August 1: The tradition of using floor tiles extensively in Nepal is believed to have started only a decade…
August 1: The tradition of using floor tiles extensively in Nepal is believed to have started only a decade…
August 1: Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal has said collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector helps foster economic…
August 1: The private sector has complained that due their business is in crisis due to the restrictive policy introduced by the…
August 1: Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the major focuses of the government in the forthcoming 16th periodic…
August 1: Nepal has not yet become a completely investment-friendly country, according to a recent report prepared by the US Department of…
August 1: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is under pressure to complete the construction of the 220 kV substation which is under construction at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok…
August 1: More than 5,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. Sunsari district alone has more than half of those patients, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control…
Due to lack of timely rainfall, only about 40% of the paddy transplantation has taken place in Mahottari district so far.…
July 31: Since Nepal Rastra Bank announced the monetary policy for the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has been falling on a daily basis except for Monday.…
As of July 28, the rice transplantation rate in the country stands at 77 percent, according to the Agriculture Information and Training…
July 31: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, a renowned hotel in the heart of the capital, celebrated its fourth anniversary amid a dazzling event on July…
July 31: Hotel entrepreneurs of Sauraha are elated with the rising inflow of tourists in the district despite increasing risks in the travel during the rainy…
July 31: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn the attention of the parliament to form a high-level committee to probe the 100 kg gold smuggling…
July 31: The country is under the influence of monsoon winds at…
July 31: The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interlocutory order asking the government to not implement value added tax (VAT) on air…
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Tiles are also imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Spain and other countries. The data indicates good prospects for the future of the tile industry in 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Based on this assessment, businessmen have started investing in such industries. Some of the industries are operational and some are under construction. According to the Department of Industry, the process of registration of new tiles industry is also underway.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The tiles industry of Prime Ceramics Pvt Ltd has come into operation recently. The company has been producing and selling tiles from a factory spread over an area of 10 bighas of land located in Brindavan Municipality-6 of Rautahat for about one month.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to the company, the latest Italian technology has been installed in the factory. It is fully automatic. The company has invested Rs 25 million just for land. The company says that it has invested Rs 2 billion in total for land purchased and equipment. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry has given employment opportunities for the local residents as well as workers from neighboring districts and neighboring India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Pradeep Kumar Jha, the general manager of the company, said that although the target of the industry is to produce tiles of 11 different sizes, they are currently producing 5 different sizes of tiles.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">"</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The production capacity is 150,000 square feet of tiles per day," Jha said. "The industry will run in full capacity within the next six months, which will create more jobs." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry has given employment to 300 people. Jha said that customers in Nepal can avail domestically produced tiles at 20 to 25 percent cheaper than the tiles coming from the international market.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry is currently sending three truckloads of tiles to the market daily. According to Jha, 45 percent of the production goes to Kathmandu. Jha says that Kathmandu Valley is the main market at present. The rest of the production is being sent to other cities in 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry, which is thinking of exporting its product to India as well, has filed an application with the Department of Mines and Geology seeking for permission to use the red clay as a raw material. According to Jha, the industry is using most of the raw materials 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry is producing tiles in two dozen colors. General Manager Jha also claimed that their products are of high quality and have the ability to compete with international brands.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18347', 'image' => '20230801032047_1690858902.2023-08-01 08.46.31.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 15:20:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18617', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '‘Govt-Private Sector Collaboration a Must for Self-Reliant Economy’', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal has said collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector helps foster economic activities. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 1: Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal has said collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector helps foster economic activities. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Releasing a book entitled 'Self Reliant Economy and Export Potential' during a programme organized jointly by the Confederation of Bank and Financial Institutions of Nepal (CBFIN), and Federation of Nepal Exports' Association on Monday, Chief Secretary Aryal said promotion of exports is essential to build a self-reliant economy. </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"">“Once exportable goods are produced, there would not be problem in marketing,” he assured. </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 chief secretary said that the establishment of export house for export promotion was a laudable initiative, and assured of assistance from government side as well. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, Secretary at Foreign Ministry, Bharat Raj Paudel, said that the book shall serve as a good guide on how the Nepali products could be exported.</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"">“Quality must be ensured in such products for foreign supply,” he told the entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the foreign secretary, Nepali diplomatic missions abroad could help promote exports for which the Foreign Ministry is ready to facilitate. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Madhu Kumar Marasini, said that the government has been identifying the goods that can be exported. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Businesspersons including Bhawani Rana and Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal also underscored the need for augmenting exports of Nepal's original products to meet the sustainable development goals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CBFIN Chairman Pawan Kumar Golyan said export promotion cold help generate jobs within home and reduce trade loss as well. Nepal's original products could be promoted for exports so that the country could create 800,000 jobs in two years. </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 book coauthored by Dr Gopal Prasad Tiwari, Uttam Prasad Gautam and Krishna Raj Bajgain has enlisted the exportable Nepali products as handmade paper, allo, cumin, cardamom, medicinal herbs, turmeric and basket. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18346', 'image' => '20230801012541_ppp.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 13:24:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18615', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govt's Restrictive Policies Stifling Trade and Industry: Private Sector', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The private sector has complained that due their business is in crisis due to the restrictive policy introduced by the government.', '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 1: The private sector has complained that due their business is in crisis due to the restrictive policy introduced by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They have alleged that the government authorities have been giving them unnecessary hassles in the name of facilitating foreign trade and also due to needless investigations.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Entrepreneurs claim that the government is creating obstacles in the business through policy intervention while the officials at the implementation level have made the things more problematic by indulging in corruption.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Representatives of the Madhes Province chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) said during an interaction with the customs officials of Birgunj on Sunday that the industrialists and traders are now unable to do business. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 officials of Birgunj customs who attended the interaction clarified that their main objective is trade facilitation. They said that they are looking forward to solving the problems faced during the implementation of policies related to import and export.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of the Madhesh chapter of the FNCCI, emphasized that foreign trade procedures should be transparent. Online and automated systems should be encouraged to promote transparency, he said. “Integrating the software of the integrated check posts of Nepal and India can also help in this," said Temani.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Temani complained that despite the implementation of VCTS by the Revenue Investigation Department to control revenue leakage by making foreign trade transparent and dignified, the work of stopping vehicles in the name of investigation has not been stopped. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ganesh Prasad Lath, outgoing president of FNCCI Madhesh Province, said that trade and industry have become overburdened by one after another policy introduced by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He claimed that the government's strict policies and regulations have promoted unauthorized trade. Participating entrepreneurs complained that the private sector has been hurt by the government's labeling system, customs assessment and revenue investigation raids implemented on imported goods since the beginning of the current fiscal year</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief Customs Administrator of Birgunj Customs, Dilaram Panthi said that an arrangement to keep a label on the imported goods with the details of the manufacturer and distributor was introduced for controlling unauthorized imports. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 aim of any policy and rule brought by the government is to facilitate business. If there is a problem in its implementation, a solution should be found," 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"">He also said that there is a need for coordination and cooperation between the private sector and customs officials for procedural reform.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Birgunj Dry Port Customs Chief Ram Mainali said that customs assessment should be made scientific. He added that the problems encountered in the implementation of labels on imported goods will be addressed after the implementation of the procedure. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18344', 'image' => '20230801012238_1690798775.BIRGUNG.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 13:21:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18614', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '16th Periodic Plan to Focus on Good Governance, Social Justice and Prosperity', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the major focuses of the government in the forthcoming 16th periodic plan. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 1: Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the major focuses of the government in the forthcoming 16th periodic plan. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The plan is to ensure social justice in health, education, employment and housing while good governance in political, administrative and judicial fronts, according to the National Planning Commission, the government body responsible for the planning. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, prosperity in social life, economic development and national economy are key issues, NPC Vice Chairman Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha said, adding, "All levels of government and stakeholders need to build capacity for smooth and effective coordination and collaboration so that the plan would be implemented in a result-oriented manner." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The 16th periodic plan will identify and address the structural barriers surfaced in the strategic development endeavours, he said, adding that that efforts of self-reliance in agricultural production, export promotion, development of tourism and industries, power trade, irrigation expansion, establishment of metal industry, complete use of labour force would help achieve national development and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, reform in service delivery, infrastructure development, strengthening of economic foundation and creation of decent and inclusive employment, quality education, urban management, social empowerment, social security, capacity enhancement on capital spending are other important areas included in the plan. -- RSS</span><br /> </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18343', 'image' => '20230801125035_20230703105203_image.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 12:49:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18613', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'US Report Identifies Corruption and Political Instability as Major Obstacles for Investment in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Nepal has not yet become a completely investment-friendly country, according to a recent report prepared by the US Department of State.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 1: Nepal has not yet become a completely investment-friendly country, according to a recent report prepared by the US Department of State. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Despite considerable potential – particularly in the energy, tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), infrastructure and agriculture sectors – political instability, widespread corruption, cumbersome bureaucracy, and inconsistent implementation of laws and regulations have deterred potential investment, reads the 2023 Investment Climate Statement issued by the US Department of State.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report has mentioned political instability as a major obstacle to investment. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“The COVID pandemic coupled with a fresh bout of political instability slowed reform efforts that might have made Nepal a more attractive investment destination. While the Government of Nepal (GoN) publicly states its keenness to attract foreign investment, this has yet to translate into meaningful practice. Despite these challenges, foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country has been increasing in recent years.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report further states that corruption, laws limiting the operations of foreign banks, lingering challenges in the repatriation of profits, controlled currency exchange facilities, prohibition of FDI in certain sectors as well as a minimum foreign investment threshold of NPR 20 million (USD 154,000), and the government’s monopoly over certain sectors of the economy (such as electricity transmission and petroleum distribution), undermine foreign investment in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Political uncertainty is a continuing challenge for foreign (as well as domestic) investors. Nepal’s ruling parties have spent much of their energy over the last years on internal political power struggles instead of governance, added the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“While fresh elections in November 2022, and a new government has raised hopes for political stability, this is not guaranteed. Political instability often engenders policy stagnation and uncertainty.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Nevertheless, the report states that Nepal’s location between India and China presents opportunities for foreign investors. Nepal also possesses natural resources that have significant commercial potential.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Hydropower – Nepal has an estimated 40,000 megawatts (MW) of commercially-viable hydropower electricity generation potential, which could become a major source of income through electricity exports. Other sectors offering potential investment opportunities include agriculture, tourism, the ICT sector, and infrastructure. The tourism sector is recovering from the downturn due to the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, Nepal offers opportunities for investors willing to accept the inherent risks and unpredictability of doing business in the country and who possess the resilience to invest with a long-term mindset. While Nepal has established some investment-friendly laws and regulations in recent years, significant barriers to investment remain, including the following reported by the business community:</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A lack of understanding of international business standards and practices among the political and bureaucratic class, and a legal and regulatory regime that is not quite aligned with international practices also impede, hinder, and frustrate foreign investors, states the report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> “Elements of Nepal’s tax regime, in particular, may be inconsistent with international practices, and could trip-up foreign investors as has happened in two cases in recent years.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, immigration laws and visa policies for foreign workers are cumbersome. Inefficient government bureaucratic processes, a high rate of turnover among civil servants, and corruption exacerbate the difficulties for foreigners seeking to work in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Nepal’s geography also presents challenges, adds the report. The country’s mountainous terrain, land-locked geography, and poor transportation infrastructure increases costs for raw materials and exports of finished goods.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Trade unions—each typically affiliated with parties or even factions within a political party—and unpredictable general strikes can create business risk, although this problem, once common, has diminished in recent years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, the potential use of intimidation, extortion, and violence – including the use of improvised explosive devices – by insurgent groups targeting domestic political leaders, GoN entities, and businesses remains a source of potential instability, although this threat too has diminished in recent years (the country’s most prominent insurgent group—led by Netra Bikram Chand, also known as Biplav—agreed in March 2021, to enter peaceful politics, for example).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As Nepal has adopted a federal structure, new tax policies will be introduced at the local and regional levels, so there is a danger of investment being affected if double taxation is imposed, mentions the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"It is questionable how consistent Nepal's tax system is with international standards," the report said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The dispute about the capital gains tax on the purchase and sale of ownership of Ncell, the decision made by the Nepalese court are presented as an example.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“In 2019, a Malaysian company, Axiata (owner of NCell, the largest private telecom company in Nepal), was made to pay $450 million for alleged tax evasion over the 2016 transfer of NCell’s ownership from its previous owners, Swedish firm Telia Sonera. The Supreme Court’s verdict on this case has set the precedent for placing buyers on the hook for the tax liabilities of the sellers.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> The report further said that the US Embassy is aware of at least one U.S.-owned subsidiary in Nepal that is involved in a tax dispute with the GoN. Nepal’s Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) has taken the company to court under the Income Tax Act 2002 and the Revenue Leakage (Investigation and Control) Act 1996. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The current implication of these cases is that Nepal’s tax regime—particularly the above two Acts—needs to be carefully considered by foreign investors when buying/selling companies in Nepal to understand their local tax liabilities.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18342', 'image' => '20230801115609_20160513034506_editor.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 11:55:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18612', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Under Pressure to Complete Bahrbise Substation', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is under pressure to complete the construction of the 220 kV substation which is under construction at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">August 1: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is under pressure to complete the construction of the 220 kV substation which is under construction at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok district.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As the construction of the 102-megawatt Mid Bhotekoshi hydroelectric power plant in Sindhupalchowk under the ownership of Chilime Jaldyut Company has reached its final stage, the authority is under pressure to complete the construction of the substation to which the project will be connected to.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The final phase of construction of the Mid Bhotekoshi will be completed within two months. The electricity generated from Mid Bhotekoshi will be connected to the Barhabise substation through a 220 kV transmission line. The project has already built towers of the transmission line from its power plant to the Barhabise substation, while the wire-pooling work is underway.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The construction of the substation has been delayed due to the poor performance of the joint venture of the Chinese companies Guangxi Transmission and Substation Construction and Shenzhen Claw Electronics, which was awarded the contract for the construction of the Barhabise substation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The authority has warned the contractor that if the construction of the substation is not completed and the electricity of Mid Bhotekoshi cannot be connected, they will have to pay compensation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A high-level team of the authority, including Executive Director Kulman Ghising, Deputy Executive Director of Broadcasting Directorate Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, and Deputy Executive Director of Project Management Directorate Tara Prasad Pradhan visited the substation construction site on Saturday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The team discussed with the project management and construction professionals the problems encountered in the construction, the condition of equipment supply, the construction completion schedule, among other issues.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Executive Director Ghising said that the equipment for the substation, including the power transformer, has been brought to the construction site, and there is no reason for delaying the construction.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“We are ready to facilitate the construction, and the construction should be completed within three months anyway. Otherwise, there may be a painful situation where Mid Bhotekoshi's electricity will be wasted, so let's all take this into consideration and work," he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18341', 'image' => '20230801112547_NEA_20191104081559.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 11:25:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18611', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dengue Cases Surge in 10 Districts', 'sub_title' => 'Sunsari Accounts for More than Half of the Total Cases', 'summary' => 'August 1: More than 5,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. Sunsari district alone has more than half of those patients, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 1: More than 5,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. Sunsari district alone has more than half of those patients, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The division’s Director Rudra Prasad Marasini informed RSS that 5,688 individuals have been infected by the disease across the country since last January. Among them, Sunsari district alone recorded 3,486 dengue cases. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Marasini blamed people's recklessness behind the surge in infection. It has been raining continuously for some days and people have not paid attention to sanitation, thereby contributing to the alarming rise in spread of dengue, said Marasini. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As recent as a week back, there were only 4,619 cases of dengue in Nepal, but it ratcheted up quickly within a week, reaching 5,688. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue is caused by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species of mosquito. They lay eggs on clean water. The eggs turn into larva and larva to adult mosquito. Bite of such mosquito is dreadful, for it causes the dengue infection. So, puddle must be removed around houses. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>10 districts most affected </strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The state-owned RSS reported that Sunsari, Dhading, Kaski, Darchula, Kathmandu, Sankhuwasabha, Myagdi, Morang, Kanchanpur and Jhapa are the most affected districts. Sunsari alone has 3,486 cases while Kathmandu 96 and Jhapa 56. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Koshi Province is the most affected state with 3,821 dengue cases while Madhes Province has the least number with 26 patients. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the RSS, four persons have lost their lives to dengue fever since last January in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>First case in Nepal</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue was first detected in Nepal in the year 2004. Cases of dengue fever increased in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2019.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> According to the available data, 32 infection cases were recorded in 2006 AD, 917 in 2010 AD, 686 in 2013 AD, 1,527 in 2016 AD, 2,111 in 2017 AD, 811 in 2018 AD, 17,992 in 2019 AD, 530 in 2020 AD and 540 in 2021 AD .</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>Climate change</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The mosque-transmitted disease which was mostly found in Terai-Madhes has also been increasingly detected in mountainous cities, including Pokhara and Kathmandu since 2018. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the rise in mercury level in mountainous region due to climate change, dengue cases have been detected in places where it was never reported before. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to government officials, dengue patients have also been detected in Humla, Jumla, Mugu and Dolpa in recent years</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue Control Source Person and vector control officer Shyam Lal Acharya said mountainous region is becoming favourable for lifecycle of mosquitoes. Acharya requested all to adopt precaution as dengue-carrying mosquitoes are active till mid-October.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18340', 'image' => '20230801104315_dengue-test_650x400_61442241844.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 10:42:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18610', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mahottari Records Only 40 Percent Paddy Cultivation Due to Lack of Rainfall', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Due to lack of timely rainfall, only about 40% of the paddy transplantation has taken place in Mahottari district so far. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">August 1: Due to lack of timely rainfall, only about 40% of the paddy transplantation has taken place in Mahottari district so far. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Lack of monsoon rains and the inability of farmers to sow rice seeds on time, paddy cultivation has slumped, said Ramchandra Yadav, the chief of the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Mahottari.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">The district has not received adequate rainfall though the month of July has passed by. Farmers have cultivated paddy in around 40% of the fields by using costly methods like deep tube wells, shallow tube well, and motor pumps.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Dr. Yadav mentioned that out of the total cultivable land of 45 thousand hectares in the district, only about 9 thousand nine hundred hectares have been cultivated so far. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Farmers have transplanted paddy using high costs methods. Unfortunately, paddy has started wilting and paddy fields have become parched and dry for lack of water, Bipendra Pandey said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Another farmer, Ramu Mandal, complained that his paddy saplings had wilted in the field due to lack of rainfall. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Upendra Yadav from Ekdara Rural Municipality Ward-4 said that paddy transplantation could not take place throughout the village and planted paddy had wilted.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Pramod Mandal from Ramgopalpur Municipality Ward-5 complained about not being able to cultivate paddy due to the lack of monsoon rains. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Only around 21,000 hectares of the land has access to irrigation facility in Mahottari. Rest of the land relies on rainwater for paddy cultivation. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Agriculture Knowledge Center has predicted a decline in rice production in this district this year. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18339', 'image' => '20230801060608_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 06:03:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18609', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Drops for Five Consecutive Days after Issuance of Monetary Policy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Since Nepal Rastra Bank announced the monetary policy for the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has been falling on a daily basis except for Monday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 31: Since Nepal Rastra Bank announced the monetary policy for the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has been falling on a daily basis except for Monday. After falling for five successive days since the announcement, NEPSE index increased marginally on Monday. Until Sunday, NEPSE decreased by 5.69 percent (126.81 points) to 2100 points before increasing by 5.84 points on Monday. The monetary policy mentioned about reviewing the existing risk weightage of 150 percent in share mortgage loans.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors estimated that the risk weightage will decrease regardless of the amount of share mortgage loan they take, causing an increase in the market when the monetary policy was unveiled last Sunday. However, Governor Mahaprasad Adhikari, in a press conference held after the release of the monetary policy, made it clear that only 100 percent risk weightage will be maintained for share mortgage loans up to Rs 5 million per person, which resulted in the decline in the secondary market transactions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Some investors have been expressing through social media that they are not positive towards the idea.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Other investors argue that the monetary policy is good, but it is making investors suffer by spreading unnecessary confusion. On the day the monetary policy was announced, the NEPSE index rose 63 points to close at 2,227 points with Rs 4.37 billion worth shares transactions. After that, both NEPSE index and daily turnover declined.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors had good expectations through monetary policy. Before the announcement of the monetary policy, there was news that the average risk weight will be revised. The governor had also expressed the same intention from time to time. Likewise, liquidity in the financial system had eased with credit-deposit ratio (CD ratio) at 82 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">When the monetary policy was announced, it was said that 150 percent of the risk weightage of share mortgage loans would be revised. However, it did not happen accordingly. That is why the market decreased. Another reason is that traders book profits in rising markets. After making profits, traders buy shares only when the market comes down again. This is also the reason why the market was affected. Nothing else has a negative impact on the stock market. Now the listed companies have started publishing their fourth quarterly financial statements. Mutual funds have started declaring dividends. The stock market is expected to gradually return to its own rhythm.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18338', 'image' => '20230731063910_1530530135-scaled.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 18:38:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18608', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Country Reports 77 Percent Rice Transplantation till Last Week of July', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As of July 28, the rice transplantation rate in the country stands at 77 percent, according to the Agriculture Information and Training Center.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">July 31: As of July 28, the rice transplantation rate in the country stands at 77 percent, according to the Agriculture Information and Training Center.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">This marks a decrease compared to the corresponding period last year when 90 percent of rice cultivation had already been completed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Across the country, paddy has been planted in a total area of 1,053,404 hectares out of 1,357,816 hectares as of the last week of July. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Koshi Province, the rice cultivation rate is currently at 84 percent, which is a slight drop from 88 percent during the same period last year. Rice transplantation has taken place on 275,133 hectares of land in the province this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Rice has been cultivated in 209,086 hectares, accounting for 59 percent of the total 354,383 arable land in Madhes Province. This is lower than the figure reported during the same period last year, which was 83 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Bagmati Province, the rice cultivation rate currently stands at 72 percent, a significant decrease from 93 percent during the same period last year. The province has reported rice transplantation on 81,420 hectares out of the total 113,083 hectares of land suitable for rice cultivation.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"> Out of the total 104,622 hectares of arable land, paddy transplantation has taken place in 85,790 hectares so far (82 percent) in Gandaki Province. This represents a decrease from 96 percent during the same period last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Lumbini Province, paddy cultivation has been completed in 243,318 hectares of the total 300,392 hectares (81 percent). This is a decrease from 85 percent last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Karnali Province has reported the paddy transplantation in 32,918 hectares of the total 38,727 hectares (85 percent), showing an increase from 78 percent last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Sudurpaschim Province, paddy plantation has been completed in 169,761 hectares out of a total of 171,476 hectares (99 percent). The same percentage of paddy cultivation took place during the same period last year, according to the Centre.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Overall, the country's rice transplantation progress is at 77 percent, with some provinces experiencing better results than others compared to the same period last year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">The Agriculture Information and Training Center is closely monitoring the situation as the rice cultivation season continues. (RSS)</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18337', 'image' => '20230731052041_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 17:18:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18607', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Aloft Kathmandu Thamel Celebrates Fourth Anniversary', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, a renowned hotel in the heart of the capital, celebrated its fourth anniversary amid a dazzling event on July 28.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">July 31: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, a renowned hotel in the heart of the capital, celebrated its fourth anniversary amid a dazzling event on July 28.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Issuing a statement, the hotel said that the night came alive as guests, partners, and patrons gathered to celebrate four years of exceptional service and cherished memories at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">“The fourth-anniversary extravaganza was a delightful fusion of modern flair, sassy vibes, and an exhilarating space-themed ambiance, perfectly embodying the hotel's distinctive spirit,” read the statement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the hotel, the event started with captivating live music by the talented Revolution Band, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary hits. The hotel's dedication to supporting local arts was evident as these gifted performers took center stage, added the statement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The culinary experience was equally enchanting, featuring delectable international and local treats masterfully crafted by Chef Rajeev and his team of culinary experts from Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, said the hotel.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Vikram Singh, the general manager of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are deeply moved by the overwhelming support and love we have received over the past four years. Our fourth anniversary celebration was an opportunity to honor the shared memories and connections that have made Aloft Kathmandu Thamel a success among our guests, patrons and team members. It's been a journey filled with cherished memories and meaningful connections, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful bond in the years to come.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Speaking on the occasion of the fourth-year anniversary, Prithivi B Pande, Chairman of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel stated, “I am grateful for all the success. This hotel is a reflection of a long-cherished dream. Thank you to the entire team of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel for all their dedication and our valued patrons and guests for their unwavering support, and I look forward to the continued success and shared journeys ahead.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In appreciation of the continued support from its valued guests, the hotel presented 150 selected attendees with a special memento.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18336', 'image' => '20230731040108_aloft.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 16:00:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18606', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists in Off-Season Elates Tourism Entrepreneurs of Sauraha ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Hotel entrepreneurs of Sauraha are elated with the rising inflow of tourists in the district despite increasing risks in the travel during the rainy season. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: Hotel entrepreneurs of Sauraha are elated with the rising inflow of tourists in the district despite increasing risks in the travel during the rainy season. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July and August are considered off-season in terms of the inflow of tourists. Due to shrinking business in the rainy season, the hotel staff were also encouraged to stay on leave in previous years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the increasing flow of domestic and foreign tourists in the off-season this time has elated the tourism entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Chairperson of the Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, Ganga Giri, 1000 to 1200 tourists are arriving in Sauraha on an average day in this season. Half of them are foreigners with dominant number of Chinese tourists. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There are 125 hotels in Sauraha having capacity to accommodate 6,200 people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The increasing number of tourists in the off-season has excited tourism entrepreneurs here, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 100 tourists are enjoying elephant ride in Sauraha on a daily basis, informed chairperson of United Elephant Operators' Cooperative organization, Rishi Tiwari. Mostly the Chinese tourists are enjoying elephant ride, he shared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The number of tourists in Sauraha is higher than it was in the previous years. Former chairperson of Regional Hotel Association, Suman Ghimire said the arrival of tourists is satisfactory despite bad condition of roads. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It has made entrepreneurs hopeful for the rebound of tourism industry in Nepal, Ghimire said. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18335', 'image' => '20230731020930_20220909043430_Chitwan-sunset-sauraha-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 14:08:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18605', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PAC Draws Parliament's Attention to Form High-Level Body to Probe 100 kg Gold Smuggling Case ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn the attention of the parliament to form a high-level committee to probe the 100 kg gold smuggling case. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn the attention of the parliament to form a high-level committee to probe the 100 kg gold smuggling case. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the committee on Sunday called for forming the high-powered committee to investigate the case. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The committee has taken a decision to draw the attention of the parliament to form a high level committee for investigation," said Arjun Narsingh KC, who chairs the committee as its senior-most member. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the meeting endorsed the 'Public Accounts Committee Operation Procedures, 2080'. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The committee also drew the attention of the concerned authorities to the inability of planting paddy in the Tarai for want of irrigation, and water scarcity. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18334', 'image' => '20230731125034_goldee.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 12:49:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18604', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Heavy Rainfall with Thunderstorms and Lightning Likely Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The country is under the influence of monsoon winds at present. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The country is under the influence of monsoon winds at present. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there will be partial to general changes in weather across the country in the day time today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Light to moderate rainfall is taking place in some areas of the Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and one to two places of the Koshi, Bagmati and Sudurpaschim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There is a chance of light to moderate rainfall in some areas of mountainous region and limited areas of the remaining provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It is predicted that one to two areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces will see heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning later in the day. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the night time, there is a chance of heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning in one or two places of the Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18333', 'image' => '20230731105714_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 10:56:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18603', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'SC Issues Interlocutory Order not to Implement VAT on Air Tickets ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interlocutory order asking the government to not implement value added tax (VAT) on air tickets. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interlocutory order asking the government to not implement value added tax (VAT) on air tickets. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The SC issued such an order in response to a writ petition filed by Nepal Association of Tours and Travels Agent (NATTA). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A single bench of Justice Anil Kumar Sinha issued the order and also summoned the government side for discussion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NATTA had moved the SC on July 17, seeking mandamus order with certiorari against the government’s decision to impose VAT on air tickets.</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"">Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat had announced to implement VAT on plane tickets during the budget announcement for the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The tourism entrepreneurs had however argued that the VAT imposed on air tickets was not friendly to tourism entrepreneurs and would impact adversely on the tourism business. Travel companies and passengers would have to bear the brunt of VAT, NATTA had argued. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18332', 'image' => '20230731103836_Tourist.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 10:37:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18618', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investment in Tile Industry Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The tradition of using floor tiles extensively in Nepal is believed to have started only a decade ago.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">August 1: The tradition of using floor tiles extensively in Nepal is believed to have started only a decade ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The businessmen who have been working in this field say that the use and demand of tiles is increasing both for residential and official buildings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to the data of the Department of Customs, Nepal imported tiles worth more than Rs 10 billion in the fiscal year (FY) 2078/79. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to the department, a large amount of ceramic tiles are imported from India and China. Tiles are also imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Spain and other countries. The data indicates good prospects for the future of the tile industry in 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Based on this assessment, businessmen have started investing in such industries. Some of the industries are operational and some are under construction. According to the Department of Industry, the process of registration of new tiles industry is also underway.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The tiles industry of Prime Ceramics Pvt Ltd has come into operation recently. The company has been producing and selling tiles from a factory spread over an area of 10 bighas of land located in Brindavan Municipality-6 of Rautahat for about one month.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to the company, the latest Italian technology has been installed in the factory. It is fully automatic. The company has invested Rs 25 million just for land. The company says that it has invested Rs 2 billion in total for land purchased and equipment. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry has given employment opportunities for the local residents as well as workers from neighboring districts and neighboring India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Pradeep Kumar Jha, the general manager of the company, said that although the target of the industry is to produce tiles of 11 different sizes, they are currently producing 5 different sizes of tiles.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">"</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The production capacity is 150,000 square feet of tiles per day," Jha said. "The industry will run in full capacity within the next six months, which will create more jobs." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry has given employment to 300 people. Jha said that customers in Nepal can avail domestically produced tiles at 20 to 25 percent cheaper than the tiles coming from the international market.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry is currently sending three truckloads of tiles to the market daily. According to Jha, 45 percent of the production goes to Kathmandu. Jha says that Kathmandu Valley is the main market at present. The rest of the production is being sent to other cities in 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry, which is thinking of exporting its product to India as well, has filed an application with the Department of Mines and Geology seeking for permission to use the red clay as a raw material. According to Jha, the industry is using most of the raw materials 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry is producing tiles in two dozen colors. General Manager Jha also claimed that their products are of high quality and have the ability to compete with international brands.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18347', 'image' => '20230801032047_1690858902.2023-08-01 08.46.31.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 15:20:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18617', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '‘Govt-Private Sector Collaboration a Must for Self-Reliant Economy’', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal has said collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector helps foster economic activities. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 1: Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal has said collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector helps foster economic activities. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Releasing a book entitled 'Self Reliant Economy and Export Potential' during a programme organized jointly by the Confederation of Bank and Financial Institutions of Nepal (CBFIN), and Federation of Nepal Exports' Association on Monday, Chief Secretary Aryal said promotion of exports is essential to build a self-reliant economy. </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"">“Once exportable goods are produced, there would not be problem in marketing,” he assured. </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 chief secretary said that the establishment of export house for export promotion was a laudable initiative, and assured of assistance from government side as well. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, Secretary at Foreign Ministry, Bharat Raj Paudel, said that the book shall serve as a good guide on how the Nepali products could be exported.</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"">“Quality must be ensured in such products for foreign supply,” he told the entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the foreign secretary, Nepali diplomatic missions abroad could help promote exports for which the Foreign Ministry is ready to facilitate. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Madhu Kumar Marasini, said that the government has been identifying the goods that can be exported. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Businesspersons including Bhawani Rana and Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal also underscored the need for augmenting exports of Nepal's original products to meet the sustainable development goals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CBFIN Chairman Pawan Kumar Golyan said export promotion cold help generate jobs within home and reduce trade loss as well. Nepal's original products could be promoted for exports so that the country could create 800,000 jobs in two years. </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 book coauthored by Dr Gopal Prasad Tiwari, Uttam Prasad Gautam and Krishna Raj Bajgain has enlisted the exportable Nepali products as handmade paper, allo, cumin, cardamom, medicinal herbs, turmeric and basket. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18346', 'image' => '20230801012541_ppp.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 13:24:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18615', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govt's Restrictive Policies Stifling Trade and Industry: Private Sector', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The private sector has complained that due their business is in crisis due to the restrictive policy introduced by the government.', '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 1: The private sector has complained that due their business is in crisis due to the restrictive policy introduced by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They have alleged that the government authorities have been giving them unnecessary hassles in the name of facilitating foreign trade and also due to needless investigations.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Entrepreneurs claim that the government is creating obstacles in the business through policy intervention while the officials at the implementation level have made the things more problematic by indulging in corruption.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Representatives of the Madhes Province chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) said during an interaction with the customs officials of Birgunj on Sunday that the industrialists and traders are now unable to do business. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 officials of Birgunj customs who attended the interaction clarified that their main objective is trade facilitation. They said that they are looking forward to solving the problems faced during the implementation of policies related to import and export.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of the Madhesh chapter of the FNCCI, emphasized that foreign trade procedures should be transparent. Online and automated systems should be encouraged to promote transparency, he said. “Integrating the software of the integrated check posts of Nepal and India can also help in this," said Temani.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Temani complained that despite the implementation of VCTS by the Revenue Investigation Department to control revenue leakage by making foreign trade transparent and dignified, the work of stopping vehicles in the name of investigation has not been stopped. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ganesh Prasad Lath, outgoing president of FNCCI Madhesh Province, said that trade and industry have become overburdened by one after another policy introduced by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He claimed that the government's strict policies and regulations have promoted unauthorized trade. Participating entrepreneurs complained that the private sector has been hurt by the government's labeling system, customs assessment and revenue investigation raids implemented on imported goods since the beginning of the current fiscal year</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief Customs Administrator of Birgunj Customs, Dilaram Panthi said that an arrangement to keep a label on the imported goods with the details of the manufacturer and distributor was introduced for controlling unauthorized imports. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 aim of any policy and rule brought by the government is to facilitate business. If there is a problem in its implementation, a solution should be found," 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"">He also said that there is a need for coordination and cooperation between the private sector and customs officials for procedural reform.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Birgunj Dry Port Customs Chief Ram Mainali said that customs assessment should be made scientific. He added that the problems encountered in the implementation of labels on imported goods will be addressed after the implementation of the procedure. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18344', 'image' => '20230801012238_1690798775.BIRGUNG.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 13:21:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18614', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '16th Periodic Plan to Focus on Good Governance, Social Justice and Prosperity', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the major focuses of the government in the forthcoming 16th periodic plan. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 1: Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the major focuses of the government in the forthcoming 16th periodic plan. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The plan is to ensure social justice in health, education, employment and housing while good governance in political, administrative and judicial fronts, according to the National Planning Commission, the government body responsible for the planning. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, prosperity in social life, economic development and national economy are key issues, NPC Vice Chairman Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha said, adding, "All levels of government and stakeholders need to build capacity for smooth and effective coordination and collaboration so that the plan would be implemented in a result-oriented manner." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The 16th periodic plan will identify and address the structural barriers surfaced in the strategic development endeavours, he said, adding that that efforts of self-reliance in agricultural production, export promotion, development of tourism and industries, power trade, irrigation expansion, establishment of metal industry, complete use of labour force would help achieve national development and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, reform in service delivery, infrastructure development, strengthening of economic foundation and creation of decent and inclusive employment, quality education, urban management, social empowerment, social security, capacity enhancement on capital spending are other important areas included in the plan. -- RSS</span><br /> </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18343', 'image' => '20230801125035_20230703105203_image.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 12:49:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18613', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'US Report Identifies Corruption and Political Instability as Major Obstacles for Investment in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Nepal has not yet become a completely investment-friendly country, according to a recent report prepared by the US Department of State.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 1: Nepal has not yet become a completely investment-friendly country, according to a recent report prepared by the US Department of State. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Despite considerable potential – particularly in the energy, tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), infrastructure and agriculture sectors – political instability, widespread corruption, cumbersome bureaucracy, and inconsistent implementation of laws and regulations have deterred potential investment, reads the 2023 Investment Climate Statement issued by the US Department of State.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report has mentioned political instability as a major obstacle to investment. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“The COVID pandemic coupled with a fresh bout of political instability slowed reform efforts that might have made Nepal a more attractive investment destination. While the Government of Nepal (GoN) publicly states its keenness to attract foreign investment, this has yet to translate into meaningful practice. Despite these challenges, foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country has been increasing in recent years.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report further states that corruption, laws limiting the operations of foreign banks, lingering challenges in the repatriation of profits, controlled currency exchange facilities, prohibition of FDI in certain sectors as well as a minimum foreign investment threshold of NPR 20 million (USD 154,000), and the government’s monopoly over certain sectors of the economy (such as electricity transmission and petroleum distribution), undermine foreign investment in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Political uncertainty is a continuing challenge for foreign (as well as domestic) investors. Nepal’s ruling parties have spent much of their energy over the last years on internal political power struggles instead of governance, added the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“While fresh elections in November 2022, and a new government has raised hopes for political stability, this is not guaranteed. Political instability often engenders policy stagnation and uncertainty.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Nevertheless, the report states that Nepal’s location between India and China presents opportunities for foreign investors. Nepal also possesses natural resources that have significant commercial potential.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Hydropower – Nepal has an estimated 40,000 megawatts (MW) of commercially-viable hydropower electricity generation potential, which could become a major source of income through electricity exports. Other sectors offering potential investment opportunities include agriculture, tourism, the ICT sector, and infrastructure. The tourism sector is recovering from the downturn due to the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, Nepal offers opportunities for investors willing to accept the inherent risks and unpredictability of doing business in the country and who possess the resilience to invest with a long-term mindset. While Nepal has established some investment-friendly laws and regulations in recent years, significant barriers to investment remain, including the following reported by the business community:</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A lack of understanding of international business standards and practices among the political and bureaucratic class, and a legal and regulatory regime that is not quite aligned with international practices also impede, hinder, and frustrate foreign investors, states the report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> “Elements of Nepal’s tax regime, in particular, may be inconsistent with international practices, and could trip-up foreign investors as has happened in two cases in recent years.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, immigration laws and visa policies for foreign workers are cumbersome. Inefficient government bureaucratic processes, a high rate of turnover among civil servants, and corruption exacerbate the difficulties for foreigners seeking to work in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Nepal’s geography also presents challenges, adds the report. The country’s mountainous terrain, land-locked geography, and poor transportation infrastructure increases costs for raw materials and exports of finished goods.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Trade unions—each typically affiliated with parties or even factions within a political party—and unpredictable general strikes can create business risk, although this problem, once common, has diminished in recent years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, the potential use of intimidation, extortion, and violence – including the use of improvised explosive devices – by insurgent groups targeting domestic political leaders, GoN entities, and businesses remains a source of potential instability, although this threat too has diminished in recent years (the country’s most prominent insurgent group—led by Netra Bikram Chand, also known as Biplav—agreed in March 2021, to enter peaceful politics, for example).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As Nepal has adopted a federal structure, new tax policies will be introduced at the local and regional levels, so there is a danger of investment being affected if double taxation is imposed, mentions the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"It is questionable how consistent Nepal's tax system is with international standards," the report said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The dispute about the capital gains tax on the purchase and sale of ownership of Ncell, the decision made by the Nepalese court are presented as an example.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“In 2019, a Malaysian company, Axiata (owner of NCell, the largest private telecom company in Nepal), was made to pay $450 million for alleged tax evasion over the 2016 transfer of NCell’s ownership from its previous owners, Swedish firm Telia Sonera. The Supreme Court’s verdict on this case has set the precedent for placing buyers on the hook for the tax liabilities of the sellers.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> The report further said that the US Embassy is aware of at least one U.S.-owned subsidiary in Nepal that is involved in a tax dispute with the GoN. Nepal’s Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) has taken the company to court under the Income Tax Act 2002 and the Revenue Leakage (Investigation and Control) Act 1996. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The current implication of these cases is that Nepal’s tax regime—particularly the above two Acts—needs to be carefully considered by foreign investors when buying/selling companies in Nepal to understand their local tax liabilities.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18342', 'image' => '20230801115609_20160513034506_editor.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 11:55:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18612', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Under Pressure to Complete Bahrbise Substation', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is under pressure to complete the construction of the 220 kV substation which is under construction at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">August 1: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is under pressure to complete the construction of the 220 kV substation which is under construction at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok district.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As the construction of the 102-megawatt Mid Bhotekoshi hydroelectric power plant in Sindhupalchowk under the ownership of Chilime Jaldyut Company has reached its final stage, the authority is under pressure to complete the construction of the substation to which the project will be connected to.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The final phase of construction of the Mid Bhotekoshi will be completed within two months. The electricity generated from Mid Bhotekoshi will be connected to the Barhabise substation through a 220 kV transmission line. The project has already built towers of the transmission line from its power plant to the Barhabise substation, while the wire-pooling work is underway.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The construction of the substation has been delayed due to the poor performance of the joint venture of the Chinese companies Guangxi Transmission and Substation Construction and Shenzhen Claw Electronics, which was awarded the contract for the construction of the Barhabise substation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The authority has warned the contractor that if the construction of the substation is not completed and the electricity of Mid Bhotekoshi cannot be connected, they will have to pay compensation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A high-level team of the authority, including Executive Director Kulman Ghising, Deputy Executive Director of Broadcasting Directorate Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, and Deputy Executive Director of Project Management Directorate Tara Prasad Pradhan visited the substation construction site on Saturday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The team discussed with the project management and construction professionals the problems encountered in the construction, the condition of equipment supply, the construction completion schedule, among other issues.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Executive Director Ghising said that the equipment for the substation, including the power transformer, has been brought to the construction site, and there is no reason for delaying the construction.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“We are ready to facilitate the construction, and the construction should be completed within three months anyway. Otherwise, there may be a painful situation where Mid Bhotekoshi's electricity will be wasted, so let's all take this into consideration and work," he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18341', 'image' => '20230801112547_NEA_20191104081559.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 11:25:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18611', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dengue Cases Surge in 10 Districts', 'sub_title' => 'Sunsari Accounts for More than Half of the Total Cases', 'summary' => 'August 1: More than 5,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. Sunsari district alone has more than half of those patients, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 1: More than 5,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. Sunsari district alone has more than half of those patients, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The division’s Director Rudra Prasad Marasini informed RSS that 5,688 individuals have been infected by the disease across the country since last January. Among them, Sunsari district alone recorded 3,486 dengue cases. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Marasini blamed people's recklessness behind the surge in infection. It has been raining continuously for some days and people have not paid attention to sanitation, thereby contributing to the alarming rise in spread of dengue, said Marasini. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As recent as a week back, there were only 4,619 cases of dengue in Nepal, but it ratcheted up quickly within a week, reaching 5,688. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue is caused by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species of mosquito. They lay eggs on clean water. The eggs turn into larva and larva to adult mosquito. Bite of such mosquito is dreadful, for it causes the dengue infection. So, puddle must be removed around houses. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>10 districts most affected </strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The state-owned RSS reported that Sunsari, Dhading, Kaski, Darchula, Kathmandu, Sankhuwasabha, Myagdi, Morang, Kanchanpur and Jhapa are the most affected districts. Sunsari alone has 3,486 cases while Kathmandu 96 and Jhapa 56. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Koshi Province is the most affected state with 3,821 dengue cases while Madhes Province has the least number with 26 patients. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the RSS, four persons have lost their lives to dengue fever since last January in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>First case in Nepal</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue was first detected in Nepal in the year 2004. Cases of dengue fever increased in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2019.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> According to the available data, 32 infection cases were recorded in 2006 AD, 917 in 2010 AD, 686 in 2013 AD, 1,527 in 2016 AD, 2,111 in 2017 AD, 811 in 2018 AD, 17,992 in 2019 AD, 530 in 2020 AD and 540 in 2021 AD .</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>Climate change</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The mosque-transmitted disease which was mostly found in Terai-Madhes has also been increasingly detected in mountainous cities, including Pokhara and Kathmandu since 2018. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the rise in mercury level in mountainous region due to climate change, dengue cases have been detected in places where it was never reported before. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to government officials, dengue patients have also been detected in Humla, Jumla, Mugu and Dolpa in recent years</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue Control Source Person and vector control officer Shyam Lal Acharya said mountainous region is becoming favourable for lifecycle of mosquitoes. Acharya requested all to adopt precaution as dengue-carrying mosquitoes are active till mid-October.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18340', 'image' => '20230801104315_dengue-test_650x400_61442241844.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 10:42:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18610', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mahottari Records Only 40 Percent Paddy Cultivation Due to Lack of Rainfall', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Due to lack of timely rainfall, only about 40% of the paddy transplantation has taken place in Mahottari district so far. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">August 1: Due to lack of timely rainfall, only about 40% of the paddy transplantation has taken place in Mahottari district so far. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Lack of monsoon rains and the inability of farmers to sow rice seeds on time, paddy cultivation has slumped, said Ramchandra Yadav, the chief of the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Mahottari.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">The district has not received adequate rainfall though the month of July has passed by. Farmers have cultivated paddy in around 40% of the fields by using costly methods like deep tube wells, shallow tube well, and motor pumps.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Dr. Yadav mentioned that out of the total cultivable land of 45 thousand hectares in the district, only about 9 thousand nine hundred hectares have been cultivated so far. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Farmers have transplanted paddy using high costs methods. Unfortunately, paddy has started wilting and paddy fields have become parched and dry for lack of water, Bipendra Pandey said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Another farmer, Ramu Mandal, complained that his paddy saplings had wilted in the field due to lack of rainfall. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Upendra Yadav from Ekdara Rural Municipality Ward-4 said that paddy transplantation could not take place throughout the village and planted paddy had wilted.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Pramod Mandal from Ramgopalpur Municipality Ward-5 complained about not being able to cultivate paddy due to the lack of monsoon rains. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Only around 21,000 hectares of the land has access to irrigation facility in Mahottari. Rest of the land relies on rainwater for paddy cultivation. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Agriculture Knowledge Center has predicted a decline in rice production in this district this year. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18339', 'image' => '20230801060608_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 06:03:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18609', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Drops for Five Consecutive Days after Issuance of Monetary Policy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Since Nepal Rastra Bank announced the monetary policy for the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has been falling on a daily basis except for Monday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 31: Since Nepal Rastra Bank announced the monetary policy for the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has been falling on a daily basis except for Monday. After falling for five successive days since the announcement, NEPSE index increased marginally on Monday. Until Sunday, NEPSE decreased by 5.69 percent (126.81 points) to 2100 points before increasing by 5.84 points on Monday. The monetary policy mentioned about reviewing the existing risk weightage of 150 percent in share mortgage loans.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors estimated that the risk weightage will decrease regardless of the amount of share mortgage loan they take, causing an increase in the market when the monetary policy was unveiled last Sunday. However, Governor Mahaprasad Adhikari, in a press conference held after the release of the monetary policy, made it clear that only 100 percent risk weightage will be maintained for share mortgage loans up to Rs 5 million per person, which resulted in the decline in the secondary market transactions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Some investors have been expressing through social media that they are not positive towards the idea.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Other investors argue that the monetary policy is good, but it is making investors suffer by spreading unnecessary confusion. On the day the monetary policy was announced, the NEPSE index rose 63 points to close at 2,227 points with Rs 4.37 billion worth shares transactions. After that, both NEPSE index and daily turnover declined.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors had good expectations through monetary policy. Before the announcement of the monetary policy, there was news that the average risk weight will be revised. The governor had also expressed the same intention from time to time. Likewise, liquidity in the financial system had eased with credit-deposit ratio (CD ratio) at 82 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">When the monetary policy was announced, it was said that 150 percent of the risk weightage of share mortgage loans would be revised. However, it did not happen accordingly. That is why the market decreased. Another reason is that traders book profits in rising markets. After making profits, traders buy shares only when the market comes down again. This is also the reason why the market was affected. Nothing else has a negative impact on the stock market. Now the listed companies have started publishing their fourth quarterly financial statements. Mutual funds have started declaring dividends. The stock market is expected to gradually return to its own rhythm.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18338', 'image' => '20230731063910_1530530135-scaled.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 18:38:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18608', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Country Reports 77 Percent Rice Transplantation till Last Week of July', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As of July 28, the rice transplantation rate in the country stands at 77 percent, according to the Agriculture Information and Training Center.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">July 31: As of July 28, the rice transplantation rate in the country stands at 77 percent, according to the Agriculture Information and Training Center.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">This marks a decrease compared to the corresponding period last year when 90 percent of rice cultivation had already been completed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Across the country, paddy has been planted in a total area of 1,053,404 hectares out of 1,357,816 hectares as of the last week of July. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Koshi Province, the rice cultivation rate is currently at 84 percent, which is a slight drop from 88 percent during the same period last year. Rice transplantation has taken place on 275,133 hectares of land in the province this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Rice has been cultivated in 209,086 hectares, accounting for 59 percent of the total 354,383 arable land in Madhes Province. This is lower than the figure reported during the same period last year, which was 83 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Bagmati Province, the rice cultivation rate currently stands at 72 percent, a significant decrease from 93 percent during the same period last year. The province has reported rice transplantation on 81,420 hectares out of the total 113,083 hectares of land suitable for rice cultivation.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"> Out of the total 104,622 hectares of arable land, paddy transplantation has taken place in 85,790 hectares so far (82 percent) in Gandaki Province. This represents a decrease from 96 percent during the same period last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Lumbini Province, paddy cultivation has been completed in 243,318 hectares of the total 300,392 hectares (81 percent). This is a decrease from 85 percent last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Karnali Province has reported the paddy transplantation in 32,918 hectares of the total 38,727 hectares (85 percent), showing an increase from 78 percent last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Sudurpaschim Province, paddy plantation has been completed in 169,761 hectares out of a total of 171,476 hectares (99 percent). The same percentage of paddy cultivation took place during the same period last year, according to the Centre.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Overall, the country's rice transplantation progress is at 77 percent, with some provinces experiencing better results than others compared to the same period last year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">The Agriculture Information and Training Center is closely monitoring the situation as the rice cultivation season continues. (RSS)</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18337', 'image' => '20230731052041_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 17:18:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18607', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Aloft Kathmandu Thamel Celebrates Fourth Anniversary', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, a renowned hotel in the heart of the capital, celebrated its fourth anniversary amid a dazzling event on July 28.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">July 31: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, a renowned hotel in the heart of the capital, celebrated its fourth anniversary amid a dazzling event on July 28.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Issuing a statement, the hotel said that the night came alive as guests, partners, and patrons gathered to celebrate four years of exceptional service and cherished memories at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">“The fourth-anniversary extravaganza was a delightful fusion of modern flair, sassy vibes, and an exhilarating space-themed ambiance, perfectly embodying the hotel's distinctive spirit,” read the statement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the hotel, the event started with captivating live music by the talented Revolution Band, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary hits. The hotel's dedication to supporting local arts was evident as these gifted performers took center stage, added the statement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The culinary experience was equally enchanting, featuring delectable international and local treats masterfully crafted by Chef Rajeev and his team of culinary experts from Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, said the hotel.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Vikram Singh, the general manager of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are deeply moved by the overwhelming support and love we have received over the past four years. Our fourth anniversary celebration was an opportunity to honor the shared memories and connections that have made Aloft Kathmandu Thamel a success among our guests, patrons and team members. It's been a journey filled with cherished memories and meaningful connections, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful bond in the years to come.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Speaking on the occasion of the fourth-year anniversary, Prithivi B Pande, Chairman of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel stated, “I am grateful for all the success. This hotel is a reflection of a long-cherished dream. Thank you to the entire team of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel for all their dedication and our valued patrons and guests for their unwavering support, and I look forward to the continued success and shared journeys ahead.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In appreciation of the continued support from its valued guests, the hotel presented 150 selected attendees with a special memento.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18336', 'image' => '20230731040108_aloft.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 16:00:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18606', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists in Off-Season Elates Tourism Entrepreneurs of Sauraha ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Hotel entrepreneurs of Sauraha are elated with the rising inflow of tourists in the district despite increasing risks in the travel during the rainy season. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: Hotel entrepreneurs of Sauraha are elated with the rising inflow of tourists in the district despite increasing risks in the travel during the rainy season. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July and August are considered off-season in terms of the inflow of tourists. Due to shrinking business in the rainy season, the hotel staff were also encouraged to stay on leave in previous years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the increasing flow of domestic and foreign tourists in the off-season this time has elated the tourism entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Chairperson of the Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, Ganga Giri, 1000 to 1200 tourists are arriving in Sauraha on an average day in this season. Half of them are foreigners with dominant number of Chinese tourists. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There are 125 hotels in Sauraha having capacity to accommodate 6,200 people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The increasing number of tourists in the off-season has excited tourism entrepreneurs here, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 100 tourists are enjoying elephant ride in Sauraha on a daily basis, informed chairperson of United Elephant Operators' Cooperative organization, Rishi Tiwari. Mostly the Chinese tourists are enjoying elephant ride, he shared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The number of tourists in Sauraha is higher than it was in the previous years. Former chairperson of Regional Hotel Association, Suman Ghimire said the arrival of tourists is satisfactory despite bad condition of roads. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It has made entrepreneurs hopeful for the rebound of tourism industry in Nepal, Ghimire said. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18335', 'image' => '20230731020930_20220909043430_Chitwan-sunset-sauraha-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 14:08:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18605', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PAC Draws Parliament's Attention to Form High-Level Body to Probe 100 kg Gold Smuggling Case ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn the attention of the parliament to form a high-level committee to probe the 100 kg gold smuggling case. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn the attention of the parliament to form a high-level committee to probe the 100 kg gold smuggling case. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the committee on Sunday called for forming the high-powered committee to investigate the case. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The committee has taken a decision to draw the attention of the parliament to form a high level committee for investigation," said Arjun Narsingh KC, who chairs the committee as its senior-most member. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the meeting endorsed the 'Public Accounts Committee Operation Procedures, 2080'. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The committee also drew the attention of the concerned authorities to the inability of planting paddy in the Tarai for want of irrigation, and water scarcity. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18334', 'image' => '20230731125034_goldee.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 12:49:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18604', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Heavy Rainfall with Thunderstorms and Lightning Likely Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The country is under the influence of monsoon winds at present. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The country is under the influence of monsoon winds at present. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there will be partial to general changes in weather across the country in the day time today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Light to moderate rainfall is taking place in some areas of the Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and one to two places of the Koshi, Bagmati and Sudurpaschim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There is a chance of light to moderate rainfall in some areas of mountainous region and limited areas of the remaining provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It is predicted that one to two areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces will see heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning later in the day. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the night time, there is a chance of heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning in one or two places of the Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18333', 'image' => '20230731105714_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 10:56:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18603', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'SC Issues Interlocutory Order not to Implement VAT on Air Tickets ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interlocutory order asking the government to not implement value added tax (VAT) on air tickets. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interlocutory order asking the government to not implement value added tax (VAT) on air tickets. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The SC issued such an order in response to a writ petition filed by Nepal Association of Tours and Travels Agent (NATTA). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A single bench of Justice Anil Kumar Sinha issued the order and also summoned the government side for discussion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NATTA had moved the SC on July 17, seeking mandamus order with certiorari against the government’s decision to impose VAT on air tickets.</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"">Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat had announced to implement VAT on plane tickets during the budget announcement for the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The tourism entrepreneurs had however argued that the VAT imposed on air tickets was not friendly to tourism entrepreneurs and would impact adversely on the tourism business. Travel companies and passengers would have to bear the brunt of VAT, NATTA had argued. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18332', 'image' => '20230731103836_Tourist.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 10:37:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18618', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Investment in Tile Industry Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The tradition of using floor tiles extensively in Nepal is believed to have started only a decade ago.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">August 1: The tradition of using floor tiles extensively in Nepal is believed to have started only a decade ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The businessmen who have been working in this field say that the use and demand of tiles is increasing both for residential and official buildings.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to the data of the Department of Customs, Nepal imported tiles worth more than Rs 10 billion in the fiscal year (FY) 2078/79. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to the department, a large amount of ceramic tiles are imported from India and China. Tiles are also imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Spain and other countries. The data indicates good prospects for the future of the tile industry in 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Based on this assessment, businessmen have started investing in such industries. Some of the industries are operational and some are under construction. According to the Department of Industry, the process of registration of new tiles industry is also underway.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The tiles industry of Prime Ceramics Pvt Ltd has come into operation recently. The company has been producing and selling tiles from a factory spread over an area of 10 bighas of land located in Brindavan Municipality-6 of Rautahat for about one month.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to the company, the latest Italian technology has been installed in the factory. It is fully automatic. The company has invested Rs 25 million just for land. The company says that it has invested Rs 2 billion in total for land purchased and equipment. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry has given employment opportunities for the local residents as well as workers from neighboring districts and neighboring India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Pradeep Kumar Jha, the general manager of the company, said that although the target of the industry is to produce tiles of 11 different sizes, they are currently producing 5 different sizes of tiles.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">"</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The production capacity is 150,000 square feet of tiles per day," Jha said. "The industry will run in full capacity within the next six months, which will create more jobs." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry has given employment to 300 people. Jha said that customers in Nepal can avail domestically produced tiles at 20 to 25 percent cheaper than the tiles coming from the international market.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry is currently sending three truckloads of tiles to the market daily. According to Jha, 45 percent of the production goes to Kathmandu. Jha says that Kathmandu Valley is the main market at present. The rest of the production is being sent to other cities in 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry, which is thinking of exporting its product to India as well, has filed an application with the Department of Mines and Geology seeking for permission to use the red clay as a raw material. According to Jha, the industry is using most of the raw materials 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry is producing tiles in two dozen colors. General Manager Jha also claimed that their products are of high quality and have the ability to compete with international brands.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18347', 'image' => '20230801032047_1690858902.2023-08-01 08.46.31.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 15:20:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18617', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '‘Govt-Private Sector Collaboration a Must for Self-Reliant Economy’', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal has said collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector helps foster economic activities. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 1: Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal has said collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector helps foster economic activities. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Releasing a book entitled 'Self Reliant Economy and Export Potential' during a programme organized jointly by the Confederation of Bank and Financial Institutions of Nepal (CBFIN), and Federation of Nepal Exports' Association on Monday, Chief Secretary Aryal said promotion of exports is essential to build a self-reliant economy. </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"">“Once exportable goods are produced, there would not be problem in marketing,” he assured. </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 chief secretary said that the establishment of export house for export promotion was a laudable initiative, and assured of assistance from government side as well. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, Secretary at Foreign Ministry, Bharat Raj Paudel, said that the book shall serve as a good guide on how the Nepali products could be exported.</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"">“Quality must be ensured in such products for foreign supply,” he told the entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the foreign secretary, Nepali diplomatic missions abroad could help promote exports for which the Foreign Ministry is ready to facilitate. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Madhu Kumar Marasini, said that the government has been identifying the goods that can be exported. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Businesspersons including Bhawani Rana and Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal also underscored the need for augmenting exports of Nepal's original products to meet the sustainable development goals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CBFIN Chairman Pawan Kumar Golyan said export promotion cold help generate jobs within home and reduce trade loss as well. Nepal's original products could be promoted for exports so that the country could create 800,000 jobs in two years. </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 book coauthored by Dr Gopal Prasad Tiwari, Uttam Prasad Gautam and Krishna Raj Bajgain has enlisted the exportable Nepali products as handmade paper, allo, cumin, cardamom, medicinal herbs, turmeric and basket. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18346', 'image' => '20230801012541_ppp.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 13:24:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18615', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govt's Restrictive Policies Stifling Trade and Industry: Private Sector', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The private sector has complained that due their business is in crisis due to the restrictive policy introduced by the government.', '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 1: The private sector has complained that due their business is in crisis due to the restrictive policy introduced by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They have alleged that the government authorities have been giving them unnecessary hassles in the name of facilitating foreign trade and also due to needless investigations.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Entrepreneurs claim that the government is creating obstacles in the business through policy intervention while the officials at the implementation level have made the things more problematic by indulging in corruption.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Representatives of the Madhes Province chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) said during an interaction with the customs officials of Birgunj on Sunday that the industrialists and traders are now unable to do business. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 officials of Birgunj customs who attended the interaction clarified that their main objective is trade facilitation. They said that they are looking forward to solving the problems faced during the implementation of policies related to import and export.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of the Madhesh chapter of the FNCCI, emphasized that foreign trade procedures should be transparent. Online and automated systems should be encouraged to promote transparency, he said. “Integrating the software of the integrated check posts of Nepal and India can also help in this," said Temani.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Temani complained that despite the implementation of VCTS by the Revenue Investigation Department to control revenue leakage by making foreign trade transparent and dignified, the work of stopping vehicles in the name of investigation has not been stopped. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ganesh Prasad Lath, outgoing president of FNCCI Madhesh Province, said that trade and industry have become overburdened by one after another policy introduced by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He claimed that the government's strict policies and regulations have promoted unauthorized trade. Participating entrepreneurs complained that the private sector has been hurt by the government's labeling system, customs assessment and revenue investigation raids implemented on imported goods since the beginning of the current fiscal year</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief Customs Administrator of Birgunj Customs, Dilaram Panthi said that an arrangement to keep a label on the imported goods with the details of the manufacturer and distributor was introduced for controlling unauthorized imports. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 aim of any policy and rule brought by the government is to facilitate business. If there is a problem in its implementation, a solution should be found," 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"">He also said that there is a need for coordination and cooperation between the private sector and customs officials for procedural reform.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Birgunj Dry Port Customs Chief Ram Mainali said that customs assessment should be made scientific. He added that the problems encountered in the implementation of labels on imported goods will be addressed after the implementation of the procedure. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18344', 'image' => '20230801012238_1690798775.BIRGUNG.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 13:21:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18614', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '16th Periodic Plan to Focus on Good Governance, Social Justice and Prosperity', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the major focuses of the government in the forthcoming 16th periodic plan. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 1: Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the major focuses of the government in the forthcoming 16th periodic plan. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The plan is to ensure social justice in health, education, employment and housing while good governance in political, administrative and judicial fronts, according to the National Planning Commission, the government body responsible for the planning. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, prosperity in social life, economic development and national economy are key issues, NPC Vice Chairman Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha said, adding, "All levels of government and stakeholders need to build capacity for smooth and effective coordination and collaboration so that the plan would be implemented in a result-oriented manner." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The 16th periodic plan will identify and address the structural barriers surfaced in the strategic development endeavours, he said, adding that that efforts of self-reliance in agricultural production, export promotion, development of tourism and industries, power trade, irrigation expansion, establishment of metal industry, complete use of labour force would help achieve national development and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, reform in service delivery, infrastructure development, strengthening of economic foundation and creation of decent and inclusive employment, quality education, urban management, social empowerment, social security, capacity enhancement on capital spending are other important areas included in the plan. -- RSS</span><br /> </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18343', 'image' => '20230801125035_20230703105203_image.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 12:49:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18613', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'US Report Identifies Corruption and Political Instability as Major Obstacles for Investment in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Nepal has not yet become a completely investment-friendly country, according to a recent report prepared by the US Department of State.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 1: Nepal has not yet become a completely investment-friendly country, according to a recent report prepared by the US Department of State. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Despite considerable potential – particularly in the energy, tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), infrastructure and agriculture sectors – political instability, widespread corruption, cumbersome bureaucracy, and inconsistent implementation of laws and regulations have deterred potential investment, reads the 2023 Investment Climate Statement issued by the US Department of State.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report has mentioned political instability as a major obstacle to investment. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“The COVID pandemic coupled with a fresh bout of political instability slowed reform efforts that might have made Nepal a more attractive investment destination. While the Government of Nepal (GoN) publicly states its keenness to attract foreign investment, this has yet to translate into meaningful practice. Despite these challenges, foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country has been increasing in recent years.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report further states that corruption, laws limiting the operations of foreign banks, lingering challenges in the repatriation of profits, controlled currency exchange facilities, prohibition of FDI in certain sectors as well as a minimum foreign investment threshold of NPR 20 million (USD 154,000), and the government’s monopoly over certain sectors of the economy (such as electricity transmission and petroleum distribution), undermine foreign investment in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Political uncertainty is a continuing challenge for foreign (as well as domestic) investors. Nepal’s ruling parties have spent much of their energy over the last years on internal political power struggles instead of governance, added the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“While fresh elections in November 2022, and a new government has raised hopes for political stability, this is not guaranteed. Political instability often engenders policy stagnation and uncertainty.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Nevertheless, the report states that Nepal’s location between India and China presents opportunities for foreign investors. Nepal also possesses natural resources that have significant commercial potential.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Hydropower – Nepal has an estimated 40,000 megawatts (MW) of commercially-viable hydropower electricity generation potential, which could become a major source of income through electricity exports. Other sectors offering potential investment opportunities include agriculture, tourism, the ICT sector, and infrastructure. The tourism sector is recovering from the downturn due to the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, Nepal offers opportunities for investors willing to accept the inherent risks and unpredictability of doing business in the country and who possess the resilience to invest with a long-term mindset. While Nepal has established some investment-friendly laws and regulations in recent years, significant barriers to investment remain, including the following reported by the business community:</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A lack of understanding of international business standards and practices among the political and bureaucratic class, and a legal and regulatory regime that is not quite aligned with international practices also impede, hinder, and frustrate foreign investors, states the report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> “Elements of Nepal’s tax regime, in particular, may be inconsistent with international practices, and could trip-up foreign investors as has happened in two cases in recent years.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, immigration laws and visa policies for foreign workers are cumbersome. Inefficient government bureaucratic processes, a high rate of turnover among civil servants, and corruption exacerbate the difficulties for foreigners seeking to work in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Nepal’s geography also presents challenges, adds the report. The country’s mountainous terrain, land-locked geography, and poor transportation infrastructure increases costs for raw materials and exports of finished goods.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Trade unions—each typically affiliated with parties or even factions within a political party—and unpredictable general strikes can create business risk, although this problem, once common, has diminished in recent years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, the potential use of intimidation, extortion, and violence – including the use of improvised explosive devices – by insurgent groups targeting domestic political leaders, GoN entities, and businesses remains a source of potential instability, although this threat too has diminished in recent years (the country’s most prominent insurgent group—led by Netra Bikram Chand, also known as Biplav—agreed in March 2021, to enter peaceful politics, for example).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As Nepal has adopted a federal structure, new tax policies will be introduced at the local and regional levels, so there is a danger of investment being affected if double taxation is imposed, mentions the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"It is questionable how consistent Nepal's tax system is with international standards," the report said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The dispute about the capital gains tax on the purchase and sale of ownership of Ncell, the decision made by the Nepalese court are presented as an example.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“In 2019, a Malaysian company, Axiata (owner of NCell, the largest private telecom company in Nepal), was made to pay $450 million for alleged tax evasion over the 2016 transfer of NCell’s ownership from its previous owners, Swedish firm Telia Sonera. The Supreme Court’s verdict on this case has set the precedent for placing buyers on the hook for the tax liabilities of the sellers.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> The report further said that the US Embassy is aware of at least one U.S.-owned subsidiary in Nepal that is involved in a tax dispute with the GoN. Nepal’s Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) has taken the company to court under the Income Tax Act 2002 and the Revenue Leakage (Investigation and Control) Act 1996. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The current implication of these cases is that Nepal’s tax regime—particularly the above two Acts—needs to be carefully considered by foreign investors when buying/selling companies in Nepal to understand their local tax liabilities.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18342', 'image' => '20230801115609_20160513034506_editor.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 11:55:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18612', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Under Pressure to Complete Bahrbise Substation', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is under pressure to complete the construction of the 220 kV substation which is under construction at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">August 1: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is under pressure to complete the construction of the 220 kV substation which is under construction at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok district.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As the construction of the 102-megawatt Mid Bhotekoshi hydroelectric power plant in Sindhupalchowk under the ownership of Chilime Jaldyut Company has reached its final stage, the authority is under pressure to complete the construction of the substation to which the project will be connected to.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The final phase of construction of the Mid Bhotekoshi will be completed within two months. The electricity generated from Mid Bhotekoshi will be connected to the Barhabise substation through a 220 kV transmission line. The project has already built towers of the transmission line from its power plant to the Barhabise substation, while the wire-pooling work is underway.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The construction of the substation has been delayed due to the poor performance of the joint venture of the Chinese companies Guangxi Transmission and Substation Construction and Shenzhen Claw Electronics, which was awarded the contract for the construction of the Barhabise substation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The authority has warned the contractor that if the construction of the substation is not completed and the electricity of Mid Bhotekoshi cannot be connected, they will have to pay compensation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A high-level team of the authority, including Executive Director Kulman Ghising, Deputy Executive Director of Broadcasting Directorate Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, and Deputy Executive Director of Project Management Directorate Tara Prasad Pradhan visited the substation construction site on Saturday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The team discussed with the project management and construction professionals the problems encountered in the construction, the condition of equipment supply, the construction completion schedule, among other issues.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Executive Director Ghising said that the equipment for the substation, including the power transformer, has been brought to the construction site, and there is no reason for delaying the construction.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“We are ready to facilitate the construction, and the construction should be completed within three months anyway. Otherwise, there may be a painful situation where Mid Bhotekoshi's electricity will be wasted, so let's all take this into consideration and work," he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18341', 'image' => '20230801112547_NEA_20191104081559.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 11:25:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18611', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dengue Cases Surge in 10 Districts', 'sub_title' => 'Sunsari Accounts for More than Half of the Total Cases', 'summary' => 'August 1: More than 5,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. Sunsari district alone has more than half of those patients, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 1: More than 5,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. Sunsari district alone has more than half of those patients, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The division’s Director Rudra Prasad Marasini informed RSS that 5,688 individuals have been infected by the disease across the country since last January. Among them, Sunsari district alone recorded 3,486 dengue cases. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Marasini blamed people's recklessness behind the surge in infection. It has been raining continuously for some days and people have not paid attention to sanitation, thereby contributing to the alarming rise in spread of dengue, said Marasini. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As recent as a week back, there were only 4,619 cases of dengue in Nepal, but it ratcheted up quickly within a week, reaching 5,688. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue is caused by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species of mosquito. They lay eggs on clean water. The eggs turn into larva and larva to adult mosquito. Bite of such mosquito is dreadful, for it causes the dengue infection. So, puddle must be removed around houses. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>10 districts most affected </strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The state-owned RSS reported that Sunsari, Dhading, Kaski, Darchula, Kathmandu, Sankhuwasabha, Myagdi, Morang, Kanchanpur and Jhapa are the most affected districts. Sunsari alone has 3,486 cases while Kathmandu 96 and Jhapa 56. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Koshi Province is the most affected state with 3,821 dengue cases while Madhes Province has the least number with 26 patients. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the RSS, four persons have lost their lives to dengue fever since last January in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>First case in Nepal</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue was first detected in Nepal in the year 2004. Cases of dengue fever increased in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2019.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> According to the available data, 32 infection cases were recorded in 2006 AD, 917 in 2010 AD, 686 in 2013 AD, 1,527 in 2016 AD, 2,111 in 2017 AD, 811 in 2018 AD, 17,992 in 2019 AD, 530 in 2020 AD and 540 in 2021 AD .</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>Climate change</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The mosque-transmitted disease which was mostly found in Terai-Madhes has also been increasingly detected in mountainous cities, including Pokhara and Kathmandu since 2018. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the rise in mercury level in mountainous region due to climate change, dengue cases have been detected in places where it was never reported before. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to government officials, dengue patients have also been detected in Humla, Jumla, Mugu and Dolpa in recent years</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue Control Source Person and vector control officer Shyam Lal Acharya said mountainous region is becoming favourable for lifecycle of mosquitoes. Acharya requested all to adopt precaution as dengue-carrying mosquitoes are active till mid-October.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18340', 'image' => '20230801104315_dengue-test_650x400_61442241844.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 10:42:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18610', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mahottari Records Only 40 Percent Paddy Cultivation Due to Lack of Rainfall', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Due to lack of timely rainfall, only about 40% of the paddy transplantation has taken place in Mahottari district so far. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">August 1: Due to lack of timely rainfall, only about 40% of the paddy transplantation has taken place in Mahottari district so far. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Lack of monsoon rains and the inability of farmers to sow rice seeds on time, paddy cultivation has slumped, said Ramchandra Yadav, the chief of the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Mahottari.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">The district has not received adequate rainfall though the month of July has passed by. Farmers have cultivated paddy in around 40% of the fields by using costly methods like deep tube wells, shallow tube well, and motor pumps.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Dr. Yadav mentioned that out of the total cultivable land of 45 thousand hectares in the district, only about 9 thousand nine hundred hectares have been cultivated so far. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Farmers have transplanted paddy using high costs methods. Unfortunately, paddy has started wilting and paddy fields have become parched and dry for lack of water, Bipendra Pandey said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Another farmer, Ramu Mandal, complained that his paddy saplings had wilted in the field due to lack of rainfall. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Upendra Yadav from Ekdara Rural Municipality Ward-4 said that paddy transplantation could not take place throughout the village and planted paddy had wilted.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Pramod Mandal from Ramgopalpur Municipality Ward-5 complained about not being able to cultivate paddy due to the lack of monsoon rains. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Only around 21,000 hectares of the land has access to irrigation facility in Mahottari. Rest of the land relies on rainwater for paddy cultivation. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Agriculture Knowledge Center has predicted a decline in rice production in this district this year. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18339', 'image' => '20230801060608_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 06:03:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18609', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Drops for Five Consecutive Days after Issuance of Monetary Policy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Since Nepal Rastra Bank announced the monetary policy for the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has been falling on a daily basis except for Monday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 31: Since Nepal Rastra Bank announced the monetary policy for the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has been falling on a daily basis except for Monday. After falling for five successive days since the announcement, NEPSE index increased marginally on Monday. Until Sunday, NEPSE decreased by 5.69 percent (126.81 points) to 2100 points before increasing by 5.84 points on Monday. The monetary policy mentioned about reviewing the existing risk weightage of 150 percent in share mortgage loans.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors estimated that the risk weightage will decrease regardless of the amount of share mortgage loan they take, causing an increase in the market when the monetary policy was unveiled last Sunday. However, Governor Mahaprasad Adhikari, in a press conference held after the release of the monetary policy, made it clear that only 100 percent risk weightage will be maintained for share mortgage loans up to Rs 5 million per person, which resulted in the decline in the secondary market transactions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Some investors have been expressing through social media that they are not positive towards the idea.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Other investors argue that the monetary policy is good, but it is making investors suffer by spreading unnecessary confusion. On the day the monetary policy was announced, the NEPSE index rose 63 points to close at 2,227 points with Rs 4.37 billion worth shares transactions. After that, both NEPSE index and daily turnover declined.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors had good expectations through monetary policy. Before the announcement of the monetary policy, there was news that the average risk weight will be revised. The governor had also expressed the same intention from time to time. Likewise, liquidity in the financial system had eased with credit-deposit ratio (CD ratio) at 82 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">When the monetary policy was announced, it was said that 150 percent of the risk weightage of share mortgage loans would be revised. However, it did not happen accordingly. That is why the market decreased. Another reason is that traders book profits in rising markets. After making profits, traders buy shares only when the market comes down again. This is also the reason why the market was affected. Nothing else has a negative impact on the stock market. Now the listed companies have started publishing their fourth quarterly financial statements. Mutual funds have started declaring dividends. The stock market is expected to gradually return to its own rhythm.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18338', 'image' => '20230731063910_1530530135-scaled.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 18:38:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18608', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Country Reports 77 Percent Rice Transplantation till Last Week of July', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As of July 28, the rice transplantation rate in the country stands at 77 percent, according to the Agriculture Information and Training Center.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">July 31: As of July 28, the rice transplantation rate in the country stands at 77 percent, according to the Agriculture Information and Training Center.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">This marks a decrease compared to the corresponding period last year when 90 percent of rice cultivation had already been completed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Across the country, paddy has been planted in a total area of 1,053,404 hectares out of 1,357,816 hectares as of the last week of July. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Koshi Province, the rice cultivation rate is currently at 84 percent, which is a slight drop from 88 percent during the same period last year. Rice transplantation has taken place on 275,133 hectares of land in the province this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Rice has been cultivated in 209,086 hectares, accounting for 59 percent of the total 354,383 arable land in Madhes Province. This is lower than the figure reported during the same period last year, which was 83 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Bagmati Province, the rice cultivation rate currently stands at 72 percent, a significant decrease from 93 percent during the same period last year. The province has reported rice transplantation on 81,420 hectares out of the total 113,083 hectares of land suitable for rice cultivation.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"> Out of the total 104,622 hectares of arable land, paddy transplantation has taken place in 85,790 hectares so far (82 percent) in Gandaki Province. This represents a decrease from 96 percent during the same period last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Lumbini Province, paddy cultivation has been completed in 243,318 hectares of the total 300,392 hectares (81 percent). This is a decrease from 85 percent last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Karnali Province has reported the paddy transplantation in 32,918 hectares of the total 38,727 hectares (85 percent), showing an increase from 78 percent last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Sudurpaschim Province, paddy plantation has been completed in 169,761 hectares out of a total of 171,476 hectares (99 percent). The same percentage of paddy cultivation took place during the same period last year, according to the Centre.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Overall, the country's rice transplantation progress is at 77 percent, with some provinces experiencing better results than others compared to the same period last year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">The Agriculture Information and Training Center is closely monitoring the situation as the rice cultivation season continues. (RSS)</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18337', 'image' => '20230731052041_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 17:18:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18607', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Aloft Kathmandu Thamel Celebrates Fourth Anniversary', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, a renowned hotel in the heart of the capital, celebrated its fourth anniversary amid a dazzling event on July 28.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">July 31: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, a renowned hotel in the heart of the capital, celebrated its fourth anniversary amid a dazzling event on July 28.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Issuing a statement, the hotel said that the night came alive as guests, partners, and patrons gathered to celebrate four years of exceptional service and cherished memories at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">“The fourth-anniversary extravaganza was a delightful fusion of modern flair, sassy vibes, and an exhilarating space-themed ambiance, perfectly embodying the hotel's distinctive spirit,” read the statement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the hotel, the event started with captivating live music by the talented Revolution Band, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary hits. The hotel's dedication to supporting local arts was evident as these gifted performers took center stage, added the statement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The culinary experience was equally enchanting, featuring delectable international and local treats masterfully crafted by Chef Rajeev and his team of culinary experts from Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, said the hotel.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Vikram Singh, the general manager of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are deeply moved by the overwhelming support and love we have received over the past four years. Our fourth anniversary celebration was an opportunity to honor the shared memories and connections that have made Aloft Kathmandu Thamel a success among our guests, patrons and team members. It's been a journey filled with cherished memories and meaningful connections, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful bond in the years to come.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Speaking on the occasion of the fourth-year anniversary, Prithivi B Pande, Chairman of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel stated, “I am grateful for all the success. This hotel is a reflection of a long-cherished dream. Thank you to the entire team of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel for all their dedication and our valued patrons and guests for their unwavering support, and I look forward to the continued success and shared journeys ahead.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In appreciation of the continued support from its valued guests, the hotel presented 150 selected attendees with a special memento.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18336', 'image' => '20230731040108_aloft.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 16:00:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18606', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists in Off-Season Elates Tourism Entrepreneurs of Sauraha ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Hotel entrepreneurs of Sauraha are elated with the rising inflow of tourists in the district despite increasing risks in the travel during the rainy season. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: Hotel entrepreneurs of Sauraha are elated with the rising inflow of tourists in the district despite increasing risks in the travel during the rainy season. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July and August are considered off-season in terms of the inflow of tourists. Due to shrinking business in the rainy season, the hotel staff were also encouraged to stay on leave in previous years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the increasing flow of domestic and foreign tourists in the off-season this time has elated the tourism entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Chairperson of the Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, Ganga Giri, 1000 to 1200 tourists are arriving in Sauraha on an average day in this season. Half of them are foreigners with dominant number of Chinese tourists. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There are 125 hotels in Sauraha having capacity to accommodate 6,200 people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The increasing number of tourists in the off-season has excited tourism entrepreneurs here, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 100 tourists are enjoying elephant ride in Sauraha on a daily basis, informed chairperson of United Elephant Operators' Cooperative organization, Rishi Tiwari. Mostly the Chinese tourists are enjoying elephant ride, he shared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The number of tourists in Sauraha is higher than it was in the previous years. Former chairperson of Regional Hotel Association, Suman Ghimire said the arrival of tourists is satisfactory despite bad condition of roads. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It has made entrepreneurs hopeful for the rebound of tourism industry in Nepal, Ghimire said. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18335', 'image' => '20230731020930_20220909043430_Chitwan-sunset-sauraha-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 14:08:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18605', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PAC Draws Parliament's Attention to Form High-Level Body to Probe 100 kg Gold Smuggling Case ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn the attention of the parliament to form a high-level committee to probe the 100 kg gold smuggling case. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn the attention of the parliament to form a high-level committee to probe the 100 kg gold smuggling case. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the committee on Sunday called for forming the high-powered committee to investigate the case. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The committee has taken a decision to draw the attention of the parliament to form a high level committee for investigation," said Arjun Narsingh KC, who chairs the committee as its senior-most member. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the meeting endorsed the 'Public Accounts Committee Operation Procedures, 2080'. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The committee also drew the attention of the concerned authorities to the inability of planting paddy in the Tarai for want of irrigation, and water scarcity. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18334', 'image' => '20230731125034_goldee.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 12:49:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18604', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Heavy Rainfall with Thunderstorms and Lightning Likely Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The country is under the influence of monsoon winds at present. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The country is under the influence of monsoon winds at present. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there will be partial to general changes in weather across the country in the day time today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Light to moderate rainfall is taking place in some areas of the Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and one to two places of the Koshi, Bagmati and Sudurpaschim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There is a chance of light to moderate rainfall in some areas of mountainous region and limited areas of the remaining provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It is predicted that one to two areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces will see heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning later in the day. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the night time, there is a chance of heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning in one or two places of the Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18333', 'image' => '20230731105714_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 10:56:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18603', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'SC Issues Interlocutory Order not to Implement VAT on Air Tickets ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interlocutory order asking the government to not implement value added tax (VAT) on air tickets. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interlocutory order asking the government to not implement value added tax (VAT) on air tickets. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The SC issued such an order in response to a writ petition filed by Nepal Association of Tours and Travels Agent (NATTA). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A single bench of Justice Anil Kumar Sinha issued the order and also summoned the government side for discussion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NATTA had moved the SC on July 17, seeking mandamus order with certiorari against the government’s decision to impose VAT on air tickets.</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"">Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat had announced to implement VAT on plane tickets during the budget announcement for the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The tourism entrepreneurs had however argued that the VAT imposed on air tickets was not friendly to tourism entrepreneurs and would impact adversely on the tourism business. Travel companies and passengers would have to bear the brunt of VAT, NATTA had argued. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18332', 'image' => '20230731103836_Tourist.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 10:37:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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Tiles are also imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Spain and other countries. The data indicates good prospects for the future of the tile industry in 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Based on this assessment, businessmen have started investing in such industries. Some of the industries are operational and some are under construction. According to the Department of Industry, the process of registration of new tiles industry is also underway.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The tiles industry of Prime Ceramics Pvt Ltd has come into operation recently. The company has been producing and selling tiles from a factory spread over an area of 10 bighas of land located in Brindavan Municipality-6 of Rautahat for about one month.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to the company, the latest Italian technology has been installed in the factory. It is fully automatic. The company has invested Rs 25 million just for land. The company says that it has invested Rs 2 billion in total for land purchased and equipment. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry has given employment opportunities for the local residents as well as workers from neighboring districts and neighboring India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Pradeep Kumar Jha, the general manager of the company, said that although the target of the industry is to produce tiles of 11 different sizes, they are currently producing 5 different sizes of tiles.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">"</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The production capacity is 150,000 square feet of tiles per day," Jha said. "The industry will run in full capacity within the next six months, which will create more jobs." </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry has given employment to 300 people. Jha said that customers in Nepal can avail domestically produced tiles at 20 to 25 percent cheaper than the tiles coming from the international market.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry is currently sending three truckloads of tiles to the market daily. According to Jha, 45 percent of the production goes to Kathmandu. Jha says that Kathmandu Valley is the main market at present. The rest of the production is being sent to other cities in 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry, which is thinking of exporting its product to India as well, has filed an application with the Department of Mines and Geology seeking for permission to use the red clay as a raw material. According to Jha, the industry is using most of the raw materials 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:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The industry is producing tiles in two dozen colors. General Manager Jha also claimed that their products are of high quality and have the ability to compete with international brands.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18347', 'image' => '20230801032047_1690858902.2023-08-01 08.46.31.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 15:20:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18617', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '‘Govt-Private Sector Collaboration a Must for Self-Reliant Economy’', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal has said collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector helps foster economic activities. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 1: Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal has said collaboration and cooperation between government and private sector helps foster economic activities. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Releasing a book entitled 'Self Reliant Economy and Export Potential' during a programme organized jointly by the Confederation of Bank and Financial Institutions of Nepal (CBFIN), and Federation of Nepal Exports' Association on Monday, Chief Secretary Aryal said promotion of exports is essential to build a self-reliant economy. </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"">“Once exportable goods are produced, there would not be problem in marketing,” he assured. </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 chief secretary said that the establishment of export house for export promotion was a laudable initiative, and assured of assistance from government side as well. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, Secretary at Foreign Ministry, Bharat Raj Paudel, said that the book shall serve as a good guide on how the Nepali products could be exported.</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"">“Quality must be ensured in such products for foreign supply,” he told the entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the foreign secretary, Nepali diplomatic missions abroad could help promote exports for which the Foreign Ministry is ready to facilitate. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Madhu Kumar Marasini, said that the government has been identifying the goods that can be exported. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Businesspersons including Bhawani Rana and Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal also underscored the need for augmenting exports of Nepal's original products to meet the sustainable development goals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CBFIN Chairman Pawan Kumar Golyan said export promotion cold help generate jobs within home and reduce trade loss as well. Nepal's original products could be promoted for exports so that the country could create 800,000 jobs in two years. </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 book coauthored by Dr Gopal Prasad Tiwari, Uttam Prasad Gautam and Krishna Raj Bajgain has enlisted the exportable Nepali products as handmade paper, allo, cumin, cardamom, medicinal herbs, turmeric and basket. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18346', 'image' => '20230801012541_ppp.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 13:24:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18615', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govt's Restrictive Policies Stifling Trade and Industry: Private Sector', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The private sector has complained that due their business is in crisis due to the restrictive policy introduced by the government.', '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 1: The private sector has complained that due their business is in crisis due to the restrictive policy introduced by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">They have alleged that the government authorities have been giving them unnecessary hassles in the name of facilitating foreign trade and also due to needless investigations.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Entrepreneurs claim that the government is creating obstacles in the business through policy intervention while the officials at the implementation level have made the things more problematic by indulging in corruption.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Representatives of the Madhes Province chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) said during an interaction with the customs officials of Birgunj on Sunday that the industrialists and traders are now unable to do business. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 officials of Birgunj customs who attended the interaction clarified that their main objective is trade facilitation. They said that they are looking forward to solving the problems faced during the implementation of policies related to import and export.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ashok Kumar Temani, president of the Madhesh chapter of the FNCCI, emphasized that foreign trade procedures should be transparent. Online and automated systems should be encouraged to promote transparency, he said. “Integrating the software of the integrated check posts of Nepal and India can also help in this," said Temani.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Temani complained that despite the implementation of VCTS by the Revenue Investigation Department to control revenue leakage by making foreign trade transparent and dignified, the work of stopping vehicles in the name of investigation has not been stopped. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ganesh Prasad Lath, outgoing president of FNCCI Madhesh Province, said that trade and industry have become overburdened by one after another policy introduced by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">He claimed that the government's strict policies and regulations have promoted unauthorized trade. Participating entrepreneurs complained that the private sector has been hurt by the government's labeling system, customs assessment and revenue investigation raids implemented on imported goods since the beginning of the current fiscal year</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Chief Customs Administrator of Birgunj Customs, Dilaram Panthi said that an arrangement to keep a label on the imported goods with the details of the manufacturer and distributor was introduced for controlling unauthorized imports. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 aim of any policy and rule brought by the government is to facilitate business. If there is a problem in its implementation, a solution should be found," 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"">He also said that there is a need for coordination and cooperation between the private sector and customs officials for procedural reform.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Birgunj Dry Port Customs Chief Ram Mainali said that customs assessment should be made scientific. He added that the problems encountered in the implementation of labels on imported goods will be addressed after the implementation of the procedure. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18344', 'image' => '20230801012238_1690798775.BIRGUNG.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 13:21:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18614', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '16th Periodic Plan to Focus on Good Governance, Social Justice and Prosperity', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the major focuses of the government in the forthcoming 16th periodic plan. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">August 1: Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the major focuses of the government in the forthcoming 16th periodic plan. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The plan is to ensure social justice in health, education, employment and housing while good governance in political, administrative and judicial fronts, according to the National Planning Commission, the government body responsible for the planning. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, prosperity in social life, economic development and national economy are key issues, NPC Vice Chairman Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha said, adding, "All levels of government and stakeholders need to build capacity for smooth and effective coordination and collaboration so that the plan would be implemented in a result-oriented manner." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The 16th periodic plan will identify and address the structural barriers surfaced in the strategic development endeavours, he said, adding that that efforts of self-reliance in agricultural production, export promotion, development of tourism and industries, power trade, irrigation expansion, establishment of metal industry, complete use of labour force would help achieve national development and prosperity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, reform in service delivery, infrastructure development, strengthening of economic foundation and creation of decent and inclusive employment, quality education, urban management, social empowerment, social security, capacity enhancement on capital spending are other important areas included in the plan. -- RSS</span><br /> </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18343', 'image' => '20230801125035_20230703105203_image.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 12:49:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18613', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'US Report Identifies Corruption and Political Instability as Major Obstacles for Investment in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: Nepal has not yet become a completely investment-friendly country, according to a recent report prepared by the US Department of State.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 1: Nepal has not yet become a completely investment-friendly country, according to a recent report prepared by the US Department of State. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Despite considerable potential – particularly in the energy, tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), infrastructure and agriculture sectors – political instability, widespread corruption, cumbersome bureaucracy, and inconsistent implementation of laws and regulations have deterred potential investment, reads the 2023 Investment Climate Statement issued by the US Department of State.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report has mentioned political instability as a major obstacle to investment. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“The COVID pandemic coupled with a fresh bout of political instability slowed reform efforts that might have made Nepal a more attractive investment destination. While the Government of Nepal (GoN) publicly states its keenness to attract foreign investment, this has yet to translate into meaningful practice. Despite these challenges, foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country has been increasing in recent years.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report further states that corruption, laws limiting the operations of foreign banks, lingering challenges in the repatriation of profits, controlled currency exchange facilities, prohibition of FDI in certain sectors as well as a minimum foreign investment threshold of NPR 20 million (USD 154,000), and the government’s monopoly over certain sectors of the economy (such as electricity transmission and petroleum distribution), undermine foreign investment in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Political uncertainty is a continuing challenge for foreign (as well as domestic) investors. Nepal’s ruling parties have spent much of their energy over the last years on internal political power struggles instead of governance, added the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“While fresh elections in November 2022, and a new government has raised hopes for political stability, this is not guaranteed. Political instability often engenders policy stagnation and uncertainty.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Nevertheless, the report states that Nepal’s location between India and China presents opportunities for foreign investors. Nepal also possesses natural resources that have significant commercial potential.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Hydropower – Nepal has an estimated 40,000 megawatts (MW) of commercially-viable hydropower electricity generation potential, which could become a major source of income through electricity exports. Other sectors offering potential investment opportunities include agriculture, tourism, the ICT sector, and infrastructure. The tourism sector is recovering from the downturn due to the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, Nepal offers opportunities for investors willing to accept the inherent risks and unpredictability of doing business in the country and who possess the resilience to invest with a long-term mindset. While Nepal has established some investment-friendly laws and regulations in recent years, significant barriers to investment remain, including the following reported by the business community:</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A lack of understanding of international business standards and practices among the political and bureaucratic class, and a legal and regulatory regime that is not quite aligned with international practices also impede, hinder, and frustrate foreign investors, states the report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> “Elements of Nepal’s tax regime, in particular, may be inconsistent with international practices, and could trip-up foreign investors as has happened in two cases in recent years.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, immigration laws and visa policies for foreign workers are cumbersome. Inefficient government bureaucratic processes, a high rate of turnover among civil servants, and corruption exacerbate the difficulties for foreigners seeking to work in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Nepal’s geography also presents challenges, adds the report. The country’s mountainous terrain, land-locked geography, and poor transportation infrastructure increases costs for raw materials and exports of finished goods.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Trade unions—each typically affiliated with parties or even factions within a political party—and unpredictable general strikes can create business risk, although this problem, once common, has diminished in recent years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, the potential use of intimidation, extortion, and violence – including the use of improvised explosive devices – by insurgent groups targeting domestic political leaders, GoN entities, and businesses remains a source of potential instability, although this threat too has diminished in recent years (the country’s most prominent insurgent group—led by Netra Bikram Chand, also known as Biplav—agreed in March 2021, to enter peaceful politics, for example).</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As Nepal has adopted a federal structure, new tax policies will be introduced at the local and regional levels, so there is a danger of investment being affected if double taxation is imposed, mentions the report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"It is questionable how consistent Nepal's tax system is with international standards," the report said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The dispute about the capital gains tax on the purchase and sale of ownership of Ncell, the decision made by the Nepalese court are presented as an example.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“In 2019, a Malaysian company, Axiata (owner of NCell, the largest private telecom company in Nepal), was made to pay $450 million for alleged tax evasion over the 2016 transfer of NCell’s ownership from its previous owners, Swedish firm Telia Sonera. The Supreme Court’s verdict on this case has set the precedent for placing buyers on the hook for the tax liabilities of the sellers.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> The report further said that the US Embassy is aware of at least one U.S.-owned subsidiary in Nepal that is involved in a tax dispute with the GoN. Nepal’s Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) has taken the company to court under the Income Tax Act 2002 and the Revenue Leakage (Investigation and Control) Act 1996. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The current implication of these cases is that Nepal’s tax regime—particularly the above two Acts—needs to be carefully considered by foreign investors when buying/selling companies in Nepal to understand their local tax liabilities.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18342', 'image' => '20230801115609_20160513034506_editor.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 11:55:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18612', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEA Under Pressure to Complete Bahrbise Substation', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'August 1: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is under pressure to complete the construction of the 220 kV substation which is under construction at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">August 1: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is under pressure to complete the construction of the 220 kV substation which is under construction at Barhabise in Sindhupalchok district.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As the construction of the 102-megawatt Mid Bhotekoshi hydroelectric power plant in Sindhupalchowk under the ownership of Chilime Jaldyut Company has reached its final stage, the authority is under pressure to complete the construction of the substation to which the project will be connected to.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The final phase of construction of the Mid Bhotekoshi will be completed within two months. The electricity generated from Mid Bhotekoshi will be connected to the Barhabise substation through a 220 kV transmission line. The project has already built towers of the transmission line from its power plant to the Barhabise substation, while the wire-pooling work is underway.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The construction of the substation has been delayed due to the poor performance of the joint venture of the Chinese companies Guangxi Transmission and Substation Construction and Shenzhen Claw Electronics, which was awarded the contract for the construction of the Barhabise substation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The authority has warned the contractor that if the construction of the substation is not completed and the electricity of Mid Bhotekoshi cannot be connected, they will have to pay compensation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A high-level team of the authority, including Executive Director Kulman Ghising, Deputy Executive Director of Broadcasting Directorate Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, and Deputy Executive Director of Project Management Directorate Tara Prasad Pradhan visited the substation construction site on Saturday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The team discussed with the project management and construction professionals the problems encountered in the construction, the condition of equipment supply, the construction completion schedule, among other issues.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Executive Director Ghising said that the equipment for the substation, including the power transformer, has been brought to the construction site, and there is no reason for delaying the construction.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“We are ready to facilitate the construction, and the construction should be completed within three months anyway. Otherwise, there may be a painful situation where Mid Bhotekoshi's electricity will be wasted, so let's all take this into consideration and work," he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18341', 'image' => '20230801112547_NEA_20191104081559.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 11:25:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18611', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dengue Cases Surge in 10 Districts', 'sub_title' => 'Sunsari Accounts for More than Half of the Total Cases', 'summary' => 'August 1: More than 5,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. Sunsari district alone has more than half of those patients, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">August 1: More than 5,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. Sunsari district alone has more than half of those patients, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The division’s Director Rudra Prasad Marasini informed RSS that 5,688 individuals have been infected by the disease across the country since last January. Among them, Sunsari district alone recorded 3,486 dengue cases. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Marasini blamed people's recklessness behind the surge in infection. It has been raining continuously for some days and people have not paid attention to sanitation, thereby contributing to the alarming rise in spread of dengue, said Marasini. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As recent as a week back, there were only 4,619 cases of dengue in Nepal, but it ratcheted up quickly within a week, reaching 5,688. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue is caused by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species of mosquito. They lay eggs on clean water. The eggs turn into larva and larva to adult mosquito. Bite of such mosquito is dreadful, for it causes the dengue infection. So, puddle must be removed around houses. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>10 districts most affected </strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The state-owned RSS reported that Sunsari, Dhading, Kaski, Darchula, Kathmandu, Sankhuwasabha, Myagdi, Morang, Kanchanpur and Jhapa are the most affected districts. Sunsari alone has 3,486 cases while Kathmandu 96 and Jhapa 56. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Koshi Province is the most affected state with 3,821 dengue cases while Madhes Province has the least number with 26 patients. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the RSS, four persons have lost their lives to dengue fever since last January in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>First case in Nepal</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue was first detected in Nepal in the year 2004. Cases of dengue fever increased in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2019.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> According to the available data, 32 infection cases were recorded in 2006 AD, 917 in 2010 AD, 686 in 2013 AD, 1,527 in 2016 AD, 2,111 in 2017 AD, 811 in 2018 AD, 17,992 in 2019 AD, 530 in 2020 AD and 540 in 2021 AD .</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><strong>Climate change</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The mosque-transmitted disease which was mostly found in Terai-Madhes has also been increasingly detected in mountainous cities, including Pokhara and Kathmandu since 2018. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the rise in mercury level in mountainous region due to climate change, dengue cases have been detected in places where it was never reported before. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to government officials, dengue patients have also been detected in Humla, Jumla, Mugu and Dolpa in recent years</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dengue Control Source Person and vector control officer Shyam Lal Acharya said mountainous region is becoming favourable for lifecycle of mosquitoes. Acharya requested all to adopt precaution as dengue-carrying mosquitoes are active till mid-October.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18340', 'image' => '20230801104315_dengue-test_650x400_61442241844.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 10:42:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18610', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Mahottari Records Only 40 Percent Paddy Cultivation Due to Lack of Rainfall', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Due to lack of timely rainfall, only about 40% of the paddy transplantation has taken place in Mahottari district so far. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">August 1: Due to lack of timely rainfall, only about 40% of the paddy transplantation has taken place in Mahottari district so far. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Lack of monsoon rains and the inability of farmers to sow rice seeds on time, paddy cultivation has slumped, said Ramchandra Yadav, the chief of the Agricultural Knowledge Center in Mahottari.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">The district has not received adequate rainfall though the month of July has passed by. Farmers have cultivated paddy in around 40% of the fields by using costly methods like deep tube wells, shallow tube well, and motor pumps.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Dr. Yadav mentioned that out of the total cultivable land of 45 thousand hectares in the district, only about 9 thousand nine hundred hectares have been cultivated so far. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Farmers have transplanted paddy using high costs methods. Unfortunately, paddy has started wilting and paddy fields have become parched and dry for lack of water, Bipendra Pandey said. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Another farmer, Ramu Mandal, complained that his paddy saplings had wilted in the field due to lack of rainfall. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Upendra Yadav from Ekdara Rural Municipality Ward-4 said that paddy transplantation could not take place throughout the village and planted paddy had wilted.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Pramod Mandal from Ramgopalpur Municipality Ward-5 complained about not being able to cultivate paddy due to the lack of monsoon rains. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Only around 21,000 hectares of the land has access to irrigation facility in Mahottari. Rest of the land relies on rainwater for paddy cultivation. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18.0pt">Agriculture Knowledge Center has predicted a decline in rice production in this district this year. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-08-01', 'modified' => '2023-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18339', 'image' => '20230801060608_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-08-01 06:03:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18609', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Drops for Five Consecutive Days after Issuance of Monetary Policy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Since Nepal Rastra Bank announced the monetary policy for the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has been falling on a daily basis except for Monday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 31: Since Nepal Rastra Bank announced the monetary policy for the current fiscal year (FY 2023/24), Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index has been falling on a daily basis except for Monday. After falling for five successive days since the announcement, NEPSE index increased marginally on Monday. Until Sunday, NEPSE decreased by 5.69 percent (126.81 points) to 2100 points before increasing by 5.84 points on Monday. The monetary policy mentioned about reviewing the existing risk weightage of 150 percent in share mortgage loans.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors estimated that the risk weightage will decrease regardless of the amount of share mortgage loan they take, causing an increase in the market when the monetary policy was unveiled last Sunday. However, Governor Mahaprasad Adhikari, in a press conference held after the release of the monetary policy, made it clear that only 100 percent risk weightage will be maintained for share mortgage loans up to Rs 5 million per person, which resulted in the decline in the secondary market transactions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Some investors have been expressing through social media that they are not positive towards the idea.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Other investors argue that the monetary policy is good, but it is making investors suffer by spreading unnecessary confusion. On the day the monetary policy was announced, the NEPSE index rose 63 points to close at 2,227 points with Rs 4.37 billion worth shares transactions. After that, both NEPSE index and daily turnover declined.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Investors had good expectations through monetary policy. Before the announcement of the monetary policy, there was news that the average risk weight will be revised. The governor had also expressed the same intention from time to time. Likewise, liquidity in the financial system had eased with credit-deposit ratio (CD ratio) at 82 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">When the monetary policy was announced, it was said that 150 percent of the risk weightage of share mortgage loans would be revised. However, it did not happen accordingly. That is why the market decreased. Another reason is that traders book profits in rising markets. After making profits, traders buy shares only when the market comes down again. This is also the reason why the market was affected. Nothing else has a negative impact on the stock market. Now the listed companies have started publishing their fourth quarterly financial statements. Mutual funds have started declaring dividends. The stock market is expected to gradually return to its own rhythm.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18338', 'image' => '20230731063910_1530530135-scaled.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 18:38:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18608', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Country Reports 77 Percent Rice Transplantation till Last Week of July', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'As of July 28, the rice transplantation rate in the country stands at 77 percent, according to the Agriculture Information and Training Center.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">July 31: As of July 28, the rice transplantation rate in the country stands at 77 percent, according to the Agriculture Information and Training Center.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">This marks a decrease compared to the corresponding period last year when 90 percent of rice cultivation had already been completed.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Across the country, paddy has been planted in a total area of 1,053,404 hectares out of 1,357,816 hectares as of the last week of July. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Koshi Province, the rice cultivation rate is currently at 84 percent, which is a slight drop from 88 percent during the same period last year. Rice transplantation has taken place on 275,133 hectares of land in the province this year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Rice has been cultivated in 209,086 hectares, accounting for 59 percent of the total 354,383 arable land in Madhes Province. This is lower than the figure reported during the same period last year, which was 83 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Bagmati Province, the rice cultivation rate currently stands at 72 percent, a significant decrease from 93 percent during the same period last year. The province has reported rice transplantation on 81,420 hectares out of the total 113,083 hectares of land suitable for rice cultivation.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"> Out of the total 104,622 hectares of arable land, paddy transplantation has taken place in 85,790 hectares so far (82 percent) in Gandaki Province. This represents a decrease from 96 percent during the same period last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Lumbini Province, paddy cultivation has been completed in 243,318 hectares of the total 300,392 hectares (81 percent). This is a decrease from 85 percent last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Karnali Province has reported the paddy transplantation in 32,918 hectares of the total 38,727 hectares (85 percent), showing an increase from 78 percent last year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">In Sudurpaschim Province, paddy plantation has been completed in 169,761 hectares out of a total of 171,476 hectares (99 percent). The same percentage of paddy cultivation took place during the same period last year, according to the Centre.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">Overall, the country's rice transplantation progress is at 77 percent, with some provinces experiencing better results than others compared to the same period last year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt">The Agriculture Information and Training Center is closely monitoring the situation as the rice cultivation season continues. (RSS)</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18337', 'image' => '20230731052041_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 17:18:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18607', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Aloft Kathmandu Thamel Celebrates Fourth Anniversary', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, a renowned hotel in the heart of the capital, celebrated its fourth anniversary amid a dazzling event on July 28.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">July 31: Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, a renowned hotel in the heart of the capital, celebrated its fourth anniversary amid a dazzling event on July 28.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Issuing a statement, the hotel said that the night came alive as guests, partners, and patrons gathered to celebrate four years of exceptional service and cherished memories at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">“The fourth-anniversary extravaganza was a delightful fusion of modern flair, sassy vibes, and an exhilarating space-themed ambiance, perfectly embodying the hotel's distinctive spirit,” read the statement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the hotel, the event started with captivating live music by the talented Revolution Band, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary hits. The hotel's dedication to supporting local arts was evident as these gifted performers took center stage, added the statement.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The culinary experience was equally enchanting, featuring delectable international and local treats masterfully crafted by Chef Rajeev and his team of culinary experts from Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, said the hotel.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Vikram Singh, the general manager of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are deeply moved by the overwhelming support and love we have received over the past four years. Our fourth anniversary celebration was an opportunity to honor the shared memories and connections that have made Aloft Kathmandu Thamel a success among our guests, patrons and team members. It's been a journey filled with cherished memories and meaningful connections, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful bond in the years to come.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Speaking on the occasion of the fourth-year anniversary, Prithivi B Pande, Chairman of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel stated, “I am grateful for all the success. This hotel is a reflection of a long-cherished dream. Thank you to the entire team of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel for all their dedication and our valued patrons and guests for their unwavering support, and I look forward to the continued success and shared journeys ahead.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In appreciation of the continued support from its valued guests, the hotel presented 150 selected attendees with a special memento.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18336', 'image' => '20230731040108_aloft.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 16:00:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18606', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists in Off-Season Elates Tourism Entrepreneurs of Sauraha ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: Hotel entrepreneurs of Sauraha are elated with the rising inflow of tourists in the district despite increasing risks in the travel during the rainy season. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: Hotel entrepreneurs of Sauraha are elated with the rising inflow of tourists in the district despite increasing risks in the travel during the rainy season. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July and August are considered off-season in terms of the inflow of tourists. Due to shrinking business in the rainy season, the hotel staff were also encouraged to stay on leave in previous years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the increasing flow of domestic and foreign tourists in the off-season this time has elated the tourism entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Chairperson of the Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, Ganga Giri, 1000 to 1200 tourists are arriving in Sauraha on an average day in this season. Half of them are foreigners with dominant number of Chinese tourists. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There are 125 hotels in Sauraha having capacity to accommodate 6,200 people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The increasing number of tourists in the off-season has excited tourism entrepreneurs here, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 100 tourists are enjoying elephant ride in Sauraha on a daily basis, informed chairperson of United Elephant Operators' Cooperative organization, Rishi Tiwari. Mostly the Chinese tourists are enjoying elephant ride, he shared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The number of tourists in Sauraha is higher than it was in the previous years. Former chairperson of Regional Hotel Association, Suman Ghimire said the arrival of tourists is satisfactory despite bad condition of roads. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It has made entrepreneurs hopeful for the rebound of tourism industry in Nepal, Ghimire said. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18335', 'image' => '20230731020930_20220909043430_Chitwan-sunset-sauraha-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 14:08:48', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18605', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'PAC Draws Parliament's Attention to Form High-Level Body to Probe 100 kg Gold Smuggling Case ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn the attention of the parliament to form a high-level committee to probe the 100 kg gold smuggling case. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has drawn the attention of the parliament to form a high-level committee to probe the 100 kg gold smuggling case. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the committee on Sunday called for forming the high-powered committee to investigate the case. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The committee has taken a decision to draw the attention of the parliament to form a high level committee for investigation," said Arjun Narsingh KC, who chairs the committee as its senior-most member. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the meeting endorsed the 'Public Accounts Committee Operation Procedures, 2080'. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The committee also drew the attention of the concerned authorities to the inability of planting paddy in the Tarai for want of irrigation, and water scarcity. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18334', 'image' => '20230731125034_goldee.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 12:49:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18604', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Heavy Rainfall with Thunderstorms and Lightning Likely Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The country is under the influence of monsoon winds at present. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The country is under the influence of monsoon winds at present. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there will be partial to general changes in weather across the country in the day time today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Light to moderate rainfall is taking place in some areas of the Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and one to two places of the Koshi, Bagmati and Sudurpaschim provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There is a chance of light to moderate rainfall in some areas of mountainous region and limited areas of the remaining provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It is predicted that one to two areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces will see heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning later in the day. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the night time, there is a chance of heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning in one or two places of the Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18333', 'image' => '20230731105714_rain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 10:56:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18603', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'SC Issues Interlocutory Order not to Implement VAT on Air Tickets ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 31: The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interlocutory order asking the government to not implement value added tax (VAT) on air tickets. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 31: The Supreme Court on Sunday issued an interlocutory order asking the government to not implement value added tax (VAT) on air tickets. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The SC issued such an order in response to a writ petition filed by Nepal Association of Tours and Travels Agent (NATTA). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A single bench of Justice Anil Kumar Sinha issued the order and also summoned the government side for discussion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">NATTA had moved the SC on July 17, seeking mandamus order with certiorari against the government’s decision to impose VAT on air tickets.</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"">Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat had announced to implement VAT on plane tickets during the budget announcement for the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The tourism entrepreneurs had however argued that the VAT imposed on air tickets was not friendly to tourism entrepreneurs and would impact adversely on the tourism business. Travel companies and passengers would have to bear the brunt of VAT, NATTA had argued. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-07-31', 'modified' => '2023-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '18332', 'image' => '20230731103836_Tourist.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-07-31 10:37:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
