Minister for Forests and Environment, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, said that forests hold the potential to significantly contribute to the country's…
Minister for Forests and Environment, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, said that forests hold the potential to significantly contribute to the country's…
Beni Municipality in Myagdi district has initiated a process to gather information about landlords who lease their houses and…
August 6: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has stepped up preparations for issuing digital…
August 6: Nepal has made a profit in trade with the United States of America (USA) after five…
August 6: The EU-Nepal trade and investment program has prepared two dozen coffee roasters of international level to increase the quality of coffee in…
August 6: Landslides and floods triggered by rainfall since the onset of monsoon this year have caused considerable damages to roads and bridges across the…
August 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, has urged the local units of Bara and Parsa districts to scrap tax imposed on raw materials in the name of scrap…
A monitoring committee inspected market in Makawanpur district. During the monitoring, a bakery factory was closed due to its failure to meet production standards set by regulatory authorities. Additionally, the committee imposed fines on three commercial outlets as part of its regulatory…
Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the…
August 5: Workers in various tea estates of Jhapa district staged protest at Kakadvitta with a host of demands including hike in their wages and their incorporation in the social security…
August 4: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the government has been carrying out activities to increase capital expenditure in order to make the economy more…
August 4: The government has clarified that there is no need to form a high-level probe committee to investigate into the recent gold smuggling scam as investigation is already…
August 4: Nepal’s trade deficit of Nepal in the last fiscal year (FY) stood at more than Rs 1.3…
August 4: After the Indian government banned the export of rice other than basmati on July 20, its impact has also been felt in Nepal.…
August 4: Changunarayan Municipality spent 81.26 percent of its budget in the fiscal year 2022/23, making it the municipality which spent the most budget among the 21 local levels within the Kathmandu…
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He commended the organization for its commendable efforts in maintaining greenery across the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The minister underscored the collective responsibility of government bodies at all levels to actively engage in preserving and nurturing the eco-environment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"With 45 percent of Nepal's landscape covered by forests, it is crucial to establish forests as a reliable avenue for enhancing the country's economic well-being”, he said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr Mahato stated that all government and non-government bodies should collaborate to adopt innovative strategies to effectively implement the motto 'Green Forests - Nepal's Wealth’. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18392', 'image' => '20230806060703_mofe-minister-birendra-mahato-singhadurbar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 18:05:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18662', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Beni Municipality Collecting Details of Landlords to Bring Them Under Tax Ambit', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Beni Municipality in Myagdi district has initiated a process to gather information about landlords who lease their houses and land.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Beni Municipality in Myagdi district has initiated a process to gather information about landlords who lease their houses and land. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This step aims to bring the landlords to taxation system. Prabha Sharma, the tax officer at the municipality, stated that they have given landlords 35 days' time to submit details of their leased properties at the respective ward offices. The deadline to submit the details is set for September 7.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To facilitate the taxation process, the municipality has categorized landlords into three groups. Those failing to submit their property details within the specified timeframe will face late fines. Sharma emphasized that starting from this fiscal year, house rent tax has been made compulsory.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This decision to categorize landlords and impose taxes comes as a response to the low number of landlords previously paying house rent tax.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Under the revised regulations, landlords renting their properties for official purposes will be charged a 10% tax, while those renting for business purposes will have to pay a 4% tax. For residential rentals, a 2% tax will be applied. This system replaces the previous flat 10% tax rate for all rental purposes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The municipality had collected Rs 3.035 million from house rent tax in the last fiscal year. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18391', 'image' => '20230806042248_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 16:21:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18661', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Steps Up Preparation to Issue Digital Currency', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has stepped up preparations for issuing digital currency.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has stepped up preparations for issuing digital currency. Due to the interest shown by the general public in virtual transactions and other countries also issuing digital currency, the central bank has started necessary preparations to issue the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal Rastra Bank had formed a steering committee under the coordination of Deputy Governor Bam Bahadur Mishra two years ago regarding the digital currency. A group formed by the steering committee under the coordination of director Anuj Dahal to study the prospects of digital currency study had submitted a feasibility study report in the last fiscal year. Based on the recommendations of the group, a separate unit has also been established in the Payment System Department of NRB to work on the digital currency.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NRB Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari had announced in a formal program last Monday that Nepal will issue its own digital currency within the next three years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to an official of Nepal Rastra Bank, it will take a long time for the formation of policy as well as legal and infrastructure frameworks for the issuance of the CBDC. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"We are only at the initial stage for the issuance of CBDC," he said, requesting anonymity.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the feasibility study report carried out by the central nank, it has been mentioned that it would be appropriate to proceed with the CBDC project only by building a separate structure and team with the participation of all stakeholders. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the initial stage, the study has suggested setting up a small unit within the Payment System Department or the Information Technology Department of the central bank and the work can be carried forward. Similarly, the NRB needs to have high-level technology along with security of data to issue CBDC.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report also suggested to conduct the detailed feasibility of CBDC, study adequate legal system and to increase public awareness before implementation of the digital currency. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the economy is gradually transforming from cash to digital, the report states that although electronic currency is necessary, political ownership and public acceptance are equally important for success.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the increase in public interest in digital currencies including cryptocurrencies issued by the private sector around the world, the central bank has started preparing to issue CBDC. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already issued digital currency since last November. In the first phase of the currency issued as a pilot project, only wholesale transactions have been arranged with nine commercial banks. Only after its success, India is ready to start retail business to be used by common people. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is mentioned in the report of the central bank that the use of digital currency will attract common people to electronic payment and the expenses incurred in printing and circulation of notes will be reduced.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18390', 'image' => '20230806032821_20221104124812_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 15:27:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18660', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Trade with US in Profit after Five Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Nepal has made a profit in trade with the United States of America (USA) after five years.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Nepal has made a profit in trade with the United States of America (USA) after five years. According to the statistics of the Department of Customs, the trade with the US was profitable in the last fiscal year (FY). In the review year, Nepal made a trade profit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">146</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million with the USA. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19.57</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion were exported from Nepal to the USA last year, while goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19.42</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were imported from the USA.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prior to that, the last time Nepal made a trade profit with the US was in the fiscal year 2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">073/74. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Since then, Nepal's trade with America was in deficit for five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the items exported from Nepal to the USA last year, carpets and felt materials were the ones that earned Nepal the most money. More than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.38 billion was received from carpet export alone. According to the data of the department, felt goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported to the USA.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Experts say that Nepali goods are exported to countries like America because of their good quality.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the experts, it also shows the ability of Nepali entrepreneurs.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Gandhi Pandit, secretary general of the American Chamber of Commerce, says that Nepal's trade with America has improved somewhat in the last year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, he says that it is necessary to further improve trade with America. For this, he suggested that the Nepalese government should take initiative with the American government. He also suggests that the government should also take initiatives to bring in American investment. “There is immense potential in Nepal,” he says, adding, “Investment also came through the MCC. However, we could not bring as much investment as possible.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, he suggested that items with export potential should be identified and sent to America. Since </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2015</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, the United States has given customs exemptions to the export of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">77</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> items. “Production of such items should be increased. Similarly, Nepal should take initiatives with the American government to give concessions to exported goods,” he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Experts also say that if the government of Nepal takes the initiative, the size of exports to America will increase further.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign trade with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">170</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries, profits with only </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38</span></span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, Nepal trades with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">170</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries. Out of them, it has trade deficit with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">132</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries and trade surplus with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries. Denmark has the country with whom Nepal has the highest trade profit. Last year, Nepal's trade surplus with Denmark was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">512.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million, according to the department's data.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the list of highest trade profits, America is second and Norway is third. According to the data of the department, Nepal's trade profit with Norway stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">97.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal's largest trade deficit is with neighboring India. Nepal has a trade deficit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">921</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.16 billion with India alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">China is second in this list. Nepal's trade deficit with China is Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">220</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.95 billion. Nepal's trade deficit with Indonesia, which is third in this list, is Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">41.51</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign trade is at a deficit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">54</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion</span></span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The volume of foreign trade of Nepal in the review year stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1768 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion. According to the Department of Customs, Nepal's trade deficit was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1454 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion in the last fiscal year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18389', 'image' => '20230806024310_Trade.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 14:41:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18659', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Workshop on Coffee Roasting Held in Collaboration with EU', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: The EU-Nepal trade and investment program has prepared two dozen coffee roasters of international level to increase the quality of coffee in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: The EU-Nepal trade and investment program has prepared two dozen coffee roasters of international level to increase the quality of coffee in Nepal. They have been trained according to the standards of the Special Coffee Association, an organization that monitors the quality of coffee of specific taste and quality around the world.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Coffee roasters from Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, Kavre, Dhankuta and others participated in the workshop held in Kathmandu in collaboration with the National Tea and Coffee Development Board and Nepal Coffee Producers Federation. The workshop was organized targeting businessmen and workers involved in the coffee roasting sector with the aim of increasing the quality of coffee cups and producing skilled manpower necessary to make special Nepali coffee more popular.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the coffee roasting companies operating in Nepal lack technical skills for high quality coffee roasting, this workshop is expected to produce international level coffee roasters in this area. It is also expected to help in improving the quality of coffee. About 20-25 coffee roasting firms are operating in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Coffee roasting is a very technical and complex subject. The quality of the coffee is determined by the roasted coffee beans. The course of this workshop is to show the technical aspects of roasting to the trainees in an experimental manner and make them familiar and proficient in it, said the organisers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“Since there are participants working in this field, roasting skill as per the international standards will greatly help in increasing the quality of coffee,'' said Nima Sherpa, the main trainer of the workshop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the workshop, the participants were introduced to the roasting process through practical methods and theoretical knowledge in a high-level laboratory. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sherpa, an internationally recognized trainer, said that the method of roasting cycle, roast level to identify changes in coffee beans and how to manage the roasting site were taught during the worksop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stakeholders believe that the workshop will help improve the value chain of Nepali coffee. Coffee businesses with high-quality roasters can attract high-end consumers and earn good profits. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“We believe that such skilled roasters will strengthen the profile of the cafe and roasting business and demonstrate their commitment to quality control," said Santosh Pokharel, secretary general of Nepal Coffee Producers Federation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“I found this workshop very enlightening and fruitful. I am confident that we can help to increase the quality of coffee by using technology to promote quality in coffee roasting through people like us who are trained from here," said Ghomaya Gurung, a trainee who came from Chitwan to attend the workshop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The European Union has been helping to strengthen the value chain of Nepali coffee.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18388', 'image' => '20230806011758_20230703020046_20221204030252_1669933354.Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 13:17:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18658', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Floods, Landslides Cause Damages Worth Rs 520 Million to Roads and Bridges', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Landslides and floods triggered by rainfall since the onset of monsoon this year have caused considerable damages to roads and bridges across the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Landslides and floods triggered by rainfall since the onset of monsoon this year have caused considerable damages to roads and bridges across the country.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the preliminary estimate of the Department of Roads (DoR), the floods and landslides caused damages worth Rs 520 million to roads and bridges.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The DoR stated that </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> highways and other roads have sustained damages worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">265.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million. Similarly, bridges have sustained damages worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">0 million as of Saturday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, floods and landslides during the monsoon cause damages worth billions of rupees to roads and bridges in Nepal 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:"Arial","sans-serif"">So far, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">151</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> roads and bridges were blocked due to floods and landslides this year. Among them, vehicular movement still remains blocked in three places as of Saturday evening, while one-way traffic has been resumed along </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> roads. The department informed that two-way traffic has been resumed along </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">123</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> blocked locations.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Hewakhola Bridge under the Tamor Corridor, which was damaged due to floods in mid-June, is still not operational. Similarly, roads blocked by landslides in Garjeni of Pyuthan and Khawa of Dolakha still remain blocked, the department said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Floods and landslides have also damaged culverts, wooden bridges, Bailey bridges, auxiliary structures of RCC bridges, steel bridges and other under-construction and completed bridges. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18387', 'image' => '20230806120213_20211020080208_SBS_Kanchanpur-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 12:01:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18657', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Minister Rijal Instructs Local Bodies to Remove Double Taxation ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, has urged the local units of Bara and Parsa districts to scrap tax imposed on raw materials in the name of scrap tax. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, has urged the local units of Bara and Parsa districts to scrap tax imposed on raw materials in the name of scrap tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Addressing a programme organised on the occasion of 6th establishment day of Jitpursimara Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Jitpur of Simara on Saturday, Minister Rijal warned that the federal government would take necessary step if the local units do not remove scrap tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He mentioned that although industrialists and entrepreneurs pay income tax from their earnings, the local level collects double tax even by levying integrated property tax. Therefore, he urged the local bodies to withdraw the decision of imposing double tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Rijal shared that the government is planning to run ruined industries in partnership with the private sector.</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 government also has plans of attracting entrepreneurs to special economic zone by providing land on rent at an affordable price,” said the minister. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He further said that the land could be provided free of cost to establish export-oriented industries. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, President of Birjung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anil Kumar Agrawal, President of Nepal India Cooperation Forum, Ashok Das, Central Committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Dr Subodh Kumar Gupta, FNCCI Madhes Province President, Ashok Tamata, among others talked about the problems faced by the industries during the programme chaired by Jitpursimara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohan Sharma Lamichhane. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18386', 'image' => '20230806113339_taxxxxx.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 11:32:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18656', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Market Monitoring in Makwanpur: Bakery Factory Sealed, Commercial Outlets Fined', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A monitoring committee inspected market in Makawanpur district. During the monitoring, a bakery factory was closed due to its failure to meet production standards set by regulatory authorities. Additionally, the committee imposed fines on three commercial outlets as part of its regulatory action.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: A monitoring committee inspected market in Makawanpur district. During the monitoring, a bakery factory was closed due to its failure to meet production standards set by regulatory authorities. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, the committee imposed fines on three commercial outlets as part of its regulatory action. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The monitoring committee, led by the Office of Small and Cottage Industry, in collaboration with representatives from the District Administration Office, sealed Khusbu Bakery, situated in Bastipur within Hetauda Sub-Metropolis-19. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bakery was found to be operating without the necessary permissions for weighing machines, lacking proper product labeling, and neglecting hygiene standards. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Tika Sharma, the head of the monitoring team, said that a fine of Rs 250,000 was imposed on the bakery for these violations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Moreover, the bakery's proprietor has been issued a directive to submit essential documentation to the Office of Small and Cottage Industries within three days.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In a similar vein, the monitoring committee also fined other business establishments for quality and hygiene-related shortcomings. Santosh Grocery, New Parajuli Store, and Sintan Grocery and Meat Shop, all located in Bastipur, were each fined Rs 10,000.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The monitoring team included representatives from various regulatory bodies, including the Food Technology and Quality Control Office, Hetauda Sub-Metropolis, and the Consumer Rights Protection Forum. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18385', 'image' => '20230806062943_collage (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 06:28:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18655', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Oranges Worth Rs 290 Million Produced in Tanahu Last Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the district. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the previous fiscal year 2021/22, the district had produced 9,510 metric tonnes of oranges, while in the year 2020/21, the production stood at 9,310 metric tonnes. This trend signifies a consistent rise in orange production within the district over the years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The growth in orange farming is attributed to its attractive income potential, prompting farmers to engage in this agricultural venture.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Kul Prasad Tiwari, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, stated that farmers are drawn to orange cultivation due to good income the orange farming offers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The district has possibility for further expansion of orange farming as there is an additional 8,570 hectares of land which can be utilized for the orange cultivation in the district, according to Tiwari. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The majority of the produced oranges are sold outside the district, contributing to trade and commerce.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To continue supporting the growth of orange farming, the Agriculture Knowledge Centre has allocated a budget of Rs 10 million for the ongoing fiscal year 2023/24. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18384', 'image' => '20230806061234_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 06:10:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18654', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tea Estate Workers Demand Hike in Wages ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 5: Workers in various tea estates of Jhapa district staged protest at Kakadvitta with a host of demands including hike in their wages and their incorporation in the social security fund. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 5: Workers in various tea estates of Jhapa district staged protest at Kakadvitta with a host of demands including hike in their wages and their incorporation in the social security fund. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The workers affiliated to various unions demanded employment agreement, contribution-based social security scheme and increase in the minimum wage for the labourers, according to the Agriculture and Tea Estate Workers' Association. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The association's central vice-chairperson Sai Kumar Rai shared the plight that the workers had not received their minimum wages for the past three years. There are over 70,000 workers involved in 132 small and 69 institutional estates in Jhapa district. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Tea is planted across 10,000 hectares of land in the district. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Workers are entitled to at least Rs 577 per day as a wage in line with the Labour Act-2074 BS but much to the dismay of the workers, they have been receiving Rs 437 per day, informed Rai. </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"">Considering the inflation, the protesting workers have demanded 20 per cent hike in their daily wages besides facilities such as coverage for health services and pension for those working for over 20 years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"Tea workers are starving since they are not getting the wages and facilities set by the government," rued Rai. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-05', 'modified' => '2023-08-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18383', 'image' => '20230805095121_20200703014705_Tea estate.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-05 21:50:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18653', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Working to Increase Capital Expenditure to Revitalize Economy: FM Mahat ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the government has been carrying out activities to increase capital expenditure in order to make the economy more dynamic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 4: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the government has been carrying out activities to increase capital expenditure in order to make the economy more dynamic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at a press meet organised by Nepal Press Union, Parsa, in Birgunj on Friday, Minister Mahat mentioned that economic growth rate was low due to the poor capital expenditure in the past. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that the problems seen in the economy are being resolved gradually, he claimed that there is improvement in foreign exchange reserves in recent period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The finance minister further said that the government was effortful to resolve the problems seen in credit flow due to the high interest rate. He added that the ministry has already directed all to pay attention in maintaining transparency and revenue growth. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The main objective of the incumbent government is to maintain good governance, ensure effectiveness in service delivery, and accelerate development works, stressed Minister Mahat. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that the government has been carrying out feasibility study regarding brining the ruined industries including Birgunj Sugar Mill into operation again. According to Mahat, the Finance Ministry has already provide Rs 10 million budget for the time being to National Innovation Centre in order to bring Birgunj-based Agricultural Tools Factory into operation again by carrying out repair and maintenance of agricultural tools. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18382', 'image' => '20230804082354_20230402035731_1680390939.prakash sharan mahat.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 20:22:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18652', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Need of High-Level Probe Committee to Investigate Recent Gold Scam: Minister Sharma ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: The government has clarified that there is no need to form a high-level probe committee to investigate into the recent gold smuggling scam as investigation is already underway.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 4: The government has clarified that there is no need to form a high-level probe committee to investigate into the recent gold smuggling scam as investigation is already underway. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at a press meet organised at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to make public the decisions of the Council of Ministers on Thursday, Communications Minister Rekha Sharma clarified that a high-level probe committee was not necessary as the Department of Revenue Investigation has started investigating into the scam. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Responding to queries of media persons, she mentioned that there was no need of high-level probe committee as the Department of Revenue Investigation under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has been carrying out investigations into the smuggling of around 100 kg gold from Tribhuvan International Airport. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Also the spokesperson of the government, Minister Sharma urged not to cast doubt on the investigation being conducted by the department, saying the incumbent government is moving ahead with the determination to control irregularities, corruption and smuggling. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The department has now been carrying out investigation. The government is about to get to the root cause of the scam. The government has not seen the necessity of high-level probe committee," she shared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Presenting the fact that high-level probe committees were not formed to investigate the incidences of gold smuggling in the past, she urged to allow the investigation being carried out by the department to reach to its conclusion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Government spokesperson said, "Let's believe in the investigation carried out by the department. Some of the people have already been arrested for investigation and the probe is underway. Such high-level probe committee can be formed if it is required, but it is not necessary at the moment." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that discussion was underway to remove the obstruction of the Federal Parliament by the CPN (UML) regarding the recent gold scam demanding formation of a high-level probe committee for the investigation, she expressed the belief that the obstruction of the federal parliament would be removed soon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The department on July 19 had seized around 100 kg of gold from Tribhuvan International Airport premises. It has been carrying out investigation and has arrested 18 people so far suspecting their involvement in the scam. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18381', 'image' => '20230804081913_20191111123908_gold.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 20:18:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18651', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Exports of Carpet, Cardamom Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Nepal’s trade deficit of Nepal in the last fiscal year (FY) stood at more than Rs 1.3 trillion.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 4: Nepal’s trade deficit of Nepal in the last fiscal year (FY) stood at more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">3 trillion. In other words, the amount of import into the country is much more than the export. Experts suggest that there is no alternative to increasing exports to reduce the trade deficit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">If the government can systematically produce and expand exportable goods and services, the trade deficit can be reduced by earning a significant amount of foreign exchange. Nepal is making good income from the export of some of its products, including carpets, cardamom, amriso (broom grass), dog and cat food, yarsagumba etc. The country earned more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in the last year from the export of these items.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the statistics of the Department of Customs, carpets worth more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">41</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported from Nepal in the last five years. According to the department, in the last fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2079/80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">), carpets worth Rs 11.5 billion were exported from Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The carpets produced here are exported to the USA, Germany, the UK and other countries. Such carpets made of wool are in high demand especially in America and Europe. In the fiscal year 2021/22, carpets worth Rs 9.56 billion were exported from Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Cardamom worth eight billion exported</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, cardamom worth more than Rs 8 billion were exported last year. Cardamom export plays a major role in the country's foreign trade. Last year, cardamom worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.27 billion were exported against Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.81 billion in the previous year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal exports cardamom to India, Pakistan, Italy and Germany.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Exports of dog and cat food increasing</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the last few years, the items exported from Nepal also include dog and bird food. The Department of Customs has released the details of the export of such goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion from the country in the last five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In last year alone, such goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported from the country, according to a public statement issued by department.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Export of amriso exceeds Rs 3 billion in five years</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the items exported from Nepal also falls amriso (broom grass). According to the department, in the last five years, the country earned a total income of Rs 3.33 billion by exporting amriso. Last year, amriso worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.88 billion was exported to India. The main destination of amriso exported from Nepal is India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Yarsagumba worth Rs 440 million exported in a year</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, Yarsagumba worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">3.1 million were exported last year. Last year’s export of Yarshagumba, a herb found in the high Himalayas of Nepal, was the highest in the past five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18380', 'image' => '20230804043856_carpettttt.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 16:38:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18650', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Likely to Face Shortage of Rice in Festive Season following India’s Export Ban', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: After the Indian government banned the export of rice other than basmati on July 20, its impact has also been felt in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">August 4: After the Indian government banned the export of rice other than basmati on July 20, its impact has also been felt in Nepal. Businessmen say that in order to avoid the shortage of rice, which is consumed more during the upcoming festival, the Government of Nepal should request the Indian government to supply 200,000 metric tons of rice immediately.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">They have drawn the attention of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on this issue. Last year, India supplied 600,000 metric tons of rice to Nepal under a quota system. Last year's quota ended on August 1. The President of Nepal Rice, Oil and Lentil Industry Association Kumud Dugad has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies requesting the government to take diplomatic initiatives with India to arrange the supply of 200,000 tons of rice immediately to prevent rice shortage in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Dugad said that Nepal needs to import 1 million metric tons of rice annually to meet the country’s domestic demand.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">India exports paddy only to Nepal while it exports rice to other countries. New Delhi has imposed a ban on the export of rice citing the risk of food security. After this news spread, the price of rice in Nepal has already increased.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Dugad says that 200,000 metric tons of rice should be imported immediately as the country will harvest a new lot of rice only in November. He says that importing rice from India will benefit Nepal. "When rice is brought, 40 large and 500 small rice mills will be operated here, which will increase employment and revenue," Dugad said. India had previously imposed a 20 percent duty on paddy exports.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The people of Nepal consume around 2.5 million to 3 million metric tons of rice annually. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nepal had produced 5.5 million tons of paddy last year. Data how that the country imported rice/paddy worth Rs 33 billion last year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">So far this year, paddy plantation in the country is 25 percent less compared to last year. Experts say that if the weather is not conducive, paddy production might decrease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">A statement issued by the Nepal Rice, Oil and Lentil Industry Association on July 30 mentions that the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) has passed a resolution to request the government to take immediate diplomatic steps to import rice in order to prevent a shortage in Nepal due to India's ban on rice exports. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The General Assembly has also passed a resolution demanding only 1 percent duty on rice imports. The government has been imposing agricultural reform fee of 5 percent on rice imports. As a result food is becoming more expensive for the general public, the statement argued.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Last year, the Government of India had decided to allow the export of 600,000 tons of rice at zero percent export duty upon the request of the Government of Nepal. The 600,000 tons of rice have already arrived in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18379', 'image' => '20230804032806_paddyyy-transformed.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 15:27:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18649', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Changunarayan Spends the Most Budget among Local Units in Kathmandu Valley, KMC the Least', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Changunarayan Municipality spent 81.26 percent of its budget in the fiscal year 2022/23, making it the municipality which spent the most budget among the 21 local levels within the Kathmandu Valley.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 4: Changunarayan Municipality spent 81.26 percent of its budget in the fiscal year 2022/23, making it the municipality which spent the most budget among the 21 local levels within the Kathmandu Valley.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Jeevan Khatri, the mayor of Changunarayan Municipality, the municipality had allocated Rs 801 million for current expenses out of which it spent Rs 672.1 million (83 percent). Similarly, the municipality had allocated Rs 1.33 billion as capital expenditure out of which it spent Rs 1.06 billion (79.69 percent)</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Altogether, the municipality had allocated a total of Rs 2.13 billion in capital and current and expenses, while it spent Rs 1.73 billion in the review year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Changunarayan Municipality has set an example by become the local level in the valley that spends more development budget," said Mayor Khatri.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> He added that the municipality carried out development works at a rapid pace by calling for bids to complete the development projects and forming a consumer committee as soon as the fiscal year started.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Suryabinayak Municipality had allocated Rs 1.02 billion for capital expenditure, but spent only Rs 647.6 million (63 percent) under this heading. Similarly, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality spent Rs 601 million (53.99 percent) out of a budget allocation of Rs 1.11 billion towards capital expenditure.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Bhaktapur Municipality spent Rs 399.2 million (54.27 percent) out of a budget allocation of Rs 735.8 million. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the four municipalities in Bhaktapur district, Bhaktapur Municipality spent the least amount of development budget. Bhaktapur, Suryabinayak and Madhyapur Thimi municipalities could not achieve the target of development budget expenditure.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In Lalitpur district, Lalitpur Metropolitan City spent 55 percent of its capital budget, Godavari Municipality 68.17 percent, Mahalakshmi Municipality 43.17 percent, Konjyosom Rural Municipality 78.37 percent, Bagmati Rural Municipality 79.59 percent, Mahankal Rural Municipality 56.79 percent.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Kathmandu Metropolitan City spent 25.84 percent of the development budget, Chandragiri Municipality 59.62 percent, Nagarjun Municipality 41.28 percent, Kirtipur Municipality 59.86 percent, Tokha Municipality 66 percent, Dakshinkali Municipality 72.33 percent, Shankharapur Municipality 46.57 percent, Tarakeshwar Municipality 67.38 percent, while Budhanilkanth Municipality spent 38 percent, Kageshwari-Manohara Municipality 60 percent and Gokarneshwar Municipality spent 68.2 percent of the development budget.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18378', 'image' => '20230804024920_changu.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 14:47:17', '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' => '18663', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Forests Hold Potential for National Prosperity, Minister Mahato Says', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Minister for Forests and Environment, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, said that forests hold the potential to significantly contribute to the country's prosperity.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Minister for Forests and Environment, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, said that forests hold the potential to significantly contribute to the country's prosperity. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting that forests currently encompass 45 percent of the nation's total land area, Dr Mahato emphasized the importance of harnessing maximum benefits from these natural resources to bolster the nation's prosperity.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Mahato expressed these views while addressing an event organized by Round Table Nepal. He commended the organization for its commendable efforts in maintaining greenery across the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The minister underscored the collective responsibility of government bodies at all levels to actively engage in preserving and nurturing the eco-environment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"With 45 percent of Nepal's landscape covered by forests, it is crucial to establish forests as a reliable avenue for enhancing the country's economic well-being”, he said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr Mahato stated that all government and non-government bodies should collaborate to adopt innovative strategies to effectively implement the motto 'Green Forests - Nepal's Wealth’. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18392', 'image' => '20230806060703_mofe-minister-birendra-mahato-singhadurbar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 18:05:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18662', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Beni Municipality Collecting Details of Landlords to Bring Them Under Tax Ambit', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Beni Municipality in Myagdi district has initiated a process to gather information about landlords who lease their houses and land.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Beni Municipality in Myagdi district has initiated a process to gather information about landlords who lease their houses and land. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This step aims to bring the landlords to taxation system. Prabha Sharma, the tax officer at the municipality, stated that they have given landlords 35 days' time to submit details of their leased properties at the respective ward offices. The deadline to submit the details is set for September 7.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To facilitate the taxation process, the municipality has categorized landlords into three groups. Those failing to submit their property details within the specified timeframe will face late fines. Sharma emphasized that starting from this fiscal year, house rent tax has been made compulsory.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This decision to categorize landlords and impose taxes comes as a response to the low number of landlords previously paying house rent tax.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Under the revised regulations, landlords renting their properties for official purposes will be charged a 10% tax, while those renting for business purposes will have to pay a 4% tax. For residential rentals, a 2% tax will be applied. This system replaces the previous flat 10% tax rate for all rental purposes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The municipality had collected Rs 3.035 million from house rent tax in the last fiscal year. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18391', 'image' => '20230806042248_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 16:21:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18661', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Steps Up Preparation to Issue Digital Currency', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has stepped up preparations for issuing digital currency.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has stepped up preparations for issuing digital currency. Due to the interest shown by the general public in virtual transactions and other countries also issuing digital currency, the central bank has started necessary preparations to issue the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal Rastra Bank had formed a steering committee under the coordination of Deputy Governor Bam Bahadur Mishra two years ago regarding the digital currency. A group formed by the steering committee under the coordination of director Anuj Dahal to study the prospects of digital currency study had submitted a feasibility study report in the last fiscal year. Based on the recommendations of the group, a separate unit has also been established in the Payment System Department of NRB to work on the digital currency.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NRB Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari had announced in a formal program last Monday that Nepal will issue its own digital currency within the next three years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to an official of Nepal Rastra Bank, it will take a long time for the formation of policy as well as legal and infrastructure frameworks for the issuance of the CBDC. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"We are only at the initial stage for the issuance of CBDC," he said, requesting anonymity.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the feasibility study report carried out by the central nank, it has been mentioned that it would be appropriate to proceed with the CBDC project only by building a separate structure and team with the participation of all stakeholders. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the initial stage, the study has suggested setting up a small unit within the Payment System Department or the Information Technology Department of the central bank and the work can be carried forward. Similarly, the NRB needs to have high-level technology along with security of data to issue CBDC.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report also suggested to conduct the detailed feasibility of CBDC, study adequate legal system and to increase public awareness before implementation of the digital currency. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the economy is gradually transforming from cash to digital, the report states that although electronic currency is necessary, political ownership and public acceptance are equally important for success.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the increase in public interest in digital currencies including cryptocurrencies issued by the private sector around the world, the central bank has started preparing to issue CBDC. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already issued digital currency since last November. In the first phase of the currency issued as a pilot project, only wholesale transactions have been arranged with nine commercial banks. Only after its success, India is ready to start retail business to be used by common people. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is mentioned in the report of the central bank that the use of digital currency will attract common people to electronic payment and the expenses incurred in printing and circulation of notes will be reduced.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18390', 'image' => '20230806032821_20221104124812_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 15:27:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18660', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Trade with US in Profit after Five Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Nepal has made a profit in trade with the United States of America (USA) after five years.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Nepal has made a profit in trade with the United States of America (USA) after five years. According to the statistics of the Department of Customs, the trade with the US was profitable in the last fiscal year (FY). In the review year, Nepal made a trade profit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">146</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million with the USA. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19.57</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion were exported from Nepal to the USA last year, while goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19.42</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were imported from the USA.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prior to that, the last time Nepal made a trade profit with the US was in the fiscal year 2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">073/74. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Since then, Nepal's trade with America was in deficit for five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the items exported from Nepal to the USA last year, carpets and felt materials were the ones that earned Nepal the most money. More than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.38 billion was received from carpet export alone. According to the data of the department, felt goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported to the USA.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Experts say that Nepali goods are exported to countries like America because of their good quality.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the experts, it also shows the ability of Nepali entrepreneurs.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Gandhi Pandit, secretary general of the American Chamber of Commerce, says that Nepal's trade with America has improved somewhat in the last year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, he says that it is necessary to further improve trade with America. For this, he suggested that the Nepalese government should take initiative with the American government. He also suggests that the government should also take initiatives to bring in American investment. “There is immense potential in Nepal,” he says, adding, “Investment also came through the MCC. However, we could not bring as much investment as possible.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, he suggested that items with export potential should be identified and sent to America. Since </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2015</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, the United States has given customs exemptions to the export of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">77</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> items. “Production of such items should be increased. Similarly, Nepal should take initiatives with the American government to give concessions to exported goods,” he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Experts also say that if the government of Nepal takes the initiative, the size of exports to America will increase further.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign trade with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">170</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries, profits with only </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38</span></span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, Nepal trades with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">170</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries. Out of them, it has trade deficit with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">132</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries and trade surplus with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries. Denmark has the country with whom Nepal has the highest trade profit. Last year, Nepal's trade surplus with Denmark was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">512.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million, according to the department's data.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the list of highest trade profits, America is second and Norway is third. According to the data of the department, Nepal's trade profit with Norway stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">97.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal's largest trade deficit is with neighboring India. Nepal has a trade deficit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">921</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.16 billion with India alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">China is second in this list. Nepal's trade deficit with China is Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">220</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.95 billion. Nepal's trade deficit with Indonesia, which is third in this list, is Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">41.51</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign trade is at a deficit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">54</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion</span></span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The volume of foreign trade of Nepal in the review year stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1768 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion. According to the Department of Customs, Nepal's trade deficit was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1454 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion in the last fiscal year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18389', 'image' => '20230806024310_Trade.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 14:41:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18659', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Workshop on Coffee Roasting Held in Collaboration with EU', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: The EU-Nepal trade and investment program has prepared two dozen coffee roasters of international level to increase the quality of coffee in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: The EU-Nepal trade and investment program has prepared two dozen coffee roasters of international level to increase the quality of coffee in Nepal. They have been trained according to the standards of the Special Coffee Association, an organization that monitors the quality of coffee of specific taste and quality around the world.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Coffee roasters from Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, Kavre, Dhankuta and others participated in the workshop held in Kathmandu in collaboration with the National Tea and Coffee Development Board and Nepal Coffee Producers Federation. The workshop was organized targeting businessmen and workers involved in the coffee roasting sector with the aim of increasing the quality of coffee cups and producing skilled manpower necessary to make special Nepali coffee more popular.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the coffee roasting companies operating in Nepal lack technical skills for high quality coffee roasting, this workshop is expected to produce international level coffee roasters in this area. It is also expected to help in improving the quality of coffee. About 20-25 coffee roasting firms are operating in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Coffee roasting is a very technical and complex subject. The quality of the coffee is determined by the roasted coffee beans. The course of this workshop is to show the technical aspects of roasting to the trainees in an experimental manner and make them familiar and proficient in it, said the organisers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“Since there are participants working in this field, roasting skill as per the international standards will greatly help in increasing the quality of coffee,'' said Nima Sherpa, the main trainer of the workshop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the workshop, the participants were introduced to the roasting process through practical methods and theoretical knowledge in a high-level laboratory. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sherpa, an internationally recognized trainer, said that the method of roasting cycle, roast level to identify changes in coffee beans and how to manage the roasting site were taught during the worksop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stakeholders believe that the workshop will help improve the value chain of Nepali coffee. Coffee businesses with high-quality roasters can attract high-end consumers and earn good profits. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“We believe that such skilled roasters will strengthen the profile of the cafe and roasting business and demonstrate their commitment to quality control," said Santosh Pokharel, secretary general of Nepal Coffee Producers Federation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“I found this workshop very enlightening and fruitful. I am confident that we can help to increase the quality of coffee by using technology to promote quality in coffee roasting through people like us who are trained from here," said Ghomaya Gurung, a trainee who came from Chitwan to attend the workshop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The European Union has been helping to strengthen the value chain of Nepali coffee.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18388', 'image' => '20230806011758_20230703020046_20221204030252_1669933354.Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 13:17:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18658', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Floods, Landslides Cause Damages Worth Rs 520 Million to Roads and Bridges', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Landslides and floods triggered by rainfall since the onset of monsoon this year have caused considerable damages to roads and bridges across the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Landslides and floods triggered by rainfall since the onset of monsoon this year have caused considerable damages to roads and bridges across the country.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the preliminary estimate of the Department of Roads (DoR), the floods and landslides caused damages worth Rs 520 million to roads and bridges.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The DoR stated that </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> highways and other roads have sustained damages worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">265.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million. Similarly, bridges have sustained damages worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">0 million as of Saturday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, floods and landslides during the monsoon cause damages worth billions of rupees to roads and bridges in Nepal 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:"Arial","sans-serif"">So far, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">151</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> roads and bridges were blocked due to floods and landslides this year. Among them, vehicular movement still remains blocked in three places as of Saturday evening, while one-way traffic has been resumed along </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> roads. The department informed that two-way traffic has been resumed along </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">123</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> blocked locations.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Hewakhola Bridge under the Tamor Corridor, which was damaged due to floods in mid-June, is still not operational. Similarly, roads blocked by landslides in Garjeni of Pyuthan and Khawa of Dolakha still remain blocked, the department said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Floods and landslides have also damaged culverts, wooden bridges, Bailey bridges, auxiliary structures of RCC bridges, steel bridges and other under-construction and completed bridges. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18387', 'image' => '20230806120213_20211020080208_SBS_Kanchanpur-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 12:01:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18657', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Minister Rijal Instructs Local Bodies to Remove Double Taxation ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, has urged the local units of Bara and Parsa districts to scrap tax imposed on raw materials in the name of scrap tax. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, has urged the local units of Bara and Parsa districts to scrap tax imposed on raw materials in the name of scrap tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Addressing a programme organised on the occasion of 6th establishment day of Jitpursimara Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Jitpur of Simara on Saturday, Minister Rijal warned that the federal government would take necessary step if the local units do not remove scrap tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He mentioned that although industrialists and entrepreneurs pay income tax from their earnings, the local level collects double tax even by levying integrated property tax. Therefore, he urged the local bodies to withdraw the decision of imposing double tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Rijal shared that the government is planning to run ruined industries in partnership with the private sector.</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 government also has plans of attracting entrepreneurs to special economic zone by providing land on rent at an affordable price,” said the minister. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He further said that the land could be provided free of cost to establish export-oriented industries. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, President of Birjung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anil Kumar Agrawal, President of Nepal India Cooperation Forum, Ashok Das, Central Committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Dr Subodh Kumar Gupta, FNCCI Madhes Province President, Ashok Tamata, among others talked about the problems faced by the industries during the programme chaired by Jitpursimara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohan Sharma Lamichhane. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18386', 'image' => '20230806113339_taxxxxx.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 11:32:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18656', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Market Monitoring in Makwanpur: Bakery Factory Sealed, Commercial Outlets Fined', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A monitoring committee inspected market in Makawanpur district. During the monitoring, a bakery factory was closed due to its failure to meet production standards set by regulatory authorities. Additionally, the committee imposed fines on three commercial outlets as part of its regulatory action.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: A monitoring committee inspected market in Makawanpur district. During the monitoring, a bakery factory was closed due to its failure to meet production standards set by regulatory authorities. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, the committee imposed fines on three commercial outlets as part of its regulatory action. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The monitoring committee, led by the Office of Small and Cottage Industry, in collaboration with representatives from the District Administration Office, sealed Khusbu Bakery, situated in Bastipur within Hetauda Sub-Metropolis-19. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bakery was found to be operating without the necessary permissions for weighing machines, lacking proper product labeling, and neglecting hygiene standards. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Tika Sharma, the head of the monitoring team, said that a fine of Rs 250,000 was imposed on the bakery for these violations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Moreover, the bakery's proprietor has been issued a directive to submit essential documentation to the Office of Small and Cottage Industries within three days.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In a similar vein, the monitoring committee also fined other business establishments for quality and hygiene-related shortcomings. Santosh Grocery, New Parajuli Store, and Sintan Grocery and Meat Shop, all located in Bastipur, were each fined Rs 10,000.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The monitoring team included representatives from various regulatory bodies, including the Food Technology and Quality Control Office, Hetauda Sub-Metropolis, and the Consumer Rights Protection Forum. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18385', 'image' => '20230806062943_collage (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 06:28:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18655', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Oranges Worth Rs 290 Million Produced in Tanahu Last Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the district. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the previous fiscal year 2021/22, the district had produced 9,510 metric tonnes of oranges, while in the year 2020/21, the production stood at 9,310 metric tonnes. This trend signifies a consistent rise in orange production within the district over the years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The growth in orange farming is attributed to its attractive income potential, prompting farmers to engage in this agricultural venture.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Kul Prasad Tiwari, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, stated that farmers are drawn to orange cultivation due to good income the orange farming offers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The district has possibility for further expansion of orange farming as there is an additional 8,570 hectares of land which can be utilized for the orange cultivation in the district, according to Tiwari. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The majority of the produced oranges are sold outside the district, contributing to trade and commerce.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To continue supporting the growth of orange farming, the Agriculture Knowledge Centre has allocated a budget of Rs 10 million for the ongoing fiscal year 2023/24. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18384', 'image' => '20230806061234_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 06:10:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18654', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tea Estate Workers Demand Hike in Wages ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 5: Workers in various tea estates of Jhapa district staged protest at Kakadvitta with a host of demands including hike in their wages and their incorporation in the social security fund. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 5: Workers in various tea estates of Jhapa district staged protest at Kakadvitta with a host of demands including hike in their wages and their incorporation in the social security fund. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The workers affiliated to various unions demanded employment agreement, contribution-based social security scheme and increase in the minimum wage for the labourers, according to the Agriculture and Tea Estate Workers' Association. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The association's central vice-chairperson Sai Kumar Rai shared the plight that the workers had not received their minimum wages for the past three years. There are over 70,000 workers involved in 132 small and 69 institutional estates in Jhapa district. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Tea is planted across 10,000 hectares of land in the district. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Workers are entitled to at least Rs 577 per day as a wage in line with the Labour Act-2074 BS but much to the dismay of the workers, they have been receiving Rs 437 per day, informed Rai. </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"">Considering the inflation, the protesting workers have demanded 20 per cent hike in their daily wages besides facilities such as coverage for health services and pension for those working for over 20 years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"Tea workers are starving since they are not getting the wages and facilities set by the government," rued Rai. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-05', 'modified' => '2023-08-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18383', 'image' => '20230805095121_20200703014705_Tea estate.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-05 21:50:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18653', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Working to Increase Capital Expenditure to Revitalize Economy: FM Mahat ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the government has been carrying out activities to increase capital expenditure in order to make the economy more dynamic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 4: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the government has been carrying out activities to increase capital expenditure in order to make the economy more dynamic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at a press meet organised by Nepal Press Union, Parsa, in Birgunj on Friday, Minister Mahat mentioned that economic growth rate was low due to the poor capital expenditure in the past. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that the problems seen in the economy are being resolved gradually, he claimed that there is improvement in foreign exchange reserves in recent period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The finance minister further said that the government was effortful to resolve the problems seen in credit flow due to the high interest rate. He added that the ministry has already directed all to pay attention in maintaining transparency and revenue growth. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The main objective of the incumbent government is to maintain good governance, ensure effectiveness in service delivery, and accelerate development works, stressed Minister Mahat. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that the government has been carrying out feasibility study regarding brining the ruined industries including Birgunj Sugar Mill into operation again. According to Mahat, the Finance Ministry has already provide Rs 10 million budget for the time being to National Innovation Centre in order to bring Birgunj-based Agricultural Tools Factory into operation again by carrying out repair and maintenance of agricultural tools. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18382', 'image' => '20230804082354_20230402035731_1680390939.prakash sharan mahat.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 20:22:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18652', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Need of High-Level Probe Committee to Investigate Recent Gold Scam: Minister Sharma ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: The government has clarified that there is no need to form a high-level probe committee to investigate into the recent gold smuggling scam as investigation is already underway.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 4: The government has clarified that there is no need to form a high-level probe committee to investigate into the recent gold smuggling scam as investigation is already underway. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at a press meet organised at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to make public the decisions of the Council of Ministers on Thursday, Communications Minister Rekha Sharma clarified that a high-level probe committee was not necessary as the Department of Revenue Investigation has started investigating into the scam. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Responding to queries of media persons, she mentioned that there was no need of high-level probe committee as the Department of Revenue Investigation under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has been carrying out investigations into the smuggling of around 100 kg gold from Tribhuvan International Airport. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Also the spokesperson of the government, Minister Sharma urged not to cast doubt on the investigation being conducted by the department, saying the incumbent government is moving ahead with the determination to control irregularities, corruption and smuggling. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The department has now been carrying out investigation. The government is about to get to the root cause of the scam. The government has not seen the necessity of high-level probe committee," she shared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Presenting the fact that high-level probe committees were not formed to investigate the incidences of gold smuggling in the past, she urged to allow the investigation being carried out by the department to reach to its conclusion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Government spokesperson said, "Let's believe in the investigation carried out by the department. Some of the people have already been arrested for investigation and the probe is underway. Such high-level probe committee can be formed if it is required, but it is not necessary at the moment." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that discussion was underway to remove the obstruction of the Federal Parliament by the CPN (UML) regarding the recent gold scam demanding formation of a high-level probe committee for the investigation, she expressed the belief that the obstruction of the federal parliament would be removed soon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The department on July 19 had seized around 100 kg of gold from Tribhuvan International Airport premises. It has been carrying out investigation and has arrested 18 people so far suspecting their involvement in the scam. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18381', 'image' => '20230804081913_20191111123908_gold.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 20:18:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18651', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Exports of Carpet, Cardamom Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Nepal’s trade deficit of Nepal in the last fiscal year (FY) stood at more than Rs 1.3 trillion.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 4: Nepal’s trade deficit of Nepal in the last fiscal year (FY) stood at more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">3 trillion. In other words, the amount of import into the country is much more than the export. Experts suggest that there is no alternative to increasing exports to reduce the trade deficit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">If the government can systematically produce and expand exportable goods and services, the trade deficit can be reduced by earning a significant amount of foreign exchange. Nepal is making good income from the export of some of its products, including carpets, cardamom, amriso (broom grass), dog and cat food, yarsagumba etc. The country earned more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in the last year from the export of these items.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the statistics of the Department of Customs, carpets worth more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">41</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported from Nepal in the last five years. According to the department, in the last fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2079/80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">), carpets worth Rs 11.5 billion were exported from Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The carpets produced here are exported to the USA, Germany, the UK and other countries. Such carpets made of wool are in high demand especially in America and Europe. In the fiscal year 2021/22, carpets worth Rs 9.56 billion were exported from Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Cardamom worth eight billion exported</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, cardamom worth more than Rs 8 billion were exported last year. Cardamom export plays a major role in the country's foreign trade. Last year, cardamom worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.27 billion were exported against Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.81 billion in the previous year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal exports cardamom to India, Pakistan, Italy and Germany.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Exports of dog and cat food increasing</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the last few years, the items exported from Nepal also include dog and bird food. The Department of Customs has released the details of the export of such goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion from the country in the last five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In last year alone, such goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported from the country, according to a public statement issued by department.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Export of amriso exceeds Rs 3 billion in five years</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the items exported from Nepal also falls amriso (broom grass). According to the department, in the last five years, the country earned a total income of Rs 3.33 billion by exporting amriso. Last year, amriso worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.88 billion was exported to India. The main destination of amriso exported from Nepal is India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Yarsagumba worth Rs 440 million exported in a year</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, Yarsagumba worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">3.1 million were exported last year. Last year’s export of Yarshagumba, a herb found in the high Himalayas of Nepal, was the highest in the past five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18380', 'image' => '20230804043856_carpettttt.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 16:38:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18650', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Likely to Face Shortage of Rice in Festive Season following India’s Export Ban', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: After the Indian government banned the export of rice other than basmati on July 20, its impact has also been felt in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">August 4: After the Indian government banned the export of rice other than basmati on July 20, its impact has also been felt in Nepal. Businessmen say that in order to avoid the shortage of rice, which is consumed more during the upcoming festival, the Government of Nepal should request the Indian government to supply 200,000 metric tons of rice immediately.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">They have drawn the attention of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on this issue. Last year, India supplied 600,000 metric tons of rice to Nepal under a quota system. Last year's quota ended on August 1. The President of Nepal Rice, Oil and Lentil Industry Association Kumud Dugad has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies requesting the government to take diplomatic initiatives with India to arrange the supply of 200,000 tons of rice immediately to prevent rice shortage in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Dugad said that Nepal needs to import 1 million metric tons of rice annually to meet the country’s domestic demand.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">India exports paddy only to Nepal while it exports rice to other countries. New Delhi has imposed a ban on the export of rice citing the risk of food security. After this news spread, the price of rice in Nepal has already increased.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Dugad says that 200,000 metric tons of rice should be imported immediately as the country will harvest a new lot of rice only in November. He says that importing rice from India will benefit Nepal. "When rice is brought, 40 large and 500 small rice mills will be operated here, which will increase employment and revenue," Dugad said. India had previously imposed a 20 percent duty on paddy exports.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The people of Nepal consume around 2.5 million to 3 million metric tons of rice annually. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nepal had produced 5.5 million tons of paddy last year. Data how that the country imported rice/paddy worth Rs 33 billion last year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">So far this year, paddy plantation in the country is 25 percent less compared to last year. Experts say that if the weather is not conducive, paddy production might decrease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">A statement issued by the Nepal Rice, Oil and Lentil Industry Association on July 30 mentions that the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) has passed a resolution to request the government to take immediate diplomatic steps to import rice in order to prevent a shortage in Nepal due to India's ban on rice exports. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The General Assembly has also passed a resolution demanding only 1 percent duty on rice imports. The government has been imposing agricultural reform fee of 5 percent on rice imports. As a result food is becoming more expensive for the general public, the statement argued.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Last year, the Government of India had decided to allow the export of 600,000 tons of rice at zero percent export duty upon the request of the Government of Nepal. The 600,000 tons of rice have already arrived in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18379', 'image' => '20230804032806_paddyyy-transformed.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 15:27:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18649', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Changunarayan Spends the Most Budget among Local Units in Kathmandu Valley, KMC the Least', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Changunarayan Municipality spent 81.26 percent of its budget in the fiscal year 2022/23, making it the municipality which spent the most budget among the 21 local levels within the Kathmandu Valley.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 4: Changunarayan Municipality spent 81.26 percent of its budget in the fiscal year 2022/23, making it the municipality which spent the most budget among the 21 local levels within the Kathmandu Valley.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Jeevan Khatri, the mayor of Changunarayan Municipality, the municipality had allocated Rs 801 million for current expenses out of which it spent Rs 672.1 million (83 percent). Similarly, the municipality had allocated Rs 1.33 billion as capital expenditure out of which it spent Rs 1.06 billion (79.69 percent)</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Altogether, the municipality had allocated a total of Rs 2.13 billion in capital and current and expenses, while it spent Rs 1.73 billion in the review year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Changunarayan Municipality has set an example by become the local level in the valley that spends more development budget," said Mayor Khatri.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> He added that the municipality carried out development works at a rapid pace by calling for bids to complete the development projects and forming a consumer committee as soon as the fiscal year started.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Suryabinayak Municipality had allocated Rs 1.02 billion for capital expenditure, but spent only Rs 647.6 million (63 percent) under this heading. Similarly, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality spent Rs 601 million (53.99 percent) out of a budget allocation of Rs 1.11 billion towards capital expenditure.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Bhaktapur Municipality spent Rs 399.2 million (54.27 percent) out of a budget allocation of Rs 735.8 million. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the four municipalities in Bhaktapur district, Bhaktapur Municipality spent the least amount of development budget. Bhaktapur, Suryabinayak and Madhyapur Thimi municipalities could not achieve the target of development budget expenditure.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In Lalitpur district, Lalitpur Metropolitan City spent 55 percent of its capital budget, Godavari Municipality 68.17 percent, Mahalakshmi Municipality 43.17 percent, Konjyosom Rural Municipality 78.37 percent, Bagmati Rural Municipality 79.59 percent, Mahankal Rural Municipality 56.79 percent.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Kathmandu Metropolitan City spent 25.84 percent of the development budget, Chandragiri Municipality 59.62 percent, Nagarjun Municipality 41.28 percent, Kirtipur Municipality 59.86 percent, Tokha Municipality 66 percent, Dakshinkali Municipality 72.33 percent, Shankharapur Municipality 46.57 percent, Tarakeshwar Municipality 67.38 percent, while Budhanilkanth Municipality spent 38 percent, Kageshwari-Manohara Municipality 60 percent and Gokarneshwar Municipality spent 68.2 percent of the development budget.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18378', 'image' => '20230804024920_changu.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 14:47:17', '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' => '18663', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Forests Hold Potential for National Prosperity, Minister Mahato Says', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Minister for Forests and Environment, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, said that forests hold the potential to significantly contribute to the country's prosperity.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Minister for Forests and Environment, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, said that forests hold the potential to significantly contribute to the country's prosperity. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting that forests currently encompass 45 percent of the nation's total land area, Dr Mahato emphasized the importance of harnessing maximum benefits from these natural resources to bolster the nation's prosperity.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Mahato expressed these views while addressing an event organized by Round Table Nepal. He commended the organization for its commendable efforts in maintaining greenery across the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The minister underscored the collective responsibility of government bodies at all levels to actively engage in preserving and nurturing the eco-environment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"With 45 percent of Nepal's landscape covered by forests, it is crucial to establish forests as a reliable avenue for enhancing the country's economic well-being”, he said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr Mahato stated that all government and non-government bodies should collaborate to adopt innovative strategies to effectively implement the motto 'Green Forests - Nepal's Wealth’. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18392', 'image' => '20230806060703_mofe-minister-birendra-mahato-singhadurbar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 18:05:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18662', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Beni Municipality Collecting Details of Landlords to Bring Them Under Tax Ambit', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Beni Municipality in Myagdi district has initiated a process to gather information about landlords who lease their houses and land.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Beni Municipality in Myagdi district has initiated a process to gather information about landlords who lease their houses and land. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This step aims to bring the landlords to taxation system. Prabha Sharma, the tax officer at the municipality, stated that they have given landlords 35 days' time to submit details of their leased properties at the respective ward offices. The deadline to submit the details is set for September 7.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To facilitate the taxation process, the municipality has categorized landlords into three groups. Those failing to submit their property details within the specified timeframe will face late fines. Sharma emphasized that starting from this fiscal year, house rent tax has been made compulsory.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This decision to categorize landlords and impose taxes comes as a response to the low number of landlords previously paying house rent tax.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Under the revised regulations, landlords renting their properties for official purposes will be charged a 10% tax, while those renting for business purposes will have to pay a 4% tax. For residential rentals, a 2% tax will be applied. This system replaces the previous flat 10% tax rate for all rental purposes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The municipality had collected Rs 3.035 million from house rent tax in the last fiscal year. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18391', 'image' => '20230806042248_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 16:21:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18661', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Steps Up Preparation to Issue Digital Currency', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has stepped up preparations for issuing digital currency.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has stepped up preparations for issuing digital currency. Due to the interest shown by the general public in virtual transactions and other countries also issuing digital currency, the central bank has started necessary preparations to issue the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal Rastra Bank had formed a steering committee under the coordination of Deputy Governor Bam Bahadur Mishra two years ago regarding the digital currency. A group formed by the steering committee under the coordination of director Anuj Dahal to study the prospects of digital currency study had submitted a feasibility study report in the last fiscal year. Based on the recommendations of the group, a separate unit has also been established in the Payment System Department of NRB to work on the digital currency.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NRB Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari had announced in a formal program last Monday that Nepal will issue its own digital currency within the next three years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to an official of Nepal Rastra Bank, it will take a long time for the formation of policy as well as legal and infrastructure frameworks for the issuance of the CBDC. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"We are only at the initial stage for the issuance of CBDC," he said, requesting anonymity.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the feasibility study report carried out by the central nank, it has been mentioned that it would be appropriate to proceed with the CBDC project only by building a separate structure and team with the participation of all stakeholders. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the initial stage, the study has suggested setting up a small unit within the Payment System Department or the Information Technology Department of the central bank and the work can be carried forward. Similarly, the NRB needs to have high-level technology along with security of data to issue CBDC.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report also suggested to conduct the detailed feasibility of CBDC, study adequate legal system and to increase public awareness before implementation of the digital currency. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the economy is gradually transforming from cash to digital, the report states that although electronic currency is necessary, political ownership and public acceptance are equally important for success.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the increase in public interest in digital currencies including cryptocurrencies issued by the private sector around the world, the central bank has started preparing to issue CBDC. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already issued digital currency since last November. In the first phase of the currency issued as a pilot project, only wholesale transactions have been arranged with nine commercial banks. Only after its success, India is ready to start retail business to be used by common people. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is mentioned in the report of the central bank that the use of digital currency will attract common people to electronic payment and the expenses incurred in printing and circulation of notes will be reduced.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18390', 'image' => '20230806032821_20221104124812_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 15:27:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18660', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Trade with US in Profit after Five Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Nepal has made a profit in trade with the United States of America (USA) after five years.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Nepal has made a profit in trade with the United States of America (USA) after five years. According to the statistics of the Department of Customs, the trade with the US was profitable in the last fiscal year (FY). In the review year, Nepal made a trade profit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">146</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million with the USA. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19.57</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion were exported from Nepal to the USA last year, while goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19.42</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were imported from the USA.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prior to that, the last time Nepal made a trade profit with the US was in the fiscal year 2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">073/74. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Since then, Nepal's trade with America was in deficit for five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the items exported from Nepal to the USA last year, carpets and felt materials were the ones that earned Nepal the most money. More than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.38 billion was received from carpet export alone. According to the data of the department, felt goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported to the USA.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Experts say that Nepali goods are exported to countries like America because of their good quality.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the experts, it also shows the ability of Nepali entrepreneurs.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Gandhi Pandit, secretary general of the American Chamber of Commerce, says that Nepal's trade with America has improved somewhat in the last year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, he says that it is necessary to further improve trade with America. For this, he suggested that the Nepalese government should take initiative with the American government. He also suggests that the government should also take initiatives to bring in American investment. “There is immense potential in Nepal,” he says, adding, “Investment also came through the MCC. However, we could not bring as much investment as possible.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, he suggested that items with export potential should be identified and sent to America. Since </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2015</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, the United States has given customs exemptions to the export of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">77</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> items. “Production of such items should be increased. Similarly, Nepal should take initiatives with the American government to give concessions to exported goods,” he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Experts also say that if the government of Nepal takes the initiative, the size of exports to America will increase further.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign trade with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">170</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries, profits with only </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38</span></span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, Nepal trades with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">170</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries. Out of them, it has trade deficit with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">132</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries and trade surplus with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries. Denmark has the country with whom Nepal has the highest trade profit. Last year, Nepal's trade surplus with Denmark was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">512.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million, according to the department's data.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the list of highest trade profits, America is second and Norway is third. According to the data of the department, Nepal's trade profit with Norway stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">97.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal's largest trade deficit is with neighboring India. Nepal has a trade deficit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">921</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.16 billion with India alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">China is second in this list. Nepal's trade deficit with China is Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">220</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.95 billion. Nepal's trade deficit with Indonesia, which is third in this list, is Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">41.51</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign trade is at a deficit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">54</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion</span></span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The volume of foreign trade of Nepal in the review year stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1768 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion. According to the Department of Customs, Nepal's trade deficit was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1454 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion in the last fiscal year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18389', 'image' => '20230806024310_Trade.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 14:41:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18659', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Workshop on Coffee Roasting Held in Collaboration with EU', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: The EU-Nepal trade and investment program has prepared two dozen coffee roasters of international level to increase the quality of coffee in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: The EU-Nepal trade and investment program has prepared two dozen coffee roasters of international level to increase the quality of coffee in Nepal. They have been trained according to the standards of the Special Coffee Association, an organization that monitors the quality of coffee of specific taste and quality around the world.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Coffee roasters from Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, Kavre, Dhankuta and others participated in the workshop held in Kathmandu in collaboration with the National Tea and Coffee Development Board and Nepal Coffee Producers Federation. The workshop was organized targeting businessmen and workers involved in the coffee roasting sector with the aim of increasing the quality of coffee cups and producing skilled manpower necessary to make special Nepali coffee more popular.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the coffee roasting companies operating in Nepal lack technical skills for high quality coffee roasting, this workshop is expected to produce international level coffee roasters in this area. It is also expected to help in improving the quality of coffee. About 20-25 coffee roasting firms are operating in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Coffee roasting is a very technical and complex subject. The quality of the coffee is determined by the roasted coffee beans. The course of this workshop is to show the technical aspects of roasting to the trainees in an experimental manner and make them familiar and proficient in it, said the organisers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“Since there are participants working in this field, roasting skill as per the international standards will greatly help in increasing the quality of coffee,'' said Nima Sherpa, the main trainer of the workshop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the workshop, the participants were introduced to the roasting process through practical methods and theoretical knowledge in a high-level laboratory. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sherpa, an internationally recognized trainer, said that the method of roasting cycle, roast level to identify changes in coffee beans and how to manage the roasting site were taught during the worksop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stakeholders believe that the workshop will help improve the value chain of Nepali coffee. Coffee businesses with high-quality roasters can attract high-end consumers and earn good profits. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“We believe that such skilled roasters will strengthen the profile of the cafe and roasting business and demonstrate their commitment to quality control," said Santosh Pokharel, secretary general of Nepal Coffee Producers Federation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“I found this workshop very enlightening and fruitful. I am confident that we can help to increase the quality of coffee by using technology to promote quality in coffee roasting through people like us who are trained from here," said Ghomaya Gurung, a trainee who came from Chitwan to attend the workshop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The European Union has been helping to strengthen the value chain of Nepali coffee.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18388', 'image' => '20230806011758_20230703020046_20221204030252_1669933354.Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 13:17:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18658', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Floods, Landslides Cause Damages Worth Rs 520 Million to Roads and Bridges', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Landslides and floods triggered by rainfall since the onset of monsoon this year have caused considerable damages to roads and bridges across the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Landslides and floods triggered by rainfall since the onset of monsoon this year have caused considerable damages to roads and bridges across the country.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the preliminary estimate of the Department of Roads (DoR), the floods and landslides caused damages worth Rs 520 million to roads and bridges.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The DoR stated that </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> highways and other roads have sustained damages worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">265.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million. Similarly, bridges have sustained damages worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">0 million as of Saturday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, floods and landslides during the monsoon cause damages worth billions of rupees to roads and bridges in Nepal 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:"Arial","sans-serif"">So far, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">151</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> roads and bridges were blocked due to floods and landslides this year. Among them, vehicular movement still remains blocked in three places as of Saturday evening, while one-way traffic has been resumed along </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> roads. The department informed that two-way traffic has been resumed along </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">123</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> blocked locations.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Hewakhola Bridge under the Tamor Corridor, which was damaged due to floods in mid-June, is still not operational. Similarly, roads blocked by landslides in Garjeni of Pyuthan and Khawa of Dolakha still remain blocked, the department said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Floods and landslides have also damaged culverts, wooden bridges, Bailey bridges, auxiliary structures of RCC bridges, steel bridges and other under-construction and completed bridges. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18387', 'image' => '20230806120213_20211020080208_SBS_Kanchanpur-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 12:01:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18657', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Minister Rijal Instructs Local Bodies to Remove Double Taxation ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, has urged the local units of Bara and Parsa districts to scrap tax imposed on raw materials in the name of scrap tax. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, has urged the local units of Bara and Parsa districts to scrap tax imposed on raw materials in the name of scrap tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Addressing a programme organised on the occasion of 6th establishment day of Jitpursimara Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Jitpur of Simara on Saturday, Minister Rijal warned that the federal government would take necessary step if the local units do not remove scrap tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He mentioned that although industrialists and entrepreneurs pay income tax from their earnings, the local level collects double tax even by levying integrated property tax. Therefore, he urged the local bodies to withdraw the decision of imposing double tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Rijal shared that the government is planning to run ruined industries in partnership with the private sector.</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 government also has plans of attracting entrepreneurs to special economic zone by providing land on rent at an affordable price,” said the minister. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He further said that the land could be provided free of cost to establish export-oriented industries. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, President of Birjung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anil Kumar Agrawal, President of Nepal India Cooperation Forum, Ashok Das, Central Committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Dr Subodh Kumar Gupta, FNCCI Madhes Province President, Ashok Tamata, among others talked about the problems faced by the industries during the programme chaired by Jitpursimara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohan Sharma Lamichhane. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18386', 'image' => '20230806113339_taxxxxx.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 11:32:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18656', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Market Monitoring in Makwanpur: Bakery Factory Sealed, Commercial Outlets Fined', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A monitoring committee inspected market in Makawanpur district. During the monitoring, a bakery factory was closed due to its failure to meet production standards set by regulatory authorities. Additionally, the committee imposed fines on three commercial outlets as part of its regulatory action.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: A monitoring committee inspected market in Makawanpur district. During the monitoring, a bakery factory was closed due to its failure to meet production standards set by regulatory authorities. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, the committee imposed fines on three commercial outlets as part of its regulatory action. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The monitoring committee, led by the Office of Small and Cottage Industry, in collaboration with representatives from the District Administration Office, sealed Khusbu Bakery, situated in Bastipur within Hetauda Sub-Metropolis-19. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bakery was found to be operating without the necessary permissions for weighing machines, lacking proper product labeling, and neglecting hygiene standards. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Tika Sharma, the head of the monitoring team, said that a fine of Rs 250,000 was imposed on the bakery for these violations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Moreover, the bakery's proprietor has been issued a directive to submit essential documentation to the Office of Small and Cottage Industries within three days.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In a similar vein, the monitoring committee also fined other business establishments for quality and hygiene-related shortcomings. Santosh Grocery, New Parajuli Store, and Sintan Grocery and Meat Shop, all located in Bastipur, were each fined Rs 10,000.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The monitoring team included representatives from various regulatory bodies, including the Food Technology and Quality Control Office, Hetauda Sub-Metropolis, and the Consumer Rights Protection Forum. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18385', 'image' => '20230806062943_collage (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 06:28:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18655', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Oranges Worth Rs 290 Million Produced in Tanahu Last Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the district. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the previous fiscal year 2021/22, the district had produced 9,510 metric tonnes of oranges, while in the year 2020/21, the production stood at 9,310 metric tonnes. This trend signifies a consistent rise in orange production within the district over the years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The growth in orange farming is attributed to its attractive income potential, prompting farmers to engage in this agricultural venture.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Kul Prasad Tiwari, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, stated that farmers are drawn to orange cultivation due to good income the orange farming offers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The district has possibility for further expansion of orange farming as there is an additional 8,570 hectares of land which can be utilized for the orange cultivation in the district, according to Tiwari. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The majority of the produced oranges are sold outside the district, contributing to trade and commerce.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To continue supporting the growth of orange farming, the Agriculture Knowledge Centre has allocated a budget of Rs 10 million for the ongoing fiscal year 2023/24. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18384', 'image' => '20230806061234_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 06:10:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18654', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tea Estate Workers Demand Hike in Wages ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 5: Workers in various tea estates of Jhapa district staged protest at Kakadvitta with a host of demands including hike in their wages and their incorporation in the social security fund. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 5: Workers in various tea estates of Jhapa district staged protest at Kakadvitta with a host of demands including hike in their wages and their incorporation in the social security fund. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The workers affiliated to various unions demanded employment agreement, contribution-based social security scheme and increase in the minimum wage for the labourers, according to the Agriculture and Tea Estate Workers' Association. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The association's central vice-chairperson Sai Kumar Rai shared the plight that the workers had not received their minimum wages for the past three years. There are over 70,000 workers involved in 132 small and 69 institutional estates in Jhapa district. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Tea is planted across 10,000 hectares of land in the district. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Workers are entitled to at least Rs 577 per day as a wage in line with the Labour Act-2074 BS but much to the dismay of the workers, they have been receiving Rs 437 per day, informed Rai. </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"">Considering the inflation, the protesting workers have demanded 20 per cent hike in their daily wages besides facilities such as coverage for health services and pension for those working for over 20 years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"Tea workers are starving since they are not getting the wages and facilities set by the government," rued Rai. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-05', 'modified' => '2023-08-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18383', 'image' => '20230805095121_20200703014705_Tea estate.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-05 21:50:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18653', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Working to Increase Capital Expenditure to Revitalize Economy: FM Mahat ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the government has been carrying out activities to increase capital expenditure in order to make the economy more dynamic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 4: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the government has been carrying out activities to increase capital expenditure in order to make the economy more dynamic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at a press meet organised by Nepal Press Union, Parsa, in Birgunj on Friday, Minister Mahat mentioned that economic growth rate was low due to the poor capital expenditure in the past. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that the problems seen in the economy are being resolved gradually, he claimed that there is improvement in foreign exchange reserves in recent period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The finance minister further said that the government was effortful to resolve the problems seen in credit flow due to the high interest rate. He added that the ministry has already directed all to pay attention in maintaining transparency and revenue growth. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The main objective of the incumbent government is to maintain good governance, ensure effectiveness in service delivery, and accelerate development works, stressed Minister Mahat. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that the government has been carrying out feasibility study regarding brining the ruined industries including Birgunj Sugar Mill into operation again. According to Mahat, the Finance Ministry has already provide Rs 10 million budget for the time being to National Innovation Centre in order to bring Birgunj-based Agricultural Tools Factory into operation again by carrying out repair and maintenance of agricultural tools. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18382', 'image' => '20230804082354_20230402035731_1680390939.prakash sharan mahat.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 20:22:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18652', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Need of High-Level Probe Committee to Investigate Recent Gold Scam: Minister Sharma ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: The government has clarified that there is no need to form a high-level probe committee to investigate into the recent gold smuggling scam as investigation is already underway.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 4: The government has clarified that there is no need to form a high-level probe committee to investigate into the recent gold smuggling scam as investigation is already underway. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at a press meet organised at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to make public the decisions of the Council of Ministers on Thursday, Communications Minister Rekha Sharma clarified that a high-level probe committee was not necessary as the Department of Revenue Investigation has started investigating into the scam. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Responding to queries of media persons, she mentioned that there was no need of high-level probe committee as the Department of Revenue Investigation under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has been carrying out investigations into the smuggling of around 100 kg gold from Tribhuvan International Airport. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Also the spokesperson of the government, Minister Sharma urged not to cast doubt on the investigation being conducted by the department, saying the incumbent government is moving ahead with the determination to control irregularities, corruption and smuggling. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The department has now been carrying out investigation. The government is about to get to the root cause of the scam. The government has not seen the necessity of high-level probe committee," she shared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Presenting the fact that high-level probe committees were not formed to investigate the incidences of gold smuggling in the past, she urged to allow the investigation being carried out by the department to reach to its conclusion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Government spokesperson said, "Let's believe in the investigation carried out by the department. Some of the people have already been arrested for investigation and the probe is underway. Such high-level probe committee can be formed if it is required, but it is not necessary at the moment." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that discussion was underway to remove the obstruction of the Federal Parliament by the CPN (UML) regarding the recent gold scam demanding formation of a high-level probe committee for the investigation, she expressed the belief that the obstruction of the federal parliament would be removed soon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The department on July 19 had seized around 100 kg of gold from Tribhuvan International Airport premises. It has been carrying out investigation and has arrested 18 people so far suspecting their involvement in the scam. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18381', 'image' => '20230804081913_20191111123908_gold.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 20:18:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18651', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Exports of Carpet, Cardamom Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Nepal’s trade deficit of Nepal in the last fiscal year (FY) stood at more than Rs 1.3 trillion.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 4: Nepal’s trade deficit of Nepal in the last fiscal year (FY) stood at more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">3 trillion. In other words, the amount of import into the country is much more than the export. Experts suggest that there is no alternative to increasing exports to reduce the trade deficit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">If the government can systematically produce and expand exportable goods and services, the trade deficit can be reduced by earning a significant amount of foreign exchange. Nepal is making good income from the export of some of its products, including carpets, cardamom, amriso (broom grass), dog and cat food, yarsagumba etc. The country earned more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in the last year from the export of these items.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the statistics of the Department of Customs, carpets worth more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">41</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported from Nepal in the last five years. According to the department, in the last fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2079/80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">), carpets worth Rs 11.5 billion were exported from Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The carpets produced here are exported to the USA, Germany, the UK and other countries. Such carpets made of wool are in high demand especially in America and Europe. In the fiscal year 2021/22, carpets worth Rs 9.56 billion were exported from Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Cardamom worth eight billion exported</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, cardamom worth more than Rs 8 billion were exported last year. Cardamom export plays a major role in the country's foreign trade. Last year, cardamom worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.27 billion were exported against Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.81 billion in the previous year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal exports cardamom to India, Pakistan, Italy and Germany.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Exports of dog and cat food increasing</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the last few years, the items exported from Nepal also include dog and bird food. The Department of Customs has released the details of the export of such goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion from the country in the last five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In last year alone, such goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported from the country, according to a public statement issued by department.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Export of amriso exceeds Rs 3 billion in five years</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the items exported from Nepal also falls amriso (broom grass). According to the department, in the last five years, the country earned a total income of Rs 3.33 billion by exporting amriso. Last year, amriso worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.88 billion was exported to India. The main destination of amriso exported from Nepal is India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Yarsagumba worth Rs 440 million exported in a year</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, Yarsagumba worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">3.1 million were exported last year. Last year’s export of Yarshagumba, a herb found in the high Himalayas of Nepal, was the highest in the past five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18380', 'image' => '20230804043856_carpettttt.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 16:38:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18650', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Likely to Face Shortage of Rice in Festive Season following India’s Export Ban', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: After the Indian government banned the export of rice other than basmati on July 20, its impact has also been felt in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">August 4: After the Indian government banned the export of rice other than basmati on July 20, its impact has also been felt in Nepal. Businessmen say that in order to avoid the shortage of rice, which is consumed more during the upcoming festival, the Government of Nepal should request the Indian government to supply 200,000 metric tons of rice immediately.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">They have drawn the attention of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on this issue. Last year, India supplied 600,000 metric tons of rice to Nepal under a quota system. Last year's quota ended on August 1. The President of Nepal Rice, Oil and Lentil Industry Association Kumud Dugad has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies requesting the government to take diplomatic initiatives with India to arrange the supply of 200,000 tons of rice immediately to prevent rice shortage in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Dugad said that Nepal needs to import 1 million metric tons of rice annually to meet the country’s domestic demand.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">India exports paddy only to Nepal while it exports rice to other countries. New Delhi has imposed a ban on the export of rice citing the risk of food security. After this news spread, the price of rice in Nepal has already increased.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Dugad says that 200,000 metric tons of rice should be imported immediately as the country will harvest a new lot of rice only in November. He says that importing rice from India will benefit Nepal. "When rice is brought, 40 large and 500 small rice mills will be operated here, which will increase employment and revenue," Dugad said. India had previously imposed a 20 percent duty on paddy exports.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The people of Nepal consume around 2.5 million to 3 million metric tons of rice annually. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nepal had produced 5.5 million tons of paddy last year. Data how that the country imported rice/paddy worth Rs 33 billion last year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">So far this year, paddy plantation in the country is 25 percent less compared to last year. Experts say that if the weather is not conducive, paddy production might decrease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">A statement issued by the Nepal Rice, Oil and Lentil Industry Association on July 30 mentions that the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) has passed a resolution to request the government to take immediate diplomatic steps to import rice in order to prevent a shortage in Nepal due to India's ban on rice exports. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The General Assembly has also passed a resolution demanding only 1 percent duty on rice imports. The government has been imposing agricultural reform fee of 5 percent on rice imports. As a result food is becoming more expensive for the general public, the statement argued.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Last year, the Government of India had decided to allow the export of 600,000 tons of rice at zero percent export duty upon the request of the Government of Nepal. The 600,000 tons of rice have already arrived in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18379', 'image' => '20230804032806_paddyyy-transformed.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 15:27:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18649', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Changunarayan Spends the Most Budget among Local Units in Kathmandu Valley, KMC the Least', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Changunarayan Municipality spent 81.26 percent of its budget in the fiscal year 2022/23, making it the municipality which spent the most budget among the 21 local levels within the Kathmandu Valley.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 4: Changunarayan Municipality spent 81.26 percent of its budget in the fiscal year 2022/23, making it the municipality which spent the most budget among the 21 local levels within the Kathmandu Valley.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Jeevan Khatri, the mayor of Changunarayan Municipality, the municipality had allocated Rs 801 million for current expenses out of which it spent Rs 672.1 million (83 percent). Similarly, the municipality had allocated Rs 1.33 billion as capital expenditure out of which it spent Rs 1.06 billion (79.69 percent)</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Altogether, the municipality had allocated a total of Rs 2.13 billion in capital and current and expenses, while it spent Rs 1.73 billion in the review year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Changunarayan Municipality has set an example by become the local level in the valley that spends more development budget," said Mayor Khatri.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> He added that the municipality carried out development works at a rapid pace by calling for bids to complete the development projects and forming a consumer committee as soon as the fiscal year started.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Suryabinayak Municipality had allocated Rs 1.02 billion for capital expenditure, but spent only Rs 647.6 million (63 percent) under this heading. Similarly, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality spent Rs 601 million (53.99 percent) out of a budget allocation of Rs 1.11 billion towards capital expenditure.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Bhaktapur Municipality spent Rs 399.2 million (54.27 percent) out of a budget allocation of Rs 735.8 million. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the four municipalities in Bhaktapur district, Bhaktapur Municipality spent the least amount of development budget. Bhaktapur, Suryabinayak and Madhyapur Thimi municipalities could not achieve the target of development budget expenditure.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In Lalitpur district, Lalitpur Metropolitan City spent 55 percent of its capital budget, Godavari Municipality 68.17 percent, Mahalakshmi Municipality 43.17 percent, Konjyosom Rural Municipality 78.37 percent, Bagmati Rural Municipality 79.59 percent, Mahankal Rural Municipality 56.79 percent.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Kathmandu Metropolitan City spent 25.84 percent of the development budget, Chandragiri Municipality 59.62 percent, Nagarjun Municipality 41.28 percent, Kirtipur Municipality 59.86 percent, Tokha Municipality 66 percent, Dakshinkali Municipality 72.33 percent, Shankharapur Municipality 46.57 percent, Tarakeshwar Municipality 67.38 percent, while Budhanilkanth Municipality spent 38 percent, Kageshwari-Manohara Municipality 60 percent and Gokarneshwar Municipality spent 68.2 percent of the development budget.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18378', 'image' => '20230804024920_changu.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 14:47:17', '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' => '18663', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Forests Hold Potential for National Prosperity, Minister Mahato Says', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Minister for Forests and Environment, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, said that forests hold the potential to significantly contribute to the country's prosperity.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Minister for Forests and Environment, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, said that forests hold the potential to significantly contribute to the country's prosperity. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Highlighting that forests currently encompass 45 percent of the nation's total land area, Dr Mahato emphasized the importance of harnessing maximum benefits from these natural resources to bolster the nation's prosperity.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr. Mahato expressed these views while addressing an event organized by Round Table Nepal. He commended the organization for its commendable efforts in maintaining greenery across the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The minister underscored the collective responsibility of government bodies at all levels to actively engage in preserving and nurturing the eco-environment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"With 45 percent of Nepal's landscape covered by forests, it is crucial to establish forests as a reliable avenue for enhancing the country's economic well-being”, he said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dr Mahato stated that all government and non-government bodies should collaborate to adopt innovative strategies to effectively implement the motto 'Green Forests - Nepal's Wealth’. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18392', 'image' => '20230806060703_mofe-minister-birendra-mahato-singhadurbar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 18:05:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18662', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Beni Municipality Collecting Details of Landlords to Bring Them Under Tax Ambit', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Beni Municipality in Myagdi district has initiated a process to gather information about landlords who lease their houses and land.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Beni Municipality in Myagdi district has initiated a process to gather information about landlords who lease their houses and land. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This step aims to bring the landlords to taxation system. Prabha Sharma, the tax officer at the municipality, stated that they have given landlords 35 days' time to submit details of their leased properties at the respective ward offices. The deadline to submit the details is set for September 7.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To facilitate the taxation process, the municipality has categorized landlords into three groups. Those failing to submit their property details within the specified timeframe will face late fines. Sharma emphasized that starting from this fiscal year, house rent tax has been made compulsory.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This decision to categorize landlords and impose taxes comes as a response to the low number of landlords previously paying house rent tax.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Under the revised regulations, landlords renting their properties for official purposes will be charged a 10% tax, while those renting for business purposes will have to pay a 4% tax. For residential rentals, a 2% tax will be applied. This system replaces the previous flat 10% tax rate for all rental purposes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The municipality had collected Rs 3.035 million from house rent tax in the last fiscal year. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18391', 'image' => '20230806042248_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 16:21:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18661', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NRB Steps Up Preparation to Issue Digital Currency', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has stepped up preparations for issuing digital currency.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has stepped up preparations for issuing digital currency. Due to the interest shown by the general public in virtual transactions and other countries also issuing digital currency, the central bank has started necessary preparations to issue the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal Rastra Bank had formed a steering committee under the coordination of Deputy Governor Bam Bahadur Mishra two years ago regarding the digital currency. A group formed by the steering committee under the coordination of director Anuj Dahal to study the prospects of digital currency study had submitted a feasibility study report in the last fiscal year. Based on the recommendations of the group, a separate unit has also been established in the Payment System Department of NRB to work on the digital currency.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NRB Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari had announced in a formal program last Monday that Nepal will issue its own digital currency within the next three years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to an official of Nepal Rastra Bank, it will take a long time for the formation of policy as well as legal and infrastructure frameworks for the issuance of the CBDC. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"We are only at the initial stage for the issuance of CBDC," he said, requesting anonymity.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the feasibility study report carried out by the central nank, it has been mentioned that it would be appropriate to proceed with the CBDC project only by building a separate structure and team with the participation of all stakeholders. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the initial stage, the study has suggested setting up a small unit within the Payment System Department or the Information Technology Department of the central bank and the work can be carried forward. Similarly, the NRB needs to have high-level technology along with security of data to issue CBDC.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The report also suggested to conduct the detailed feasibility of CBDC, study adequate legal system and to increase public awareness before implementation of the digital currency. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the economy is gradually transforming from cash to digital, the report states that although electronic currency is necessary, political ownership and public acceptance are equally important for success.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the increase in public interest in digital currencies including cryptocurrencies issued by the private sector around the world, the central bank has started preparing to issue CBDC. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has already issued digital currency since last November. In the first phase of the currency issued as a pilot project, only wholesale transactions have been arranged with nine commercial banks. Only after its success, India is ready to start retail business to be used by common people. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is mentioned in the report of the central bank that the use of digital currency will attract common people to electronic payment and the expenses incurred in printing and circulation of notes will be reduced.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18390', 'image' => '20230806032821_20221104124812_Nepal_Rastra_Bank2 2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 15:27:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18660', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Trade with US in Profit after Five Years', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Nepal has made a profit in trade with the United States of America (USA) after five years.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Nepal has made a profit in trade with the United States of America (USA) after five years. According to the statistics of the Department of Customs, the trade with the US was profitable in the last fiscal year (FY). In the review year, Nepal made a trade profit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">146</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million with the USA. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19.57</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion were exported from Nepal to the USA last year, while goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19.42</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were imported from the USA.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prior to that, the last time Nepal made a trade profit with the US was in the fiscal year 2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">073/74. </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Since then, Nepal's trade with America was in deficit for five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the items exported from Nepal to the USA last year, carpets and felt materials were the ones that earned Nepal the most money. More than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">7</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.38 billion was received from carpet export alone. According to the data of the department, felt goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2.44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported to the USA.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Experts say that Nepali goods are exported to countries like America because of their good quality.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the experts, it also shows the ability of Nepali entrepreneurs.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Gandhi Pandit, secretary general of the American Chamber of Commerce, says that Nepal's trade with America has improved somewhat in the last year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, he says that it is necessary to further improve trade with America. For this, he suggested that the Nepalese government should take initiative with the American government. He also suggests that the government should also take initiatives to bring in American investment. “There is immense potential in Nepal,” he says, adding, “Investment also came through the MCC. However, we could not bring as much investment as possible.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, he suggested that items with export potential should be identified and sent to America. Since </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2015</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">, the United States has given customs exemptions to the export of </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">77</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> items. “Production of such items should be increased. Similarly, Nepal should take initiatives with the American government to give concessions to exported goods,” he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Experts also say that if the government of Nepal takes the initiative, the size of exports to America will increase further.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign trade with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">170</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries, profits with only </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38</span></span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, Nepal trades with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">170</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries. Out of them, it has trade deficit with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">132</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries and trade surplus with </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">38</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> countries. Denmark has the country with whom Nepal has the highest trade profit. Last year, Nepal's trade surplus with Denmark was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">512.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million, according to the department's data.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the list of highest trade profits, America is second and Norway is third. According to the data of the department, Nepal's trade profit with Norway stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">97.2</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal's largest trade deficit is with neighboring India. Nepal has a trade deficit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">921</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.16 billion with India alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">China is second in this list. Nepal's trade deficit with China is Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">220</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.95 billion. Nepal's trade deficit with Indonesia, which is third in this list, is Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">41.51</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Foreign trade is at a deficit of Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">54</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion</span></span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The volume of foreign trade of Nepal in the review year stood at Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1768 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion. According to the Department of Customs, Nepal's trade deficit was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1454 </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">billion in the last fiscal year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18389', 'image' => '20230806024310_Trade.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 14:41:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18659', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Workshop on Coffee Roasting Held in Collaboration with EU', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: The EU-Nepal trade and investment program has prepared two dozen coffee roasters of international level to increase the quality of coffee in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: The EU-Nepal trade and investment program has prepared two dozen coffee roasters of international level to increase the quality of coffee in Nepal. They have been trained according to the standards of the Special Coffee Association, an organization that monitors the quality of coffee of specific taste and quality around the world.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Coffee roasters from Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, Kavre, Dhankuta and others participated in the workshop held in Kathmandu in collaboration with the National Tea and Coffee Development Board and Nepal Coffee Producers Federation. The workshop was organized targeting businessmen and workers involved in the coffee roasting sector with the aim of increasing the quality of coffee cups and producing skilled manpower necessary to make special Nepali coffee more popular.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As the coffee roasting companies operating in Nepal lack technical skills for high quality coffee roasting, this workshop is expected to produce international level coffee roasters in this area. It is also expected to help in improving the quality of coffee. About 20-25 coffee roasting firms are operating in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Coffee roasting is a very technical and complex subject. The quality of the coffee is determined by the roasted coffee beans. The course of this workshop is to show the technical aspects of roasting to the trainees in an experimental manner and make them familiar and proficient in it, said the organisers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“Since there are participants working in this field, roasting skill as per the international standards will greatly help in increasing the quality of coffee,'' said Nima Sherpa, the main trainer of the workshop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the workshop, the participants were introduced to the roasting process through practical methods and theoretical knowledge in a high-level laboratory. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sherpa, an internationally recognized trainer, said that the method of roasting cycle, roast level to identify changes in coffee beans and how to manage the roasting site were taught during the worksop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stakeholders believe that the workshop will help improve the value chain of Nepali coffee. Coffee businesses with high-quality roasters can attract high-end consumers and earn good profits. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“We believe that such skilled roasters will strengthen the profile of the cafe and roasting business and demonstrate their commitment to quality control," said Santosh Pokharel, secretary general of Nepal Coffee Producers Federation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“I found this workshop very enlightening and fruitful. I am confident that we can help to increase the quality of coffee by using technology to promote quality in coffee roasting through people like us who are trained from here," said Ghomaya Gurung, a trainee who came from Chitwan to attend the workshop.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The European Union has been helping to strengthen the value chain of Nepali coffee.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18388', 'image' => '20230806011758_20230703020046_20221204030252_1669933354.Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 13:17:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18658', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Floods, Landslides Cause Damages Worth Rs 520 Million to Roads and Bridges', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Landslides and floods triggered by rainfall since the onset of monsoon this year have caused considerable damages to roads and bridges across the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 6: Landslides and floods triggered by rainfall since the onset of monsoon this year have caused considerable damages to roads and bridges across the country.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the preliminary estimate of the Department of Roads (DoR), the floods and landslides caused damages worth Rs 520 million to roads and bridges.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The DoR stated that </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">19</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> highways and other roads have sustained damages worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">265.6</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> million. Similarly, bridges have sustained damages worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">0 million as of Saturday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, floods and landslides during the monsoon cause damages worth billions of rupees to roads and bridges in Nepal 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:"Arial","sans-serif"">So far, </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">151</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> roads and bridges were blocked due to floods and landslides this year. Among them, vehicular movement still remains blocked in three places as of Saturday evening, while one-way traffic has been resumed along </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">25</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> roads. The department informed that two-way traffic has been resumed along </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">123</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> blocked locations.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Hewakhola Bridge under the Tamor Corridor, which was damaged due to floods in mid-June, is still not operational. Similarly, roads blocked by landslides in Garjeni of Pyuthan and Khawa of Dolakha still remain blocked, the department said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Floods and landslides have also damaged culverts, wooden bridges, Bailey bridges, auxiliary structures of RCC bridges, steel bridges and other under-construction and completed bridges. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18387', 'image' => '20230806120213_20211020080208_SBS_Kanchanpur-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 12:01:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18657', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Minister Rijal Instructs Local Bodies to Remove Double Taxation ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, has urged the local units of Bara and Parsa districts to scrap tax imposed on raw materials in the name of scrap tax. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 6: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, has urged the local units of Bara and Parsa districts to scrap tax imposed on raw materials in the name of scrap tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Addressing a programme organised on the occasion of 6th establishment day of Jitpursimara Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Jitpur of Simara on Saturday, Minister Rijal warned that the federal government would take necessary step if the local units do not remove scrap tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He mentioned that although industrialists and entrepreneurs pay income tax from their earnings, the local level collects double tax even by levying integrated property tax. Therefore, he urged the local bodies to withdraw the decision of imposing double tax. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Rijal shared that the government is planning to run ruined industries in partnership with the private sector.</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 government also has plans of attracting entrepreneurs to special economic zone by providing land on rent at an affordable price,” said the minister. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He further said that the land could be provided free of cost to establish export-oriented industries. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, President of Birjung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anil Kumar Agrawal, President of Nepal India Cooperation Forum, Ashok Das, Central Committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Dr Subodh Kumar Gupta, FNCCI Madhes Province President, Ashok Tamata, among others talked about the problems faced by the industries during the programme chaired by Jitpursimara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohan Sharma Lamichhane. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18386', 'image' => '20230806113339_taxxxxx.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 11:32:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18656', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Market Monitoring in Makwanpur: Bakery Factory Sealed, Commercial Outlets Fined', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A monitoring committee inspected market in Makawanpur district. During the monitoring, a bakery factory was closed due to its failure to meet production standards set by regulatory authorities. Additionally, the committee imposed fines on three commercial outlets as part of its regulatory action.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: A monitoring committee inspected market in Makawanpur district. During the monitoring, a bakery factory was closed due to its failure to meet production standards set by regulatory authorities. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Additionally, the committee imposed fines on three commercial outlets as part of its regulatory action. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The monitoring committee, led by the Office of Small and Cottage Industry, in collaboration with representatives from the District Administration Office, sealed Khusbu Bakery, situated in Bastipur within Hetauda Sub-Metropolis-19. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bakery was found to be operating without the necessary permissions for weighing machines, lacking proper product labeling, and neglecting hygiene standards. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Tika Sharma, the head of the monitoring team, said that a fine of Rs 250,000 was imposed on the bakery for these violations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Moreover, the bakery's proprietor has been issued a directive to submit essential documentation to the Office of Small and Cottage Industries within three days.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In a similar vein, the monitoring committee also fined other business establishments for quality and hygiene-related shortcomings. Santosh Grocery, New Parajuli Store, and Sintan Grocery and Meat Shop, all located in Bastipur, were each fined Rs 10,000.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The monitoring team included representatives from various regulatory bodies, including the Food Technology and Quality Control Office, Hetauda Sub-Metropolis, and the Consumer Rights Protection Forum. (RSS) </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18385', 'image' => '20230806062943_collage (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 06:28:01', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18655', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Oranges Worth Rs 290 Million Produced in Tanahu Last Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">August 6: Tanahu district recorded a significant production of oranges worth Rs 290 million last year. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Tanahu, a total of 9,645 metric tonnes of oranges were traded in the fiscal year 2022/23. Orange farming was done in 610 hectares of land in the district. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the previous fiscal year 2021/22, the district had produced 9,510 metric tonnes of oranges, while in the year 2020/21, the production stood at 9,310 metric tonnes. This trend signifies a consistent rise in orange production within the district over the years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The growth in orange farming is attributed to its attractive income potential, prompting farmers to engage in this agricultural venture.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Kul Prasad Tiwari, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, stated that farmers are drawn to orange cultivation due to good income the orange farming offers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The district has possibility for further expansion of orange farming as there is an additional 8,570 hectares of land which can be utilized for the orange cultivation in the district, according to Tiwari. </span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The majority of the produced oranges are sold outside the district, contributing to trade and commerce.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To continue supporting the growth of orange farming, the Agriculture Knowledge Centre has allocated a budget of Rs 10 million for the ongoing fiscal year 2023/24. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-06', 'modified' => '2023-08-06', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18384', 'image' => '20230806061234_collage.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-06 06:10:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18654', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tea Estate Workers Demand Hike in Wages ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 5: Workers in various tea estates of Jhapa district staged protest at Kakadvitta with a host of demands including hike in their wages and their incorporation in the social security fund. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 5: Workers in various tea estates of Jhapa district staged protest at Kakadvitta with a host of demands including hike in their wages and their incorporation in the social security fund. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The workers affiliated to various unions demanded employment agreement, contribution-based social security scheme and increase in the minimum wage for the labourers, according to the Agriculture and Tea Estate Workers' Association. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The association's central vice-chairperson Sai Kumar Rai shared the plight that the workers had not received their minimum wages for the past three years. There are over 70,000 workers involved in 132 small and 69 institutional estates in Jhapa district. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Tea is planted across 10,000 hectares of land in the district. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Workers are entitled to at least Rs 577 per day as a wage in line with the Labour Act-2074 BS but much to the dismay of the workers, they have been receiving Rs 437 per day, informed Rai. </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"">Considering the inflation, the protesting workers have demanded 20 per cent hike in their daily wages besides facilities such as coverage for health services and pension for those working for over 20 years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"Tea workers are starving since they are not getting the wages and facilities set by the government," rued Rai. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-05', 'modified' => '2023-08-05', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18383', 'image' => '20230805095121_20200703014705_Tea estate.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-05 21:50:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18653', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Working to Increase Capital Expenditure to Revitalize Economy: FM Mahat ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the government has been carrying out activities to increase capital expenditure in order to make the economy more dynamic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 4: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the government has been carrying out activities to increase capital expenditure in order to make the economy more dynamic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at a press meet organised by Nepal Press Union, Parsa, in Birgunj on Friday, Minister Mahat mentioned that economic growth rate was low due to the poor capital expenditure in the past. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that the problems seen in the economy are being resolved gradually, he claimed that there is improvement in foreign exchange reserves in recent period. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The finance minister further said that the government was effortful to resolve the problems seen in credit flow due to the high interest rate. He added that the ministry has already directed all to pay attention in maintaining transparency and revenue growth. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The main objective of the incumbent government is to maintain good governance, ensure effectiveness in service delivery, and accelerate development works, stressed Minister Mahat. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He shared that the government has been carrying out feasibility study regarding brining the ruined industries including Birgunj Sugar Mill into operation again. According to Mahat, the Finance Ministry has already provide Rs 10 million budget for the time being to National Innovation Centre in order to bring Birgunj-based Agricultural Tools Factory into operation again by carrying out repair and maintenance of agricultural tools. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18382', 'image' => '20230804082354_20230402035731_1680390939.prakash sharan mahat.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 20:22:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18652', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'No Need of High-Level Probe Committee to Investigate Recent Gold Scam: Minister Sharma ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: The government has clarified that there is no need to form a high-level probe committee to investigate into the recent gold smuggling scam as investigation is already underway.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 4: The government has clarified that there is no need to form a high-level probe committee to investigate into the recent gold smuggling scam as investigation is already underway. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Speaking at a press meet organised at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to make public the decisions of the Council of Ministers on Thursday, Communications Minister Rekha Sharma clarified that a high-level probe committee was not necessary as the Department of Revenue Investigation has started investigating into the scam. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Responding to queries of media persons, she mentioned that there was no need of high-level probe committee as the Department of Revenue Investigation under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has been carrying out investigations into the smuggling of around 100 kg gold from Tribhuvan International Airport. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Also the spokesperson of the government, Minister Sharma urged not to cast doubt on the investigation being conducted by the department, saying the incumbent government is moving ahead with the determination to control irregularities, corruption and smuggling. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The department has now been carrying out investigation. The government is about to get to the root cause of the scam. The government has not seen the necessity of high-level probe committee," she shared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Presenting the fact that high-level probe committees were not formed to investigate the incidences of gold smuggling in the past, she urged to allow the investigation being carried out by the department to reach to its conclusion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Government spokesperson said, "Let's believe in the investigation carried out by the department. Some of the people have already been arrested for investigation and the probe is underway. Such high-level probe committee can be formed if it is required, but it is not necessary at the moment." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that discussion was underway to remove the obstruction of the Federal Parliament by the CPN (UML) regarding the recent gold scam demanding formation of a high-level probe committee for the investigation, she expressed the belief that the obstruction of the federal parliament would be removed soon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The department on July 19 had seized around 100 kg of gold from Tribhuvan International Airport premises. It has been carrying out investigation and has arrested 18 people so far suspecting their involvement in the scam. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18381', 'image' => '20230804081913_20191111123908_gold.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 20:18:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18651', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Exports of Carpet, Cardamom Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Nepal’s trade deficit of Nepal in the last fiscal year (FY) stood at more than Rs 1.3 trillion.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 4: Nepal’s trade deficit of Nepal in the last fiscal year (FY) stood at more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1.</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">3 trillion. In other words, the amount of import into the country is much more than the export. Experts suggest that there is no alternative to increasing exports to reduce the trade deficit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">If the government can systematically produce and expand exportable goods and services, the trade deficit can be reduced by earning a significant amount of foreign exchange. Nepal is making good income from the export of some of its products, including carpets, cardamom, amriso (broom grass), dog and cat food, yarsagumba etc. The country earned more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">24</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion in the last year from the export of these items.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the statistics of the Department of Customs, carpets worth more than Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">41</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported from Nepal in the last five years. According to the department, in the last fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2079/80</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">), carpets worth Rs 11.5 billion were exported from Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The carpets produced here are exported to the USA, Germany, the UK and other countries. Such carpets made of wool are in high demand especially in America and Europe. In the fiscal year 2021/22, carpets worth Rs 9.56 billion were exported from Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Cardamom worth eight billion exported</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, cardamom worth more than Rs 8 billion were exported last year. Cardamom export plays a major role in the country's foreign trade. Last year, cardamom worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">8</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.27 billion were exported against Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">4</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.81 billion in the previous year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nepal exports cardamom to India, Pakistan, Italy and Germany.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Exports of dog and cat food increasing</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the last few years, the items exported from Nepal also include dog and bird food. The Department of Customs has released the details of the export of such goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion from the country in the last five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In last year alone, such goods worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">3</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion were exported from the country, according to a public statement issued by department.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Export of amriso exceeds Rs 3 billion in five years</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the items exported from Nepal also falls amriso (broom grass). According to the department, in the last five years, the country earned a total income of Rs 3.33 billion by exporting amriso. Last year, amriso worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">1</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.88 billion was exported to India. The main destination of amriso exported from Nepal is India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><strong><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Yarsagumba worth Rs 440 million exported in a year</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the department, Yarsagumba worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">44</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">3.1 million were exported last year. Last year’s export of Yarshagumba, a herb found in the high Himalayas of Nepal, was the highest in the past five years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18380', 'image' => '20230804043856_carpettttt.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 16:38:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18650', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Likely to Face Shortage of Rice in Festive Season following India’s Export Ban', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: After the Indian government banned the export of rice other than basmati on July 20, its impact has also been felt in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">August 4: After the Indian government banned the export of rice other than basmati on July 20, its impact has also been felt in Nepal. Businessmen say that in order to avoid the shortage of rice, which is consumed more during the upcoming festival, the Government of Nepal should request the Indian government to supply 200,000 metric tons of rice immediately.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">They have drawn the attention of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on this issue. Last year, India supplied 600,000 metric tons of rice to Nepal under a quota system. Last year's quota ended on August 1. The President of Nepal Rice, Oil and Lentil Industry Association Kumud Dugad has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies requesting the government to take diplomatic initiatives with India to arrange the supply of 200,000 tons of rice immediately to prevent rice shortage in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Dugad said that Nepal needs to import 1 million metric tons of rice annually to meet the country’s domestic demand.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">India exports paddy only to Nepal while it exports rice to other countries. New Delhi has imposed a ban on the export of rice citing the risk of food security. After this news spread, the price of rice in Nepal has already increased.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Dugad says that 200,000 metric tons of rice should be imported immediately as the country will harvest a new lot of rice only in November. He says that importing rice from India will benefit Nepal. "When rice is brought, 40 large and 500 small rice mills will be operated here, which will increase employment and revenue," Dugad said. India had previously imposed a 20 percent duty on paddy exports.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The people of Nepal consume around 2.5 million to 3 million metric tons of rice annually. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nepal had produced 5.5 million tons of paddy last year. Data how that the country imported rice/paddy worth Rs 33 billion last year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">So far this year, paddy plantation in the country is 25 percent less compared to last year. Experts say that if the weather is not conducive, paddy production might decrease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">A statement issued by the Nepal Rice, Oil and Lentil Industry Association on July 30 mentions that the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) has passed a resolution to request the government to take immediate diplomatic steps to import rice in order to prevent a shortage in Nepal due to India's ban on rice exports. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The General Assembly has also passed a resolution demanding only 1 percent duty on rice imports. The government has been imposing agricultural reform fee of 5 percent on rice imports. As a result food is becoming more expensive for the general public, the statement argued.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Last year, the Government of India had decided to allow the export of 600,000 tons of rice at zero percent export duty upon the request of the Government of Nepal. The 600,000 tons of rice have already arrived in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18379', 'image' => '20230804032806_paddyyy-transformed.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 15:27:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18649', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Changunarayan Spends the Most Budget among Local Units in Kathmandu Valley, KMC the Least', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 4: Changunarayan Municipality spent 81.26 percent of its budget in the fiscal year 2022/23, making it the municipality which spent the most budget among the 21 local levels within the Kathmandu Valley.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">August 4: Changunarayan Municipality spent 81.26 percent of its budget in the fiscal year 2022/23, making it the municipality which spent the most budget among the 21 local levels within the Kathmandu Valley.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Jeevan Khatri, the mayor of Changunarayan Municipality, the municipality had allocated Rs 801 million for current expenses out of which it spent Rs 672.1 million (83 percent). Similarly, the municipality had allocated Rs 1.33 billion as capital expenditure out of which it spent Rs 1.06 billion (79.69 percent)</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Altogether, the municipality had allocated a total of Rs 2.13 billion in capital and current and expenses, while it spent Rs 1.73 billion in the review year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"Changunarayan Municipality has set an example by become the local level in the valley that spends more development budget," said Mayor Khatri.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> He added that the municipality carried out development works at a rapid pace by calling for bids to complete the development projects and forming a consumer committee as soon as the fiscal year started.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Suryabinayak Municipality had allocated Rs 1.02 billion for capital expenditure, but spent only Rs 647.6 million (63 percent) under this heading. Similarly, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality spent Rs 601 million (53.99 percent) out of a budget allocation of Rs 1.11 billion towards capital expenditure.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Bhaktapur Municipality spent Rs 399.2 million (54.27 percent) out of a budget allocation of Rs 735.8 million. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Among the four municipalities in Bhaktapur district, Bhaktapur Municipality spent the least amount of development budget. Bhaktapur, Suryabinayak and Madhyapur Thimi municipalities could not achieve the target of development budget expenditure.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In Lalitpur district, Lalitpur Metropolitan City spent 55 percent of its capital budget, Godavari Municipality 68.17 percent, Mahalakshmi Municipality 43.17 percent, Konjyosom Rural Municipality 78.37 percent, Bagmati Rural Municipality 79.59 percent, Mahankal Rural Municipality 56.79 percent.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Similarly, Kathmandu Metropolitan City spent 25.84 percent of the development budget, Chandragiri Municipality 59.62 percent, Nagarjun Municipality 41.28 percent, Kirtipur Municipality 59.86 percent, Tokha Municipality 66 percent, Dakshinkali Municipality 72.33 percent, Shankharapur Municipality 46.57 percent, Tarakeshwar Municipality 67.38 percent, while Budhanilkanth Municipality spent 38 percent, Kageshwari-Manohara Municipality 60 percent and Gokarneshwar Municipality spent 68.2 percent of the development budget.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-04', 'modified' => '2023-08-04', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18378', 'image' => '20230804024920_changu.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-04 14:47:17', '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
