interest rates independently. ', '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"">November 17: The interest rates of commercial banks have fallen to a single digit five months after the banks started determining the interest rates independently. Banks have started reducing interest rates as there is no demand for loans while deposit collection has increased.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the gentlemen’s agreement reached between commercial banks earlier, the Nepal Bankers Association had fixed a uniform interest rate on personal term deposits at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">9.99</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent for a one-month period from mid-April to mid-May. The banks applied the same interest rates for the next two months but the consensus ended in mid-July and the banks decided to fix the interest rates independently. Thereafter, the interest rates had started to increase.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, most of the banks have reduced the interest rate to a single digit for the Nepali month of Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December). More than a dozen banks have reduced their interest rates for the period of mid-November to mid-December compared to a month ago. Starting from November 17, 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""> commercial banks have fixed the maximum interest rate of personal term deposits at less than </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> 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"">In the review month, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> banks reduced the interest rates while one increased. Six banks have kept the interest rates unchanged. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal SBI Bank, Himalayan Bank and Machhapuchchre Bank have set the highest interest rates for personal term deposits in the review month. These three banks have fixed the interest rates at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10.603</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent per annum on personal term deposits. The lowest interest rate has been fixed by NIC Asia Bank, which has set an annual interest rate of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8.968</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent on individual term deposits.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NIC Asia reduced the interest rate by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.035</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points. Similarly, NMB Bank, which increased the interest rate last month, reduced it by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.243</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points. Compared to the previous month (mid-October to mid-November), only Machhapuchhre Bank increased the interest rate. The banks have also reduced the interest rate on general savings accounts. The commercial banks have reduced the maximum interest rate on general savings to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7.60</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent from </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8</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"">According to the instructions of the Nepal Rastra Bank regarding interest rate determination, banks are allowed to increase or decrease the interest rates by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent every month. Similarly, there is a provision that banks should publish the interest rate applicable for every month a day before the start of the new 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"">Banks are required to pay </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""> percentage point more for deposits through remittance and </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percentage points less for institutional depositors than for individual deposits.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Deposits in banks are increasing with the recent increase in remittance income. However, due to lack of improvement in economic activities, demand for credit is low. As of mid-November of the current fiscal year, deposits in banks and financial institutions have increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and credit flow by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. During the same period of the last fiscal year, deposits increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">0.4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent and lending increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. However, compared to the previous months, the demand for loans has started to increase, according to the report of the central 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"">According to the NRB, the interest rates on deposits and loans have started to decrease along with the base rate of banks. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the deposit collection is higher than credit flow, the credit-deposit ratio (CD ratio) of banks has also decreased. On November </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, the average CD ratio of banks remained at </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">81.31</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. According to the central bank, banks can extend credit flow by maintaining a CD ratio of up to </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">90</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> percent. So, the banks have the capacity to provide additional loans of about 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""> billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19217', 'image' => '20231117113259_Banks - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:32:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19487', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Production and Area of Cultivation of Potatoes Increasing in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: The production of potatoes and area of potato farming both have increased in the last four years, according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.', '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"">November 17: The production of potatoes and area of potato farming both have increased in the last four years, according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the ministry’s data, the area of potato cultivation has increased by </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4,200</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares and the production by about </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"">,</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"">metric tons during the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Data provided by the ministry show that a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31</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"">12</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"">947</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">193</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"">997</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land in Nepal in the fiscal year (FY) </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2075/76</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"">In the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2076/77</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, altogether </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">31</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"">31</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"">830</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">188</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"">098</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of 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"">In FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2077/78</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">33</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"">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"">231</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> metric tons of potatoes were produced in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">198</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"">788</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land. Similarly, in the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2078/79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, potato cultivation was done on a total of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">198,256</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> hectares of land. According to the government data, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">34</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">829</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> tons of potatoes were produced in that 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"">According to Toyanath Joshi, information officer of the National Potato Vegetable and Spice Crop Development Center, the government has recently been working on allocating potato super-zones in various places in Nepal. In addition, most of the farmers are cultivating advanced varieties than local seeds, so the production has increased. He said that since potatoes can be stored for a long time, there won’t be any problem even if there is no immediate market for the produce. This is the reason that the farmers are interested in potato farming, says Joshi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 potato production has increased in the country recently, import of potatoes from India continues unabated.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 government data, potatoes worth more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">60 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million are imported from abroad every year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19216', 'image' => '20231117110131_20230223110227_potato-farming.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:00:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19488', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Goldstar Shoes Provides In-Kind Support to Jajarkot Earthquake Victims', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 17: Nepal’s popular footwear brand Goldstar Shoes has provided shoes and slippers to the Jajarkot earthquake victims.', '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"">November 17: Nepal’s popular footwear brand Goldstar Shoes has provided shoes and slippers to the Jajarkot earthquake victims. Goldstar claimed that the company provided </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10,000</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> pairs of shoes and slippers worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</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"">4</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">million to the quake victims.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vidushi Rana, executive director of Goldstar, said that they extended a helping hand to the earthquake victims of Jajarkot and Rukum West and said that they will provide more support based on their needs. Established in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1990</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, Goldstar brand under Kiran Shoes Manufacturing Company has been producing shoes and slippers with the slogan 'Made 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"">Recently, the company has announced the launch of a special series of premium and high quality shoes.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19215', 'image' => '20231117110708_1700195592.2 Gold star support.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 11:06:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19486', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Australia to Provide Assistance to Earthquake-Affected People', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Australian government has pledged to provide 600 thousand Australian dollars (approximately Rs 51 million) in humanitarian aid to the recent earthquake victims in the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West. This announcement was made through a press release from the Australian Embassy in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 17: Australian government has pledged to provide 600 thousand Australian dollars (approximately Rs 51 million) in humanitarian aid to the recent earthquake victims in the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> This announcement was made through a press release from the Australian Embassy in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The funds will be allocated through established multilateral and local partnerships, with the primary goal of delivering essential emergency humanitarian supplies and providing crucial life-saving protection and assistance. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to immediate relief efforts, Australia's assistance will also play a role in supporting early reconstruction initiatives, specifically focusing on restoring damaged public infrastructure, including healthcare facilities.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Australia has conveyed its deepest condolences to the people of Nepal affected by the earthquake. (RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-17', 'modified' => '2023-11-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19214', 'image' => '20231117072133_collage (12).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-17 07:20:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19485', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '165 Gamblers Held, Rs 3.5 Million Seized during Tihar ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: Police arrested 165 people on the charge of gambling during the Tihar festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: Police arrested 165 people on the charge of gambling during the Tihar festival. According to the police, Rs 3.46 million was seized from the dens during the raid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Kathmandu Valley Police Office said that the police raided 13 locations in Kathmandu, four in Lalitpur and two in Bhaktapur during the festival, making the arrests. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">During the same period, eight people were arrested for illegal supplies of firecrackers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, during the Tihar festival, the Kathmandu Valley reported 14 cases of fire causing property loss of above Rs 87.7 million and a fatality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">An 80-year-old person lost his life in a fire at Lokanthali of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-1 that occurred in the evening of Laxmi Puja. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, seven people died in various road accidents while 330 others sustained injuries in the Kathmandu Valley alone. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The police registered cases of thefts worth around Rs 10 million with the arrests of seven suspects. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Moreover, the Central Police News Room said 21 people were arrested in Nuwakot and 13 in Salyan for gambling during the Tihar festival. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19213', 'image' => '20231116083425_20231113095736_066A1493.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 20:33:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19484', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'EU Approves Euro 2 Million in Humanitarian Aid for Nepal to Help People Affected by Earthquake', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The European Union (EU) has approved €2 million aid package to bring relief to the people most affected by the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 .', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">November 16: The European Union (EU) has approved €2 million aid package to bring relief to the people most affected by the Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 .</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Issuing a statement on Thursday, the EU said that the aid will help provide shelter, access to clean water and sanitation, and health care, among other services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The support package includes €600,000 to support the work of humanitarian partners already providing assistance in affected areas. In addition, €200,000 have been allocated to the Nepalese Red Cross Society, via the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), added the statement.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Complementing the financial contribution, the EU said it will mobilise in-kind assistance from its European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC), worth €1.2 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This will include tents and winterisation kits that will be sent from the EU’s stockpile in Kuala Lumpur, to address the crucial shelter needs of vulnerable families whose homes were destroyed.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič reportedly said that the EU is ready to help those most in need as in previous disasters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> “Nepalese people have once again been hit by a deadly earthquake. This new aid package will bring shelter to people that have lost their homes, so they can be prepared to face the upcoming winter, while helping with other pressing needs,” the statement quoted Lenarčič as saying.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the EU, this new funding comes in addition to the €2 million already allocated to Nepal at the start of this year, with the goal of responding to natural hazards and to strengthen disaster preparedness.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Thanks to this programme, EU partners have been able to immediately assist in the response, supporting health and coordination at the provincial level,” reads the statement.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">End</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19212', 'image' => '20231116082723_20231106083535_HK-Jajarkot-IMG_9219 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 20:19:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19483', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Directors of Cooperatives Need to Submit Property Details', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The directors of cooperatives will have to submit their property details soon.', '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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">November 16: The directors of cooperatives will have to submit their property details soon. The Department of Cooperatives has issued instructions to the board of directors and managers of cooperatives to submit their property details.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has sought for the property details of the directors of the cooperatives under its jurisdiction as per the recommendation of the Cooperative Sector Reform Suggestion Task Force formed under the leadership of National Planning Commission member Jayakanta Raut.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to a notice issued by the department, the board of directors, managers and the members of the accounting supervision committee of cooperatives must submit their property details along with relevant documents to the department by mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has instructed the cooperatives under its regulatory jurisdiction to implement the recommendations of the task force and maintain good governance in the cooperative sector. The notice mentions that all cooperatives should issue a white paper containing the financial details including liabilities, investments and assets of the organization and submit it to the department by mid-December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Likewise, all the cooperative organizations that deal mainly with savings and loans have been asked to submit a savings return action plan by the mid-April and to return the customers’ savings as per the demand. The same notice further states that all the cooperatives have been instructed to enter the specified details in the government’s database.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department had instructed the cooperatives to publish a white paper earlier too. Stating that the general public had developed a negative perception towards the cooperatives due to the failure of some organizations to return their savings, the department has adopted a policy of publishing a white paper to reassure 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department has adopted a strategy to give more time to the cooperatives to return the savings of the general public by publishing a white paper and making a commitment. Namraj Ghimire, registrar of the department, informed that the directors of the cooperatives, that had received complaints from the members about the non-refund of the savings, were called and asked to publish white paper about the status of the organization and make a commitment with a deadline to return the savings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Due to lack of liquidity in the financial sector since the beginning of the last fiscal year, some cooperatives have not been able to return the savings of their members. Especially the organizations that invested in real estate, shares and private companies are in crisis as they are unable to return their customers’ savings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">To solve the problem of the cooperatives, the government, had formed the task force under the coordination of NPC member Jayakanta Raut. The committee submitted a report with recommendations to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal a few months ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">In the report, it has been suggested to the government to return the money of the depositors within mid-April, even if it requires selling the property of the problematic cooperatives and their directors. According to the suggestion of the committee, the responsibility of monitoring problematic cooperatives should be given to the chief district officer. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19211', 'image' => '20231116024859_cooperative problematic.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 14:47:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19482', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prime Minister's Employment Programme Becoming More Ineffective ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">November 16: The Prime Minister's Employment Programme is becoming more and more ineffective. Almost four months have passed since the start of the current fiscal year (FY) 2080/81, but not even one thousand people have been employed under the programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government had claimed that many people would be employed annually under this programme. More than 885,000 unemployed people have been registered under the employment programme in the hope of getting jobs. But so far this year, only 803 people have been employed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The programme was launched to employ citizens between the age group of 18 to 59 years who have not been employed for at least 100 days. If these people do not get employment, the government has been saying that it will provide a subsistence allowance equal to 50 days' wages.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, if we look at the employment situation provided by the government so far in the current fiscal year, this programme seems to have become more and more weak.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the current fiscal year, the government had allocated a budget of Rs 5.94 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. According to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Employment Programme, a committee was recently formed for restructuring the programme, but it has not yet started its work in concrete form. According to Shobha Pokharel, the deputy secretary of the secretariat of the programme, the restructuring process will proceed as announced in the budget this year. "In the current fiscal year, the budget has been released for the projects as per the announcement made earlier. It is difficult to restructure the projects this year," she said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">While presenting the previous fiscal year’s policies and programmes in the Parliament, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari had announced that the programme would be restructured so that all levels would own it. The restructuring of the programme has not been done.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Deputy Secretary Pokharel, the procedures and laws may have to be amended for restructuring the programme. She said that the necessary arrangements will be made and the programme will be restructured from next year based on the recommendations given by the committee.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At present, the budget has been released to the local level as per the selected projects for the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. A total of 738 local levels have registered the unemployment list for the current fiscal year, while the number of local levels that have implemented the project so far is only 134. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under the Prime Minister's Employment Programme launched by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in the year 2075/76, billions of rupees have been spent for small jobs. On the very year the programme was launched, the government was accused of exploiting billions of rupees from the state coffers in unproductive areas. The same year, the government was heavily criticized for spending billions of rupees in unproductive areas like chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away among others.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of last year, this programme has failed to create long-term employment. As the government has already allocated Rs 38.76 billion under this programme in the last five years, questions are being raised about its effectiveness and achievement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the initial year (FY 2075/76), the government allocated a budget of Rs 3.10 billion for this program. Rs 5.1 billion was allocated in the year 2076/77.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the year 2077/78, Rs 11.6 billion was allocated and Rs 12 billion in 2078/79. For the year 2079/80, the government allocated a budget of Rs 7.5 billion. It seems that the allocated budget is mostly spent every year but the achievement is zero. The Auditor General's report has repeatedly raised questions about the expenses incurred through the Prime Minister's Employment Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19210', 'image' => '20231116011024_PMEP.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 13:09:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19481', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Tihar for Earthquake Victims of Jajarkot this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures.', '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"">November 16: The Jajarkot earthquake on November 3 caused huge damage to human lives and physical infrastructures. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless. For the citizens of the affected areas, this festival of Tihar was a mess. Their dream of celebrating Tihar could not be fulfilled this time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Twenty-six</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old Bhumika Shahi Malla and her </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">year-old son Lekhnath, who had come from Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan to their native home in Aathbiskot-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">in Rukum West to celebrate Tihar, died in the earthquake. Not only did the mother and her son die, her mother, sister's </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"">month-old son and aunt also died. All five of them died at their maternal home in Jamirekot Ward No. </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"">They had reached there to meet the sick aunt.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the other hand, Laxman Shahi of Aathbiskot Municipality-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">13</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, lost his mother, sister and two nephews. He is yet to overcome the pain of losing mothers, sisters, and nephews and Tihar only made him miss them more.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People across the country just celebrated Tihar, singing the Deusibhailo songs with merriment. However, like Shahi, hundreds of earthquake victims were unaffected by the fervor of Tihar. Shahi said that he did not even realize that Tihar had come this year due to the loss of his loved ones in the earthquake. He said, "In the previous year, the sisters used to come from their homes carrying a flower garlands for tika ritual. We used to sit together happily during the festival, but this year, the earthquake killed all our dreams and happiness."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hari Bahadur Oli of Bhalma that they were concerned about how to avoid the cold than to celebrate Tihar. Oli said that he is also appealing to the local government and other relevant agencies to protect them from the diseases caused by cold and arrange safe living arrangements.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Kalikadevi Malla of SaniBheri-</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> said that spending the cold night in the garden under a tent is a big problem. Malla requested the concerned agencies to make immediate arrangements for temporary accommodation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Panta informed that the first phase of relief distribution to the earthquake victims has been completed, and now the focus is on construction of temporary settlements for which the government is working 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"">Chief District Officer Panta informed that temporary reconstruction work will be started in the earthquake-affected areas immediately after Tihar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19209', 'image' => '20231116103556_1700051881.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:35:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19480', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'CAN Federation urges Govt to rethink TikTok Ban ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">November 16: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal has said that the country's economy will benefit if an arrangement is made in line with the law for the operation and regulation of TikTok. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the CAN Federation urged the government to rethink its decision to ban the popular social media TikTok bearing in the mind that the development of information technology have both opportunities and challenges. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It further said that it would be appropriate to regulate Tiktok as it has become a medium for small and middle-scale entrepreneurs to expand their market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"CAN Federation urges the government to hold talks and coordinate with experts for the proper use of all types of social sites available in Nepal. We are ready to collaborate with the government for any technical cooperation from the position of private sector," reads the statement. -- RSS </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19208', 'image' => '20231116100237_1200x0.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 10:01:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19479', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Preparations Underway for Chhath Festival in Tarai Madhes Districts', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 16: As the festival of lights, Deepawali, concludes, preparations for the Chhath festival are in full swing in the Tarai Madhes districts, including Dhanusha.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Janakpurdham, various lakes and ponds are undergoing a special transformation with the enthusiastic support of locals and organizations gearing up for the Chhath festival. The banks of these water bodies are being meticulously cleaned to construct the Chhath ghats.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting the festival's significance in the Tarai Madhes region, Dr. Rajendra Bimal emphasized the decoration efforts around key locations such as Gangasagar Pond, Dhanush Sagar Pond, Argaja Pond, Maharasagar, Ratnasagar, Gordhoi, Aragajasar, Nocha Pokhari, Matkoraba Pokhari, and Dudhmati Ghat in Janakpurdham, the historic city of Mithilanchal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As Chhath enthusiasts prepare for the festivities, markets are witnessing a surge in shoppers purchasing necessary articles and items for the upcoming celebrations. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Notably, the growing number of people participating in Chhath each year has contributed to increased demand, leading to a rise in prices, according to local resident Prameshwar Saha. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Chhath festival is set to culminate on November 19 this year, with associated rituals commencing three days prior.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> In Birgunj, similar preparations are underway, with ponds and lakes undergoing special decoration to create Chhath ghats for the various rituals and offerings associated with the festival.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cleaning and adornment activities are evident in local landmarks such as Ghadiarba pond, Nagawapokhari, Chhapakaiya Pokhari, Shreepur, and Ranighat pond. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-16', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19207', 'image' => '20231116073613_collage (11).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-16 07:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19478', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhai Tika Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 15: Bhai Tika, the final day of the five-day Tihar festival, was celebrated nationwide on Wednesday. On this day, sisters put colorful tika to their brothers, symbolizing their wishes for happiness, prosperity, and long life. In return, brothers offer gifts and extend good luck wishes to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Bhai Tika, a special ritual takes place where brothers are seated at a designated spot, and sisters create a trail of mustard oil around them. The brothers are then garlanded with flowers, including marigold and globe amaranth. In return, brothers also apply tika to their sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Calendar Determination Committee has identified 10:51 am as the auspicious hour for offering tika this year, though it can be done throughout the day. The cultural belief associated with Bhai Tika revolves around a sister obtaining a boon from Yama, the god of death, ensuring her brother's longevity until the mustard oil dries up and the garland of dubo and makhamali withers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to the ritualistic aspects, sisters offer special delicacies like sweets, walnuts, and sel roti to their brothers. Individuals without biological siblings participate in the celebration by receiving tika from those they consider as brothers or sisters.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Furthermore, the Balgopaleshwor Temple in Ranipokhari, Kathmandu, is opened today, a tradition observed annually on Bhai Tika. The temple holds cultural significance, and its doors are unlocked on this auspicious day. (RSS)</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-15', 'modified' => '2023-11-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19206', 'image' => '20231115064107_collage (10).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-15 06:39:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19477', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Korala Check Point in Mustang Comes into Operation After Four Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 14: Korala check point at Lo Manthang rural municipality in Mustang district has come into operation again from Monday after four years. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The check point was formally inaugurated in the presence of representatives of governments of Nepal and China.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the occasion, member of House of Representatives Yogesh Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, Dipendra Bahadur Thapa, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhan Raj Acharya, Chief District Officer of Mustang, Janak Raj Panta and people's representatives of Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda and Lo Manthang rural municipalities were present from the side of Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Likewise, officials of customs, border monitoring, public security bureau, commerce bureau, border control and dry port management committee were present from Chinese side. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chairperson of Lo Manthang rural municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung, said China gifted 100,000 kilogrammes of food grains, clothes and daily essentials to the locals of Lo Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities on the first day of resumption of check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Locals of both rural municipalities have started visiting China on the basis of identity card, said CDO Panta. The check point was completely shut down from 2076 BS after coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">'Departure and Entry Permits for Residents of Nepal-China Border Area Nepal- China' was distributed to around 1,000 people of Lo-Manthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodar Kund rural municipalities as the preparation for operation of Korala check point. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Those who have entry pass have the facility to travel to and from China at any time", he shared. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Panta mentioned that temporary infrastructures have been built on Nepal's side near Korala check point and arrangement of regular presence of security personnel has also been made." (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-14', 'modified' => '2023-11-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19205', 'image' => '20231114072613_collage (9).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-14 07:24:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '19475', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gai Tihar Observed Across the Country', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">November 13: Gai Puja, also known as Cow Puja, was observed across the country on Monday as part of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus. This ritual holds significance in Hindu traditions, where the cow is revered and worshipped as a symbol of motherly love.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The religious belief behind Gai Puja centers on the idea that cows provide unconditional love, similar to that of a mother. The ceremony involves garlanding the cow and offering it various delicacies. This practice has roots in ancient Vedic times, with cows considered sacred and often referred to as cow mothers due to the nutritious milk they provide, likened to that of human mothers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Interestingly, modern science supports the importance of cows, highlighting that the energy of local cow breeds is derived from the sun and moon, providing strength to humans through milk.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While some regions traditionally worship cows on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, there is a classical belief that the worship should occur at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada, according to Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, a religious belief suggests that tying the Rakshabandhan (a protective thread) from the right hand to the cow's tail during the cow worship ritual can help the soul cross the river Vaitarani and reach heaven after death. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance attributed to the ritual of Gai Puja during the Tihar festival. (RSS) </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-11-13', 'modified' => '2023-11-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '19204', 'image' => '20231113100038_gai-tihar-12-70815.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-11-13 07:01:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
