September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday…
September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday…
The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of various petroleum…
August 31: The Department of Roads (DoR) is studying the feasibility of constructing 18 tunnels and one underpass on various highways and…
August 31: Monson-induced disasters claimed the lives of 73 people in between June 14 and August 25 this year.…
August 31: Children are increasingly at risk of sexual abuse through internet, a study has revealed.…
August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years.…
August 31: Devotees in larger numbers have reached Gosaikunda since the early morning today to observe the Janai Purnima…
August 31: 'Janai Purnima' which is also called 'Rishi Tarpani' festival is being celebrated across the country today (Thursday).…
August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today.…
Pakistan crushed minnows Nepal by a huge margin of 238 runs in a Group A match to make a winning start to the Asia…
August 30: In recent days, companies have been issuing initial public offering (IPO) of shares at a premium price.…
August 30: Chitwan-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) has decided to avail all of the general beds of the hospital free of cost, effective from September…
August 30: Water supply from Melamchi will resume one and a half months after the end of…
August 30: The number of supply, consulting and construction companies not working according to public procurement act and regulations has…
August 30: Government authorities have started preliminary study of the Panama (TR-4) disease detected in banana farms in Tikapur,…
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' => '18883', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Earthquake Jolts Bhojpur ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday night.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday night.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, the earthquake with epicenter at Tungechha, Bhojpur occurred at 1:11 am. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Prior to this, an earthquake of magnitude 3.9 in the Richter scale had occurred at Khiratadi area in Bajhang district on August 17. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hills and mountainous regions in eastern and western parts of Nepal have been witnessing frequent incidents of earthquakes in recent time.</span> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-09-01', 'modified' => '2023-09-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18612', 'image' => '20230901112320_earth.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-09-01 11:22:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18882', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) Hikes Prices of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of various petroleum products.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">September 1: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of various petroleum products. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Effective from Thursday midnight, the new prices will come into effect. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">According to NOC, the price of petrol will rise by Rs. 4 per litre, while prices of diesel and kerosene have been hiked by Rs. 3 per litre. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Additionally, the price of LP gas per cylinder has increased by Rs. 235.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">This decision by NOC is in response to the recent price adjustments made by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), which supplies fuel to Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">The latest price list from IOC shows an increase of Rs. 3.17 per litre for petrol, Rs. 2.48 per litre for diesel, and Rs. 186.45 per cylinder for LP gas.</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-09-01', 'modified' => '2023-09-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18611', 'image' => '20230901060432_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-09-01 06:03:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18881', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'DoR Focuses on Feasibility Study of Tunnels to Reduce Traffic Congestion, Travel Distance', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: The Department of Roads (DoR) is studying the feasibility of constructing 18 tunnels and one underpass on various highways and roads.', '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"">August 31: The Department of Roads (DoR) is studying the feasibility of constructing 18 tunnels and one underpass on various highways and roads. </span></span></span></span></p> <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 the department, it has already completed the feasibility study of tunnels along the Dharan-Leuti section as well as Manechour-BP Nagar Khutia Dipayal section.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 government is currently undertaking the construction of a tunnel in Nagadhunga. The process of construction of a tunnel in Siddhartha Palpa section of the Siddharth Highway has also progressed ahead. </span></span></span></span></p> <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 identified more locations to build tunnels.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Sushilbabu Dhakal, director general of the department, said that a study has been conducted to build tunnels at the places where it is deemed necessary. However, he says that situation is not favourable to begin construction as soon as the study is done. </span></span></span></span></p> <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"">"We have realized that it is necessary to build tunnels on different roads," said Dhakal, "However, we have to undergo countless processes to build such structures. For example, the construction of Nagadhunga tunnel was discussed in 2012 and the contract was finally signed in 2018.”</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">He said that the department has identified the places where tunnels need to be built. If it is necessary to build tunnels, the DoR will proceed ahead with the construction by managing resources on the basis of priority.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Although the construction of tunnels is relatively expensive, the government has recently launched a tunnel construction plan to reduce the road distance, traffic congestion and in some cases to reduce loss of life due to landslides. </span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Nagadhunga tunnel is being constructed with the help of loan from the Japanese government to manage traffic and shorten the distance. The department informed that the construction of a tunnel has been started in Siddhababa, where people's lives are lost due to landslides every 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department signed a contract worth Rs 7.34 billion with a Chinese company -- China State – two and a half years ago for the construction of the Siddhababa tunnel. As per the agreement, the tunnel should be completed within five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18610', 'image' => '20230831122957_1693450631.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:29:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18879', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Monsoon-Induced Disasters Resulted in 73 Casualties ', 'sub_title' => 'Disasters Cause Loss of Rs 15 Billion to Physical Infrastructures', 'summary' => 'August 31: Monson-induced disasters claimed the lives of 73 people in between June 14 and August 25 this year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Monson-induced disasters claimed the lives of 73 people in between June 14 and August 25 this year. The casualties were due to landslides, floods, heavy rains and lightning strikes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that 102 individuals sustained injuries as a result of these monsoon-triggered disasters while 20 have gone missing. NDRRMA Chief Executive Anil Pokhrel said the country witnessed 135 cases of floodings, 429 incidents of landslides, 116 occurrences of heavy rainfall, and 83 cases of lightning strikes in this period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the victims, 12 were killed by floods, 38 died in landslides, two died due to heavy rainfall and 21 were killed in lightning strikes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The monsoon has inflicted damages on various hydroelectricity projects, causing a total loss of around Rs 8.5 billion. It is said 17 under-construction projects with a combined capacity of 326.83 megawatts and 13 projects totaling 132.75 megawatts have been affected. Additionally, the monsoon disasters have caused significant damages to the infrastructure sector as well. It caused the loss of Rs 400 million when it damaged 29 highways, and the overall loss to physical properties has surpassed Rs 15 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Four motorable bridges and 22 suspension bridges were washed away in various parts of the country, causing the loss of around Rs 410 million. Furthermore, floods and landslides resulted in the damage of 28 federal drinking water projects, incurring a loss of around Rs 90 million. It is estimated that it would cost over Rs 10.55 billion to restore the damaged infrastructures. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18609', 'image' => '20230831122731_20230806120213_20211020080208_SBS_Kanchanpur-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:26:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18880', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Children at Risk of Sexual Misbehavior through Internet: Study ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Children are increasingly at risk of sexual abuse through internet, a study has revealed. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Children are increasingly at risk of sexual abuse through internet, a study has revealed. In a programme organized to unveil the findings of a study conducted by Bal Awaj, an organization based in Lalitpur, it was found that children below 18 years were sexually abused through internet. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The study conducted among 514 children in Koshi and Bagmati provinces revealed that children were asked for pictures by acquaintances as well as strangers in internet and their pictures would be morphed to defame them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the study, 73 per cent children admitted that they accessed internet through Wi-Fi while 14 per cent from mobile data and 13 per cent from both sources, said Krishna Kumar Thapa, executive director of Bal Awaj. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Action such as asking for obscene photos from children and sending insensitive messages among others by abusing internet are considered acts of sexual misbehavior and abuse against children. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Attorney General Dr Dinmani Pokharel opined that online crime would not only affect children socially but also psychologically. Stating that earlier cases of sexual abuse against children were reported at physical level, he said that children are now prone to sexual abuse through the internet lately, which, he added, immensely affected those children psychologically. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He called for raising awareness about the laws put in place to protect children from abuses of all forms. According to him, the findings of the study would be a 'milestone' for formulation of law regarding protection of children from cybercrimes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, CDO of Lalitpur, Rudra Prasad Pandit, expressed his concern over more and more children being subjected to sexual abuse through the internet these days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He demanded for the provision in the 'setting' of every mobile phones that would prevent websites showing sexual videos of children. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, SSP Siddhi Bikram Shah lamented that even if complaints from child victim about sexual abuse were filed, there is a problem in taking action against the culprit of sexual abuse against children in lack of resources to find out where actually the sexual abuse took place. He said that the 'Child Save Mode' can be turned on in Wi-Fi to prevent children from accessing porn sites. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, Nepal Bar Association President Gopal Krishna Ghimire shared that children should be kept away from laptop, mobile phones and Ipads. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18608', 'image' => '20230831122838_EWNMdeAWsAATOVS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:28:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18878', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists up in Lumbini ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years. The data shows the birthplace of Gautam Buddha experienced a surge in the influx of tourists in the post-COVID-19 period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Lumbini Development Trust, as of July 2023, the arrival of tourists (except those from Nepal and India) increased by 500 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Likewise, the number of visitors from India was more by 30 percent followed by a similar rise in the arrivals of domestic tourists. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As of July 2023, a total of 23,942 tourists from third countries visited Lumbini while this figure was 3,975 during the corresponding period last year, according to LDT public relations chief and information officer Dr Hari Rai. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Lumbini welcomed people from 96 countries in 2022. As of July this year, tourists from 67 visited the historic city. It is said more Indians are visiting Lumbini following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here in May, 2022. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18607', 'image' => '20230831114220_LumbiniRSS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 11:41:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18876', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Devotees Throng Gosaikunda on Janai Purnima Festival ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Devotees in larger numbers have reached Gosaikunda since the early morning today to observe the Janai Purnima festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Devotees in larger numbers have reached Gosaikunda since the early morning today to observe the Janai Purnima festival. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 4,000 people have arrived at the sacred place in Rasuwa district to partake in the Janai Purnima festival. Gosaikunda, a freshwater lake of profound religious importance, lies at an altitude of 14, 370 feet above the sea level. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> Gosaikunda Area Development Committee chair Sanjiv DM said most of the devotees arrived at Gosaikunda on the eve of the festival. A few more are on the way to the lake, District Police Chief Subas Budhathoki said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A fundamental tradition of the festival involves devotees taking a holy dip in the lake, seeking blessings for familial happiness and unity to be bestowed upon them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Nepalese Army, the Gosaikunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa District Hospital, District Ayurved Health Centre, and the Himalaya Rescue Association have been here for the services of the devotees, Chief District Officer, Prakash Chandra Adhikari told RSS.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Nepalese Army issued a press statement on Wednesday stating that the army deployed in Gosaikunda area rescued people who were taken ill during the pilgrimage and treated them at the security base in Chandanbari.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The adverse weather during the monsoon and the high altitude causes problems for the pilgrims, many of whom suffer from altitude sickness during the trip.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> <br /> <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18606', 'image' => '20230831105204_Gosaikunda-Ytrot.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 10:51:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18875', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Janai Purnima, Gaijatra Festivals being Observed Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: 'Janai Purnima' which is also called 'Rishi Tarpani' festival is being celebrated across the country today (Thursday). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: 'Janai Purnima' which is also called 'Rishi Tarpani' festival is being celebrated across the country today (Thursday). The festival is basically observed by the majority Hindus in the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion of Janai Purnima, the tagadharis or those who wear the 'Janai' (the sacred thread) around their bodies change the sacred thread after having a haircut and a bath. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the tradition, Hindus receive the 'Raksha Bandhan' thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests as a symbol of protection from fear and disease, says Dev Mani Bhattarai, a theologian and member of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (Nepal Calendar Determination Committee). The festival is also observed as 'Kwati Purnima' by the Newar community. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kwati, a soup prepared from nine different beans, is a special delicacy added to the Nepali menu today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the Terai region, there is a tradition in which sisters tie an attractive wrist band called 'Rakhi' around the wrist of their brothers wishing them long life and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Today, thousands of devotees worship lord Shiva at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu and at Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur and other Shiva temples across the country, and take holy dips in ponds and lakes and rivers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Religious fairs are held at Gosainkunda, an alpine area in Rasuwa District, and at Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla district to observe the festival with offerings to Lord Shiva. A big religious fair takes place at the Gosainkunda Lake and pilgrims come from faraway places to take a holy dip in this lake and other lakes nearby. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Religious fairs are organized at Pashupati and Manichud of Kathmandu; Gosainkunda of Rasuwa; Kumbheshwar of Lalitpur; Panchpokhari of Sindhupalchok; Janakpurdham, Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar of Dhanusha, Dansanghu of Jumla and Trivenidham of Nawalparasi. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Gaijatra today</span></strong> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Coincidentally, the Gaijatra festival is also being observed today this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The traditional festival of Gaijatra or the ‘cow festival’ is being observed starting today in three cities of Kathmandu Valley and some other places in the country amidst much fun, gaiety, humor, satire, and entertainment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The festival, beginning on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) as per the lunar calendar, lasts for a week. During this time-honored tradition, people of all ages in the guise of cows and lunatics go around the city, wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who died during the past one year. The bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession including the cows. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">This festival is believed to have started during the regime of King Pratap Malla, who, in a bid to console his queen grieving at the death of her son due a smallpox epidemic, ordered his people to organize humour and satire programmes in various comic postures. This tradition continued in the form of the Gaijatra festival during which people also vent out their feelings towards social and political anomalies, human follies and other contemporary affairs through comic skits, cartoons, and the like. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has announced a public holiday today. Apart from the Valley, the festival is also observed in Banepa, Dhulikhel, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Ilam, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bahrabise, Hetauda and Pokhara. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18605', 'image' => '20230831102112_NN_KTM-20230831_091130.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 10:20:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18877', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mithila Observes 'Rakhi' Festival Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today (Thursday). The festival which is observed on the full moon day in the fourth month of the Nepali year as per the lunar calendar is taken as a moment to strengthen the bond among sisters and brothers. As a major part of the festival, sisters put Rakhi (a decorative thread) around the wrists of their brothers and offer them delicacies, wishing them longevity and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">This unique tradition of the Mithilanchal is celebrated as the 'Rakhi' festival. In return, sisters receive clothing, jewelry and cash as gifts. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Generally, the festival falls in the month of Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August), but this year it was postponed due to the extra month of Malmas observed this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving a holy thread on the wrist by priest while sisters tie the Rakhi thread on the wrist of their brothers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Brothers return home to observe this festival. In the past, the festival was limited to the Hindu-Maithil community, but now its popularity has been extended to other communities as well, according to Bardibas Janata Multiple Campus Chief Dilip Tiwari. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It is believed that during ancient Satya Yugha, Bali, the demon king of three realms including the heaven, the earth and the underworld, received a sacred thread as protection from his teacher Shukracharya before he set out for a war against deities and the Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving thread from priests as the continuity of the same tradition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, in another context, Bali's sisters Ganga and Yamuna tied a protective thread on their brother's wrist, wishing him a success in the battle. In the end, Bali was victorious against the deities and the Rakhi is celebrated in commemoration of the triumph, said Matihani-based Yagyawalkya Laxminarayan Sanskrit Campus (Vidhyapeeth)’s Maithali department lecturer Manoj Jha. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Rakhi is celebrated largely by all castes, communities and religions in the Mithila region. The festival has been a common celebration due to cultural exchanges and internalization, say the elderly people. The festival has evolved as a symbol of communal, social and cultural harmony and unity, according teacher Leelanath Gautam. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18604', 'image' => '20230831110830_rakhi2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 11:07:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18874', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Pakistan Beat Nepal by 238 Runs in Asia Cup Opener', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Pakistan crushed minnows Nepal by a huge margin of 238 runs in a Group A match to make a winning start to the Asia Cup.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 31: Nepal lost to co-hosts Pakistan by 238 runs in the tournament opener of the Asia Cup 2023 at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Opting to bat first after winning the toss, captain and world number one batter Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed scored hundreds as Pakistan posted a mighty total of 342-6.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In response, Nepal, making their Asia Cup debut and playing against Pakistan for the first time in any format, were all out for a mere 104 in 23.4 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was Nepal’s biggest defeat by runs in an ODI match. Nepal's previous biggest defeat came against the West Indies when they lost the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier match by 101 runs on June 22.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was also Nepal’s second lowest total in an ODI match, after their 103-run total against the United Arab Emirates during the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 on March 21 last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan had a shaky start to their innings, losing openers Fakhar Zaman and Iman-ul-Haq cheaply. Karan KC had Zaman caught behind for 14 in the 5.3 overs and Imam was run out by captain Rohit Paudel the next over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan were reeling at 25-2 when Mohammad Rizwan joined Azam and the duo dragged their side to 100 in 22nd over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But Nepal hit back as Dipendra Singh Airee hit the stumps to run out Rizwan for 44, while Sandeep Lamichhane bowled Agha Salman for 5 to put Pakistan in trouble at 124-4 in the 28th over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But Azam cracked 14 boundaries and four sixes and Ahmed hit 11 boundaries and four sixes to lead Pakistan’s recovery in style, ransacking 129 in the last 10 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam was dropped on 55 when Karan KC let slip away a caught-and-bowled chance and the batter punished the Rhinos, gradually steadying the ship taking 72 balls to reach his fifty, 37 balls to move from 51 to 100 and smashing 51 off the next 22 balls to reach his second 150 in ODIs. It was also Azam’s 19th ODI hundred.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam’s 151 off 131 balls was the highest scored by a Pakistani captain in an ODI at home. It was also the second highest individual score in the Asia Cup, behind Virat Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan in 2012.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam and Ahmed, who cracked 109 not out off 71 balls, put on a 214-run partnership off 131 balls for the fifth wicket to guide Pakistan to a huge total. It was the highest partnership for any wicket in an ODI in Pakistan and also the highest for Pakistan’s fifth wicket in ODIs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ahmed reached his maiden ODI hundred in just 67 balls, becoming the fourth fastest batter to reach a century in the ODI Asia Cup. Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi holds the record for fastest ODI Asia Cup century when he reached his hundred off just 53 balls against Bangladesh in 2010. Ahmed's previous best ODI score was 94 not out against New Zealand in Karachi in May this year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam was bowled by Sompal Kami, who took two wickets, in the 49.4 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In response, Nepal lost early wickets showing a lack of experience and temperament against the ODI’s world number one ranked team, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah slicing the top order.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pacer Afridi removed opener Kushal Bhurtel (8) and captain Rohit Paudel (0) in the successive balls in the first over before Naseem had Bhurtel’s opening partner Aasif Sheikh caught by Ahmed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Aarif Sheikh scored 26 and Sompal Kami made 28 to start Nepal’s resistance but could not cope with Haris Rauf’s pace for long.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mohammad Nawaz next sent back Dipendra Singh Airee (3) before Shadab Khan (4-27) cleaned up the tail including the wicket of Gulsan Jha (13), caught by Fakhar Zaman.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sri Lanka and Bangladesh clash in Pallekele, Sri Lanka on Thursday. (Agnecies) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18603', 'image' => '20230831064904_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 06:44:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18873', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investors More Interested in IPO at Premium Rate than Shares at Lower Price in Secondary Market', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: In recent days, companies have been issuing initial public offering (IPO) of shares at a premium price. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 30: In recent days, companies have been issuing initial public offering (IPO) of shares at a premium price. Shares in the secondary market of securities are available at a cheaper than the shares of insurance and hydropower companies at premium rates. However, investors are not much interested in shares at a lower price in the secondary market.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sun Nepal Life, Reliable Life, IME Life, Mandu Hydropower, Sonapur Minerals, recently issued IPOs at Rs 116 to Rs 257 per share at premium rate. Similarly, Citizen Life is also issuing IPO of ordinary shares at Rs 244 per share at premium rate from 1 September. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The attraction of investors is high in the primary marker even when the IPO is being sold for more than Rs 200 per share. Between 1.2 million to 1.5 million people apply for every company's IPO. However, this is not the case in the secondary market, which offers shares at a lower rate. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Capital market expert Mukti Aryal says that since the IPO at premium rate gives good returns in a short period of time, investors are attracted to it. He gave the example of IME Life Insurance's IPO sale at Rs 236.91 per share at rate premium and said, “The company’s first transaction was at Rs 529.50 per share. Due to this, investors got good returns in a short time.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He says that after mergers and acquisitions, the number of commercial banks has now dropped to 20. Experts say that since the business could not grow according to the increased capital after the merger, the market price has also gone down along with their earnings per share.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the financial statements of the last fiscal year, bad loans of banks have increased significantly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Along with the decline in the overall stock market, the problems seen in the financial system also seem to have had an impact on the share prices of banks. Although there is enough investable funds in the banking system, the share prices of bank are falling due to lack of demand for loans, high interest rates, and increasing bad loans.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The share price of 6 of the 19 commercial banks listed in NEPSE is below Rs 200. The share price of Kumari Bank, Prabhu Bank, Nepal Investment Mega Bank, Laxmi Bank, Prime Commercial Bank and Citizens Bank is below Rs 200 per share. The share price of Kumari Bank, the cheapest among these six banks, closed at Rs 157.40 per share on Tuesday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, the shares of Himalayan Bank, Global IME Bank, NMB Bank and Nepal Bank Limited are available from Rs 200 to Rs 250.10 per share. Apart from these commercial banks, the share prices of hydropower companies have also become very cheap. On Tuesday, the share price of Himal Dolakha Hydropower Company was Rs 135.30 and that of National Hydropower Company was Rs 146.40. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18602', 'image' => '20230830040040_20230210061838_collage (64) (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:57:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18872', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Announces Free-Bed Facility at the Hospital', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Chitwan-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) has decided to avail all of the general beds of the hospital free of cost, effective from September 17.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 30: Chitwan-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) has decided to avail all of the general beds of the hospital free of cost, effective from September 17.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The first meeting of the hospital management since executive director Dr Shivaji Poudel assumed his office took the decision to this effect. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The provision is however not applied for beds related to ICU, post-operative wards and cabin services in the hospital, which has altogether 450 beds, according to the hospital source. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the total beds, 350 are general beds. The hospital has been providing free meal to the patients. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Newly appointed executive director Dr Poudel pledged to devote his full time to the hospital and said he will work towards improvement of the hospital management and services. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Dr Poudel urged all the doctors and other healthcare service provides to use their discretion while treating the patients. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The civil charter, suggestion box and information boxes will be set up within the hospital, he said, adding that the OPD would be further managed and more services will be added for the patients. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18601', 'image' => '20230830033211_Hospital.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:31:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18871', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Water Supply from Melamchi to Resume More than a month after the end of Monsoon', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Water supply from Melamchi will resume one and a half months after the end of monsoon.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 30: Water supply from Melamchi will resume one and a half months after the end of monsoon.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has made it clear the Melamchi Water Supply Project will resume its operation only after the end of rainy season.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">He said so while answering a question raised by a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Melamchi Water Supply Project has been damaged by the flood that occurred in the month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) and the road from Melamchi market to the head works area has been damaged," he said told the lower house meeting.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As a result, the water supply has been affected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Melamchi Water Supply Project was initiated in 1998 to address the acute shortage of water in the Kathmandu valley. It took more than two decades to complete the project at a cost of Rs 34 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The project started distributing the water in Kathmandu from March 28, 2021. However, the supply has been frequently disrupted following major floods and landslides in Sindhupalchowk on June 15 the same year. The headworks of the project were completely damaged, as the floods and landslides had deposited dozens of feet high debris at the headworks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The problem has been recurring ever since the initial setback and water supply has been obstructed mainly in the rainy season. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18600', 'image' => '20230830032132_1693320537.Melamchi.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:20:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18870', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Blacklisted Companies in Last FY Highest in 15 Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: The number of supply, consulting and construction companies not working according to public procurement act and regulations has increased.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 30: The number of supply, consulting and construction companies not working according to public procurement act and regulations has increased. Looking at the data since the fiscal year (FY) 2064/65, the number of blacklisted companies in the last fiscal year 2079/80 was the highest so far.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) data, 162 companies were blacklisted last year. The office has been blacklisting construction companies and supply as well as consulting companies which do not comply with the laws.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the annual report of the office for the year 2079/80, it is mentioned that the companies have been blacklisted for reasons such as not fulfilling the obligations according to the contract and for breaching the code of conduct.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office has published the data of blacklisted companies from FY 2064/65 to last fiscal year. According to the report, 637 companies have been blacklisted in the last ten fiscal years. The list of blacklisted companies was the highest in the last fiscal year. It seems that many companies have been blacklisted in FY 2077/78 as well.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">That year, 104 companies were blacklisted. Prior to that, the number of blacklisted companies used to be comparatively less. In the year 2064/65, the number of blacklisted companies was only 6. In the years since then, the number of blacklisted companies has been continuously increasing. Those on the blacklist, include bidders, consultants, service providers, suppliers, builders (individuals, firms, organizations and companies).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office has informed New Business Age that the main reason why most of the companies were blacklisted last year was that they did not comply with the obligations according to the contract.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ravi Singh, president of the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), the umbrella organization of construction entrepreneurs, believes that this number has increased because of the delay in work due to lack of timely budget allocation, increase if production cost due to inflation, responsible officials of the contract management agency not taking responsibility for the work and the practice of working in joint ventures (JV).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"There is a problem in completing the work due to budget problems,” Singh said, adding, “Also, a competent company bags the contract and gives it to a JV company with no work experience, resulting in poor performance.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office mentioned that it monitored 87 public bodies last year. All the monitored public bodies have a procurement unit but most of the employees have not received training on public procurement. Similarly, it is seen that most of the public bodies have not made a 'purchasing master plan'.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the Procurement Regulations-2064, there is a provision to prepare a procurement master plan when purchasing a plan or project that will be operated for more than 1 year or when purchasing an amount of more than Rs 10 million annually.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“It was found that procurement master plans have not been prepared in most of the public bodies," states a report prepared by the office, "Even the public bodies that have prepared procurement master plans have not prepared them in the prescribed format."</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18599', 'image' => '20230830015008_20230807043651_PPMOOO.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 13:49:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18869', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Authorities Begin Preliminary Study of Panama Disease in Banana Farms of Tikapur', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Government authorities have started preliminary study of the Panama (TR-4) disease detected in banana farms in Tikapur, Kailali. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 30: Government authorities have started preliminary study of the Panama (TR-4) disease detected in banana farms in Tikapur, Kailali. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The panama infection was detected while carrying out sample tests of banana by the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Risk Analysis Taskforce formed by the National Plant Conservation Organization Nepal has started field study to find out the causes behind the destructive infectious disease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A seven-member taskforce headed by scientist of the National Plant Pathology Research Centre, Dr Ram Bahadur Khadka has reached Tikapur to initiate the study. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has started discussion with the chiefs of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces offices working in the area of agriculture as well as the local farmers. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">On the occasion, Dr Khadka urged the farmers to adopt precaution without being discouraged. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Famers should be cautious for preventing the outbreak of infection of panama disease to other farmland,” he said, adding, "The results of sample test are alarming. Panama infection has been pervasive in 60-65 percent plants. It would be wise to destroy the infected plants while precautionary measures should be placed to stop the outbreak." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has recommended farmers to set up quarantine in each banana farm to check the outbreak of the infection that spreads through the transfer of soil from one to another area. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Because this disease is caused by soil-dwelling fungus, it can spread easily through infected plants, soil, water, and agricultural tools. Also, it can move from one field to another even from the soil stuck on the tyres of the banana-carrying vehicle and shoes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has also suggested the farmers to send a sample of banana to the lab of Tikapur-based Sudurpaschim University Agriculture Campus. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The TR4 strain of Panama (withering) disease was detected recently in bananas for the first time in Nepal. This disease in bananas is caused by Fusaria Oxysporum Cubense Fungi, which is a TR4 strain of the Panama disease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Stakeholders say that Nepal's banana business, which has an investment of Rs 15 billion, is at risk of collapsing if the outbreak is not curbed in time. This disease is spreading rapidly in other countries of the world. (With inputs from RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18598', 'image' => '20230830114301_20230823015131_1692756184.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 11:41:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18883', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Earthquake Jolts Bhojpur ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday night.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday night.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, the earthquake with epicenter at Tungechha, Bhojpur occurred at 1:11 am. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Prior to this, an earthquake of magnitude 3.9 in the Richter scale had occurred at Khiratadi area in Bajhang district on August 17. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hills and mountainous regions in eastern and western parts of Nepal have been witnessing frequent incidents of earthquakes in recent time.</span> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-09-01', 'modified' => '2023-09-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18612', 'image' => '20230901112320_earth.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-09-01 11:22:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18882', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) Hikes Prices of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of various petroleum products.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">September 1: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of various petroleum products. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Effective from Thursday midnight, the new prices will come into effect. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">According to NOC, the price of petrol will rise by Rs. 4 per litre, while prices of diesel and kerosene have been hiked by Rs. 3 per litre. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Additionally, the price of LP gas per cylinder has increased by Rs. 235.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">This decision by NOC is in response to the recent price adjustments made by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), which supplies fuel to Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">The latest price list from IOC shows an increase of Rs. 3.17 per litre for petrol, Rs. 2.48 per litre for diesel, and Rs. 186.45 per cylinder for LP gas.</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-09-01', 'modified' => '2023-09-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18611', 'image' => '20230901060432_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-09-01 06:03:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18881', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'DoR Focuses on Feasibility Study of Tunnels to Reduce Traffic Congestion, Travel Distance', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: The Department of Roads (DoR) is studying the feasibility of constructing 18 tunnels and one underpass on various highways and roads.', '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"">August 31: The Department of Roads (DoR) is studying the feasibility of constructing 18 tunnels and one underpass on various highways and roads. </span></span></span></span></p> <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 the department, it has already completed the feasibility study of tunnels along the Dharan-Leuti section as well as Manechour-BP Nagar Khutia Dipayal section.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 government is currently undertaking the construction of a tunnel in Nagadhunga. The process of construction of a tunnel in Siddhartha Palpa section of the Siddharth Highway has also progressed ahead. </span></span></span></span></p> <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 identified more locations to build tunnels.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Sushilbabu Dhakal, director general of the department, said that a study has been conducted to build tunnels at the places where it is deemed necessary. However, he says that situation is not favourable to begin construction as soon as the study is done. </span></span></span></span></p> <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"">"We have realized that it is necessary to build tunnels on different roads," said Dhakal, "However, we have to undergo countless processes to build such structures. For example, the construction of Nagadhunga tunnel was discussed in 2012 and the contract was finally signed in 2018.”</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">He said that the department has identified the places where tunnels need to be built. If it is necessary to build tunnels, the DoR will proceed ahead with the construction by managing resources on the basis of priority.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Although the construction of tunnels is relatively expensive, the government has recently launched a tunnel construction plan to reduce the road distance, traffic congestion and in some cases to reduce loss of life due to landslides. </span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Nagadhunga tunnel is being constructed with the help of loan from the Japanese government to manage traffic and shorten the distance. The department informed that the construction of a tunnel has been started in Siddhababa, where people's lives are lost due to landslides every 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department signed a contract worth Rs 7.34 billion with a Chinese company -- China State – two and a half years ago for the construction of the Siddhababa tunnel. As per the agreement, the tunnel should be completed within five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18610', 'image' => '20230831122957_1693450631.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:29:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18879', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Monsoon-Induced Disasters Resulted in 73 Casualties ', 'sub_title' => 'Disasters Cause Loss of Rs 15 Billion to Physical Infrastructures', 'summary' => 'August 31: Monson-induced disasters claimed the lives of 73 people in between June 14 and August 25 this year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Monson-induced disasters claimed the lives of 73 people in between June 14 and August 25 this year. The casualties were due to landslides, floods, heavy rains and lightning strikes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that 102 individuals sustained injuries as a result of these monsoon-triggered disasters while 20 have gone missing. NDRRMA Chief Executive Anil Pokhrel said the country witnessed 135 cases of floodings, 429 incidents of landslides, 116 occurrences of heavy rainfall, and 83 cases of lightning strikes in this period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the victims, 12 were killed by floods, 38 died in landslides, two died due to heavy rainfall and 21 were killed in lightning strikes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The monsoon has inflicted damages on various hydroelectricity projects, causing a total loss of around Rs 8.5 billion. It is said 17 under-construction projects with a combined capacity of 326.83 megawatts and 13 projects totaling 132.75 megawatts have been affected. Additionally, the monsoon disasters have caused significant damages to the infrastructure sector as well. It caused the loss of Rs 400 million when it damaged 29 highways, and the overall loss to physical properties has surpassed Rs 15 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Four motorable bridges and 22 suspension bridges were washed away in various parts of the country, causing the loss of around Rs 410 million. Furthermore, floods and landslides resulted in the damage of 28 federal drinking water projects, incurring a loss of around Rs 90 million. It is estimated that it would cost over Rs 10.55 billion to restore the damaged infrastructures. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18609', 'image' => '20230831122731_20230806120213_20211020080208_SBS_Kanchanpur-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:26:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18880', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Children at Risk of Sexual Misbehavior through Internet: Study ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Children are increasingly at risk of sexual abuse through internet, a study has revealed. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Children are increasingly at risk of sexual abuse through internet, a study has revealed. In a programme organized to unveil the findings of a study conducted by Bal Awaj, an organization based in Lalitpur, it was found that children below 18 years were sexually abused through internet. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The study conducted among 514 children in Koshi and Bagmati provinces revealed that children were asked for pictures by acquaintances as well as strangers in internet and their pictures would be morphed to defame them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the study, 73 per cent children admitted that they accessed internet through Wi-Fi while 14 per cent from mobile data and 13 per cent from both sources, said Krishna Kumar Thapa, executive director of Bal Awaj. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Action such as asking for obscene photos from children and sending insensitive messages among others by abusing internet are considered acts of sexual misbehavior and abuse against children. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Attorney General Dr Dinmani Pokharel opined that online crime would not only affect children socially but also psychologically. Stating that earlier cases of sexual abuse against children were reported at physical level, he said that children are now prone to sexual abuse through the internet lately, which, he added, immensely affected those children psychologically. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He called for raising awareness about the laws put in place to protect children from abuses of all forms. According to him, the findings of the study would be a 'milestone' for formulation of law regarding protection of children from cybercrimes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, CDO of Lalitpur, Rudra Prasad Pandit, expressed his concern over more and more children being subjected to sexual abuse through the internet these days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He demanded for the provision in the 'setting' of every mobile phones that would prevent websites showing sexual videos of children. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, SSP Siddhi Bikram Shah lamented that even if complaints from child victim about sexual abuse were filed, there is a problem in taking action against the culprit of sexual abuse against children in lack of resources to find out where actually the sexual abuse took place. He said that the 'Child Save Mode' can be turned on in Wi-Fi to prevent children from accessing porn sites. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, Nepal Bar Association President Gopal Krishna Ghimire shared that children should be kept away from laptop, mobile phones and Ipads. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18608', 'image' => '20230831122838_EWNMdeAWsAATOVS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:28:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18878', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists up in Lumbini ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years. The data shows the birthplace of Gautam Buddha experienced a surge in the influx of tourists in the post-COVID-19 period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Lumbini Development Trust, as of July 2023, the arrival of tourists (except those from Nepal and India) increased by 500 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Likewise, the number of visitors from India was more by 30 percent followed by a similar rise in the arrivals of domestic tourists. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As of July 2023, a total of 23,942 tourists from third countries visited Lumbini while this figure was 3,975 during the corresponding period last year, according to LDT public relations chief and information officer Dr Hari Rai. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Lumbini welcomed people from 96 countries in 2022. As of July this year, tourists from 67 visited the historic city. It is said more Indians are visiting Lumbini following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here in May, 2022. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18607', 'image' => '20230831114220_LumbiniRSS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 11:41:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18876', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Devotees Throng Gosaikunda on Janai Purnima Festival ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Devotees in larger numbers have reached Gosaikunda since the early morning today to observe the Janai Purnima festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Devotees in larger numbers have reached Gosaikunda since the early morning today to observe the Janai Purnima festival. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 4,000 people have arrived at the sacred place in Rasuwa district to partake in the Janai Purnima festival. Gosaikunda, a freshwater lake of profound religious importance, lies at an altitude of 14, 370 feet above the sea level. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> Gosaikunda Area Development Committee chair Sanjiv DM said most of the devotees arrived at Gosaikunda on the eve of the festival. A few more are on the way to the lake, District Police Chief Subas Budhathoki said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A fundamental tradition of the festival involves devotees taking a holy dip in the lake, seeking blessings for familial happiness and unity to be bestowed upon them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Nepalese Army, the Gosaikunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa District Hospital, District Ayurved Health Centre, and the Himalaya Rescue Association have been here for the services of the devotees, Chief District Officer, Prakash Chandra Adhikari told RSS.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Nepalese Army issued a press statement on Wednesday stating that the army deployed in Gosaikunda area rescued people who were taken ill during the pilgrimage and treated them at the security base in Chandanbari.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The adverse weather during the monsoon and the high altitude causes problems for the pilgrims, many of whom suffer from altitude sickness during the trip.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> <br /> <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18606', 'image' => '20230831105204_Gosaikunda-Ytrot.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 10:51:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18875', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Janai Purnima, Gaijatra Festivals being Observed Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: 'Janai Purnima' which is also called 'Rishi Tarpani' festival is being celebrated across the country today (Thursday). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: 'Janai Purnima' which is also called 'Rishi Tarpani' festival is being celebrated across the country today (Thursday). The festival is basically observed by the majority Hindus in the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion of Janai Purnima, the tagadharis or those who wear the 'Janai' (the sacred thread) around their bodies change the sacred thread after having a haircut and a bath. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the tradition, Hindus receive the 'Raksha Bandhan' thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests as a symbol of protection from fear and disease, says Dev Mani Bhattarai, a theologian and member of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (Nepal Calendar Determination Committee). The festival is also observed as 'Kwati Purnima' by the Newar community. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kwati, a soup prepared from nine different beans, is a special delicacy added to the Nepali menu today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the Terai region, there is a tradition in which sisters tie an attractive wrist band called 'Rakhi' around the wrist of their brothers wishing them long life and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Today, thousands of devotees worship lord Shiva at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu and at Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur and other Shiva temples across the country, and take holy dips in ponds and lakes and rivers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Religious fairs are held at Gosainkunda, an alpine area in Rasuwa District, and at Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla district to observe the festival with offerings to Lord Shiva. A big religious fair takes place at the Gosainkunda Lake and pilgrims come from faraway places to take a holy dip in this lake and other lakes nearby. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Religious fairs are organized at Pashupati and Manichud of Kathmandu; Gosainkunda of Rasuwa; Kumbheshwar of Lalitpur; Panchpokhari of Sindhupalchok; Janakpurdham, Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar of Dhanusha, Dansanghu of Jumla and Trivenidham of Nawalparasi. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Gaijatra today</span></strong> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Coincidentally, the Gaijatra festival is also being observed today this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The traditional festival of Gaijatra or the ‘cow festival’ is being observed starting today in three cities of Kathmandu Valley and some other places in the country amidst much fun, gaiety, humor, satire, and entertainment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The festival, beginning on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) as per the lunar calendar, lasts for a week. During this time-honored tradition, people of all ages in the guise of cows and lunatics go around the city, wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who died during the past one year. The bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession including the cows. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">This festival is believed to have started during the regime of King Pratap Malla, who, in a bid to console his queen grieving at the death of her son due a smallpox epidemic, ordered his people to organize humour and satire programmes in various comic postures. This tradition continued in the form of the Gaijatra festival during which people also vent out their feelings towards social and political anomalies, human follies and other contemporary affairs through comic skits, cartoons, and the like. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has announced a public holiday today. Apart from the Valley, the festival is also observed in Banepa, Dhulikhel, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Ilam, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bahrabise, Hetauda and Pokhara. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18605', 'image' => '20230831102112_NN_KTM-20230831_091130.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 10:20:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18877', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mithila Observes 'Rakhi' Festival Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today (Thursday). The festival which is observed on the full moon day in the fourth month of the Nepali year as per the lunar calendar is taken as a moment to strengthen the bond among sisters and brothers. As a major part of the festival, sisters put Rakhi (a decorative thread) around the wrists of their brothers and offer them delicacies, wishing them longevity and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">This unique tradition of the Mithilanchal is celebrated as the 'Rakhi' festival. In return, sisters receive clothing, jewelry and cash as gifts. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Generally, the festival falls in the month of Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August), but this year it was postponed due to the extra month of Malmas observed this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving a holy thread on the wrist by priest while sisters tie the Rakhi thread on the wrist of their brothers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Brothers return home to observe this festival. In the past, the festival was limited to the Hindu-Maithil community, but now its popularity has been extended to other communities as well, according to Bardibas Janata Multiple Campus Chief Dilip Tiwari. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It is believed that during ancient Satya Yugha, Bali, the demon king of three realms including the heaven, the earth and the underworld, received a sacred thread as protection from his teacher Shukracharya before he set out for a war against deities and the Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving thread from priests as the continuity of the same tradition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, in another context, Bali's sisters Ganga and Yamuna tied a protective thread on their brother's wrist, wishing him a success in the battle. In the end, Bali was victorious against the deities and the Rakhi is celebrated in commemoration of the triumph, said Matihani-based Yagyawalkya Laxminarayan Sanskrit Campus (Vidhyapeeth)’s Maithali department lecturer Manoj Jha. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Rakhi is celebrated largely by all castes, communities and religions in the Mithila region. The festival has been a common celebration due to cultural exchanges and internalization, say the elderly people. The festival has evolved as a symbol of communal, social and cultural harmony and unity, according teacher Leelanath Gautam. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18604', 'image' => '20230831110830_rakhi2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 11:07:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18874', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Pakistan Beat Nepal by 238 Runs in Asia Cup Opener', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Pakistan crushed minnows Nepal by a huge margin of 238 runs in a Group A match to make a winning start to the Asia Cup.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 31: Nepal lost to co-hosts Pakistan by 238 runs in the tournament opener of the Asia Cup 2023 at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Opting to bat first after winning the toss, captain and world number one batter Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed scored hundreds as Pakistan posted a mighty total of 342-6.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In response, Nepal, making their Asia Cup debut and playing against Pakistan for the first time in any format, were all out for a mere 104 in 23.4 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was Nepal’s biggest defeat by runs in an ODI match. Nepal's previous biggest defeat came against the West Indies when they lost the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier match by 101 runs on June 22.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was also Nepal’s second lowest total in an ODI match, after their 103-run total against the United Arab Emirates during the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 on March 21 last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan had a shaky start to their innings, losing openers Fakhar Zaman and Iman-ul-Haq cheaply. Karan KC had Zaman caught behind for 14 in the 5.3 overs and Imam was run out by captain Rohit Paudel the next over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan were reeling at 25-2 when Mohammad Rizwan joined Azam and the duo dragged their side to 100 in 22nd over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But Nepal hit back as Dipendra Singh Airee hit the stumps to run out Rizwan for 44, while Sandeep Lamichhane bowled Agha Salman for 5 to put Pakistan in trouble at 124-4 in the 28th over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But Azam cracked 14 boundaries and four sixes and Ahmed hit 11 boundaries and four sixes to lead Pakistan’s recovery in style, ransacking 129 in the last 10 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam was dropped on 55 when Karan KC let slip away a caught-and-bowled chance and the batter punished the Rhinos, gradually steadying the ship taking 72 balls to reach his fifty, 37 balls to move from 51 to 100 and smashing 51 off the next 22 balls to reach his second 150 in ODIs. It was also Azam’s 19th ODI hundred.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam’s 151 off 131 balls was the highest scored by a Pakistani captain in an ODI at home. It was also the second highest individual score in the Asia Cup, behind Virat Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan in 2012.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam and Ahmed, who cracked 109 not out off 71 balls, put on a 214-run partnership off 131 balls for the fifth wicket to guide Pakistan to a huge total. It was the highest partnership for any wicket in an ODI in Pakistan and also the highest for Pakistan’s fifth wicket in ODIs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ahmed reached his maiden ODI hundred in just 67 balls, becoming the fourth fastest batter to reach a century in the ODI Asia Cup. Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi holds the record for fastest ODI Asia Cup century when he reached his hundred off just 53 balls against Bangladesh in 2010. Ahmed's previous best ODI score was 94 not out against New Zealand in Karachi in May this year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam was bowled by Sompal Kami, who took two wickets, in the 49.4 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In response, Nepal lost early wickets showing a lack of experience and temperament against the ODI’s world number one ranked team, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah slicing the top order.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pacer Afridi removed opener Kushal Bhurtel (8) and captain Rohit Paudel (0) in the successive balls in the first over before Naseem had Bhurtel’s opening partner Aasif Sheikh caught by Ahmed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Aarif Sheikh scored 26 and Sompal Kami made 28 to start Nepal’s resistance but could not cope with Haris Rauf’s pace for long.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mohammad Nawaz next sent back Dipendra Singh Airee (3) before Shadab Khan (4-27) cleaned up the tail including the wicket of Gulsan Jha (13), caught by Fakhar Zaman.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sri Lanka and Bangladesh clash in Pallekele, Sri Lanka on Thursday. (Agnecies) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18603', 'image' => '20230831064904_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 06:44:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18873', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investors More Interested in IPO at Premium Rate than Shares at Lower Price in Secondary Market', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: In recent days, companies have been issuing initial public offering (IPO) of shares at a premium price. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 30: In recent days, companies have been issuing initial public offering (IPO) of shares at a premium price. Shares in the secondary market of securities are available at a cheaper than the shares of insurance and hydropower companies at premium rates. However, investors are not much interested in shares at a lower price in the secondary market.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sun Nepal Life, Reliable Life, IME Life, Mandu Hydropower, Sonapur Minerals, recently issued IPOs at Rs 116 to Rs 257 per share at premium rate. Similarly, Citizen Life is also issuing IPO of ordinary shares at Rs 244 per share at premium rate from 1 September. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The attraction of investors is high in the primary marker even when the IPO is being sold for more than Rs 200 per share. Between 1.2 million to 1.5 million people apply for every company's IPO. However, this is not the case in the secondary market, which offers shares at a lower rate. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Capital market expert Mukti Aryal says that since the IPO at premium rate gives good returns in a short period of time, investors are attracted to it. He gave the example of IME Life Insurance's IPO sale at Rs 236.91 per share at rate premium and said, “The company’s first transaction was at Rs 529.50 per share. Due to this, investors got good returns in a short time.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He says that after mergers and acquisitions, the number of commercial banks has now dropped to 20. Experts say that since the business could not grow according to the increased capital after the merger, the market price has also gone down along with their earnings per share.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the financial statements of the last fiscal year, bad loans of banks have increased significantly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Along with the decline in the overall stock market, the problems seen in the financial system also seem to have had an impact on the share prices of banks. Although there is enough investable funds in the banking system, the share prices of bank are falling due to lack of demand for loans, high interest rates, and increasing bad loans.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The share price of 6 of the 19 commercial banks listed in NEPSE is below Rs 200. The share price of Kumari Bank, Prabhu Bank, Nepal Investment Mega Bank, Laxmi Bank, Prime Commercial Bank and Citizens Bank is below Rs 200 per share. The share price of Kumari Bank, the cheapest among these six banks, closed at Rs 157.40 per share on Tuesday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, the shares of Himalayan Bank, Global IME Bank, NMB Bank and Nepal Bank Limited are available from Rs 200 to Rs 250.10 per share. Apart from these commercial banks, the share prices of hydropower companies have also become very cheap. On Tuesday, the share price of Himal Dolakha Hydropower Company was Rs 135.30 and that of National Hydropower Company was Rs 146.40. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18602', 'image' => '20230830040040_20230210061838_collage (64) (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:57:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18872', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Announces Free-Bed Facility at the Hospital', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Chitwan-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) has decided to avail all of the general beds of the hospital free of cost, effective from September 17.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 30: Chitwan-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) has decided to avail all of the general beds of the hospital free of cost, effective from September 17.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The first meeting of the hospital management since executive director Dr Shivaji Poudel assumed his office took the decision to this effect. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The provision is however not applied for beds related to ICU, post-operative wards and cabin services in the hospital, which has altogether 450 beds, according to the hospital source. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the total beds, 350 are general beds. The hospital has been providing free meal to the patients. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Newly appointed executive director Dr Poudel pledged to devote his full time to the hospital and said he will work towards improvement of the hospital management and services. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Dr Poudel urged all the doctors and other healthcare service provides to use their discretion while treating the patients. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The civil charter, suggestion box and information boxes will be set up within the hospital, he said, adding that the OPD would be further managed and more services will be added for the patients. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18601', 'image' => '20230830033211_Hospital.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:31:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18871', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Water Supply from Melamchi to Resume More than a month after the end of Monsoon', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Water supply from Melamchi will resume one and a half months after the end of monsoon.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 30: Water supply from Melamchi will resume one and a half months after the end of monsoon.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has made it clear the Melamchi Water Supply Project will resume its operation only after the end of rainy season.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">He said so while answering a question raised by a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Melamchi Water Supply Project has been damaged by the flood that occurred in the month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) and the road from Melamchi market to the head works area has been damaged," he said told the lower house meeting.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As a result, the water supply has been affected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Melamchi Water Supply Project was initiated in 1998 to address the acute shortage of water in the Kathmandu valley. It took more than two decades to complete the project at a cost of Rs 34 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The project started distributing the water in Kathmandu from March 28, 2021. However, the supply has been frequently disrupted following major floods and landslides in Sindhupalchowk on June 15 the same year. The headworks of the project were completely damaged, as the floods and landslides had deposited dozens of feet high debris at the headworks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The problem has been recurring ever since the initial setback and water supply has been obstructed mainly in the rainy season. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18600', 'image' => '20230830032132_1693320537.Melamchi.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:20:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18870', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Blacklisted Companies in Last FY Highest in 15 Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: The number of supply, consulting and construction companies not working according to public procurement act and regulations has increased.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 30: The number of supply, consulting and construction companies not working according to public procurement act and regulations has increased. Looking at the data since the fiscal year (FY) 2064/65, the number of blacklisted companies in the last fiscal year 2079/80 was the highest so far.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) data, 162 companies were blacklisted last year. The office has been blacklisting construction companies and supply as well as consulting companies which do not comply with the laws.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the annual report of the office for the year 2079/80, it is mentioned that the companies have been blacklisted for reasons such as not fulfilling the obligations according to the contract and for breaching the code of conduct.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office has published the data of blacklisted companies from FY 2064/65 to last fiscal year. According to the report, 637 companies have been blacklisted in the last ten fiscal years. The list of blacklisted companies was the highest in the last fiscal year. It seems that many companies have been blacklisted in FY 2077/78 as well.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">That year, 104 companies were blacklisted. Prior to that, the number of blacklisted companies used to be comparatively less. In the year 2064/65, the number of blacklisted companies was only 6. In the years since then, the number of blacklisted companies has been continuously increasing. Those on the blacklist, include bidders, consultants, service providers, suppliers, builders (individuals, firms, organizations and companies).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office has informed New Business Age that the main reason why most of the companies were blacklisted last year was that they did not comply with the obligations according to the contract.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ravi Singh, president of the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), the umbrella organization of construction entrepreneurs, believes that this number has increased because of the delay in work due to lack of timely budget allocation, increase if production cost due to inflation, responsible officials of the contract management agency not taking responsibility for the work and the practice of working in joint ventures (JV).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"There is a problem in completing the work due to budget problems,” Singh said, adding, “Also, a competent company bags the contract and gives it to a JV company with no work experience, resulting in poor performance.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office mentioned that it monitored 87 public bodies last year. All the monitored public bodies have a procurement unit but most of the employees have not received training on public procurement. Similarly, it is seen that most of the public bodies have not made a 'purchasing master plan'.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the Procurement Regulations-2064, there is a provision to prepare a procurement master plan when purchasing a plan or project that will be operated for more than 1 year or when purchasing an amount of more than Rs 10 million annually.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“It was found that procurement master plans have not been prepared in most of the public bodies," states a report prepared by the office, "Even the public bodies that have prepared procurement master plans have not prepared them in the prescribed format."</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18599', 'image' => '20230830015008_20230807043651_PPMOOO.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 13:49:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18869', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Authorities Begin Preliminary Study of Panama Disease in Banana Farms of Tikapur', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Government authorities have started preliminary study of the Panama (TR-4) disease detected in banana farms in Tikapur, Kailali. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 30: Government authorities have started preliminary study of the Panama (TR-4) disease detected in banana farms in Tikapur, Kailali. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The panama infection was detected while carrying out sample tests of banana by the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Risk Analysis Taskforce formed by the National Plant Conservation Organization Nepal has started field study to find out the causes behind the destructive infectious disease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A seven-member taskforce headed by scientist of the National Plant Pathology Research Centre, Dr Ram Bahadur Khadka has reached Tikapur to initiate the study. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has started discussion with the chiefs of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces offices working in the area of agriculture as well as the local farmers. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">On the occasion, Dr Khadka urged the farmers to adopt precaution without being discouraged. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Famers should be cautious for preventing the outbreak of infection of panama disease to other farmland,” he said, adding, "The results of sample test are alarming. Panama infection has been pervasive in 60-65 percent plants. It would be wise to destroy the infected plants while precautionary measures should be placed to stop the outbreak." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has recommended farmers to set up quarantine in each banana farm to check the outbreak of the infection that spreads through the transfer of soil from one to another area. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Because this disease is caused by soil-dwelling fungus, it can spread easily through infected plants, soil, water, and agricultural tools. Also, it can move from one field to another even from the soil stuck on the tyres of the banana-carrying vehicle and shoes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has also suggested the farmers to send a sample of banana to the lab of Tikapur-based Sudurpaschim University Agriculture Campus. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The TR4 strain of Panama (withering) disease was detected recently in bananas for the first time in Nepal. This disease in bananas is caused by Fusaria Oxysporum Cubense Fungi, which is a TR4 strain of the Panama disease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Stakeholders say that Nepal's banana business, which has an investment of Rs 15 billion, is at risk of collapsing if the outbreak is not curbed in time. This disease is spreading rapidly in other countries of the world. (With inputs from RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18598', 'image' => '20230830114301_20230823015131_1692756184.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 11:41:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18883', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Earthquake Jolts Bhojpur ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday night.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday night.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, the earthquake with epicenter at Tungechha, Bhojpur occurred at 1:11 am. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Prior to this, an earthquake of magnitude 3.9 in the Richter scale had occurred at Khiratadi area in Bajhang district on August 17. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hills and mountainous regions in eastern and western parts of Nepal have been witnessing frequent incidents of earthquakes in recent time.</span> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-09-01', 'modified' => '2023-09-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18612', 'image' => '20230901112320_earth.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-09-01 11:22:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18882', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) Hikes Prices of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of various petroleum products.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">September 1: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of various petroleum products. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Effective from Thursday midnight, the new prices will come into effect. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">According to NOC, the price of petrol will rise by Rs. 4 per litre, while prices of diesel and kerosene have been hiked by Rs. 3 per litre. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Additionally, the price of LP gas per cylinder has increased by Rs. 235.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">This decision by NOC is in response to the recent price adjustments made by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), which supplies fuel to Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">The latest price list from IOC shows an increase of Rs. 3.17 per litre for petrol, Rs. 2.48 per litre for diesel, and Rs. 186.45 per cylinder for LP gas.</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-09-01', 'modified' => '2023-09-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18611', 'image' => '20230901060432_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-09-01 06:03:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18881', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'DoR Focuses on Feasibility Study of Tunnels to Reduce Traffic Congestion, Travel Distance', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: The Department of Roads (DoR) is studying the feasibility of constructing 18 tunnels and one underpass on various highways and roads.', '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"">August 31: The Department of Roads (DoR) is studying the feasibility of constructing 18 tunnels and one underpass on various highways and roads. </span></span></span></span></p> <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 the department, it has already completed the feasibility study of tunnels along the Dharan-Leuti section as well as Manechour-BP Nagar Khutia Dipayal section.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 government is currently undertaking the construction of a tunnel in Nagadhunga. The process of construction of a tunnel in Siddhartha Palpa section of the Siddharth Highway has also progressed ahead. </span></span></span></span></p> <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 identified more locations to build tunnels.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Sushilbabu Dhakal, director general of the department, said that a study has been conducted to build tunnels at the places where it is deemed necessary. However, he says that situation is not favourable to begin construction as soon as the study is done. </span></span></span></span></p> <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"">"We have realized that it is necessary to build tunnels on different roads," said Dhakal, "However, we have to undergo countless processes to build such structures. For example, the construction of Nagadhunga tunnel was discussed in 2012 and the contract was finally signed in 2018.”</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">He said that the department has identified the places where tunnels need to be built. If it is necessary to build tunnels, the DoR will proceed ahead with the construction by managing resources on the basis of priority.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Although the construction of tunnels is relatively expensive, the government has recently launched a tunnel construction plan to reduce the road distance, traffic congestion and in some cases to reduce loss of life due to landslides. </span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Nagadhunga tunnel is being constructed with the help of loan from the Japanese government to manage traffic and shorten the distance. The department informed that the construction of a tunnel has been started in Siddhababa, where people's lives are lost due to landslides every 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department signed a contract worth Rs 7.34 billion with a Chinese company -- China State – two and a half years ago for the construction of the Siddhababa tunnel. As per the agreement, the tunnel should be completed within five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18610', 'image' => '20230831122957_1693450631.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:29:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18879', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Monsoon-Induced Disasters Resulted in 73 Casualties ', 'sub_title' => 'Disasters Cause Loss of Rs 15 Billion to Physical Infrastructures', 'summary' => 'August 31: Monson-induced disasters claimed the lives of 73 people in between June 14 and August 25 this year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Monson-induced disasters claimed the lives of 73 people in between June 14 and August 25 this year. The casualties were due to landslides, floods, heavy rains and lightning strikes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that 102 individuals sustained injuries as a result of these monsoon-triggered disasters while 20 have gone missing. NDRRMA Chief Executive Anil Pokhrel said the country witnessed 135 cases of floodings, 429 incidents of landslides, 116 occurrences of heavy rainfall, and 83 cases of lightning strikes in this period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the victims, 12 were killed by floods, 38 died in landslides, two died due to heavy rainfall and 21 were killed in lightning strikes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The monsoon has inflicted damages on various hydroelectricity projects, causing a total loss of around Rs 8.5 billion. It is said 17 under-construction projects with a combined capacity of 326.83 megawatts and 13 projects totaling 132.75 megawatts have been affected. Additionally, the monsoon disasters have caused significant damages to the infrastructure sector as well. It caused the loss of Rs 400 million when it damaged 29 highways, and the overall loss to physical properties has surpassed Rs 15 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Four motorable bridges and 22 suspension bridges were washed away in various parts of the country, causing the loss of around Rs 410 million. Furthermore, floods and landslides resulted in the damage of 28 federal drinking water projects, incurring a loss of around Rs 90 million. It is estimated that it would cost over Rs 10.55 billion to restore the damaged infrastructures. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18609', 'image' => '20230831122731_20230806120213_20211020080208_SBS_Kanchanpur-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:26:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18880', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Children at Risk of Sexual Misbehavior through Internet: Study ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Children are increasingly at risk of sexual abuse through internet, a study has revealed. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Children are increasingly at risk of sexual abuse through internet, a study has revealed. In a programme organized to unveil the findings of a study conducted by Bal Awaj, an organization based in Lalitpur, it was found that children below 18 years were sexually abused through internet. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The study conducted among 514 children in Koshi and Bagmati provinces revealed that children were asked for pictures by acquaintances as well as strangers in internet and their pictures would be morphed to defame them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the study, 73 per cent children admitted that they accessed internet through Wi-Fi while 14 per cent from mobile data and 13 per cent from both sources, said Krishna Kumar Thapa, executive director of Bal Awaj. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Action such as asking for obscene photos from children and sending insensitive messages among others by abusing internet are considered acts of sexual misbehavior and abuse against children. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Attorney General Dr Dinmani Pokharel opined that online crime would not only affect children socially but also psychologically. Stating that earlier cases of sexual abuse against children were reported at physical level, he said that children are now prone to sexual abuse through the internet lately, which, he added, immensely affected those children psychologically. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He called for raising awareness about the laws put in place to protect children from abuses of all forms. According to him, the findings of the study would be a 'milestone' for formulation of law regarding protection of children from cybercrimes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, CDO of Lalitpur, Rudra Prasad Pandit, expressed his concern over more and more children being subjected to sexual abuse through the internet these days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He demanded for the provision in the 'setting' of every mobile phones that would prevent websites showing sexual videos of children. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, SSP Siddhi Bikram Shah lamented that even if complaints from child victim about sexual abuse were filed, there is a problem in taking action against the culprit of sexual abuse against children in lack of resources to find out where actually the sexual abuse took place. He said that the 'Child Save Mode' can be turned on in Wi-Fi to prevent children from accessing porn sites. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, Nepal Bar Association President Gopal Krishna Ghimire shared that children should be kept away from laptop, mobile phones and Ipads. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18608', 'image' => '20230831122838_EWNMdeAWsAATOVS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:28:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18878', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists up in Lumbini ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years. The data shows the birthplace of Gautam Buddha experienced a surge in the influx of tourists in the post-COVID-19 period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Lumbini Development Trust, as of July 2023, the arrival of tourists (except those from Nepal and India) increased by 500 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Likewise, the number of visitors from India was more by 30 percent followed by a similar rise in the arrivals of domestic tourists. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As of July 2023, a total of 23,942 tourists from third countries visited Lumbini while this figure was 3,975 during the corresponding period last year, according to LDT public relations chief and information officer Dr Hari Rai. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Lumbini welcomed people from 96 countries in 2022. As of July this year, tourists from 67 visited the historic city. It is said more Indians are visiting Lumbini following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here in May, 2022. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18607', 'image' => '20230831114220_LumbiniRSS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 11:41:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18876', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Devotees Throng Gosaikunda on Janai Purnima Festival ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Devotees in larger numbers have reached Gosaikunda since the early morning today to observe the Janai Purnima festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Devotees in larger numbers have reached Gosaikunda since the early morning today to observe the Janai Purnima festival. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 4,000 people have arrived at the sacred place in Rasuwa district to partake in the Janai Purnima festival. Gosaikunda, a freshwater lake of profound religious importance, lies at an altitude of 14, 370 feet above the sea level. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> Gosaikunda Area Development Committee chair Sanjiv DM said most of the devotees arrived at Gosaikunda on the eve of the festival. A few more are on the way to the lake, District Police Chief Subas Budhathoki said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A fundamental tradition of the festival involves devotees taking a holy dip in the lake, seeking blessings for familial happiness and unity to be bestowed upon them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Nepalese Army, the Gosaikunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa District Hospital, District Ayurved Health Centre, and the Himalaya Rescue Association have been here for the services of the devotees, Chief District Officer, Prakash Chandra Adhikari told RSS.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Nepalese Army issued a press statement on Wednesday stating that the army deployed in Gosaikunda area rescued people who were taken ill during the pilgrimage and treated them at the security base in Chandanbari.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The adverse weather during the monsoon and the high altitude causes problems for the pilgrims, many of whom suffer from altitude sickness during the trip.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> <br /> <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18606', 'image' => '20230831105204_Gosaikunda-Ytrot.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 10:51:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18875', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Janai Purnima, Gaijatra Festivals being Observed Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: 'Janai Purnima' which is also called 'Rishi Tarpani' festival is being celebrated across the country today (Thursday). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: 'Janai Purnima' which is also called 'Rishi Tarpani' festival is being celebrated across the country today (Thursday). The festival is basically observed by the majority Hindus in the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion of Janai Purnima, the tagadharis or those who wear the 'Janai' (the sacred thread) around their bodies change the sacred thread after having a haircut and a bath. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the tradition, Hindus receive the 'Raksha Bandhan' thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests as a symbol of protection from fear and disease, says Dev Mani Bhattarai, a theologian and member of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (Nepal Calendar Determination Committee). The festival is also observed as 'Kwati Purnima' by the Newar community. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kwati, a soup prepared from nine different beans, is a special delicacy added to the Nepali menu today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the Terai region, there is a tradition in which sisters tie an attractive wrist band called 'Rakhi' around the wrist of their brothers wishing them long life and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Today, thousands of devotees worship lord Shiva at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu and at Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur and other Shiva temples across the country, and take holy dips in ponds and lakes and rivers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Religious fairs are held at Gosainkunda, an alpine area in Rasuwa District, and at Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla district to observe the festival with offerings to Lord Shiva. A big religious fair takes place at the Gosainkunda Lake and pilgrims come from faraway places to take a holy dip in this lake and other lakes nearby. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Religious fairs are organized at Pashupati and Manichud of Kathmandu; Gosainkunda of Rasuwa; Kumbheshwar of Lalitpur; Panchpokhari of Sindhupalchok; Janakpurdham, Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar of Dhanusha, Dansanghu of Jumla and Trivenidham of Nawalparasi. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Gaijatra today</span></strong> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Coincidentally, the Gaijatra festival is also being observed today this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The traditional festival of Gaijatra or the ‘cow festival’ is being observed starting today in three cities of Kathmandu Valley and some other places in the country amidst much fun, gaiety, humor, satire, and entertainment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The festival, beginning on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) as per the lunar calendar, lasts for a week. During this time-honored tradition, people of all ages in the guise of cows and lunatics go around the city, wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who died during the past one year. The bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession including the cows. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">This festival is believed to have started during the regime of King Pratap Malla, who, in a bid to console his queen grieving at the death of her son due a smallpox epidemic, ordered his people to organize humour and satire programmes in various comic postures. This tradition continued in the form of the Gaijatra festival during which people also vent out their feelings towards social and political anomalies, human follies and other contemporary affairs through comic skits, cartoons, and the like. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has announced a public holiday today. Apart from the Valley, the festival is also observed in Banepa, Dhulikhel, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Ilam, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bahrabise, Hetauda and Pokhara. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18605', 'image' => '20230831102112_NN_KTM-20230831_091130.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 10:20:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18877', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mithila Observes 'Rakhi' Festival Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today (Thursday). The festival which is observed on the full moon day in the fourth month of the Nepali year as per the lunar calendar is taken as a moment to strengthen the bond among sisters and brothers. As a major part of the festival, sisters put Rakhi (a decorative thread) around the wrists of their brothers and offer them delicacies, wishing them longevity and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">This unique tradition of the Mithilanchal is celebrated as the 'Rakhi' festival. In return, sisters receive clothing, jewelry and cash as gifts. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Generally, the festival falls in the month of Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August), but this year it was postponed due to the extra month of Malmas observed this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving a holy thread on the wrist by priest while sisters tie the Rakhi thread on the wrist of their brothers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Brothers return home to observe this festival. In the past, the festival was limited to the Hindu-Maithil community, but now its popularity has been extended to other communities as well, according to Bardibas Janata Multiple Campus Chief Dilip Tiwari. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It is believed that during ancient Satya Yugha, Bali, the demon king of three realms including the heaven, the earth and the underworld, received a sacred thread as protection from his teacher Shukracharya before he set out for a war against deities and the Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving thread from priests as the continuity of the same tradition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, in another context, Bali's sisters Ganga and Yamuna tied a protective thread on their brother's wrist, wishing him a success in the battle. In the end, Bali was victorious against the deities and the Rakhi is celebrated in commemoration of the triumph, said Matihani-based Yagyawalkya Laxminarayan Sanskrit Campus (Vidhyapeeth)’s Maithali department lecturer Manoj Jha. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Rakhi is celebrated largely by all castes, communities and religions in the Mithila region. The festival has been a common celebration due to cultural exchanges and internalization, say the elderly people. The festival has evolved as a symbol of communal, social and cultural harmony and unity, according teacher Leelanath Gautam. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18604', 'image' => '20230831110830_rakhi2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 11:07:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18874', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Pakistan Beat Nepal by 238 Runs in Asia Cup Opener', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Pakistan crushed minnows Nepal by a huge margin of 238 runs in a Group A match to make a winning start to the Asia Cup.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 31: Nepal lost to co-hosts Pakistan by 238 runs in the tournament opener of the Asia Cup 2023 at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Opting to bat first after winning the toss, captain and world number one batter Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed scored hundreds as Pakistan posted a mighty total of 342-6.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In response, Nepal, making their Asia Cup debut and playing against Pakistan for the first time in any format, were all out for a mere 104 in 23.4 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was Nepal’s biggest defeat by runs in an ODI match. Nepal's previous biggest defeat came against the West Indies when they lost the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier match by 101 runs on June 22.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was also Nepal’s second lowest total in an ODI match, after their 103-run total against the United Arab Emirates during the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 on March 21 last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan had a shaky start to their innings, losing openers Fakhar Zaman and Iman-ul-Haq cheaply. Karan KC had Zaman caught behind for 14 in the 5.3 overs and Imam was run out by captain Rohit Paudel the next over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan were reeling at 25-2 when Mohammad Rizwan joined Azam and the duo dragged their side to 100 in 22nd over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But Nepal hit back as Dipendra Singh Airee hit the stumps to run out Rizwan for 44, while Sandeep Lamichhane bowled Agha Salman for 5 to put Pakistan in trouble at 124-4 in the 28th over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But Azam cracked 14 boundaries and four sixes and Ahmed hit 11 boundaries and four sixes to lead Pakistan’s recovery in style, ransacking 129 in the last 10 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam was dropped on 55 when Karan KC let slip away a caught-and-bowled chance and the batter punished the Rhinos, gradually steadying the ship taking 72 balls to reach his fifty, 37 balls to move from 51 to 100 and smashing 51 off the next 22 balls to reach his second 150 in ODIs. It was also Azam’s 19th ODI hundred.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam’s 151 off 131 balls was the highest scored by a Pakistani captain in an ODI at home. It was also the second highest individual score in the Asia Cup, behind Virat Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan in 2012.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam and Ahmed, who cracked 109 not out off 71 balls, put on a 214-run partnership off 131 balls for the fifth wicket to guide Pakistan to a huge total. It was the highest partnership for any wicket in an ODI in Pakistan and also the highest for Pakistan’s fifth wicket in ODIs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ahmed reached his maiden ODI hundred in just 67 balls, becoming the fourth fastest batter to reach a century in the ODI Asia Cup. Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi holds the record for fastest ODI Asia Cup century when he reached his hundred off just 53 balls against Bangladesh in 2010. Ahmed's previous best ODI score was 94 not out against New Zealand in Karachi in May this year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam was bowled by Sompal Kami, who took two wickets, in the 49.4 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In response, Nepal lost early wickets showing a lack of experience and temperament against the ODI’s world number one ranked team, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah slicing the top order.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pacer Afridi removed opener Kushal Bhurtel (8) and captain Rohit Paudel (0) in the successive balls in the first over before Naseem had Bhurtel’s opening partner Aasif Sheikh caught by Ahmed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Aarif Sheikh scored 26 and Sompal Kami made 28 to start Nepal’s resistance but could not cope with Haris Rauf’s pace for long.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mohammad Nawaz next sent back Dipendra Singh Airee (3) before Shadab Khan (4-27) cleaned up the tail including the wicket of Gulsan Jha (13), caught by Fakhar Zaman.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sri Lanka and Bangladesh clash in Pallekele, Sri Lanka on Thursday. (Agnecies) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18603', 'image' => '20230831064904_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 06:44:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18873', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investors More Interested in IPO at Premium Rate than Shares at Lower Price in Secondary Market', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: In recent days, companies have been issuing initial public offering (IPO) of shares at a premium price. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 30: In recent days, companies have been issuing initial public offering (IPO) of shares at a premium price. Shares in the secondary market of securities are available at a cheaper than the shares of insurance and hydropower companies at premium rates. However, investors are not much interested in shares at a lower price in the secondary market.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sun Nepal Life, Reliable Life, IME Life, Mandu Hydropower, Sonapur Minerals, recently issued IPOs at Rs 116 to Rs 257 per share at premium rate. Similarly, Citizen Life is also issuing IPO of ordinary shares at Rs 244 per share at premium rate from 1 September. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The attraction of investors is high in the primary marker even when the IPO is being sold for more than Rs 200 per share. Between 1.2 million to 1.5 million people apply for every company's IPO. However, this is not the case in the secondary market, which offers shares at a lower rate. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Capital market expert Mukti Aryal says that since the IPO at premium rate gives good returns in a short period of time, investors are attracted to it. He gave the example of IME Life Insurance's IPO sale at Rs 236.91 per share at rate premium and said, “The company’s first transaction was at Rs 529.50 per share. Due to this, investors got good returns in a short time.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He says that after mergers and acquisitions, the number of commercial banks has now dropped to 20. Experts say that since the business could not grow according to the increased capital after the merger, the market price has also gone down along with their earnings per share.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the financial statements of the last fiscal year, bad loans of banks have increased significantly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Along with the decline in the overall stock market, the problems seen in the financial system also seem to have had an impact on the share prices of banks. Although there is enough investable funds in the banking system, the share prices of bank are falling due to lack of demand for loans, high interest rates, and increasing bad loans.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The share price of 6 of the 19 commercial banks listed in NEPSE is below Rs 200. The share price of Kumari Bank, Prabhu Bank, Nepal Investment Mega Bank, Laxmi Bank, Prime Commercial Bank and Citizens Bank is below Rs 200 per share. The share price of Kumari Bank, the cheapest among these six banks, closed at Rs 157.40 per share on Tuesday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, the shares of Himalayan Bank, Global IME Bank, NMB Bank and Nepal Bank Limited are available from Rs 200 to Rs 250.10 per share. Apart from these commercial banks, the share prices of hydropower companies have also become very cheap. On Tuesday, the share price of Himal Dolakha Hydropower Company was Rs 135.30 and that of National Hydropower Company was Rs 146.40. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18602', 'image' => '20230830040040_20230210061838_collage (64) (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:57:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18872', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Announces Free-Bed Facility at the Hospital', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Chitwan-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) has decided to avail all of the general beds of the hospital free of cost, effective from September 17.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 30: Chitwan-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) has decided to avail all of the general beds of the hospital free of cost, effective from September 17.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The first meeting of the hospital management since executive director Dr Shivaji Poudel assumed his office took the decision to this effect. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The provision is however not applied for beds related to ICU, post-operative wards and cabin services in the hospital, which has altogether 450 beds, according to the hospital source. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the total beds, 350 are general beds. The hospital has been providing free meal to the patients. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Newly appointed executive director Dr Poudel pledged to devote his full time to the hospital and said he will work towards improvement of the hospital management and services. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Dr Poudel urged all the doctors and other healthcare service provides to use their discretion while treating the patients. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The civil charter, suggestion box and information boxes will be set up within the hospital, he said, adding that the OPD would be further managed and more services will be added for the patients. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18601', 'image' => '20230830033211_Hospital.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:31:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18871', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Water Supply from Melamchi to Resume More than a month after the end of Monsoon', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Water supply from Melamchi will resume one and a half months after the end of monsoon.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 30: Water supply from Melamchi will resume one and a half months after the end of monsoon.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has made it clear the Melamchi Water Supply Project will resume its operation only after the end of rainy season.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">He said so while answering a question raised by a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Melamchi Water Supply Project has been damaged by the flood that occurred in the month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) and the road from Melamchi market to the head works area has been damaged," he said told the lower house meeting.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As a result, the water supply has been affected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Melamchi Water Supply Project was initiated in 1998 to address the acute shortage of water in the Kathmandu valley. It took more than two decades to complete the project at a cost of Rs 34 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The project started distributing the water in Kathmandu from March 28, 2021. However, the supply has been frequently disrupted following major floods and landslides in Sindhupalchowk on June 15 the same year. The headworks of the project were completely damaged, as the floods and landslides had deposited dozens of feet high debris at the headworks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The problem has been recurring ever since the initial setback and water supply has been obstructed mainly in the rainy season. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18600', 'image' => '20230830032132_1693320537.Melamchi.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:20:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18870', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Blacklisted Companies in Last FY Highest in 15 Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: The number of supply, consulting and construction companies not working according to public procurement act and regulations has increased.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 30: The number of supply, consulting and construction companies not working according to public procurement act and regulations has increased. Looking at the data since the fiscal year (FY) 2064/65, the number of blacklisted companies in the last fiscal year 2079/80 was the highest so far.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) data, 162 companies were blacklisted last year. The office has been blacklisting construction companies and supply as well as consulting companies which do not comply with the laws.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the annual report of the office for the year 2079/80, it is mentioned that the companies have been blacklisted for reasons such as not fulfilling the obligations according to the contract and for breaching the code of conduct.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office has published the data of blacklisted companies from FY 2064/65 to last fiscal year. According to the report, 637 companies have been blacklisted in the last ten fiscal years. The list of blacklisted companies was the highest in the last fiscal year. It seems that many companies have been blacklisted in FY 2077/78 as well.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">That year, 104 companies were blacklisted. Prior to that, the number of blacklisted companies used to be comparatively less. In the year 2064/65, the number of blacklisted companies was only 6. In the years since then, the number of blacklisted companies has been continuously increasing. Those on the blacklist, include bidders, consultants, service providers, suppliers, builders (individuals, firms, organizations and companies).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office has informed New Business Age that the main reason why most of the companies were blacklisted last year was that they did not comply with the obligations according to the contract.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ravi Singh, president of the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), the umbrella organization of construction entrepreneurs, believes that this number has increased because of the delay in work due to lack of timely budget allocation, increase if production cost due to inflation, responsible officials of the contract management agency not taking responsibility for the work and the practice of working in joint ventures (JV).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"There is a problem in completing the work due to budget problems,” Singh said, adding, “Also, a competent company bags the contract and gives it to a JV company with no work experience, resulting in poor performance.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office mentioned that it monitored 87 public bodies last year. All the monitored public bodies have a procurement unit but most of the employees have not received training on public procurement. Similarly, it is seen that most of the public bodies have not made a 'purchasing master plan'.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the Procurement Regulations-2064, there is a provision to prepare a procurement master plan when purchasing a plan or project that will be operated for more than 1 year or when purchasing an amount of more than Rs 10 million annually.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“It was found that procurement master plans have not been prepared in most of the public bodies," states a report prepared by the office, "Even the public bodies that have prepared procurement master plans have not prepared them in the prescribed format."</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18599', 'image' => '20230830015008_20230807043651_PPMOOO.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 13:49:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18869', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Authorities Begin Preliminary Study of Panama Disease in Banana Farms of Tikapur', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Government authorities have started preliminary study of the Panama (TR-4) disease detected in banana farms in Tikapur, Kailali. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 30: Government authorities have started preliminary study of the Panama (TR-4) disease detected in banana farms in Tikapur, Kailali. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The panama infection was detected while carrying out sample tests of banana by the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Risk Analysis Taskforce formed by the National Plant Conservation Organization Nepal has started field study to find out the causes behind the destructive infectious disease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A seven-member taskforce headed by scientist of the National Plant Pathology Research Centre, Dr Ram Bahadur Khadka has reached Tikapur to initiate the study. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has started discussion with the chiefs of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces offices working in the area of agriculture as well as the local farmers. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">On the occasion, Dr Khadka urged the farmers to adopt precaution without being discouraged. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Famers should be cautious for preventing the outbreak of infection of panama disease to other farmland,” he said, adding, "The results of sample test are alarming. Panama infection has been pervasive in 60-65 percent plants. It would be wise to destroy the infected plants while precautionary measures should be placed to stop the outbreak." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has recommended farmers to set up quarantine in each banana farm to check the outbreak of the infection that spreads through the transfer of soil from one to another area. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Because this disease is caused by soil-dwelling fungus, it can spread easily through infected plants, soil, water, and agricultural tools. Also, it can move from one field to another even from the soil stuck on the tyres of the banana-carrying vehicle and shoes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has also suggested the farmers to send a sample of banana to the lab of Tikapur-based Sudurpaschim University Agriculture Campus. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The TR4 strain of Panama (withering) disease was detected recently in bananas for the first time in Nepal. This disease in bananas is caused by Fusaria Oxysporum Cubense Fungi, which is a TR4 strain of the Panama disease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Stakeholders say that Nepal's banana business, which has an investment of Rs 15 billion, is at risk of collapsing if the outbreak is not curbed in time. This disease is spreading rapidly in other countries of the world. (With inputs from RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18598', 'image' => '20230830114301_20230823015131_1692756184.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 11:41:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18883', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Earthquake Jolts Bhojpur ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday night.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">September 1: An earthquake of magnitude 4 in the Richter scale occurred in Bhojpur district on Thursday night.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, the earthquake with epicenter at Tungechha, Bhojpur occurred at 1:11 am. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Prior to this, an earthquake of magnitude 3.9 in the Richter scale had occurred at Khiratadi area in Bajhang district on August 17. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hills and mountainous regions in eastern and western parts of Nepal have been witnessing frequent incidents of earthquakes in recent time.</span> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">-- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-09-01', 'modified' => '2023-09-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18612', 'image' => '20230901112320_earth.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-09-01 11:22:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18882', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) Hikes Prices of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of various petroleum products.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">September 1: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has increased the prices of various petroleum products. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Effective from Thursday midnight, the new prices will come into effect. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">According to NOC, the price of petrol will rise by Rs. 4 per litre, while prices of diesel and kerosene have been hiked by Rs. 3 per litre. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Additionally, the price of LP gas per cylinder has increased by Rs. 235.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">This decision by NOC is in response to the recent price adjustments made by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), which supplies fuel to Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">The latest price list from IOC shows an increase of Rs. 3.17 per litre for petrol, Rs. 2.48 per litre for diesel, and Rs. 186.45 per cylinder for LP gas.</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-09-01', 'modified' => '2023-09-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18611', 'image' => '20230901060432_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-09-01 06:03:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18881', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'DoR Focuses on Feasibility Study of Tunnels to Reduce Traffic Congestion, Travel Distance', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: The Department of Roads (DoR) is studying the feasibility of constructing 18 tunnels and one underpass on various highways and roads.', '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"">August 31: The Department of Roads (DoR) is studying the feasibility of constructing 18 tunnels and one underpass on various highways and roads. </span></span></span></span></p> <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 the department, it has already completed the feasibility study of tunnels along the Dharan-Leuti section as well as Manechour-BP Nagar Khutia Dipayal section.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 government is currently undertaking the construction of a tunnel in Nagadhunga. The process of construction of a tunnel in Siddhartha Palpa section of the Siddharth Highway has also progressed ahead. </span></span></span></span></p> <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 identified more locations to build tunnels.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Sushilbabu Dhakal, director general of the department, said that a study has been conducted to build tunnels at the places where it is deemed necessary. However, he says that situation is not favourable to begin construction as soon as the study is done. </span></span></span></span></p> <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"">"We have realized that it is necessary to build tunnels on different roads," said Dhakal, "However, we have to undergo countless processes to build such structures. For example, the construction of Nagadhunga tunnel was discussed in 2012 and the contract was finally signed in 2018.”</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">He said that the department has identified the places where tunnels need to be built. If it is necessary to build tunnels, the DoR will proceed ahead with the construction by managing resources on the basis of priority.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Although the construction of tunnels is relatively expensive, the government has recently launched a tunnel construction plan to reduce the road distance, traffic congestion and in some cases to reduce loss of life due to landslides. </span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Nagadhunga tunnel is being constructed with the help of loan from the Japanese government to manage traffic and shorten the distance. The department informed that the construction of a tunnel has been started in Siddhababa, where people's lives are lost due to landslides every 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The department signed a contract worth Rs 7.34 billion with a Chinese company -- China State – two and a half years ago for the construction of the Siddhababa tunnel. As per the agreement, the tunnel should be completed within five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18610', 'image' => '20230831122957_1693450631.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:29:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18879', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Monsoon-Induced Disasters Resulted in 73 Casualties ', 'sub_title' => 'Disasters Cause Loss of Rs 15 Billion to Physical Infrastructures', 'summary' => 'August 31: Monson-induced disasters claimed the lives of 73 people in between June 14 and August 25 this year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Monson-induced disasters claimed the lives of 73 people in between June 14 and August 25 this year. The casualties were due to landslides, floods, heavy rains and lightning strikes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that 102 individuals sustained injuries as a result of these monsoon-triggered disasters while 20 have gone missing. NDRRMA Chief Executive Anil Pokhrel said the country witnessed 135 cases of floodings, 429 incidents of landslides, 116 occurrences of heavy rainfall, and 83 cases of lightning strikes in this period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the victims, 12 were killed by floods, 38 died in landslides, two died due to heavy rainfall and 21 were killed in lightning strikes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The monsoon has inflicted damages on various hydroelectricity projects, causing a total loss of around Rs 8.5 billion. It is said 17 under-construction projects with a combined capacity of 326.83 megawatts and 13 projects totaling 132.75 megawatts have been affected. Additionally, the monsoon disasters have caused significant damages to the infrastructure sector as well. It caused the loss of Rs 400 million when it damaged 29 highways, and the overall loss to physical properties has surpassed Rs 15 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Four motorable bridges and 22 suspension bridges were washed away in various parts of the country, causing the loss of around Rs 410 million. Furthermore, floods and landslides resulted in the damage of 28 federal drinking water projects, incurring a loss of around Rs 90 million. It is estimated that it would cost over Rs 10.55 billion to restore the damaged infrastructures. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18609', 'image' => '20230831122731_20230806120213_20211020080208_SBS_Kanchanpur-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:26:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18880', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Children at Risk of Sexual Misbehavior through Internet: Study ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Children are increasingly at risk of sexual abuse through internet, a study has revealed. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Children are increasingly at risk of sexual abuse through internet, a study has revealed. In a programme organized to unveil the findings of a study conducted by Bal Awaj, an organization based in Lalitpur, it was found that children below 18 years were sexually abused through internet. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The study conducted among 514 children in Koshi and Bagmati provinces revealed that children were asked for pictures by acquaintances as well as strangers in internet and their pictures would be morphed to defame them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the study, 73 per cent children admitted that they accessed internet through Wi-Fi while 14 per cent from mobile data and 13 per cent from both sources, said Krishna Kumar Thapa, executive director of Bal Awaj. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Action such as asking for obscene photos from children and sending insensitive messages among others by abusing internet are considered acts of sexual misbehavior and abuse against children. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Attorney General Dr Dinmani Pokharel opined that online crime would not only affect children socially but also psychologically. Stating that earlier cases of sexual abuse against children were reported at physical level, he said that children are now prone to sexual abuse through the internet lately, which, he added, immensely affected those children psychologically. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He called for raising awareness about the laws put in place to protect children from abuses of all forms. According to him, the findings of the study would be a 'milestone' for formulation of law regarding protection of children from cybercrimes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, CDO of Lalitpur, Rudra Prasad Pandit, expressed his concern over more and more children being subjected to sexual abuse through the internet these days. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He demanded for the provision in the 'setting' of every mobile phones that would prevent websites showing sexual videos of children. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, SSP Siddhi Bikram Shah lamented that even if complaints from child victim about sexual abuse were filed, there is a problem in taking action against the culprit of sexual abuse against children in lack of resources to find out where actually the sexual abuse took place. He said that the 'Child Save Mode' can be turned on in Wi-Fi to prevent children from accessing porn sites. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, Nepal Bar Association President Gopal Krishna Ghimire shared that children should be kept away from laptop, mobile phones and Ipads. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18608', 'image' => '20230831122838_EWNMdeAWsAATOVS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 12:28:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18878', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists up in Lumbini ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: The arrival of tourists in Lumbini has increased significantly in the recent years. The data shows the birthplace of Gautam Buddha experienced a surge in the influx of tourists in the post-COVID-19 period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Lumbini Development Trust, as of July 2023, the arrival of tourists (except those from Nepal and India) increased by 500 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Likewise, the number of visitors from India was more by 30 percent followed by a similar rise in the arrivals of domestic tourists. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As of July 2023, a total of 23,942 tourists from third countries visited Lumbini while this figure was 3,975 during the corresponding period last year, according to LDT public relations chief and information officer Dr Hari Rai. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Lumbini welcomed people from 96 countries in 2022. As of July this year, tourists from 67 visited the historic city. It is said more Indians are visiting Lumbini following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here in May, 2022. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18607', 'image' => '20230831114220_LumbiniRSS.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 11:41:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18876', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Devotees Throng Gosaikunda on Janai Purnima Festival ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Devotees in larger numbers have reached Gosaikunda since the early morning today to observe the Janai Purnima festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Devotees in larger numbers have reached Gosaikunda since the early morning today to observe the Janai Purnima festival. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 4,000 people have arrived at the sacred place in Rasuwa district to partake in the Janai Purnima festival. Gosaikunda, a freshwater lake of profound religious importance, lies at an altitude of 14, 370 feet above the sea level. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> Gosaikunda Area Development Committee chair Sanjiv DM said most of the devotees arrived at Gosaikunda on the eve of the festival. A few more are on the way to the lake, District Police Chief Subas Budhathoki said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A fundamental tradition of the festival involves devotees taking a holy dip in the lake, seeking blessings for familial happiness and unity to be bestowed upon them. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Nepalese Army, the Gosaikunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa District Hospital, District Ayurved Health Centre, and the Himalaya Rescue Association have been here for the services of the devotees, Chief District Officer, Prakash Chandra Adhikari told RSS.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Nepalese Army issued a press statement on Wednesday stating that the army deployed in Gosaikunda area rescued people who were taken ill during the pilgrimage and treated them at the security base in Chandanbari.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The adverse weather during the monsoon and the high altitude causes problems for the pilgrims, many of whom suffer from altitude sickness during the trip.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> <br /> <br /> <br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18606', 'image' => '20230831105204_Gosaikunda-Ytrot.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 10:51:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18875', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Janai Purnima, Gaijatra Festivals being Observed Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: 'Janai Purnima' which is also called 'Rishi Tarpani' festival is being celebrated across the country today (Thursday). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: 'Janai Purnima' which is also called 'Rishi Tarpani' festival is being celebrated across the country today (Thursday). The festival is basically observed by the majority Hindus in the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion of Janai Purnima, the tagadharis or those who wear the 'Janai' (the sacred thread) around their bodies change the sacred thread after having a haircut and a bath. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the tradition, Hindus receive the 'Raksha Bandhan' thread, which is tied around the wrist as an amulet. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The yellow thread is purified through the chanting of mantras by Brahmin priests as a symbol of protection from fear and disease, says Dev Mani Bhattarai, a theologian and member of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (Nepal Calendar Determination Committee). The festival is also observed as 'Kwati Purnima' by the Newar community. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kwati, a soup prepared from nine different beans, is a special delicacy added to the Nepali menu today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the Terai region, there is a tradition in which sisters tie an attractive wrist band called 'Rakhi' around the wrist of their brothers wishing them long life and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Today, thousands of devotees worship lord Shiva at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu and at Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur and other Shiva temples across the country, and take holy dips in ponds and lakes and rivers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Religious fairs are held at Gosainkunda, an alpine area in Rasuwa District, and at Dansanghu, Triveni in Jumla district to observe the festival with offerings to Lord Shiva. A big religious fair takes place at the Gosainkunda Lake and pilgrims come from faraway places to take a holy dip in this lake and other lakes nearby. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Religious fairs are organized at Pashupati and Manichud of Kathmandu; Gosainkunda of Rasuwa; Kumbheshwar of Lalitpur; Panchpokhari of Sindhupalchok; Janakpurdham, Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar of Dhanusha, Dansanghu of Jumla and Trivenidham of Nawalparasi. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Gaijatra today</span></strong> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Coincidentally, the Gaijatra festival is also being observed today this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The traditional festival of Gaijatra or the ‘cow festival’ is being observed starting today in three cities of Kathmandu Valley and some other places in the country amidst much fun, gaiety, humor, satire, and entertainment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The festival, beginning on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) as per the lunar calendar, lasts for a week. During this time-honored tradition, people of all ages in the guise of cows and lunatics go around the city, wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who died during the past one year. The bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession including the cows. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">This festival is believed to have started during the regime of King Pratap Malla, who, in a bid to console his queen grieving at the death of her son due a smallpox epidemic, ordered his people to organize humour and satire programmes in various comic postures. This tradition continued in the form of the Gaijatra festival during which people also vent out their feelings towards social and political anomalies, human follies and other contemporary affairs through comic skits, cartoons, and the like. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has announced a public holiday today. Apart from the Valley, the festival is also observed in Banepa, Dhulikhel, Trishuli, Dolakha, Khotang, Bhojpur, Chainpur, Ilam, Dharan, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bahrabise, Hetauda and Pokhara. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18605', 'image' => '20230831102112_NN_KTM-20230831_091130.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 10:20:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18877', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mithila Observes 'Rakhi' Festival Today ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today (Thursday). The festival which is observed on the full moon day in the fourth month of the Nepali year as per the lunar calendar is taken as a moment to strengthen the bond among sisters and brothers. As a major part of the festival, sisters put Rakhi (a decorative thread) around the wrists of their brothers and offer them delicacies, wishing them longevity and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">This unique tradition of the Mithilanchal is celebrated as the 'Rakhi' festival. In return, sisters receive clothing, jewelry and cash as gifts. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Generally, the festival falls in the month of Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August), but this year it was postponed due to the extra month of Malmas observed this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving a holy thread on the wrist by priest while sisters tie the Rakhi thread on the wrist of their brothers. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Brothers return home to observe this festival. In the past, the festival was limited to the Hindu-Maithil community, but now its popularity has been extended to other communities as well, according to Bardibas Janata Multiple Campus Chief Dilip Tiwari. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It is believed that during ancient Satya Yugha, Bali, the demon king of three realms including the heaven, the earth and the underworld, received a sacred thread as protection from his teacher Shukracharya before he set out for a war against deities and the Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving thread from priests as the continuity of the same tradition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, in another context, Bali's sisters Ganga and Yamuna tied a protective thread on their brother's wrist, wishing him a success in the battle. In the end, Bali was victorious against the deities and the Rakhi is celebrated in commemoration of the triumph, said Matihani-based Yagyawalkya Laxminarayan Sanskrit Campus (Vidhyapeeth)’s Maithali department lecturer Manoj Jha. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Rakhi is celebrated largely by all castes, communities and religions in the Mithila region. The festival has been a common celebration due to cultural exchanges and internalization, say the elderly people. The festival has evolved as a symbol of communal, social and cultural harmony and unity, according teacher Leelanath Gautam. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18604', 'image' => '20230831110830_rakhi2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 11:07:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18874', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Pakistan Beat Nepal by 238 Runs in Asia Cup Opener', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Pakistan crushed minnows Nepal by a huge margin of 238 runs in a Group A match to make a winning start to the Asia Cup.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 31: Nepal lost to co-hosts Pakistan by 238 runs in the tournament opener of the Asia Cup 2023 at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Opting to bat first after winning the toss, captain and world number one batter Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed scored hundreds as Pakistan posted a mighty total of 342-6.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In response, Nepal, making their Asia Cup debut and playing against Pakistan for the first time in any format, were all out for a mere 104 in 23.4 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was Nepal’s biggest defeat by runs in an ODI match. Nepal's previous biggest defeat came against the West Indies when they lost the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier match by 101 runs on June 22.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was also Nepal’s second lowest total in an ODI match, after their 103-run total against the United Arab Emirates during the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 on March 21 last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan had a shaky start to their innings, losing openers Fakhar Zaman and Iman-ul-Haq cheaply. Karan KC had Zaman caught behind for 14 in the 5.3 overs and Imam was run out by captain Rohit Paudel the next over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan were reeling at 25-2 when Mohammad Rizwan joined Azam and the duo dragged their side to 100 in 22nd over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But Nepal hit back as Dipendra Singh Airee hit the stumps to run out Rizwan for 44, while Sandeep Lamichhane bowled Agha Salman for 5 to put Pakistan in trouble at 124-4 in the 28th over.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But Azam cracked 14 boundaries and four sixes and Ahmed hit 11 boundaries and four sixes to lead Pakistan’s recovery in style, ransacking 129 in the last 10 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam was dropped on 55 when Karan KC let slip away a caught-and-bowled chance and the batter punished the Rhinos, gradually steadying the ship taking 72 balls to reach his fifty, 37 balls to move from 51 to 100 and smashing 51 off the next 22 balls to reach his second 150 in ODIs. It was also Azam’s 19th ODI hundred.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam’s 151 off 131 balls was the highest scored by a Pakistani captain in an ODI at home. It was also the second highest individual score in the Asia Cup, behind Virat Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan in 2012.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam and Ahmed, who cracked 109 not out off 71 balls, put on a 214-run partnership off 131 balls for the fifth wicket to guide Pakistan to a huge total. It was the highest partnership for any wicket in an ODI in Pakistan and also the highest for Pakistan’s fifth wicket in ODIs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ahmed reached his maiden ODI hundred in just 67 balls, becoming the fourth fastest batter to reach a century in the ODI Asia Cup. Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi holds the record for fastest ODI Asia Cup century when he reached his hundred off just 53 balls against Bangladesh in 2010. Ahmed's previous best ODI score was 94 not out against New Zealand in Karachi in May this year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Azam was bowled by Sompal Kami, who took two wickets, in the 49.4 overs.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In response, Nepal lost early wickets showing a lack of experience and temperament against the ODI’s world number one ranked team, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah slicing the top order.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pacer Afridi removed opener Kushal Bhurtel (8) and captain Rohit Paudel (0) in the successive balls in the first over before Naseem had Bhurtel’s opening partner Aasif Sheikh caught by Ahmed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Aarif Sheikh scored 26 and Sompal Kami made 28 to start Nepal’s resistance but could not cope with Haris Rauf’s pace for long.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mohammad Nawaz next sent back Dipendra Singh Airee (3) before Shadab Khan (4-27) cleaned up the tail including the wicket of Gulsan Jha (13), caught by Fakhar Zaman.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sri Lanka and Bangladesh clash in Pallekele, Sri Lanka on Thursday. (Agnecies) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-31', 'modified' => '2023-08-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18603', 'image' => '20230831064904_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-31 06:44:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18873', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investors More Interested in IPO at Premium Rate than Shares at Lower Price in Secondary Market', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: In recent days, companies have been issuing initial public offering (IPO) of shares at a premium price. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 30: In recent days, companies have been issuing initial public offering (IPO) of shares at a premium price. Shares in the secondary market of securities are available at a cheaper than the shares of insurance and hydropower companies at premium rates. However, investors are not much interested in shares at a lower price in the secondary market.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sun Nepal Life, Reliable Life, IME Life, Mandu Hydropower, Sonapur Minerals, recently issued IPOs at Rs 116 to Rs 257 per share at premium rate. Similarly, Citizen Life is also issuing IPO of ordinary shares at Rs 244 per share at premium rate from 1 September. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The attraction of investors is high in the primary marker even when the IPO is being sold for more than Rs 200 per share. Between 1.2 million to 1.5 million people apply for every company's IPO. However, this is not the case in the secondary market, which offers shares at a lower rate. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Capital market expert Mukti Aryal says that since the IPO at premium rate gives good returns in a short period of time, investors are attracted to it. He gave the example of IME Life Insurance's IPO sale at Rs 236.91 per share at rate premium and said, “The company’s first transaction was at Rs 529.50 per share. Due to this, investors got good returns in a short time.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He says that after mergers and acquisitions, the number of commercial banks has now dropped to 20. Experts say that since the business could not grow according to the increased capital after the merger, the market price has also gone down along with their earnings per share.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the financial statements of the last fiscal year, bad loans of banks have increased significantly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Along with the decline in the overall stock market, the problems seen in the financial system also seem to have had an impact on the share prices of banks. Although there is enough investable funds in the banking system, the share prices of bank are falling due to lack of demand for loans, high interest rates, and increasing bad loans.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The share price of 6 of the 19 commercial banks listed in NEPSE is below Rs 200. The share price of Kumari Bank, Prabhu Bank, Nepal Investment Mega Bank, Laxmi Bank, Prime Commercial Bank and Citizens Bank is below Rs 200 per share. The share price of Kumari Bank, the cheapest among these six banks, closed at Rs 157.40 per share on Tuesday.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, the shares of Himalayan Bank, Global IME Bank, NMB Bank and Nepal Bank Limited are available from Rs 200 to Rs 250.10 per share. Apart from these commercial banks, the share prices of hydropower companies have also become very cheap. On Tuesday, the share price of Himal Dolakha Hydropower Company was Rs 135.30 and that of National Hydropower Company was Rs 146.40. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18602', 'image' => '20230830040040_20230210061838_collage (64) (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:57:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18872', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital Announces Free-Bed Facility at the Hospital', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Chitwan-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) has decided to avail all of the general beds of the hospital free of cost, effective from September 17.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 30: Chitwan-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (BPKMCH) has decided to avail all of the general beds of the hospital free of cost, effective from September 17.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The first meeting of the hospital management since executive director Dr Shivaji Poudel assumed his office took the decision to this effect. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The provision is however not applied for beds related to ICU, post-operative wards and cabin services in the hospital, which has altogether 450 beds, according to the hospital source. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the total beds, 350 are general beds. The hospital has been providing free meal to the patients. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Newly appointed executive director Dr Poudel pledged to devote his full time to the hospital and said he will work towards improvement of the hospital management and services. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Dr Poudel urged all the doctors and other healthcare service provides to use their discretion while treating the patients. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The civil charter, suggestion box and information boxes will be set up within the hospital, he said, adding that the OPD would be further managed and more services will be added for the patients. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18601', 'image' => '20230830033211_Hospital.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:31:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18871', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Water Supply from Melamchi to Resume More than a month after the end of Monsoon', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Water supply from Melamchi will resume one and a half months after the end of monsoon.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 30: Water supply from Melamchi will resume one and a half months after the end of monsoon.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has made it clear the Melamchi Water Supply Project will resume its operation only after the end of rainy season.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">He said so while answering a question raised by a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Melamchi Water Supply Project has been damaged by the flood that occurred in the month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) and the road from Melamchi market to the head works area has been damaged," he said told the lower house meeting.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As a result, the water supply has been affected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Melamchi Water Supply Project was initiated in 1998 to address the acute shortage of water in the Kathmandu valley. It took more than two decades to complete the project at a cost of Rs 34 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The project started distributing the water in Kathmandu from March 28, 2021. However, the supply has been frequently disrupted following major floods and landslides in Sindhupalchowk on June 15 the same year. The headworks of the project were completely damaged, as the floods and landslides had deposited dozens of feet high debris at the headworks. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The problem has been recurring ever since the initial setback and water supply has been obstructed mainly in the rainy season. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18600', 'image' => '20230830032132_1693320537.Melamchi.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 15:20:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18870', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Blacklisted Companies in Last FY Highest in 15 Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: The number of supply, consulting and construction companies not working according to public procurement act and regulations has increased.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 30: The number of supply, consulting and construction companies not working according to public procurement act and regulations has increased. Looking at the data since the fiscal year (FY) 2064/65, the number of blacklisted companies in the last fiscal year 2079/80 was the highest so far.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) data, 162 companies were blacklisted last year. The office has been blacklisting construction companies and supply as well as consulting companies which do not comply with the laws.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the annual report of the office for the year 2079/80, it is mentioned that the companies have been blacklisted for reasons such as not fulfilling the obligations according to the contract and for breaching the code of conduct.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office has published the data of blacklisted companies from FY 2064/65 to last fiscal year. According to the report, 637 companies have been blacklisted in the last ten fiscal years. The list of blacklisted companies was the highest in the last fiscal year. It seems that many companies have been blacklisted in FY 2077/78 as well.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">That year, 104 companies were blacklisted. Prior to that, the number of blacklisted companies used to be comparatively less. In the year 2064/65, the number of blacklisted companies was only 6. In the years since then, the number of blacklisted companies has been continuously increasing. Those on the blacklist, include bidders, consultants, service providers, suppliers, builders (individuals, firms, organizations and companies).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office has informed New Business Age that the main reason why most of the companies were blacklisted last year was that they did not comply with the obligations according to the contract.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ravi Singh, president of the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN), the umbrella organization of construction entrepreneurs, believes that this number has increased because of the delay in work due to lack of timely budget allocation, increase if production cost due to inflation, responsible officials of the contract management agency not taking responsibility for the work and the practice of working in joint ventures (JV).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"There is a problem in completing the work due to budget problems,” Singh said, adding, “Also, a competent company bags the contract and gives it to a JV company with no work experience, resulting in poor performance.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The office mentioned that it monitored 87 public bodies last year. All the monitored public bodies have a procurement unit but most of the employees have not received training on public procurement. Similarly, it is seen that most of the public bodies have not made a 'purchasing master plan'.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the Procurement Regulations-2064, there is a provision to prepare a procurement master plan when purchasing a plan or project that will be operated for more than 1 year or when purchasing an amount of more than Rs 10 million annually.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“It was found that procurement master plans have not been prepared in most of the public bodies," states a report prepared by the office, "Even the public bodies that have prepared procurement master plans have not prepared them in the prescribed format."</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18599', 'image' => '20230830015008_20230807043651_PPMOOO.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 13:49:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18869', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Authorities Begin Preliminary Study of Panama Disease in Banana Farms of Tikapur', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 30: Government authorities have started preliminary study of the Panama (TR-4) disease detected in banana farms in Tikapur, Kailali. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 30: Government authorities have started preliminary study of the Panama (TR-4) disease detected in banana farms in Tikapur, Kailali. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The panama infection was detected while carrying out sample tests of banana by the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Risk Analysis Taskforce formed by the National Plant Conservation Organization Nepal has started field study to find out the causes behind the destructive infectious disease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A seven-member taskforce headed by scientist of the National Plant Pathology Research Centre, Dr Ram Bahadur Khadka has reached Tikapur to initiate the study. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has started discussion with the chiefs of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces offices working in the area of agriculture as well as the local farmers. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">On the occasion, Dr Khadka urged the farmers to adopt precaution without being discouraged. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Famers should be cautious for preventing the outbreak of infection of panama disease to other farmland,” he said, adding, "The results of sample test are alarming. Panama infection has been pervasive in 60-65 percent plants. It would be wise to destroy the infected plants while precautionary measures should be placed to stop the outbreak." </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has recommended farmers to set up quarantine in each banana farm to check the outbreak of the infection that spreads through the transfer of soil from one to another area. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Because this disease is caused by soil-dwelling fungus, it can spread easily through infected plants, soil, water, and agricultural tools. Also, it can move from one field to another even from the soil stuck on the tyres of the banana-carrying vehicle and shoes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The taskforce has also suggested the farmers to send a sample of banana to the lab of Tikapur-based Sudurpaschim University Agriculture Campus. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The TR4 strain of Panama (withering) disease was detected recently in bananas for the first time in Nepal. This disease in bananas is caused by Fusaria Oxysporum Cubense Fungi, which is a TR4 strain of the Panama disease. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Stakeholders say that Nepal's banana business, which has an investment of Rs 15 billion, is at risk of collapsing if the outbreak is not curbed in time. This disease is spreading rapidly in other countries of the world. (With inputs from RSS)</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-30', 'modified' => '2023-08-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18598', 'image' => '20230830114301_20230823015131_1692756184.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-30 11:41:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
