
Saying that Educational Fair was scheduled prior to announcement of result of final examinations of different grades, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has ordered to stop such fair that started on Thursday at Bhrikutimandap in…
Saying that Educational Fair was scheduled prior to announcement of result of final examinations of different grades, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has ordered to stop such fair that started on Thursday at Bhrikutimandap in…
June 15: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested eight people including television artist Marichman Shrestha aka Balchhi Dhrube on the charge of their involvement in online…
The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Indian private investment in Nepal's energy…
June 15: The World Bank has suggested Nepal to strengthen the regulatory framework of fiscal…
June 15: The number of contributors and employers participating in the Social Security Fund has been increasing of late.…
June 15: The Industry and Commerce and Labor and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to study the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend…
June 15: The businessmen and common people feel betrayed when the government makes announcements but does not implement them time and…
June 15: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Baikuntha Aryal as the chief…
June 15: According to the Department of Customs, onions worth Rs 26.10 billion have been imported into Nepal in a period of five years.…
Climate change in Nepal disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, leading to intensified inequalities and compromised human rights. Nepal must adopt a comprehensive approach involving climate adaptation, gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development to prioritize resilience, empower marginalized communities, and protect citizens' rights and…
Eight athletes have been selected for judo under the 19th Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou,…
The Nepal government and the United Arab Emirates have successfully renewed their bilateral labour…
Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) witnessed a turnover amount of more than Rs 5 billion on Wednesday-the fourth trading…
Preparations are underway to form a federation of share investors. The meeting of various share investors’ associations and unions held in Kathmandu on Tuesday decided to announce the federation of share investors next…
June 14: The Beni-Jomsom road which connects Mustang district with the national highway has been…
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Officials of the Education Department of the KMC and City Police jointly removed the stalls. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Chief of Education Department of the KMC, Sitaram Koirala, said that the KMC stopped the fair since it was organized to lure the students ahead the results of the SEE and grade 12. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Koriala said that the fair stalls were removed because it was a move to entice the students and parents in the name of fair ahead of the results announcement. More than 75 stalls of the private colleges were kept in the fair planning to wrap up on June 18. (RSS)</span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-16', 'modified' => '2023-06-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17917', 'image' => '20230616061433_collage (26).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-16 06:12:27', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18185', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Eight Arrested on Charge of Promoting Online Betting ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested eight people including television artist Marichman Shrestha aka Balchhi Dhrube on the charge of their involvement in online betting. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 15: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested eight people including television artist Marichman Shrestha aka Balchhi Dhrube on the charge of their involvement in online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Office Chief and Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Manoj Kumar KC, others apprehended in this connection are Raju Paudel, Pawan Khatiwada, Alish Rai, Jwalan Ghartimagar, Ganesh Devkota, Saroj Ghimire and Begam Nepali. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The police said that they were charged of advertising online betting (1X bet) through a You Tube channel. Earlier, the office launched an operation over allegations that artists and You Tubers were encouraging youths to join online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Prior to this, the police had made public five others arrested for their involvement in online betting on Wednesday. They were charged of making transactions of Rs 7.4 million under the illegal online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those arrested are Dinesh Khadka, 29, Anita Dhital, 28, Dipesh Shrestha, 27, Dinesh Chand, 25 and Ashish Lamichhane, 24. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Clause 125 of the Criminal Code, 2074 (2017) prohibits gambling or involvement in betting. As per the Code, anyone found engaging in or promoting gambling first time is liable for facing an imprisonment up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 30,000. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">For the second offence of playing or organizing gambling, the duration of imprisonment is up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 50,000. For subsequent offences, additional imprisonment of three months and a fine of Rs 10,000 shall be imposed each time. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17916', 'image' => '20230615101847_bet.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 22:18:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18186', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Hydro Sector Will Receive Huge Investment from Indian Private Investors: FNCCI President Dh', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Indian private investment in Nepal's energy sector.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 16: The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Indian private investment in Nepal's energy sector.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Speaking at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), President Dhakal expressed his confidence in attracting substantial investment from the Indian private sector in Nepal's energy sector.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India, the FNCCI engaged in discussions with private sector representatives from India, who showed great enthusiasm for investing in Nepal, according to President Dhakal. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">However, he emphasized that for investment to materialize, the Nepalese government must create an investment-friendly environment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Dhakal emphasized that the private sector has played a crucial role in the rapid development of the hydropower sector. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The involvement of private investors has facilitated advancements in infrastructure, cement production, and electricity generation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Dhakal also pointed out that the recent visit of the Prime Minister to India has made a breakhrough in power exports to India and Bangladesh, which will have a substantial impact on Nepal's economy.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"The breakthrough includes provisions for exporting 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India and Bangladesh. To make this a reality, Nepal must promptly address issues related to transmission lines and power purchase agreements," stressed President Dhakal. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-16', 'modified' => '2023-06-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17915', 'image' => '20230616060603_collage (25).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-16 06:03:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18184', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank Recommends Reforms to Strengthen Fiscal Federalism in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The World Bank has suggested Nepal to strengthen the regulatory framework of fiscal federalism.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 15: The World Bank has suggested Nepal to strengthen the regulatory framework of fiscal federalism.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Noting that Nepal has made significant progress on fiscal federalism, World Bank in its first annual Nepal Fiscal Federalism Update launched on Thursday said more needs to be done to strengthen the regulatory framework.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Issuing a statement, the World Bank also suggested improving institutional setup, human resource capacity, and public financial management (PFM) systems at the provincial and local levels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“The report highlights the need to develop a fiscal federalism roadmap that encompasses a clear set of actions, sequence, timeline, and responsible actors to improve fiscal federalism outcomes in Nepal,” the statement quoted Balananda Paudel, chairperson of the National Natural Resource and Fiscal Commission, as saying.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">While provincial and local governments received nearly 36.7 percent of the federal money through intergovernmental fiscal transfers, which amounted to 64.8 percent of their revenue in FY 2021/22, the largest and proportionally growing fund transfers to sub-national governments in the past five years have been through conditional grants, the World Bank added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">These are heavily earmarked, thus the share of conditional grants needs to be gradually lowered and other grants including equalization grants be increased following the expenditure capacity of the provincial and local government increases, according to the report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This report, as prepared by the World Bank team, provides a comprehensive review of the progress of fiscal federalism in Nepal. The proportion of conditional grant seems to be high in the early years of federalization due to transfer of projects to provincial and local governments being operationalized by federal government in the past and contributing the salary and allowances of teachers and health staffs deputed in the local governments and it will be gradually improved as situation changes. The recommendations are well aligned with our national development plan and further support our ongoing efforts to advance on fiscal federalism,” stated Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, revenue secretary at the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the World Bank, the Nepal Fiscal Federalism Update identifies key reforms to help Nepal improve fiscal federalism outcomes. It recommends developing a fiscal federalism roadmap to guide and monitor the reforms in this area, reinforcing the Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer system, and establishing a consolidated PFM performance database at the sub-national level. It also recommends amending the legal framework to clarify the concurrent and shared responsibilities among the three tiers of government, strengthening the capacity of provincial and local government staff to carry out PFM-related functions, and reinforcing systems to improve the budget credibility and delivery of services by sub-national governments.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Fiscal Federalism is a foundation for sustained service delivery by provincial and local governments. To this, they need adequate financial resources and the ability to make spending decisions at the subnational level, in the spirit of federalism,” said Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “The World Bank is committed to support the Government of Nepal, in close collaboration with other Development Partners, to further solidify fiscal federalism in Nepal.”</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17914', 'image' => '20230615065259_Nepal Fiscal Federalsim Update_World Bank.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 18:52:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18183', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Contributors of Social Security Fund Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The number of contributors and employers participating in the Social Security Fund has been increasing of late. ', '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"">June 15: The number of contributors and employers participating in the Social Security Fund has been increasing of late. The number of employers listed in the state-sponsored social security scheme has reached 17,945 as of June 13.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 data of the Social Security Fund shows that the number of listed contributors has reached 580,460.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The government had decided to include Nepali migrant workers in foreign countries and self-employed workers in the social security scheme starting from March 22. The government has made it mandatory for workers going abroad to join the social security scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Arrangements have been made for the workers going abroad to get affiliated to the social security scheme while obtaining work permit. Similarly, during the renewal of the labor permit, workers who are employed abroad must get registered in the fund.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Vivek Panthi, deputy executive director of the fund, says that the participation of workers in foreign employment has increased day by day in accordance with the government's goal of expanding the scope of contribution-based social security by including workers in foreign employment in the fund.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 fund informed that it is making preparations to include 2.2 million workers who are employed abroad in the fund. A total of 7.48 percent of the amount contributed by Nepali workers in foreign jobs has been allocated for the Accident and Disability Protection Scheme and the Dependent Family Protection Scheme and 13.85 percent to the Old Age Protection Scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 contributors can choose to withdraw the total contribution amount accumulated in the pension scheme, which includes the contribution amount in addition to the returns received from SSF’s investment, at once or receive the amount in 160 installments as pension throughout one’s life time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">This provision is one of the reasons why the number of contributors is increasing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Nevertheless, a large number of banks and financial institutions still have not decided to join the Social Security Fund. There is a fear among the private sector employees that the facilities they have been enjoying so far might be curtailed.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">While announcing the budget of the next fiscal year, the government made it clear that it aims to include more and more workers from the formal and informal sectors in the social security scheme. It is widely believed that the goal of the fund will not be achieved until the employees of big companies including banks and financial institutions join the scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17913', 'image' => '20230615032618_SSF (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 15:25:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18182', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'House Panel Forms Sub-Committee to Study the Problems of Sugarcane Farmers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Industry and Commerce and Labor and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to study the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend solutions.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 15: The Industry and Commerce and Labor and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to study the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend solutions.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The five-member sub-committee has been formed under the coordination of committee member Krishna Kumar Shrestha. Ram Shankar Yadav, Suryaman Tamang (Dong), Kantika Sejuwal, and Ganesh Parajuli are the members of the sub-committee. A meeting of the parliamentary committee, chaired by Ranendra Baraili as the senior-most member, on Wednesday decided to form the sub-committee to study problems of sugar industry and sugarcane farmers and recommend suggestions.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The sub-committee has been given a time limit of 30 days to submit the study report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This sub-committee will study and submit suggestions to the committee about issues such as the arrears amount that the sugarcane farmers should get from the sugar mills and also suggestions about the minimum support price. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The parliamentary committee meeting also discussed issues such as the non-effective implementation of the provision of 'free visa free ticket' implemented by the government for Nepali migrant workers and the impact of the government's change in tax rates from the next fiscal year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting also discussed the 'Concept Paper’ prepared by the People’s Forum for Human Rights on the implementation of the order issued by the Supreme Court on foreign employment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the complaint of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association regarding the increase in gold customs and keeping gold and silver as a luxury item in the budget of the next fiscal year and the complaint of the Consumer Interest Protection Forum-Nepal regarding the unfair price increase in petroleum products were also discussed. The meeting also decided to invite officials of the line ministries and concerned agencies to further discuss on these issues in the next meeting of the committee.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17912', 'image' => '20230615025949_Parliament RSS 800.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 14:58:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18181', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Announces Programmes but does not Implement them', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The businessmen and common people feel betrayed when the government makes announcements but does not implement them time and again.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 15: The businessmen and common people feel betrayed when the government makes announcements but does not implement them time and again. Experts say that the practice of not implementing the announcements, which are made only to gain popularity, will have detrimental impact in various areas.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A chaotic situation has now been created due to the lack of implementation of the past policies or changes in agricultural insurance, Covid-19 insurance, cash subsidy for exports, capital gains tax, etc. The dual nature of the state has created an atmosphere of distrust on the one hand, and entrepreneurs, businessmen and the general public have become confused on the other.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After introducing the concept of agricultural insurance, the government arranged for subsidies on premiums for 10 years. Initially, the subsidy was 50 percent, which changed to 75 percent, 50 percent and then 80 percent. Experts say that the percentage of subsidy changes as soon as the government changes. For three years, insurance companies have not received the subsidy announced by the government. The arrears of agricultural insurance subsidy alone have reached Rs 3 billion and the government is reluctant to provide the amount, according to the owners of the insurance companies.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the budget of the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24), the government has allocated Rs 950 million subsidy on agricultural insurance, which was Rs 750 million in the current fiscal year. Insurance companies consider agricultural insurance to be a loss-making business. They complain that even though they have supported the policy taken by the government, the state has put the insurance companies in trouble.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the insurance companies, even though claims are continuously being settled, the government is not paying the due amount and the situation has turned uncomfortable. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the past six months, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, and the Nepal Insurance Authority have not given any assurance to release the due amount. As a result, the insurance companies issued a press statement and said that the issuance of agricultural insurance policies and settlements of claims have been postponed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the government had announced that it would provide 8 percent subsidy on exports of cement in the current fiscal year. The cement manufacturers were delighted with the decision but the joy was short lived. The government later prepared a work procedure according to which cash subsidy of 8 percent would be provided only to the exporters who export cement worth more than Rs 500 million a year. Others would have to settle for subsidy of 4 percent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Raghunandan Maru, managing director of Shivam Cement, says that it is difficult for the industrialists when the reality is different from the announcements made by the government.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CIBFIN) has opposed the additional tax levied on income from mergers in the upcoming FY's budget. CBFIN issued a press statement and said that they are trying to impose a tax against the national and international laws and will not accept it under any circumstances.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CBFIN stated that imposing tax liability without legal basis and contrary to national and international practices will cause unimaginable damage to the banks, financial institutions and other sectors as well as the economy as a whole.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17911', 'image' => '20230615013607_1683767264.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 13:34:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18180', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dr Aryal appointed as Chief Secretary ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Baikuntha Aryal as the chief secretary. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 15: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Baikuntha Aryal as the chief secretary. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Thursday appointed Secretary at the Council of Ministers Dr Aryal as the chief secretary, informed Minister for Drinking Water Mahindra Raya Yadav. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Earlier, Dr Aryal served as the Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The cabinet meeting has approved the resignation of outgoing Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has also decided to appoint Bairagi as the advisor to the National Security Council. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17910', 'image' => '20230615124600_066A9238.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 12:45:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18179', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'VAT Takes Toll on Onion Market as Prices Triple in 15 Days', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: According to the Department of Customs, onions worth Rs 26.10 billion have been imported into Nepal in a period of five years. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">June 15: According to the Department of Customs, onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">26</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.10 billion have been imported into Nepal in a period of five years. Nepal has to rely on India for the import of onions due to low production 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:"Arial","sans-serif"">There is not a shortage of onions in the market after the government imposed VAT on onions while announcing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">/</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">24).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Department of Customs, 155.71 million kilograms (15,57,14,631 kg) of onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5.79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion have been imported in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> months of the current year. In the corresponding period last fiscal year, 145.21 million kgs (</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">52</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">11</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">974</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">kgs) of onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.4 billion were imported. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Businessmen now complain that there is no environment to import onion due to VAT.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prakash Gajurel, general secretary of Nepal Agricultural Produce Potato, Onion Import Export and Wholesalers Association, says imposition of VAT on onion, potato and other items has deteriorated the environment for businessmen to import such perishable products.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Most of the buyers are not registered with VAT. In such a situation, the government decided to impose VAT without studying and discussing the matter with the stakeholders, says Gajurel, adding, “This has not only affected the businessmen but also the placed the consumers at the receiving end.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 said that the import of onions has not been possible due to the government’s policy and they are trying to contact the relevant ministries to solve this problem.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Madhav Timalsina, president of the Consumer Rights Research Forum, says that the government, finance ministry and related agencies should reconsider the decision to impose VAT on onions.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Timalsina questioned, "How relevant is it to impose VAT on onions consumed everyday by the lower-class people while the government does not impose VAT on packed food and fish imported from countries like Brazil and Ethiopia especially for the high-class people?”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stating that Nepal is dependent on India for imports of onion, Timalsina said, “The government should rather focus on how to increase production than imposing VAT when domestic production is not adequate to meet the market demand.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Price more than triples in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> days</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market, the wholesale price of onion was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">35</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per kg </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> days ago. Now, due to the shortage of onions after the imposition of VAT, the market has removed the price of onions from the list.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 traders of Kalimati say that the price has not been fixed because there is no onion in the market. The names of vegetables or fruits which are not available in the market are not in the price list. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In retail shops, the price of onion has now reached Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">125</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">per kg. Rajesh Adhikari, a wholesale onion trader in Kalimati, says that onions have not entered the market in the last few days.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17909', 'image' => '20230615120935_20170411040236_onion.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 12:08:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18178', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'The Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Climate change in Nepal disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, leading to intensified inequalities and compromised human rights. Nepal must adopt a comprehensive approach involving climate adaptation, gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development to prioritize resilience, empower marginalized communities, and protect citizens' rights and well-being.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px">May 15: Climate change is currently one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Its consequences extend far beyond environmental concerns, significantly impacting the enjoyment of human rights, especially in vulnerable regions like Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">This article aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between climate change and human rights in Nepal, highlighting the specific challenges faced by its population and the urgent need for action.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Climate Change in Nepal: A Growing Threat</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Nepal, a landlocked country located in the Himalayas, is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geography and socioeconomic factors. The impacts of climate change in Nepal are already visible, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, glacial melt, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to data from the Nepal Climate Change Knowledge Management Center, average temperatures in Nepal have been increasing at a rate of 0.06°C per year. This warming trend has led to the rapid melting of glaciers, resulting in increased risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and flash floods. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and heavy rainfall, have also been on the rise.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.newbusinessage.com/img/news/collage-5.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Temperature Rise and Agricultural Productivity</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Over the past few decades, Nepal has experienced a significant rise in temperatures, leading to adverse effects on agricultural productivity. The agricultural sector, which employs a substantial portion of the population, is crucial for livelihoods and food security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to a study by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal's agriculture could witness a decline of up to 50% in crop yields by 2050 if appropriate measures are not taken.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Melting Glaciers and Water Resources</strong><br /> Nepal is home to numerous glaciers, which act as natural water reservoirs for downstream communities. However, these glaciers are rapidly melting due to rising temperatures, posing severe threats to water availability and quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The loss of glacial water sources not only affects agriculture but also disrupts hydropower generation, which is a vital source of energy for the country.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Impacts on Human Rights</strong><br /> The adverse effects of climate change in Nepal have far-reaching consequences for the enjoyment of human rights across various dimensions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Life and Livelihood</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The right to life, as enshrined in international human rights instruments, is under threat in Nepal due to climate change. The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides, and droughts, has resulted in loss of lives, displacement, and damage to infrastructure.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">These events not only endanger physical safety but also disrupt livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of local economies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Water and Sanitation</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change-induced impacts on water resources jeopardize the right to access clean water and sanitation facilities, particularly in marginalized communities. With glacial melt and changing precipitation patterns, communities are at risk of water scarcity, contamination, and reduced water quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">This situation disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and indigenous populations, who often bear the burden of fetching water over long distances.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Health</strong><br /> Climate change exacerbates health risks in Nepal, primarily through the spread of diseases and the worsening of existing health challenges. Changing climatic conditions facilitate the transmission of vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria, while extreme weather events increase the likelihood of injuries, trauma, and mental health issues.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Limited access to healthcare facilities and inadequate infrastructure further compound the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">"<strong>The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides, and droughts, has resulted in loss of lives, displacement, and damage to infrastructure. </strong><strong>These events not only endanger physical safety but also disrupt livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of local economies."</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups</strong><br /> <strong>Women and Children</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities in Nepal, disproportionately affecting women and children. Women, who often bear the responsibility of household tasks and food production, face increased workloads and reduced access to resources as agricultural yields decline.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Moreover, natural disasters such as floods and landslides lead to displacement, placing women and children at higher risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violence. A study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nepal found that women and girls are more likely to suffer the consequences of climate change due to cultural norms, limited access to resources, and discrimination.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For example, during periods of water scarcity, women and girls are often tasked with traveling long distances to fetch water, which exposes them to safety risks and restricts their access to education and economic opportunities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Dalits, Ethnic and Sexual Minorities</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Marginalized communities, including Dalits, ethnic minorities, and sexual minorities, face heightened vulnerabilities in the face of climate change. These groups often have limited access to resources, education, and healthcare, exacerbating their exposure to climate-induced hazards. Discrimination and exclusion from decision-making processes further restrict their ability to adapt and recover from climate-related shocks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to a report by the Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal, Dalits and indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate change, particularly in terms of food security and access to water.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For instance, the report highlights that Dalit communities in the Terai region face challenges in accessing and utilizing water resources due to discriminatory practices and limited control over water sources.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Elderly</strong><br /> The elderly population in Nepal is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Extreme temperatures, heatwaves, and inadequate access to healthcare services pose severe health risks for this demographic. Additionally, the elderly often face social isolation and limited mobility, making them more vulnerable during climate-related disasters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that heat-related illnesses and deaths among the elderly have increased in Nepal due to rising temperatures. The study emphasized the need for improved healthcare services and targeted interventions to protect the rights and well-being of the elderly population.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Freedom of Expression and Access to Information</strong><br /> Preserving freedom of expression and access to information is crucial in addressing climate change. Nepalese citizens must have the right to voice their concerns, contribute to decision-making processes, and hold governments accountable for their environmental policies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">However, climate-related issues often face suppression and censorship, hindering the dissemination of information and stifling public discourse. Various reports from human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have highlighted cases of environmental activists, journalists, and community leaders facing harassment and threats for speaking out about climate change and its impacts. The intimidation and silencing of individuals hinder efforts to address climate change and protect human rights in Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Labor Rights and Economic Implications</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change significantly impacts labor rights in Nepal. As agricultural productivity declines, farmers and rural workers face reduced incomes, unemployment, and increased vulnerability. Extreme weather events also disrupt supply chains and negatively impact industries such as tourism and agriculture, leading to job losses and economic instability.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">A report published by the International Labor Organization (ILO) indicates that climate change-induced disasters have a significant impact on employment and livelihoods in Nepal. The report suggests that climate change adaptation measures should prioritize job creation, skills development, and social protection for affected workers and communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>"Due to extreme weather patterns, agricultural productivity declines. Farmers and rural workers face reduced incomes, unemployment, and increased vulnerability. Extreme weather events also disrupt supply chains and negatively impact industries such as tourism and agriculture, leading to job losses and economic instability."</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Way Forward: Protecting Human Rights in a Changing Climate<br /> Strengthening Resilience and Adaptation</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Nepal must prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation strategies that consider the specific needs of vulnerable groups. This includes investing in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure resilience. Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, promoting alternative livelihoods, and enhancing social protection mechanisms can help alleviate the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups</strong><br /> Efforts should be made to empower women and marginalized groups by ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Strengthening legal frameworks that protect their rights, providing access to education and healthcare, and promoting gender equality are essential steps towards building resilient and inclusive communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Promoting Awareness and Education</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and its intersection with human rights is crucial. Comprehensive public education campaigns can help foster a sense of urgency and empower individuals to take action. Educating citizens about sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and the importance of human rights will contribute to building a more climate-resilient and equitable society.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Role of Adaptation and Mitigation</strong><br /> To address the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights in Nepal, a two-pronged approach encompassing adaptation and mitigation measures is crucial.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Adaptation Strategies</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Adaptation strategies play a vital role in enhancing the resilience of communities and safeguarding human rights. Investing in climate-resilient agriculture, such as improved irrigation techniques and crop diversification, can help mitigate the impacts on livelihoods and food security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Additionally, strengthening early warning systems, improving disaster preparedness, and promoting climate-smart infrastructure are essential for protecting lives and minimizing the displacement caused by extreme weather events.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Mitigation Efforts</strong><br /> Mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions is equally important for protecting human rights in Nepal. The country's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its ambitious target of achieving 40% renewable energy by 2030 are steps in the right direction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Expanding renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and integrating climate considerations into development planning are critical for mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>International Cooperation and Responsibility</strong><br /> Addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and human rights in Nepal requires collective action and international cooperation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Financial Support and Technology Transfer</strong><br /> Developed countries have a responsibility to provide financial support and facilitate technology transfer to developing nations like Nepal. Adequate funding is essential to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies effectively and to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Access to environmentally friendly technologies can help Nepal transition to low-carbon development pathways, benefiting both the environment and human rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Empowering Local Communities</strong><br /> Recognizing the knowledge and experiences of local communities is crucial for effective climate action. Encouraging the participation of marginalized groups, women, and indigenous communities in decision-making processes empowers them to contribute to sustainable solutions that address their specific needs and rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Strengthening community-based adaptation initiatives and promoting indigenous knowledge systems can lead to more equitable and effective climate responses.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>"Nepal must prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation strategies that consider the specific needs of vulnerable groups. This includes investing in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure resilience</strong>."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The impact of climate change on human rights in Nepal is a complex and multifaceted issue. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, Dalits, ethnic and sexual minorities bear the brunt of climate-related disasters, exacerbating existing inequalities and compromising fundamental human rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Protecting human rights in the face of climate change requires a holistic approach that integrates climate adaptation, gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development. By prioritizing resilience, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting awareness, Nepal can navigate the challenges posed by climate change while safeguarding the rights and well-being of its citizens.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change poses significant threats to human rights in Nepal, affecting vulnerable populations across various dimensions of life. The right to life, livelihood, water, sanitation, and health are at stake due to rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and the loss of glaciers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">By implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies, supporting international cooperation, and empowering local communities, Nepal can better protect its citizens' human rights while building a sustainable and resilient future for all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Urgent action is needed to address the complex challenges posed by climate change, ensuring the rights and well-being of all Nepali people.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.newbusinessage.com/img/authors/20230625102745_madan%20lamsal.jpg" /> Madan Lamsal</p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17908', 'image' => '20230626104049_20230625103231_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-15 11:08:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18177', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Eight Selected for Judo in 19th Asian Games ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' Eight athletes have been selected for judo under the 19th Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou, China.', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:18px">June 15: Eight athletes have been selected for judo under the 19th Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou, China. They were selected through a competition organized by Nepal Judo Association at the multi-purpose martial arts center. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Four players each have been selected in the men's and women's category, according to President of Nepal Judo Association, Deepak Harsha Bajracharya. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Bikas BK of Lumbini Province will compete below 60 kg and Indra Bahadur Shrestha of Nepal Police under 66 kg, Nepal Army's Janga Bahadur Saru (under 81 kg) and Ranjesh Gole under 60 kg weight group have been selected in the men's category. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Similarly, Dewakimaya Shrestha of Bagmati Province will complete under 52 kgs, Manita Shrestha Pradhan of Nepal Police under 57 kg, Poonam Shrestha under 70 kg and Akriti Shrestha in above 78 kg the weight group have been selected for regional game. (RSS)</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17907', 'image' => '20230615060745_collage (24).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 06:06:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18176', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal and UAE Renew Bilateral Labour Agreement', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal government and the United Arab Emirates have successfully renewed their bilateral labour agreement.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 15: The Nepal government and the United Arab Emirates have successfully renewed their bilateral labour agreement. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the third meeting of the joint committee established in accordance with the historic bilateral agreement reached on June 14, 2019, both nations have renewed labour pact.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, witnessed a support from UAE official Abdulla Alnuimi, who expressed a keen interest in welcoming domestic workers from Nepal to UAE. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">With a firm focus on protecting the rights and welfare of Nepali workers, the Nepal government put forward crucial proposals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These proposals included guaranteeing a minimum salary for Nepali workers in the UAE, streamlining the process for repatriating the bodies of deceased Nepali workers, and establishing an efficient system for gathering information on Nepali workers currently incarcerated.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rajib Pokharel, Joint Secretary who led the Nepali task force in the committee, emphasized the recent labor and foreign employment laws formulated in Nepal. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These progressive laws underscore Nepal's commitment to empowering its workforce and ensuring their well-being while working abroad.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17906', 'image' => '20230615054920_collage (23).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 05:47:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18175', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Turnover Amount Surpasses Rs 5 Billion After Five Months as NEPSE Gains 16.42 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) witnessed a turnover amount of more than Rs 5 billion on Wednesday-the fourth trading day.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">June 14: Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) witnessed a turnover amount of more than Rs 5 billion on Wednesday-the fourth trading day. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">According to the Nepal Stock Exchange, today's trading amount is the highest in the past five months. Previously, on the 28th of the Poush, 2079, NEPSE had registered total turnover amount of Rs 5.47 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Looking into the today’s market rise, some booked the profit. However, buyers dominated the sellers at the end. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Seasoned investors and experts say that lately liquidity is easing and investors are expecting the interest rates to drop, resulting in the increase of share market. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">The NEPSE index closed at 2,037.06 today after gaining 16.42 points from the last trading day's closing. This marks a gain of 0.81%. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">As many as 275 scrips traded hands via 79,461 transactions. A total of 12,561,440 shares exchanged hands amounting to Rs. 5.01 billion in turnover amount. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">This is the highest turnover in 5 the past months.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">SHIVAM CEMENTS LTD (SHIVM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 28.17 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 525 per share.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Khaptad Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (KLBS) and City Hotel Limited (CITY) have gained the highest and technically hit the positive circuit for today.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">However, Rastriya Beema Company Limited (RBCL) lost the highest 5.62% today.</span> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Six sector indices closed in the red zone. "Others" gained the highest 2.35% while "Development Bank" lost the highest 0.96% today.</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17905', 'image' => '20230614044605_collage (29).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 16:44:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18174', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Share Investors’ Federation to Be Announced Next Week ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Preparations are underway to form a federation of share investors. The meeting of various share investors’ associations and unions held in Kathmandu on Tuesday decided to announce the federation of share investors next week.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">June 14: Preparations are underway to form a federation of share investors. The meeting of various share investors’ associations and unions held in Kathmandu on Tuesday decided to announce the federation of share investors next week.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Similarly, the meeting has also decided to present a unified suggestion to the Nepal Rastra Bank from the stock market for new monetary policies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Since the Finance Minister has pledged to remove the provisions detrimental to the share market in the new budget, investors are confident that Nepal Rastra Bank will incorporate share market-friendly arrangements in the new monetary policy. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Furthermore, the meeting has also expressed solidarity with the protesting employees of the Nepal Stock Exchange demanding its restructuring. As per the decision, the investors will approach the Ministry of Finance with NEPSE’s staffers and take initiatives for its restructuring.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">In addition, the meeting has also demanded to rectify the directive of Parliamentary Committee on Finance to halt issuance of new stock exchange and broker licenses. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Since the issuance of the new stock exchange and broker licenses has moved ahead in accordance with prevailing law and Supreme Court diktat, it is unbecoming for the finance committee to halt the license issuance process, said the investors. </span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17904', 'image' => '20230614040449_collage (28).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 16:03:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18173', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Flood Disrupts Vehicular Movement Along Beni-Jomsom Road', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 14: The Beni-Jomsom road which connects Mustang district with the national highway has been obstructed. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 14: The Beni-Jomsom road which connects Mustang district with the national highway has been obstructed. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A flooding that occurred on Tuesday night washed away a culvert in Tatopani area of Annapurna Rural Municipality-2, of Myagdi district along the road causing traffic obstruction. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As a result, vehicular movement along the Beni-Jomsom road has been disrupted, informed chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Bharat Kumar Pun. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Vehicles to and from Beni and Mustang have been stranded on the road. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Earlier, a flood that occurred on May 20 had broken down the three-meter long bridge installed in Bhurung,Tatopani. Following the demolition of the bridge, a temporary structure with Hume pipe was built to cross the river. The flood again took away the Hume pipe and road on Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The 76-km Beni-Jomsom road is under the Kaligandaki Corridor Road Project is currently being upgraded. Project Supervisor Indra Singh Sherchan informed that efforts are underway to resume vehicular movement by mobilizing dozers and labourers since early morning on Wednesday. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17903', 'image' => '20230614034825_20230124123517_DhrubasagarSharma_Galeswor_RSS_07_-himalmunikalopatresadak.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 15:47:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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$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' => '18187', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KMC Removes Stalls of Educational Fair Citing Inappropriate Time', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Saying that Educational Fair was scheduled prior to announcement of result of final examinations of different grades, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has ordered to stop such fair that started on Thursday at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:18px">June 15: Saying that Educational Fair was scheduled prior to announcement of result of final examinations of different grades, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has ordered to stop such fair that started on Thursday at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The KMC has removed the stalls of the fair arguing that this was 'inappropriate time' to run the fair. Officials of the Education Department of the KMC and City Police jointly removed the stalls. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Chief of Education Department of the KMC, Sitaram Koirala, said that the KMC stopped the fair since it was organized to lure the students ahead the results of the SEE and grade 12. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Koriala said that the fair stalls were removed because it was a move to entice the students and parents in the name of fair ahead of the results announcement. More than 75 stalls of the private colleges were kept in the fair planning to wrap up on June 18. (RSS)</span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-16', 'modified' => '2023-06-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17917', 'image' => '20230616061433_collage (26).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-16 06:12:27', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18185', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Eight Arrested on Charge of Promoting Online Betting ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested eight people including television artist Marichman Shrestha aka Balchhi Dhrube on the charge of their involvement in online betting. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 15: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested eight people including television artist Marichman Shrestha aka Balchhi Dhrube on the charge of their involvement in online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Office Chief and Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Manoj Kumar KC, others apprehended in this connection are Raju Paudel, Pawan Khatiwada, Alish Rai, Jwalan Ghartimagar, Ganesh Devkota, Saroj Ghimire and Begam Nepali. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The police said that they were charged of advertising online betting (1X bet) through a You Tube channel. Earlier, the office launched an operation over allegations that artists and You Tubers were encouraging youths to join online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Prior to this, the police had made public five others arrested for their involvement in online betting on Wednesday. They were charged of making transactions of Rs 7.4 million under the illegal online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those arrested are Dinesh Khadka, 29, Anita Dhital, 28, Dipesh Shrestha, 27, Dinesh Chand, 25 and Ashish Lamichhane, 24. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Clause 125 of the Criminal Code, 2074 (2017) prohibits gambling or involvement in betting. As per the Code, anyone found engaging in or promoting gambling first time is liable for facing an imprisonment up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 30,000. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">For the second offence of playing or organizing gambling, the duration of imprisonment is up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 50,000. For subsequent offences, additional imprisonment of three months and a fine of Rs 10,000 shall be imposed each time. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17916', 'image' => '20230615101847_bet.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 22:18:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18186', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Hydro Sector Will Receive Huge Investment from Indian Private Investors: FNCCI President Dh', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Indian private investment in Nepal's energy sector.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 16: The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Indian private investment in Nepal's energy sector.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Speaking at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), President Dhakal expressed his confidence in attracting substantial investment from the Indian private sector in Nepal's energy sector.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India, the FNCCI engaged in discussions with private sector representatives from India, who showed great enthusiasm for investing in Nepal, according to President Dhakal. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">However, he emphasized that for investment to materialize, the Nepalese government must create an investment-friendly environment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Dhakal emphasized that the private sector has played a crucial role in the rapid development of the hydropower sector. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The involvement of private investors has facilitated advancements in infrastructure, cement production, and electricity generation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Dhakal also pointed out that the recent visit of the Prime Minister to India has made a breakhrough in power exports to India and Bangladesh, which will have a substantial impact on Nepal's economy.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"The breakthrough includes provisions for exporting 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India and Bangladesh. To make this a reality, Nepal must promptly address issues related to transmission lines and power purchase agreements," stressed President Dhakal. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-16', 'modified' => '2023-06-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17915', 'image' => '20230616060603_collage (25).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-16 06:03:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18184', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank Recommends Reforms to Strengthen Fiscal Federalism in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The World Bank has suggested Nepal to strengthen the regulatory framework of fiscal federalism.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 15: The World Bank has suggested Nepal to strengthen the regulatory framework of fiscal federalism.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Noting that Nepal has made significant progress on fiscal federalism, World Bank in its first annual Nepal Fiscal Federalism Update launched on Thursday said more needs to be done to strengthen the regulatory framework.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Issuing a statement, the World Bank also suggested improving institutional setup, human resource capacity, and public financial management (PFM) systems at the provincial and local levels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“The report highlights the need to develop a fiscal federalism roadmap that encompasses a clear set of actions, sequence, timeline, and responsible actors to improve fiscal federalism outcomes in Nepal,” the statement quoted Balananda Paudel, chairperson of the National Natural Resource and Fiscal Commission, as saying.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">While provincial and local governments received nearly 36.7 percent of the federal money through intergovernmental fiscal transfers, which amounted to 64.8 percent of their revenue in FY 2021/22, the largest and proportionally growing fund transfers to sub-national governments in the past five years have been through conditional grants, the World Bank added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">These are heavily earmarked, thus the share of conditional grants needs to be gradually lowered and other grants including equalization grants be increased following the expenditure capacity of the provincial and local government increases, according to the report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This report, as prepared by the World Bank team, provides a comprehensive review of the progress of fiscal federalism in Nepal. The proportion of conditional grant seems to be high in the early years of federalization due to transfer of projects to provincial and local governments being operationalized by federal government in the past and contributing the salary and allowances of teachers and health staffs deputed in the local governments and it will be gradually improved as situation changes. The recommendations are well aligned with our national development plan and further support our ongoing efforts to advance on fiscal federalism,” stated Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, revenue secretary at the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the World Bank, the Nepal Fiscal Federalism Update identifies key reforms to help Nepal improve fiscal federalism outcomes. It recommends developing a fiscal federalism roadmap to guide and monitor the reforms in this area, reinforcing the Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer system, and establishing a consolidated PFM performance database at the sub-national level. It also recommends amending the legal framework to clarify the concurrent and shared responsibilities among the three tiers of government, strengthening the capacity of provincial and local government staff to carry out PFM-related functions, and reinforcing systems to improve the budget credibility and delivery of services by sub-national governments.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Fiscal Federalism is a foundation for sustained service delivery by provincial and local governments. To this, they need adequate financial resources and the ability to make spending decisions at the subnational level, in the spirit of federalism,” said Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “The World Bank is committed to support the Government of Nepal, in close collaboration with other Development Partners, to further solidify fiscal federalism in Nepal.”</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17914', 'image' => '20230615065259_Nepal Fiscal Federalsim Update_World Bank.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 18:52:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18183', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Contributors of Social Security Fund Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The number of contributors and employers participating in the Social Security Fund has been increasing of late. ', '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"">June 15: The number of contributors and employers participating in the Social Security Fund has been increasing of late. The number of employers listed in the state-sponsored social security scheme has reached 17,945 as of June 13.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 data of the Social Security Fund shows that the number of listed contributors has reached 580,460.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The government had decided to include Nepali migrant workers in foreign countries and self-employed workers in the social security scheme starting from March 22. The government has made it mandatory for workers going abroad to join the social security scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Arrangements have been made for the workers going abroad to get affiliated to the social security scheme while obtaining work permit. Similarly, during the renewal of the labor permit, workers who are employed abroad must get registered in the fund.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Vivek Panthi, deputy executive director of the fund, says that the participation of workers in foreign employment has increased day by day in accordance with the government's goal of expanding the scope of contribution-based social security by including workers in foreign employment in the fund.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 fund informed that it is making preparations to include 2.2 million workers who are employed abroad in the fund. A total of 7.48 percent of the amount contributed by Nepali workers in foreign jobs has been allocated for the Accident and Disability Protection Scheme and the Dependent Family Protection Scheme and 13.85 percent to the Old Age Protection Scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 contributors can choose to withdraw the total contribution amount accumulated in the pension scheme, which includes the contribution amount in addition to the returns received from SSF’s investment, at once or receive the amount in 160 installments as pension throughout one’s life time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">This provision is one of the reasons why the number of contributors is increasing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Nevertheless, a large number of banks and financial institutions still have not decided to join the Social Security Fund. There is a fear among the private sector employees that the facilities they have been enjoying so far might be curtailed.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">While announcing the budget of the next fiscal year, the government made it clear that it aims to include more and more workers from the formal and informal sectors in the social security scheme. It is widely believed that the goal of the fund will not be achieved until the employees of big companies including banks and financial institutions join the scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17913', 'image' => '20230615032618_SSF (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 15:25:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18182', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'House Panel Forms Sub-Committee to Study the Problems of Sugarcane Farmers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Industry and Commerce and Labor and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to study the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend solutions.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 15: The Industry and Commerce and Labor and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to study the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend solutions.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The five-member sub-committee has been formed under the coordination of committee member Krishna Kumar Shrestha. Ram Shankar Yadav, Suryaman Tamang (Dong), Kantika Sejuwal, and Ganesh Parajuli are the members of the sub-committee. A meeting of the parliamentary committee, chaired by Ranendra Baraili as the senior-most member, on Wednesday decided to form the sub-committee to study problems of sugar industry and sugarcane farmers and recommend suggestions.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The sub-committee has been given a time limit of 30 days to submit the study report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This sub-committee will study and submit suggestions to the committee about issues such as the arrears amount that the sugarcane farmers should get from the sugar mills and also suggestions about the minimum support price. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The parliamentary committee meeting also discussed issues such as the non-effective implementation of the provision of 'free visa free ticket' implemented by the government for Nepali migrant workers and the impact of the government's change in tax rates from the next fiscal year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting also discussed the 'Concept Paper’ prepared by the People’s Forum for Human Rights on the implementation of the order issued by the Supreme Court on foreign employment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the complaint of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association regarding the increase in gold customs and keeping gold and silver as a luxury item in the budget of the next fiscal year and the complaint of the Consumer Interest Protection Forum-Nepal regarding the unfair price increase in petroleum products were also discussed. The meeting also decided to invite officials of the line ministries and concerned agencies to further discuss on these issues in the next meeting of the committee.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17912', 'image' => '20230615025949_Parliament RSS 800.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 14:58:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18181', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Announces Programmes but does not Implement them', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The businessmen and common people feel betrayed when the government makes announcements but does not implement them time and again.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 15: The businessmen and common people feel betrayed when the government makes announcements but does not implement them time and again. Experts say that the practice of not implementing the announcements, which are made only to gain popularity, will have detrimental impact in various areas.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A chaotic situation has now been created due to the lack of implementation of the past policies or changes in agricultural insurance, Covid-19 insurance, cash subsidy for exports, capital gains tax, etc. The dual nature of the state has created an atmosphere of distrust on the one hand, and entrepreneurs, businessmen and the general public have become confused on the other.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After introducing the concept of agricultural insurance, the government arranged for subsidies on premiums for 10 years. Initially, the subsidy was 50 percent, which changed to 75 percent, 50 percent and then 80 percent. Experts say that the percentage of subsidy changes as soon as the government changes. For three years, insurance companies have not received the subsidy announced by the government. The arrears of agricultural insurance subsidy alone have reached Rs 3 billion and the government is reluctant to provide the amount, according to the owners of the insurance companies.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the budget of the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24), the government has allocated Rs 950 million subsidy on agricultural insurance, which was Rs 750 million in the current fiscal year. Insurance companies consider agricultural insurance to be a loss-making business. They complain that even though they have supported the policy taken by the government, the state has put the insurance companies in trouble.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the insurance companies, even though claims are continuously being settled, the government is not paying the due amount and the situation has turned uncomfortable. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the past six months, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, and the Nepal Insurance Authority have not given any assurance to release the due amount. As a result, the insurance companies issued a press statement and said that the issuance of agricultural insurance policies and settlements of claims have been postponed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the government had announced that it would provide 8 percent subsidy on exports of cement in the current fiscal year. The cement manufacturers were delighted with the decision but the joy was short lived. The government later prepared a work procedure according to which cash subsidy of 8 percent would be provided only to the exporters who export cement worth more than Rs 500 million a year. Others would have to settle for subsidy of 4 percent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Raghunandan Maru, managing director of Shivam Cement, says that it is difficult for the industrialists when the reality is different from the announcements made by the government.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CIBFIN) has opposed the additional tax levied on income from mergers in the upcoming FY's budget. CBFIN issued a press statement and said that they are trying to impose a tax against the national and international laws and will not accept it under any circumstances.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CBFIN stated that imposing tax liability without legal basis and contrary to national and international practices will cause unimaginable damage to the banks, financial institutions and other sectors as well as the economy as a whole.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17911', 'image' => '20230615013607_1683767264.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 13:34:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18180', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dr Aryal appointed as Chief Secretary ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Baikuntha Aryal as the chief secretary. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 15: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Baikuntha Aryal as the chief secretary. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Thursday appointed Secretary at the Council of Ministers Dr Aryal as the chief secretary, informed Minister for Drinking Water Mahindra Raya Yadav. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Earlier, Dr Aryal served as the Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The cabinet meeting has approved the resignation of outgoing Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has also decided to appoint Bairagi as the advisor to the National Security Council. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17910', 'image' => '20230615124600_066A9238.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 12:45:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18179', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'VAT Takes Toll on Onion Market as Prices Triple in 15 Days', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: According to the Department of Customs, onions worth Rs 26.10 billion have been imported into Nepal in a period of five years. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">June 15: According to the Department of Customs, onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">26</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.10 billion have been imported into Nepal in a period of five years. Nepal has to rely on India for the import of onions due to low production 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:"Arial","sans-serif"">There is not a shortage of onions in the market after the government imposed VAT on onions while announcing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">/</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">24).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Department of Customs, 155.71 million kilograms (15,57,14,631 kg) of onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5.79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion have been imported in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> months of the current year. In the corresponding period last fiscal year, 145.21 million kgs (</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">52</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">11</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">974</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">kgs) of onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.4 billion were imported. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Businessmen now complain that there is no environment to import onion due to VAT.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prakash Gajurel, general secretary of Nepal Agricultural Produce Potato, Onion Import Export and Wholesalers Association, says imposition of VAT on onion, potato and other items has deteriorated the environment for businessmen to import such perishable products.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Most of the buyers are not registered with VAT. In such a situation, the government decided to impose VAT without studying and discussing the matter with the stakeholders, says Gajurel, adding, “This has not only affected the businessmen but also the placed the consumers at the receiving end.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 said that the import of onions has not been possible due to the government’s policy and they are trying to contact the relevant ministries to solve this problem.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Madhav Timalsina, president of the Consumer Rights Research Forum, says that the government, finance ministry and related agencies should reconsider the decision to impose VAT on onions.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Timalsina questioned, "How relevant is it to impose VAT on onions consumed everyday by the lower-class people while the government does not impose VAT on packed food and fish imported from countries like Brazil and Ethiopia especially for the high-class people?”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stating that Nepal is dependent on India for imports of onion, Timalsina said, “The government should rather focus on how to increase production than imposing VAT when domestic production is not adequate to meet the market demand.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Price more than triples in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> days</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market, the wholesale price of onion was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">35</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per kg </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> days ago. Now, due to the shortage of onions after the imposition of VAT, the market has removed the price of onions from the list.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 traders of Kalimati say that the price has not been fixed because there is no onion in the market. The names of vegetables or fruits which are not available in the market are not in the price list. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In retail shops, the price of onion has now reached Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">125</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">per kg. Rajesh Adhikari, a wholesale onion trader in Kalimati, says that onions have not entered the market in the last few days.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17909', 'image' => '20230615120935_20170411040236_onion.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 12:08:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18178', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'The Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Climate change in Nepal disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, leading to intensified inequalities and compromised human rights. Nepal must adopt a comprehensive approach involving climate adaptation, gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development to prioritize resilience, empower marginalized communities, and protect citizens' rights and well-being.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px">May 15: Climate change is currently one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Its consequences extend far beyond environmental concerns, significantly impacting the enjoyment of human rights, especially in vulnerable regions like Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">This article aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between climate change and human rights in Nepal, highlighting the specific challenges faced by its population and the urgent need for action.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Climate Change in Nepal: A Growing Threat</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Nepal, a landlocked country located in the Himalayas, is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geography and socioeconomic factors. The impacts of climate change in Nepal are already visible, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, glacial melt, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to data from the Nepal Climate Change Knowledge Management Center, average temperatures in Nepal have been increasing at a rate of 0.06°C per year. This warming trend has led to the rapid melting of glaciers, resulting in increased risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and flash floods. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and heavy rainfall, have also been on the rise.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.newbusinessage.com/img/news/collage-5.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Temperature Rise and Agricultural Productivity</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Over the past few decades, Nepal has experienced a significant rise in temperatures, leading to adverse effects on agricultural productivity. The agricultural sector, which employs a substantial portion of the population, is crucial for livelihoods and food security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to a study by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal's agriculture could witness a decline of up to 50% in crop yields by 2050 if appropriate measures are not taken.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Melting Glaciers and Water Resources</strong><br /> Nepal is home to numerous glaciers, which act as natural water reservoirs for downstream communities. However, these glaciers are rapidly melting due to rising temperatures, posing severe threats to water availability and quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The loss of glacial water sources not only affects agriculture but also disrupts hydropower generation, which is a vital source of energy for the country.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Impacts on Human Rights</strong><br /> The adverse effects of climate change in Nepal have far-reaching consequences for the enjoyment of human rights across various dimensions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Life and Livelihood</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The right to life, as enshrined in international human rights instruments, is under threat in Nepal due to climate change. The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides, and droughts, has resulted in loss of lives, displacement, and damage to infrastructure.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">These events not only endanger physical safety but also disrupt livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of local economies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Water and Sanitation</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change-induced impacts on water resources jeopardize the right to access clean water and sanitation facilities, particularly in marginalized communities. With glacial melt and changing precipitation patterns, communities are at risk of water scarcity, contamination, and reduced water quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">This situation disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and indigenous populations, who often bear the burden of fetching water over long distances.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Health</strong><br /> Climate change exacerbates health risks in Nepal, primarily through the spread of diseases and the worsening of existing health challenges. Changing climatic conditions facilitate the transmission of vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria, while extreme weather events increase the likelihood of injuries, trauma, and mental health issues.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Limited access to healthcare facilities and inadequate infrastructure further compound the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">"<strong>The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides, and droughts, has resulted in loss of lives, displacement, and damage to infrastructure. </strong><strong>These events not only endanger physical safety but also disrupt livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of local economies."</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups</strong><br /> <strong>Women and Children</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities in Nepal, disproportionately affecting women and children. Women, who often bear the responsibility of household tasks and food production, face increased workloads and reduced access to resources as agricultural yields decline.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Moreover, natural disasters such as floods and landslides lead to displacement, placing women and children at higher risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violence. A study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nepal found that women and girls are more likely to suffer the consequences of climate change due to cultural norms, limited access to resources, and discrimination.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For example, during periods of water scarcity, women and girls are often tasked with traveling long distances to fetch water, which exposes them to safety risks and restricts their access to education and economic opportunities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Dalits, Ethnic and Sexual Minorities</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Marginalized communities, including Dalits, ethnic minorities, and sexual minorities, face heightened vulnerabilities in the face of climate change. These groups often have limited access to resources, education, and healthcare, exacerbating their exposure to climate-induced hazards. Discrimination and exclusion from decision-making processes further restrict their ability to adapt and recover from climate-related shocks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to a report by the Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal, Dalits and indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate change, particularly in terms of food security and access to water.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For instance, the report highlights that Dalit communities in the Terai region face challenges in accessing and utilizing water resources due to discriminatory practices and limited control over water sources.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Elderly</strong><br /> The elderly population in Nepal is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Extreme temperatures, heatwaves, and inadequate access to healthcare services pose severe health risks for this demographic. Additionally, the elderly often face social isolation and limited mobility, making them more vulnerable during climate-related disasters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that heat-related illnesses and deaths among the elderly have increased in Nepal due to rising temperatures. The study emphasized the need for improved healthcare services and targeted interventions to protect the rights and well-being of the elderly population.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Freedom of Expression and Access to Information</strong><br /> Preserving freedom of expression and access to information is crucial in addressing climate change. Nepalese citizens must have the right to voice their concerns, contribute to decision-making processes, and hold governments accountable for their environmental policies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">However, climate-related issues often face suppression and censorship, hindering the dissemination of information and stifling public discourse. Various reports from human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have highlighted cases of environmental activists, journalists, and community leaders facing harassment and threats for speaking out about climate change and its impacts. The intimidation and silencing of individuals hinder efforts to address climate change and protect human rights in Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Labor Rights and Economic Implications</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change significantly impacts labor rights in Nepal. As agricultural productivity declines, farmers and rural workers face reduced incomes, unemployment, and increased vulnerability. Extreme weather events also disrupt supply chains and negatively impact industries such as tourism and agriculture, leading to job losses and economic instability.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">A report published by the International Labor Organization (ILO) indicates that climate change-induced disasters have a significant impact on employment and livelihoods in Nepal. The report suggests that climate change adaptation measures should prioritize job creation, skills development, and social protection for affected workers and communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>"Due to extreme weather patterns, agricultural productivity declines. Farmers and rural workers face reduced incomes, unemployment, and increased vulnerability. Extreme weather events also disrupt supply chains and negatively impact industries such as tourism and agriculture, leading to job losses and economic instability."</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Way Forward: Protecting Human Rights in a Changing Climate<br /> Strengthening Resilience and Adaptation</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Nepal must prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation strategies that consider the specific needs of vulnerable groups. This includes investing in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure resilience. Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, promoting alternative livelihoods, and enhancing social protection mechanisms can help alleviate the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups</strong><br /> Efforts should be made to empower women and marginalized groups by ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Strengthening legal frameworks that protect their rights, providing access to education and healthcare, and promoting gender equality are essential steps towards building resilient and inclusive communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Promoting Awareness and Education</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and its intersection with human rights is crucial. Comprehensive public education campaigns can help foster a sense of urgency and empower individuals to take action. Educating citizens about sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and the importance of human rights will contribute to building a more climate-resilient and equitable society.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Role of Adaptation and Mitigation</strong><br /> To address the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights in Nepal, a two-pronged approach encompassing adaptation and mitigation measures is crucial.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Adaptation Strategies</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Adaptation strategies play a vital role in enhancing the resilience of communities and safeguarding human rights. Investing in climate-resilient agriculture, such as improved irrigation techniques and crop diversification, can help mitigate the impacts on livelihoods and food security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Additionally, strengthening early warning systems, improving disaster preparedness, and promoting climate-smart infrastructure are essential for protecting lives and minimizing the displacement caused by extreme weather events.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Mitigation Efforts</strong><br /> Mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions is equally important for protecting human rights in Nepal. The country's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its ambitious target of achieving 40% renewable energy by 2030 are steps in the right direction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Expanding renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and integrating climate considerations into development planning are critical for mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>International Cooperation and Responsibility</strong><br /> Addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and human rights in Nepal requires collective action and international cooperation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Financial Support and Technology Transfer</strong><br /> Developed countries have a responsibility to provide financial support and facilitate technology transfer to developing nations like Nepal. Adequate funding is essential to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies effectively and to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Access to environmentally friendly technologies can help Nepal transition to low-carbon development pathways, benefiting both the environment and human rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Empowering Local Communities</strong><br /> Recognizing the knowledge and experiences of local communities is crucial for effective climate action. Encouraging the participation of marginalized groups, women, and indigenous communities in decision-making processes empowers them to contribute to sustainable solutions that address their specific needs and rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Strengthening community-based adaptation initiatives and promoting indigenous knowledge systems can lead to more equitable and effective climate responses.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>"Nepal must prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation strategies that consider the specific needs of vulnerable groups. This includes investing in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure resilience</strong>."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The impact of climate change on human rights in Nepal is a complex and multifaceted issue. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, Dalits, ethnic and sexual minorities bear the brunt of climate-related disasters, exacerbating existing inequalities and compromising fundamental human rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Protecting human rights in the face of climate change requires a holistic approach that integrates climate adaptation, gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development. By prioritizing resilience, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting awareness, Nepal can navigate the challenges posed by climate change while safeguarding the rights and well-being of its citizens.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change poses significant threats to human rights in Nepal, affecting vulnerable populations across various dimensions of life. The right to life, livelihood, water, sanitation, and health are at stake due to rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and the loss of glaciers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">By implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies, supporting international cooperation, and empowering local communities, Nepal can better protect its citizens' human rights while building a sustainable and resilient future for all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Urgent action is needed to address the complex challenges posed by climate change, ensuring the rights and well-being of all Nepali people.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.newbusinessage.com/img/authors/20230625102745_madan%20lamsal.jpg" /> Madan Lamsal</p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17908', 'image' => '20230626104049_20230625103231_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-15 11:08:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18177', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Eight Selected for Judo in 19th Asian Games ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' Eight athletes have been selected for judo under the 19th Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou, China.', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:18px">June 15: Eight athletes have been selected for judo under the 19th Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou, China. They were selected through a competition organized by Nepal Judo Association at the multi-purpose martial arts center. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Four players each have been selected in the men's and women's category, according to President of Nepal Judo Association, Deepak Harsha Bajracharya. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Bikas BK of Lumbini Province will compete below 60 kg and Indra Bahadur Shrestha of Nepal Police under 66 kg, Nepal Army's Janga Bahadur Saru (under 81 kg) and Ranjesh Gole under 60 kg weight group have been selected in the men's category. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Similarly, Dewakimaya Shrestha of Bagmati Province will complete under 52 kgs, Manita Shrestha Pradhan of Nepal Police under 57 kg, Poonam Shrestha under 70 kg and Akriti Shrestha in above 78 kg the weight group have been selected for regional game. (RSS)</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17907', 'image' => '20230615060745_collage (24).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 06:06:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18176', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal and UAE Renew Bilateral Labour Agreement', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal government and the United Arab Emirates have successfully renewed their bilateral labour agreement.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 15: The Nepal government and the United Arab Emirates have successfully renewed their bilateral labour agreement. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the third meeting of the joint committee established in accordance with the historic bilateral agreement reached on June 14, 2019, both nations have renewed labour pact.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, witnessed a support from UAE official Abdulla Alnuimi, who expressed a keen interest in welcoming domestic workers from Nepal to UAE. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">With a firm focus on protecting the rights and welfare of Nepali workers, the Nepal government put forward crucial proposals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These proposals included guaranteeing a minimum salary for Nepali workers in the UAE, streamlining the process for repatriating the bodies of deceased Nepali workers, and establishing an efficient system for gathering information on Nepali workers currently incarcerated.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rajib Pokharel, Joint Secretary who led the Nepali task force in the committee, emphasized the recent labor and foreign employment laws formulated in Nepal. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These progressive laws underscore Nepal's commitment to empowering its workforce and ensuring their well-being while working abroad.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17906', 'image' => '20230615054920_collage (23).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 05:47:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18175', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Turnover Amount Surpasses Rs 5 Billion After Five Months as NEPSE Gains 16.42 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) witnessed a turnover amount of more than Rs 5 billion on Wednesday-the fourth trading day.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">June 14: Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) witnessed a turnover amount of more than Rs 5 billion on Wednesday-the fourth trading day. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">According to the Nepal Stock Exchange, today's trading amount is the highest in the past five months. Previously, on the 28th of the Poush, 2079, NEPSE had registered total turnover amount of Rs 5.47 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Looking into the today’s market rise, some booked the profit. However, buyers dominated the sellers at the end. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Seasoned investors and experts say that lately liquidity is easing and investors are expecting the interest rates to drop, resulting in the increase of share market. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">The NEPSE index closed at 2,037.06 today after gaining 16.42 points from the last trading day's closing. This marks a gain of 0.81%. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">As many as 275 scrips traded hands via 79,461 transactions. A total of 12,561,440 shares exchanged hands amounting to Rs. 5.01 billion in turnover amount. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">This is the highest turnover in 5 the past months.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">SHIVAM CEMENTS LTD (SHIVM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 28.17 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 525 per share.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Khaptad Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (KLBS) and City Hotel Limited (CITY) have gained the highest and technically hit the positive circuit for today.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">However, Rastriya Beema Company Limited (RBCL) lost the highest 5.62% today.</span> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Six sector indices closed in the red zone. "Others" gained the highest 2.35% while "Development Bank" lost the highest 0.96% today.</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17905', 'image' => '20230614044605_collage (29).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 16:44:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18174', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Share Investors’ Federation to Be Announced Next Week ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Preparations are underway to form a federation of share investors. The meeting of various share investors’ associations and unions held in Kathmandu on Tuesday decided to announce the federation of share investors next week.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">June 14: Preparations are underway to form a federation of share investors. The meeting of various share investors’ associations and unions held in Kathmandu on Tuesday decided to announce the federation of share investors next week.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Similarly, the meeting has also decided to present a unified suggestion to the Nepal Rastra Bank from the stock market for new monetary policies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Since the Finance Minister has pledged to remove the provisions detrimental to the share market in the new budget, investors are confident that Nepal Rastra Bank will incorporate share market-friendly arrangements in the new monetary policy. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Furthermore, the meeting has also expressed solidarity with the protesting employees of the Nepal Stock Exchange demanding its restructuring. As per the decision, the investors will approach the Ministry of Finance with NEPSE’s staffers and take initiatives for its restructuring.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">In addition, the meeting has also demanded to rectify the directive of Parliamentary Committee on Finance to halt issuance of new stock exchange and broker licenses. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Since the issuance of the new stock exchange and broker licenses has moved ahead in accordance with prevailing law and Supreme Court diktat, it is unbecoming for the finance committee to halt the license issuance process, said the investors. </span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17904', 'image' => '20230614040449_collage (28).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 16:03:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18173', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Flood Disrupts Vehicular Movement Along Beni-Jomsom Road', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 14: The Beni-Jomsom road which connects Mustang district with the national highway has been obstructed. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 14: The Beni-Jomsom road which connects Mustang district with the national highway has been obstructed. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A flooding that occurred on Tuesday night washed away a culvert in Tatopani area of Annapurna Rural Municipality-2, of Myagdi district along the road causing traffic obstruction. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As a result, vehicular movement along the Beni-Jomsom road has been disrupted, informed chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Bharat Kumar Pun. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Vehicles to and from Beni and Mustang have been stranded on the road. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Earlier, a flood that occurred on May 20 had broken down the three-meter long bridge installed in Bhurung,Tatopani. Following the demolition of the bridge, a temporary structure with Hume pipe was built to cross the river. The flood again took away the Hume pipe and road on Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The 76-km Beni-Jomsom road is under the Kaligandaki Corridor Road Project is currently being upgraded. Project Supervisor Indra Singh Sherchan informed that efforts are underway to resume vehicular movement by mobilizing dozers and labourers since early morning on Wednesday. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17903', 'image' => '20230614034825_20230124123517_DhrubasagarSharma_Galeswor_RSS_07_-himalmunikalopatresadak.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 15:47:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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$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' => '18187', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KMC Removes Stalls of Educational Fair Citing Inappropriate Time', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Saying that Educational Fair was scheduled prior to announcement of result of final examinations of different grades, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has ordered to stop such fair that started on Thursday at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:18px">June 15: Saying that Educational Fair was scheduled prior to announcement of result of final examinations of different grades, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has ordered to stop such fair that started on Thursday at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The KMC has removed the stalls of the fair arguing that this was 'inappropriate time' to run the fair. Officials of the Education Department of the KMC and City Police jointly removed the stalls. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Chief of Education Department of the KMC, Sitaram Koirala, said that the KMC stopped the fair since it was organized to lure the students ahead the results of the SEE and grade 12. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Koriala said that the fair stalls were removed because it was a move to entice the students and parents in the name of fair ahead of the results announcement. More than 75 stalls of the private colleges were kept in the fair planning to wrap up on June 18. (RSS)</span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-16', 'modified' => '2023-06-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17917', 'image' => '20230616061433_collage (26).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-16 06:12:27', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18185', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Eight Arrested on Charge of Promoting Online Betting ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested eight people including television artist Marichman Shrestha aka Balchhi Dhrube on the charge of their involvement in online betting. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 15: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested eight people including television artist Marichman Shrestha aka Balchhi Dhrube on the charge of their involvement in online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Office Chief and Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Manoj Kumar KC, others apprehended in this connection are Raju Paudel, Pawan Khatiwada, Alish Rai, Jwalan Ghartimagar, Ganesh Devkota, Saroj Ghimire and Begam Nepali. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The police said that they were charged of advertising online betting (1X bet) through a You Tube channel. Earlier, the office launched an operation over allegations that artists and You Tubers were encouraging youths to join online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Prior to this, the police had made public five others arrested for their involvement in online betting on Wednesday. They were charged of making transactions of Rs 7.4 million under the illegal online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those arrested are Dinesh Khadka, 29, Anita Dhital, 28, Dipesh Shrestha, 27, Dinesh Chand, 25 and Ashish Lamichhane, 24. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Clause 125 of the Criminal Code, 2074 (2017) prohibits gambling or involvement in betting. As per the Code, anyone found engaging in or promoting gambling first time is liable for facing an imprisonment up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 30,000. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">For the second offence of playing or organizing gambling, the duration of imprisonment is up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 50,000. For subsequent offences, additional imprisonment of three months and a fine of Rs 10,000 shall be imposed each time. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17916', 'image' => '20230615101847_bet.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 22:18:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18186', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Hydro Sector Will Receive Huge Investment from Indian Private Investors: FNCCI President Dh', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Indian private investment in Nepal's energy sector.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 16: The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Indian private investment in Nepal's energy sector.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Speaking at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), President Dhakal expressed his confidence in attracting substantial investment from the Indian private sector in Nepal's energy sector.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India, the FNCCI engaged in discussions with private sector representatives from India, who showed great enthusiasm for investing in Nepal, according to President Dhakal. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">However, he emphasized that for investment to materialize, the Nepalese government must create an investment-friendly environment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Dhakal emphasized that the private sector has played a crucial role in the rapid development of the hydropower sector. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The involvement of private investors has facilitated advancements in infrastructure, cement production, and electricity generation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Dhakal also pointed out that the recent visit of the Prime Minister to India has made a breakhrough in power exports to India and Bangladesh, which will have a substantial impact on Nepal's economy.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"The breakthrough includes provisions for exporting 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India and Bangladesh. To make this a reality, Nepal must promptly address issues related to transmission lines and power purchase agreements," stressed President Dhakal. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-16', 'modified' => '2023-06-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17915', 'image' => '20230616060603_collage (25).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-16 06:03:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18184', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank Recommends Reforms to Strengthen Fiscal Federalism in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The World Bank has suggested Nepal to strengthen the regulatory framework of fiscal federalism.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 15: The World Bank has suggested Nepal to strengthen the regulatory framework of fiscal federalism.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Noting that Nepal has made significant progress on fiscal federalism, World Bank in its first annual Nepal Fiscal Federalism Update launched on Thursday said more needs to be done to strengthen the regulatory framework.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Issuing a statement, the World Bank also suggested improving institutional setup, human resource capacity, and public financial management (PFM) systems at the provincial and local levels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“The report highlights the need to develop a fiscal federalism roadmap that encompasses a clear set of actions, sequence, timeline, and responsible actors to improve fiscal federalism outcomes in Nepal,” the statement quoted Balananda Paudel, chairperson of the National Natural Resource and Fiscal Commission, as saying.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">While provincial and local governments received nearly 36.7 percent of the federal money through intergovernmental fiscal transfers, which amounted to 64.8 percent of their revenue in FY 2021/22, the largest and proportionally growing fund transfers to sub-national governments in the past five years have been through conditional grants, the World Bank added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">These are heavily earmarked, thus the share of conditional grants needs to be gradually lowered and other grants including equalization grants be increased following the expenditure capacity of the provincial and local government increases, according to the report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This report, as prepared by the World Bank team, provides a comprehensive review of the progress of fiscal federalism in Nepal. The proportion of conditional grant seems to be high in the early years of federalization due to transfer of projects to provincial and local governments being operationalized by federal government in the past and contributing the salary and allowances of teachers and health staffs deputed in the local governments and it will be gradually improved as situation changes. The recommendations are well aligned with our national development plan and further support our ongoing efforts to advance on fiscal federalism,” stated Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, revenue secretary at the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the World Bank, the Nepal Fiscal Federalism Update identifies key reforms to help Nepal improve fiscal federalism outcomes. It recommends developing a fiscal federalism roadmap to guide and monitor the reforms in this area, reinforcing the Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer system, and establishing a consolidated PFM performance database at the sub-national level. It also recommends amending the legal framework to clarify the concurrent and shared responsibilities among the three tiers of government, strengthening the capacity of provincial and local government staff to carry out PFM-related functions, and reinforcing systems to improve the budget credibility and delivery of services by sub-national governments.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Fiscal Federalism is a foundation for sustained service delivery by provincial and local governments. To this, they need adequate financial resources and the ability to make spending decisions at the subnational level, in the spirit of federalism,” said Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “The World Bank is committed to support the Government of Nepal, in close collaboration with other Development Partners, to further solidify fiscal federalism in Nepal.”</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17914', 'image' => '20230615065259_Nepal Fiscal Federalsim Update_World Bank.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 18:52:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18183', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Contributors of Social Security Fund Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The number of contributors and employers participating in the Social Security Fund has been increasing of late. ', '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"">June 15: The number of contributors and employers participating in the Social Security Fund has been increasing of late. The number of employers listed in the state-sponsored social security scheme has reached 17,945 as of June 13.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 data of the Social Security Fund shows that the number of listed contributors has reached 580,460.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The government had decided to include Nepali migrant workers in foreign countries and self-employed workers in the social security scheme starting from March 22. The government has made it mandatory for workers going abroad to join the social security scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Arrangements have been made for the workers going abroad to get affiliated to the social security scheme while obtaining work permit. Similarly, during the renewal of the labor permit, workers who are employed abroad must get registered in the fund.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Vivek Panthi, deputy executive director of the fund, says that the participation of workers in foreign employment has increased day by day in accordance with the government's goal of expanding the scope of contribution-based social security by including workers in foreign employment in the fund.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 fund informed that it is making preparations to include 2.2 million workers who are employed abroad in the fund. A total of 7.48 percent of the amount contributed by Nepali workers in foreign jobs has been allocated for the Accident and Disability Protection Scheme and the Dependent Family Protection Scheme and 13.85 percent to the Old Age Protection Scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 contributors can choose to withdraw the total contribution amount accumulated in the pension scheme, which includes the contribution amount in addition to the returns received from SSF’s investment, at once or receive the amount in 160 installments as pension throughout one’s life time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">This provision is one of the reasons why the number of contributors is increasing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Nevertheless, a large number of banks and financial institutions still have not decided to join the Social Security Fund. There is a fear among the private sector employees that the facilities they have been enjoying so far might be curtailed.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">While announcing the budget of the next fiscal year, the government made it clear that it aims to include more and more workers from the formal and informal sectors in the social security scheme. It is widely believed that the goal of the fund will not be achieved until the employees of big companies including banks and financial institutions join the scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17913', 'image' => '20230615032618_SSF (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 15:25:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18182', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'House Panel Forms Sub-Committee to Study the Problems of Sugarcane Farmers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Industry and Commerce and Labor and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to study the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend solutions.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 15: The Industry and Commerce and Labor and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to study the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend solutions.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The five-member sub-committee has been formed under the coordination of committee member Krishna Kumar Shrestha. Ram Shankar Yadav, Suryaman Tamang (Dong), Kantika Sejuwal, and Ganesh Parajuli are the members of the sub-committee. A meeting of the parliamentary committee, chaired by Ranendra Baraili as the senior-most member, on Wednesday decided to form the sub-committee to study problems of sugar industry and sugarcane farmers and recommend suggestions.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The sub-committee has been given a time limit of 30 days to submit the study report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This sub-committee will study and submit suggestions to the committee about issues such as the arrears amount that the sugarcane farmers should get from the sugar mills and also suggestions about the minimum support price. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The parliamentary committee meeting also discussed issues such as the non-effective implementation of the provision of 'free visa free ticket' implemented by the government for Nepali migrant workers and the impact of the government's change in tax rates from the next fiscal year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting also discussed the 'Concept Paper’ prepared by the People’s Forum for Human Rights on the implementation of the order issued by the Supreme Court on foreign employment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the complaint of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association regarding the increase in gold customs and keeping gold and silver as a luxury item in the budget of the next fiscal year and the complaint of the Consumer Interest Protection Forum-Nepal regarding the unfair price increase in petroleum products were also discussed. The meeting also decided to invite officials of the line ministries and concerned agencies to further discuss on these issues in the next meeting of the committee.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17912', 'image' => '20230615025949_Parliament RSS 800.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 14:58:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18181', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Announces Programmes but does not Implement them', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The businessmen and common people feel betrayed when the government makes announcements but does not implement them time and again.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 15: The businessmen and common people feel betrayed when the government makes announcements but does not implement them time and again. Experts say that the practice of not implementing the announcements, which are made only to gain popularity, will have detrimental impact in various areas.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A chaotic situation has now been created due to the lack of implementation of the past policies or changes in agricultural insurance, Covid-19 insurance, cash subsidy for exports, capital gains tax, etc. The dual nature of the state has created an atmosphere of distrust on the one hand, and entrepreneurs, businessmen and the general public have become confused on the other.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After introducing the concept of agricultural insurance, the government arranged for subsidies on premiums for 10 years. Initially, the subsidy was 50 percent, which changed to 75 percent, 50 percent and then 80 percent. Experts say that the percentage of subsidy changes as soon as the government changes. For three years, insurance companies have not received the subsidy announced by the government. The arrears of agricultural insurance subsidy alone have reached Rs 3 billion and the government is reluctant to provide the amount, according to the owners of the insurance companies.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the budget of the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24), the government has allocated Rs 950 million subsidy on agricultural insurance, which was Rs 750 million in the current fiscal year. Insurance companies consider agricultural insurance to be a loss-making business. They complain that even though they have supported the policy taken by the government, the state has put the insurance companies in trouble.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the insurance companies, even though claims are continuously being settled, the government is not paying the due amount and the situation has turned uncomfortable. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the past six months, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, and the Nepal Insurance Authority have not given any assurance to release the due amount. As a result, the insurance companies issued a press statement and said that the issuance of agricultural insurance policies and settlements of claims have been postponed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the government had announced that it would provide 8 percent subsidy on exports of cement in the current fiscal year. The cement manufacturers were delighted with the decision but the joy was short lived. The government later prepared a work procedure according to which cash subsidy of 8 percent would be provided only to the exporters who export cement worth more than Rs 500 million a year. Others would have to settle for subsidy of 4 percent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Raghunandan Maru, managing director of Shivam Cement, says that it is difficult for the industrialists when the reality is different from the announcements made by the government.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CIBFIN) has opposed the additional tax levied on income from mergers in the upcoming FY's budget. CBFIN issued a press statement and said that they are trying to impose a tax against the national and international laws and will not accept it under any circumstances.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CBFIN stated that imposing tax liability without legal basis and contrary to national and international practices will cause unimaginable damage to the banks, financial institutions and other sectors as well as the economy as a whole.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17911', 'image' => '20230615013607_1683767264.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 13:34:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18180', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dr Aryal appointed as Chief Secretary ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Baikuntha Aryal as the chief secretary. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 15: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Baikuntha Aryal as the chief secretary. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Thursday appointed Secretary at the Council of Ministers Dr Aryal as the chief secretary, informed Minister for Drinking Water Mahindra Raya Yadav. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Earlier, Dr Aryal served as the Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The cabinet meeting has approved the resignation of outgoing Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has also decided to appoint Bairagi as the advisor to the National Security Council. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17910', 'image' => '20230615124600_066A9238.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 12:45:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18179', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'VAT Takes Toll on Onion Market as Prices Triple in 15 Days', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: According to the Department of Customs, onions worth Rs 26.10 billion have been imported into Nepal in a period of five years. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">June 15: According to the Department of Customs, onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">26</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.10 billion have been imported into Nepal in a period of five years. Nepal has to rely on India for the import of onions due to low production 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:"Arial","sans-serif"">There is not a shortage of onions in the market after the government imposed VAT on onions while announcing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">/</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">24).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Department of Customs, 155.71 million kilograms (15,57,14,631 kg) of onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5.79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion have been imported in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> months of the current year. In the corresponding period last fiscal year, 145.21 million kgs (</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">52</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">11</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">974</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">kgs) of onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.4 billion were imported. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Businessmen now complain that there is no environment to import onion due to VAT.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prakash Gajurel, general secretary of Nepal Agricultural Produce Potato, Onion Import Export and Wholesalers Association, says imposition of VAT on onion, potato and other items has deteriorated the environment for businessmen to import such perishable products.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Most of the buyers are not registered with VAT. In such a situation, the government decided to impose VAT without studying and discussing the matter with the stakeholders, says Gajurel, adding, “This has not only affected the businessmen but also the placed the consumers at the receiving end.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 said that the import of onions has not been possible due to the government’s policy and they are trying to contact the relevant ministries to solve this problem.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Madhav Timalsina, president of the Consumer Rights Research Forum, says that the government, finance ministry and related agencies should reconsider the decision to impose VAT on onions.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Timalsina questioned, "How relevant is it to impose VAT on onions consumed everyday by the lower-class people while the government does not impose VAT on packed food and fish imported from countries like Brazil and Ethiopia especially for the high-class people?”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stating that Nepal is dependent on India for imports of onion, Timalsina said, “The government should rather focus on how to increase production than imposing VAT when domestic production is not adequate to meet the market demand.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Price more than triples in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> days</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market, the wholesale price of onion was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">35</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per kg </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> days ago. Now, due to the shortage of onions after the imposition of VAT, the market has removed the price of onions from the list.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 traders of Kalimati say that the price has not been fixed because there is no onion in the market. The names of vegetables or fruits which are not available in the market are not in the price list. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In retail shops, the price of onion has now reached Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">125</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">per kg. Rajesh Adhikari, a wholesale onion trader in Kalimati, says that onions have not entered the market in the last few days.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17909', 'image' => '20230615120935_20170411040236_onion.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 12:08:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18178', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'The Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Climate change in Nepal disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, leading to intensified inequalities and compromised human rights. Nepal must adopt a comprehensive approach involving climate adaptation, gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development to prioritize resilience, empower marginalized communities, and protect citizens' rights and well-being.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px">May 15: Climate change is currently one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Its consequences extend far beyond environmental concerns, significantly impacting the enjoyment of human rights, especially in vulnerable regions like Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">This article aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between climate change and human rights in Nepal, highlighting the specific challenges faced by its population and the urgent need for action.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Climate Change in Nepal: A Growing Threat</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Nepal, a landlocked country located in the Himalayas, is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geography and socioeconomic factors. The impacts of climate change in Nepal are already visible, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, glacial melt, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to data from the Nepal Climate Change Knowledge Management Center, average temperatures in Nepal have been increasing at a rate of 0.06°C per year. This warming trend has led to the rapid melting of glaciers, resulting in increased risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and flash floods. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and heavy rainfall, have also been on the rise.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.newbusinessage.com/img/news/collage-5.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Temperature Rise and Agricultural Productivity</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Over the past few decades, Nepal has experienced a significant rise in temperatures, leading to adverse effects on agricultural productivity. The agricultural sector, which employs a substantial portion of the population, is crucial for livelihoods and food security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to a study by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal's agriculture could witness a decline of up to 50% in crop yields by 2050 if appropriate measures are not taken.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Melting Glaciers and Water Resources</strong><br /> Nepal is home to numerous glaciers, which act as natural water reservoirs for downstream communities. However, these glaciers are rapidly melting due to rising temperatures, posing severe threats to water availability and quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The loss of glacial water sources not only affects agriculture but also disrupts hydropower generation, which is a vital source of energy for the country.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Impacts on Human Rights</strong><br /> The adverse effects of climate change in Nepal have far-reaching consequences for the enjoyment of human rights across various dimensions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Life and Livelihood</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The right to life, as enshrined in international human rights instruments, is under threat in Nepal due to climate change. The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides, and droughts, has resulted in loss of lives, displacement, and damage to infrastructure.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">These events not only endanger physical safety but also disrupt livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of local economies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Water and Sanitation</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change-induced impacts on water resources jeopardize the right to access clean water and sanitation facilities, particularly in marginalized communities. With glacial melt and changing precipitation patterns, communities are at risk of water scarcity, contamination, and reduced water quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">This situation disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and indigenous populations, who often bear the burden of fetching water over long distances.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Health</strong><br /> Climate change exacerbates health risks in Nepal, primarily through the spread of diseases and the worsening of existing health challenges. Changing climatic conditions facilitate the transmission of vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria, while extreme weather events increase the likelihood of injuries, trauma, and mental health issues.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Limited access to healthcare facilities and inadequate infrastructure further compound the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">"<strong>The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides, and droughts, has resulted in loss of lives, displacement, and damage to infrastructure. </strong><strong>These events not only endanger physical safety but also disrupt livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of local economies."</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups</strong><br /> <strong>Women and Children</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities in Nepal, disproportionately affecting women and children. Women, who often bear the responsibility of household tasks and food production, face increased workloads and reduced access to resources as agricultural yields decline.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Moreover, natural disasters such as floods and landslides lead to displacement, placing women and children at higher risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violence. A study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nepal found that women and girls are more likely to suffer the consequences of climate change due to cultural norms, limited access to resources, and discrimination.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For example, during periods of water scarcity, women and girls are often tasked with traveling long distances to fetch water, which exposes them to safety risks and restricts their access to education and economic opportunities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Dalits, Ethnic and Sexual Minorities</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Marginalized communities, including Dalits, ethnic minorities, and sexual minorities, face heightened vulnerabilities in the face of climate change. These groups often have limited access to resources, education, and healthcare, exacerbating their exposure to climate-induced hazards. Discrimination and exclusion from decision-making processes further restrict their ability to adapt and recover from climate-related shocks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to a report by the Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal, Dalits and indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate change, particularly in terms of food security and access to water.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For instance, the report highlights that Dalit communities in the Terai region face challenges in accessing and utilizing water resources due to discriminatory practices and limited control over water sources.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Elderly</strong><br /> The elderly population in Nepal is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Extreme temperatures, heatwaves, and inadequate access to healthcare services pose severe health risks for this demographic. Additionally, the elderly often face social isolation and limited mobility, making them more vulnerable during climate-related disasters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that heat-related illnesses and deaths among the elderly have increased in Nepal due to rising temperatures. The study emphasized the need for improved healthcare services and targeted interventions to protect the rights and well-being of the elderly population.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Freedom of Expression and Access to Information</strong><br /> Preserving freedom of expression and access to information is crucial in addressing climate change. Nepalese citizens must have the right to voice their concerns, contribute to decision-making processes, and hold governments accountable for their environmental policies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">However, climate-related issues often face suppression and censorship, hindering the dissemination of information and stifling public discourse. Various reports from human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have highlighted cases of environmental activists, journalists, and community leaders facing harassment and threats for speaking out about climate change and its impacts. The intimidation and silencing of individuals hinder efforts to address climate change and protect human rights in Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Labor Rights and Economic Implications</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change significantly impacts labor rights in Nepal. As agricultural productivity declines, farmers and rural workers face reduced incomes, unemployment, and increased vulnerability. Extreme weather events also disrupt supply chains and negatively impact industries such as tourism and agriculture, leading to job losses and economic instability.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">A report published by the International Labor Organization (ILO) indicates that climate change-induced disasters have a significant impact on employment and livelihoods in Nepal. The report suggests that climate change adaptation measures should prioritize job creation, skills development, and social protection for affected workers and communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>"Due to extreme weather patterns, agricultural productivity declines. Farmers and rural workers face reduced incomes, unemployment, and increased vulnerability. Extreme weather events also disrupt supply chains and negatively impact industries such as tourism and agriculture, leading to job losses and economic instability."</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Way Forward: Protecting Human Rights in a Changing Climate<br /> Strengthening Resilience and Adaptation</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Nepal must prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation strategies that consider the specific needs of vulnerable groups. This includes investing in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure resilience. Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, promoting alternative livelihoods, and enhancing social protection mechanisms can help alleviate the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups</strong><br /> Efforts should be made to empower women and marginalized groups by ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Strengthening legal frameworks that protect their rights, providing access to education and healthcare, and promoting gender equality are essential steps towards building resilient and inclusive communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Promoting Awareness and Education</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and its intersection with human rights is crucial. Comprehensive public education campaigns can help foster a sense of urgency and empower individuals to take action. Educating citizens about sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and the importance of human rights will contribute to building a more climate-resilient and equitable society.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Role of Adaptation and Mitigation</strong><br /> To address the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights in Nepal, a two-pronged approach encompassing adaptation and mitigation measures is crucial.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Adaptation Strategies</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Adaptation strategies play a vital role in enhancing the resilience of communities and safeguarding human rights. Investing in climate-resilient agriculture, such as improved irrigation techniques and crop diversification, can help mitigate the impacts on livelihoods and food security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Additionally, strengthening early warning systems, improving disaster preparedness, and promoting climate-smart infrastructure are essential for protecting lives and minimizing the displacement caused by extreme weather events.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Mitigation Efforts</strong><br /> Mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions is equally important for protecting human rights in Nepal. The country's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its ambitious target of achieving 40% renewable energy by 2030 are steps in the right direction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Expanding renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and integrating climate considerations into development planning are critical for mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>International Cooperation and Responsibility</strong><br /> Addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and human rights in Nepal requires collective action and international cooperation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Financial Support and Technology Transfer</strong><br /> Developed countries have a responsibility to provide financial support and facilitate technology transfer to developing nations like Nepal. Adequate funding is essential to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies effectively and to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Access to environmentally friendly technologies can help Nepal transition to low-carbon development pathways, benefiting both the environment and human rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Empowering Local Communities</strong><br /> Recognizing the knowledge and experiences of local communities is crucial for effective climate action. Encouraging the participation of marginalized groups, women, and indigenous communities in decision-making processes empowers them to contribute to sustainable solutions that address their specific needs and rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Strengthening community-based adaptation initiatives and promoting indigenous knowledge systems can lead to more equitable and effective climate responses.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>"Nepal must prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation strategies that consider the specific needs of vulnerable groups. This includes investing in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure resilience</strong>."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The impact of climate change on human rights in Nepal is a complex and multifaceted issue. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, Dalits, ethnic and sexual minorities bear the brunt of climate-related disasters, exacerbating existing inequalities and compromising fundamental human rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Protecting human rights in the face of climate change requires a holistic approach that integrates climate adaptation, gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development. By prioritizing resilience, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting awareness, Nepal can navigate the challenges posed by climate change while safeguarding the rights and well-being of its citizens.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change poses significant threats to human rights in Nepal, affecting vulnerable populations across various dimensions of life. The right to life, livelihood, water, sanitation, and health are at stake due to rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and the loss of glaciers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">By implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies, supporting international cooperation, and empowering local communities, Nepal can better protect its citizens' human rights while building a sustainable and resilient future for all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Urgent action is needed to address the complex challenges posed by climate change, ensuring the rights and well-being of all Nepali people.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.newbusinessage.com/img/authors/20230625102745_madan%20lamsal.jpg" /> Madan Lamsal</p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17908', 'image' => '20230626104049_20230625103231_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-15 11:08:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18177', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Eight Selected for Judo in 19th Asian Games ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' Eight athletes have been selected for judo under the 19th Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou, China.', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:18px">June 15: Eight athletes have been selected for judo under the 19th Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou, China. They were selected through a competition organized by Nepal Judo Association at the multi-purpose martial arts center. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Four players each have been selected in the men's and women's category, according to President of Nepal Judo Association, Deepak Harsha Bajracharya. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Bikas BK of Lumbini Province will compete below 60 kg and Indra Bahadur Shrestha of Nepal Police under 66 kg, Nepal Army's Janga Bahadur Saru (under 81 kg) and Ranjesh Gole under 60 kg weight group have been selected in the men's category. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Similarly, Dewakimaya Shrestha of Bagmati Province will complete under 52 kgs, Manita Shrestha Pradhan of Nepal Police under 57 kg, Poonam Shrestha under 70 kg and Akriti Shrestha in above 78 kg the weight group have been selected for regional game. (RSS)</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17907', 'image' => '20230615060745_collage (24).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 06:06:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18176', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal and UAE Renew Bilateral Labour Agreement', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal government and the United Arab Emirates have successfully renewed their bilateral labour agreement.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 15: The Nepal government and the United Arab Emirates have successfully renewed their bilateral labour agreement. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the third meeting of the joint committee established in accordance with the historic bilateral agreement reached on June 14, 2019, both nations have renewed labour pact.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, witnessed a support from UAE official Abdulla Alnuimi, who expressed a keen interest in welcoming domestic workers from Nepal to UAE. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">With a firm focus on protecting the rights and welfare of Nepali workers, the Nepal government put forward crucial proposals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These proposals included guaranteeing a minimum salary for Nepali workers in the UAE, streamlining the process for repatriating the bodies of deceased Nepali workers, and establishing an efficient system for gathering information on Nepali workers currently incarcerated.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rajib Pokharel, Joint Secretary who led the Nepali task force in the committee, emphasized the recent labor and foreign employment laws formulated in Nepal. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These progressive laws underscore Nepal's commitment to empowering its workforce and ensuring their well-being while working abroad.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17906', 'image' => '20230615054920_collage (23).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 05:47:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18175', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Turnover Amount Surpasses Rs 5 Billion After Five Months as NEPSE Gains 16.42 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) witnessed a turnover amount of more than Rs 5 billion on Wednesday-the fourth trading day.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">June 14: Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) witnessed a turnover amount of more than Rs 5 billion on Wednesday-the fourth trading day. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">According to the Nepal Stock Exchange, today's trading amount is the highest in the past five months. Previously, on the 28th of the Poush, 2079, NEPSE had registered total turnover amount of Rs 5.47 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Looking into the today’s market rise, some booked the profit. However, buyers dominated the sellers at the end. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Seasoned investors and experts say that lately liquidity is easing and investors are expecting the interest rates to drop, resulting in the increase of share market. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">The NEPSE index closed at 2,037.06 today after gaining 16.42 points from the last trading day's closing. This marks a gain of 0.81%. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">As many as 275 scrips traded hands via 79,461 transactions. A total of 12,561,440 shares exchanged hands amounting to Rs. 5.01 billion in turnover amount. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">This is the highest turnover in 5 the past months.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">SHIVAM CEMENTS LTD (SHIVM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 28.17 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 525 per share.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Khaptad Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (KLBS) and City Hotel Limited (CITY) have gained the highest and technically hit the positive circuit for today.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">However, Rastriya Beema Company Limited (RBCL) lost the highest 5.62% today.</span> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Six sector indices closed in the red zone. "Others" gained the highest 2.35% while "Development Bank" lost the highest 0.96% today.</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17905', 'image' => '20230614044605_collage (29).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 16:44:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18174', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Share Investors’ Federation to Be Announced Next Week ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Preparations are underway to form a federation of share investors. The meeting of various share investors’ associations and unions held in Kathmandu on Tuesday decided to announce the federation of share investors next week.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">June 14: Preparations are underway to form a federation of share investors. The meeting of various share investors’ associations and unions held in Kathmandu on Tuesday decided to announce the federation of share investors next week.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Similarly, the meeting has also decided to present a unified suggestion to the Nepal Rastra Bank from the stock market for new monetary policies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Since the Finance Minister has pledged to remove the provisions detrimental to the share market in the new budget, investors are confident that Nepal Rastra Bank will incorporate share market-friendly arrangements in the new monetary policy. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Furthermore, the meeting has also expressed solidarity with the protesting employees of the Nepal Stock Exchange demanding its restructuring. As per the decision, the investors will approach the Ministry of Finance with NEPSE’s staffers and take initiatives for its restructuring.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">In addition, the meeting has also demanded to rectify the directive of Parliamentary Committee on Finance to halt issuance of new stock exchange and broker licenses. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Since the issuance of the new stock exchange and broker licenses has moved ahead in accordance with prevailing law and Supreme Court diktat, it is unbecoming for the finance committee to halt the license issuance process, said the investors. </span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17904', 'image' => '20230614040449_collage (28).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 16:03:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18173', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Flood Disrupts Vehicular Movement Along Beni-Jomsom Road', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 14: The Beni-Jomsom road which connects Mustang district with the national highway has been obstructed. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 14: The Beni-Jomsom road which connects Mustang district with the national highway has been obstructed. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A flooding that occurred on Tuesday night washed away a culvert in Tatopani area of Annapurna Rural Municipality-2, of Myagdi district along the road causing traffic obstruction. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As a result, vehicular movement along the Beni-Jomsom road has been disrupted, informed chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Bharat Kumar Pun. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Vehicles to and from Beni and Mustang have been stranded on the road. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Earlier, a flood that occurred on May 20 had broken down the three-meter long bridge installed in Bhurung,Tatopani. Following the demolition of the bridge, a temporary structure with Hume pipe was built to cross the river. The flood again took away the Hume pipe and road on Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The 76-km Beni-Jomsom road is under the Kaligandaki Corridor Road Project is currently being upgraded. Project Supervisor Indra Singh Sherchan informed that efforts are underway to resume vehicular movement by mobilizing dozers and labourers since early morning on Wednesday. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17903', 'image' => '20230614034825_20230124123517_DhrubasagarSharma_Galeswor_RSS_07_-himalmunikalopatresadak.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 15:47:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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$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' => '18187', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'KMC Removes Stalls of Educational Fair Citing Inappropriate Time', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Saying that Educational Fair was scheduled prior to announcement of result of final examinations of different grades, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has ordered to stop such fair that started on Thursday at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:18px">June 15: Saying that Educational Fair was scheduled prior to announcement of result of final examinations of different grades, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has ordered to stop such fair that started on Thursday at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">The KMC has removed the stalls of the fair arguing that this was 'inappropriate time' to run the fair. Officials of the Education Department of the KMC and City Police jointly removed the stalls. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Chief of Education Department of the KMC, Sitaram Koirala, said that the KMC stopped the fair since it was organized to lure the students ahead the results of the SEE and grade 12. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Koriala said that the fair stalls were removed because it was a move to entice the students and parents in the name of fair ahead of the results announcement. More than 75 stalls of the private colleges were kept in the fair planning to wrap up on June 18. (RSS)</span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-16', 'modified' => '2023-06-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17917', 'image' => '20230616061433_collage (26).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-16 06:12:27', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18185', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Eight Arrested on Charge of Promoting Online Betting ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested eight people including television artist Marichman Shrestha aka Balchhi Dhrube on the charge of their involvement in online betting. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 15: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested eight people including television artist Marichman Shrestha aka Balchhi Dhrube on the charge of their involvement in online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Office Chief and Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Manoj Kumar KC, others apprehended in this connection are Raju Paudel, Pawan Khatiwada, Alish Rai, Jwalan Ghartimagar, Ganesh Devkota, Saroj Ghimire and Begam Nepali. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The police said that they were charged of advertising online betting (1X bet) through a You Tube channel. Earlier, the office launched an operation over allegations that artists and You Tubers were encouraging youths to join online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Prior to this, the police had made public five others arrested for their involvement in online betting on Wednesday. They were charged of making transactions of Rs 7.4 million under the illegal online betting. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Those arrested are Dinesh Khadka, 29, Anita Dhital, 28, Dipesh Shrestha, 27, Dinesh Chand, 25 and Ashish Lamichhane, 24. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Clause 125 of the Criminal Code, 2074 (2017) prohibits gambling or involvement in betting. As per the Code, anyone found engaging in or promoting gambling first time is liable for facing an imprisonment up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 30,000. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">For the second offence of playing or organizing gambling, the duration of imprisonment is up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 50,000. For subsequent offences, additional imprisonment of three months and a fine of Rs 10,000 shall be imposed each time. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17916', 'image' => '20230615101847_bet.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 22:18:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18186', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal’s Hydro Sector Will Receive Huge Investment from Indian Private Investors: FNCCI President Dh', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Indian private investment in Nepal's energy sector.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 16: The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Indian private investment in Nepal's energy sector.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Speaking at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), President Dhakal expressed his confidence in attracting substantial investment from the Indian private sector in Nepal's energy sector.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India, the FNCCI engaged in discussions with private sector representatives from India, who showed great enthusiasm for investing in Nepal, according to President Dhakal. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">However, he emphasized that for investment to materialize, the Nepalese government must create an investment-friendly environment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Dhakal emphasized that the private sector has played a crucial role in the rapid development of the hydropower sector. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The involvement of private investors has facilitated advancements in infrastructure, cement production, and electricity generation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Dhakal also pointed out that the recent visit of the Prime Minister to India has made a breakhrough in power exports to India and Bangladesh, which will have a substantial impact on Nepal's economy.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"The breakthrough includes provisions for exporting 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India and Bangladesh. To make this a reality, Nepal must promptly address issues related to transmission lines and power purchase agreements," stressed President Dhakal. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-16', 'modified' => '2023-06-16', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17915', 'image' => '20230616060603_collage (25).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-16 06:03:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18184', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank Recommends Reforms to Strengthen Fiscal Federalism in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The World Bank has suggested Nepal to strengthen the regulatory framework of fiscal federalism.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">June 15: The World Bank has suggested Nepal to strengthen the regulatory framework of fiscal federalism.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Noting that Nepal has made significant progress on fiscal federalism, World Bank in its first annual Nepal Fiscal Federalism Update launched on Thursday said more needs to be done to strengthen the regulatory framework.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Issuing a statement, the World Bank also suggested improving institutional setup, human resource capacity, and public financial management (PFM) systems at the provincial and local levels.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“The report highlights the need to develop a fiscal federalism roadmap that encompasses a clear set of actions, sequence, timeline, and responsible actors to improve fiscal federalism outcomes in Nepal,” the statement quoted Balananda Paudel, chairperson of the National Natural Resource and Fiscal Commission, as saying.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">While provincial and local governments received nearly 36.7 percent of the federal money through intergovernmental fiscal transfers, which amounted to 64.8 percent of their revenue in FY 2021/22, the largest and proportionally growing fund transfers to sub-national governments in the past five years have been through conditional grants, the World Bank added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">These are heavily earmarked, thus the share of conditional grants needs to be gradually lowered and other grants including equalization grants be increased following the expenditure capacity of the provincial and local government increases, according to the report.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“This report, as prepared by the World Bank team, provides a comprehensive review of the progress of fiscal federalism in Nepal. The proportion of conditional grant seems to be high in the early years of federalization due to transfer of projects to provincial and local governments being operationalized by federal government in the past and contributing the salary and allowances of teachers and health staffs deputed in the local governments and it will be gradually improved as situation changes. The recommendations are well aligned with our national development plan and further support our ongoing efforts to advance on fiscal federalism,” stated Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, revenue secretary at the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the World Bank, the Nepal Fiscal Federalism Update identifies key reforms to help Nepal improve fiscal federalism outcomes. It recommends developing a fiscal federalism roadmap to guide and monitor the reforms in this area, reinforcing the Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfer system, and establishing a consolidated PFM performance database at the sub-national level. It also recommends amending the legal framework to clarify the concurrent and shared responsibilities among the three tiers of government, strengthening the capacity of provincial and local government staff to carry out PFM-related functions, and reinforcing systems to improve the budget credibility and delivery of services by sub-national governments.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“Fiscal Federalism is a foundation for sustained service delivery by provincial and local governments. To this, they need adequate financial resources and the ability to make spending decisions at the subnational level, in the spirit of federalism,” said Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. “The World Bank is committed to support the Government of Nepal, in close collaboration with other Development Partners, to further solidify fiscal federalism in Nepal.”</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17914', 'image' => '20230615065259_Nepal Fiscal Federalsim Update_World Bank.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 18:52:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18183', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Contributors of Social Security Fund Increasing', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The number of contributors and employers participating in the Social Security Fund has been increasing of late. ', '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"">June 15: The number of contributors and employers participating in the Social Security Fund has been increasing of late. The number of employers listed in the state-sponsored social security scheme has reached 17,945 as of June 13.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 data of the Social Security Fund shows that the number of listed contributors has reached 580,460.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">The government had decided to include Nepali migrant workers in foreign countries and self-employed workers in the social security scheme starting from March 22. The government has made it mandatory for workers going abroad to join the social security scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Arrangements have been made for the workers going abroad to get affiliated to the social security scheme while obtaining work permit. Similarly, during the renewal of the labor permit, workers who are employed abroad must get registered in the fund.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">Vivek Panthi, deputy executive director of the fund, says that the participation of workers in foreign employment has increased day by day in accordance with the government's goal of expanding the scope of contribution-based social security by including workers in foreign employment in the fund.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 fund informed that it is making preparations to include 2.2 million workers who are employed abroad in the fund. A total of 7.48 percent of the amount contributed by Nepali workers in foreign jobs has been allocated for the Accident and Disability Protection Scheme and the Dependent Family Protection Scheme and 13.85 percent to the Old Age Protection Scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <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 contributors can choose to withdraw the total contribution amount accumulated in the pension scheme, which includes the contribution amount in addition to the returns received from SSF’s investment, at once or receive the amount in 160 installments as pension throughout one’s life time.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">This provision is one of the reasons why the number of contributors is increasing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Nevertheless, a large number of banks and financial institutions still have not decided to join the Social Security Fund. There is a fear among the private sector employees that the facilities they have been enjoying so far might be curtailed.</span></span></span></span></p> <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"">While announcing the budget of the next fiscal year, the government made it clear that it aims to include more and more workers from the formal and informal sectors in the social security scheme. It is widely believed that the goal of the fund will not be achieved until the employees of big companies including banks and financial institutions join the scheme.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17913', 'image' => '20230615032618_SSF (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 15:25:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18182', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'House Panel Forms Sub-Committee to Study the Problems of Sugarcane Farmers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Industry and Commerce and Labor and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to study the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend solutions.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 15: The Industry and Commerce and Labor and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to study the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and recommend solutions.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The five-member sub-committee has been formed under the coordination of committee member Krishna Kumar Shrestha. Ram Shankar Yadav, Suryaman Tamang (Dong), Kantika Sejuwal, and Ganesh Parajuli are the members of the sub-committee. A meeting of the parliamentary committee, chaired by Ranendra Baraili as the senior-most member, on Wednesday decided to form the sub-committee to study problems of sugar industry and sugarcane farmers and recommend suggestions.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The sub-committee has been given a time limit of 30 days to submit the study report. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This sub-committee will study and submit suggestions to the committee about issues such as the arrears amount that the sugarcane farmers should get from the sugar mills and also suggestions about the minimum support price. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The parliamentary committee meeting also discussed issues such as the non-effective implementation of the provision of 'free visa free ticket' implemented by the government for Nepali migrant workers and the impact of the government's change in tax rates from the next fiscal year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting also discussed the 'Concept Paper’ prepared by the People’s Forum for Human Rights on the implementation of the order issued by the Supreme Court on foreign employment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the complaint of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association regarding the increase in gold customs and keeping gold and silver as a luxury item in the budget of the next fiscal year and the complaint of the Consumer Interest Protection Forum-Nepal regarding the unfair price increase in petroleum products were also discussed. The meeting also decided to invite officials of the line ministries and concerned agencies to further discuss on these issues in the next meeting of the committee.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17912', 'image' => '20230615025949_Parliament RSS 800.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 14:58:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18181', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Announces Programmes but does not Implement them', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The businessmen and common people feel betrayed when the government makes announcements but does not implement them time and again.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">June 15: The businessmen and common people feel betrayed when the government makes announcements but does not implement them time and again. Experts say that the practice of not implementing the announcements, which are made only to gain popularity, will have detrimental impact in various areas.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A chaotic situation has now been created due to the lack of implementation of the past policies or changes in agricultural insurance, Covid-19 insurance, cash subsidy for exports, capital gains tax, etc. The dual nature of the state has created an atmosphere of distrust on the one hand, and entrepreneurs, businessmen and the general public have become confused on the other.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After introducing the concept of agricultural insurance, the government arranged for subsidies on premiums for 10 years. Initially, the subsidy was 50 percent, which changed to 75 percent, 50 percent and then 80 percent. Experts say that the percentage of subsidy changes as soon as the government changes. For three years, insurance companies have not received the subsidy announced by the government. The arrears of agricultural insurance subsidy alone have reached Rs 3 billion and the government is reluctant to provide the amount, according to the owners of the insurance companies.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the budget of the next fiscal year (FY 2023/24), the government has allocated Rs 950 million subsidy on agricultural insurance, which was Rs 750 million in the current fiscal year. Insurance companies consider agricultural insurance to be a loss-making business. They complain that even though they have supported the policy taken by the government, the state has put the insurance companies in trouble.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the insurance companies, even though claims are continuously being settled, the government is not paying the due amount and the situation has turned uncomfortable. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For the past six months, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, and the Nepal Insurance Authority have not given any assurance to release the due amount. As a result, the insurance companies issued a press statement and said that the issuance of agricultural insurance policies and settlements of claims have been postponed.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the government had announced that it would provide 8 percent subsidy on exports of cement in the current fiscal year. The cement manufacturers were delighted with the decision but the joy was short lived. The government later prepared a work procedure according to which cash subsidy of 8 percent would be provided only to the exporters who export cement worth more than Rs 500 million a year. Others would have to settle for subsidy of 4 percent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Raghunandan Maru, managing director of Shivam Cement, says that it is difficult for the industrialists when the reality is different from the announcements made by the government.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CIBFIN) has opposed the additional tax levied on income from mergers in the upcoming FY's budget. CBFIN issued a press statement and said that they are trying to impose a tax against the national and international laws and will not accept it under any circumstances.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CBFIN stated that imposing tax liability without legal basis and contrary to national and international practices will cause unimaginable damage to the banks, financial institutions and other sectors as well as the economy as a whole.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17911', 'image' => '20230615013607_1683767264.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 13:34:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18180', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dr Aryal appointed as Chief Secretary ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Baikuntha Aryal as the chief secretary. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 15: The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr Baikuntha Aryal as the chief secretary. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Thursday appointed Secretary at the Council of Ministers Dr Aryal as the chief secretary, informed Minister for Drinking Water Mahindra Raya Yadav. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Earlier, Dr Aryal served as the Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The cabinet meeting has approved the resignation of outgoing Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has also decided to appoint Bairagi as the advisor to the National Security Council. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17910', 'image' => '20230615124600_066A9238.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 12:45:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18179', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'VAT Takes Toll on Onion Market as Prices Triple in 15 Days', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 15: According to the Department of Customs, onions worth Rs 26.10 billion have been imported into Nepal in a period of five years. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">June 15: According to the Department of Customs, onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">26</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.10 billion have been imported into Nepal in a period of five years. Nepal has to rely on India for the import of onions due to low production 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:"Arial","sans-serif"">There is not a shortage of onions in the market after the government imposed VAT on onions while announcing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (FY </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">20</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">23</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">/</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">24).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Department of Customs, 155.71 million kilograms (15,57,14,631 kg) of onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5.79</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> billion have been imported in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">10</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> months of the current year. In the corresponding period last fiscal year, 145.21 million kgs (</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">14</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">52</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">11</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">,</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">974</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">kgs) of onions worth Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">5</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">.4 billion were imported. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Businessmen now complain that there is no environment to import onion due to VAT.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Prakash Gajurel, general secretary of Nepal Agricultural Produce Potato, Onion Import Export and Wholesalers Association, says imposition of VAT on onion, potato and other items has deteriorated the environment for businessmen to import such perishable products.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Most of the buyers are not registered with VAT. In such a situation, the government decided to impose VAT without studying and discussing the matter with the stakeholders, says Gajurel, adding, “This has not only affected the businessmen but also the placed the consumers at the receiving end.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 said that the import of onions has not been possible due to the government’s policy and they are trying to contact the relevant ministries to solve this problem.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Madhav Timalsina, president of the Consumer Rights Research Forum, says that the government, finance ministry and related agencies should reconsider the decision to impose VAT on onions.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Timalsina questioned, "How relevant is it to impose VAT on onions consumed everyday by the lower-class people while the government does not impose VAT on packed food and fish imported from countries like Brazil and Ethiopia especially for the high-class people?”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Stating that Nepal is dependent on India for imports of onion, Timalsina said, “The government should rather focus on how to increase production than imposing VAT when domestic production is not adequate to meet the market demand.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Price more than triples in </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> days</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market, the wholesale price of onion was Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">35</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> per kg </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">15</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> days ago. Now, due to the shortage of onions after the imposition of VAT, the market has removed the price of onions from the list.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 traders of Kalimati say that the price has not been fixed because there is no onion in the market. The names of vegetables or fruits which are not available in the market are not in the price list. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In retail shops, the price of onion has now reached Rs </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">125</span></span> <span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">per kg. Rajesh Adhikari, a wholesale onion trader in Kalimati, says that onions have not entered the market in the last few days.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17909', 'image' => '20230615120935_20170411040236_onion.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 12:08:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18178', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'The Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Climate change in Nepal disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, leading to intensified inequalities and compromised human rights. Nepal must adopt a comprehensive approach involving climate adaptation, gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development to prioritize resilience, empower marginalized communities, and protect citizens' rights and well-being.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px">May 15: Climate change is currently one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Its consequences extend far beyond environmental concerns, significantly impacting the enjoyment of human rights, especially in vulnerable regions like Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">This article aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between climate change and human rights in Nepal, highlighting the specific challenges faced by its population and the urgent need for action.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Climate Change in Nepal: A Growing Threat</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Nepal, a landlocked country located in the Himalayas, is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geography and socioeconomic factors. The impacts of climate change in Nepal are already visible, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, glacial melt, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to data from the Nepal Climate Change Knowledge Management Center, average temperatures in Nepal have been increasing at a rate of 0.06°C per year. This warming trend has led to the rapid melting of glaciers, resulting in increased risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and flash floods. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and heavy rainfall, have also been on the rise.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.newbusinessage.com/img/news/collage-5.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Temperature Rise and Agricultural Productivity</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Over the past few decades, Nepal has experienced a significant rise in temperatures, leading to adverse effects on agricultural productivity. The agricultural sector, which employs a substantial portion of the population, is crucial for livelihoods and food security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to a study by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal's agriculture could witness a decline of up to 50% in crop yields by 2050 if appropriate measures are not taken.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Melting Glaciers and Water Resources</strong><br /> Nepal is home to numerous glaciers, which act as natural water reservoirs for downstream communities. However, these glaciers are rapidly melting due to rising temperatures, posing severe threats to water availability and quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The loss of glacial water sources not only affects agriculture but also disrupts hydropower generation, which is a vital source of energy for the country.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Impacts on Human Rights</strong><br /> The adverse effects of climate change in Nepal have far-reaching consequences for the enjoyment of human rights across various dimensions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Life and Livelihood</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The right to life, as enshrined in international human rights instruments, is under threat in Nepal due to climate change. The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides, and droughts, has resulted in loss of lives, displacement, and damage to infrastructure.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">These events not only endanger physical safety but also disrupt livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of local economies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Water and Sanitation</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change-induced impacts on water resources jeopardize the right to access clean water and sanitation facilities, particularly in marginalized communities. With glacial melt and changing precipitation patterns, communities are at risk of water scarcity, contamination, and reduced water quality.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">This situation disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and indigenous populations, who often bear the burden of fetching water over long distances.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Right to Health</strong><br /> Climate change exacerbates health risks in Nepal, primarily through the spread of diseases and the worsening of existing health challenges. Changing climatic conditions facilitate the transmission of vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria, while extreme weather events increase the likelihood of injuries, trauma, and mental health issues.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Limited access to healthcare facilities and inadequate infrastructure further compound the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">"<strong>The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides, and droughts, has resulted in loss of lives, displacement, and damage to infrastructure. </strong><strong>These events not only endanger physical safety but also disrupt livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where agriculture forms the backbone of local economies."</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups</strong><br /> <strong>Women and Children</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities in Nepal, disproportionately affecting women and children. Women, who often bear the responsibility of household tasks and food production, face increased workloads and reduced access to resources as agricultural yields decline.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Moreover, natural disasters such as floods and landslides lead to displacement, placing women and children at higher risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violence. A study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nepal found that women and girls are more likely to suffer the consequences of climate change due to cultural norms, limited access to resources, and discrimination.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For example, during periods of water scarcity, women and girls are often tasked with traveling long distances to fetch water, which exposes them to safety risks and restricts their access to education and economic opportunities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Dalits, Ethnic and Sexual Minorities</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Marginalized communities, including Dalits, ethnic minorities, and sexual minorities, face heightened vulnerabilities in the face of climate change. These groups often have limited access to resources, education, and healthcare, exacerbating their exposure to climate-induced hazards. Discrimination and exclusion from decision-making processes further restrict their ability to adapt and recover from climate-related shocks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">According to a report by the Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal, Dalits and indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate change, particularly in terms of food security and access to water.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">For instance, the report highlights that Dalit communities in the Terai region face challenges in accessing and utilizing water resources due to discriminatory practices and limited control over water sources.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Elderly</strong><br /> The elderly population in Nepal is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Extreme temperatures, heatwaves, and inadequate access to healthcare services pose severe health risks for this demographic. Additionally, the elderly often face social isolation and limited mobility, making them more vulnerable during climate-related disasters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that heat-related illnesses and deaths among the elderly have increased in Nepal due to rising temperatures. The study emphasized the need for improved healthcare services and targeted interventions to protect the rights and well-being of the elderly population.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Freedom of Expression and Access to Information</strong><br /> Preserving freedom of expression and access to information is crucial in addressing climate change. Nepalese citizens must have the right to voice their concerns, contribute to decision-making processes, and hold governments accountable for their environmental policies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">However, climate-related issues often face suppression and censorship, hindering the dissemination of information and stifling public discourse. Various reports from human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have highlighted cases of environmental activists, journalists, and community leaders facing harassment and threats for speaking out about climate change and its impacts. The intimidation and silencing of individuals hinder efforts to address climate change and protect human rights in Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Labor Rights and Economic Implications</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change significantly impacts labor rights in Nepal. As agricultural productivity declines, farmers and rural workers face reduced incomes, unemployment, and increased vulnerability. Extreme weather events also disrupt supply chains and negatively impact industries such as tourism and agriculture, leading to job losses and economic instability.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">A report published by the International Labor Organization (ILO) indicates that climate change-induced disasters have a significant impact on employment and livelihoods in Nepal. The report suggests that climate change adaptation measures should prioritize job creation, skills development, and social protection for affected workers and communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>"Due to extreme weather patterns, agricultural productivity declines. Farmers and rural workers face reduced incomes, unemployment, and increased vulnerability. Extreme weather events also disrupt supply chains and negatively impact industries such as tourism and agriculture, leading to job losses and economic instability."</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Way Forward: Protecting Human Rights in a Changing Climate<br /> Strengthening Resilience and Adaptation</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Nepal must prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation strategies that consider the specific needs of vulnerable groups. This includes investing in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure resilience. Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, promoting alternative livelihoods, and enhancing social protection mechanisms can help alleviate the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups</strong><br /> Efforts should be made to empower women and marginalized groups by ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Strengthening legal frameworks that protect their rights, providing access to education and healthcare, and promoting gender equality are essential steps towards building resilient and inclusive communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Promoting Awareness and Education</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and its intersection with human rights is crucial. Comprehensive public education campaigns can help foster a sense of urgency and empower individuals to take action. Educating citizens about sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and the importance of human rights will contribute to building a more climate-resilient and equitable society.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>The Role of Adaptation and Mitigation</strong><br /> To address the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights in Nepal, a two-pronged approach encompassing adaptation and mitigation measures is crucial.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Adaptation Strategies</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Adaptation strategies play a vital role in enhancing the resilience of communities and safeguarding human rights. Investing in climate-resilient agriculture, such as improved irrigation techniques and crop diversification, can help mitigate the impacts on livelihoods and food security.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Additionally, strengthening early warning systems, improving disaster preparedness, and promoting climate-smart infrastructure are essential for protecting lives and minimizing the displacement caused by extreme weather events.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Mitigation Efforts</strong><br /> Mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions is equally important for protecting human rights in Nepal. The country's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its ambitious target of achieving 40% renewable energy by 2030 are steps in the right direction.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Expanding renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and integrating climate considerations into development planning are critical for mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>International Cooperation and Responsibility</strong><br /> Addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and human rights in Nepal requires collective action and international cooperation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Financial Support and Technology Transfer</strong><br /> Developed countries have a responsibility to provide financial support and facilitate technology transfer to developing nations like Nepal. Adequate funding is essential to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies effectively and to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Access to environmentally friendly technologies can help Nepal transition to low-carbon development pathways, benefiting both the environment and human rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Empowering Local Communities</strong><br /> Recognizing the knowledge and experiences of local communities is crucial for effective climate action. Encouraging the participation of marginalized groups, women, and indigenous communities in decision-making processes empowers them to contribute to sustainable solutions that address their specific needs and rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Strengthening community-based adaptation initiatives and promoting indigenous knowledge systems can lead to more equitable and effective climate responses.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>"Nepal must prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation strategies that consider the specific needs of vulnerable groups. This includes investing in early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure resilience</strong>."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">The impact of climate change on human rights in Nepal is a complex and multifaceted issue. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, Dalits, ethnic and sexual minorities bear the brunt of climate-related disasters, exacerbating existing inequalities and compromising fundamental human rights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Protecting human rights in the face of climate change requires a holistic approach that integrates climate adaptation, gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development. By prioritizing resilience, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting awareness, Nepal can navigate the challenges posed by climate change while safeguarding the rights and well-being of its citizens.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Climate change poses significant threats to human rights in Nepal, affecting vulnerable populations across various dimensions of life. The right to life, livelihood, water, sanitation, and health are at stake due to rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and the loss of glaciers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">By implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies, supporting international cooperation, and empowering local communities, Nepal can better protect its citizens' human rights while building a sustainable and resilient future for all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px">Urgent action is needed to address the complex challenges posed by climate change, ensuring the rights and well-being of all Nepali people.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.newbusinessage.com/img/authors/20230625102745_madan%20lamsal.jpg" /> Madan Lamsal</p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17908', 'image' => '20230626104049_20230625103231_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-05-15 11:08:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18177', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Eight Selected for Judo in 19th Asian Games ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => ' Eight athletes have been selected for judo under the 19th Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou, China.', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:18px">June 15: Eight athletes have been selected for judo under the 19th Asian Games 2023 to be held in Hangzhou, China. They were selected through a competition organized by Nepal Judo Association at the multi-purpose martial arts center. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Four players each have been selected in the men's and women's category, according to President of Nepal Judo Association, Deepak Harsha Bajracharya. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Bikas BK of Lumbini Province will compete below 60 kg and Indra Bahadur Shrestha of Nepal Police under 66 kg, Nepal Army's Janga Bahadur Saru (under 81 kg) and Ranjesh Gole under 60 kg weight group have been selected in the men's category. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Similarly, Dewakimaya Shrestha of Bagmati Province will complete under 52 kgs, Manita Shrestha Pradhan of Nepal Police under 57 kg, Poonam Shrestha under 70 kg and Akriti Shrestha in above 78 kg the weight group have been selected for regional game. (RSS)</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17907', 'image' => '20230615060745_collage (24).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 06:06:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18176', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal and UAE Renew Bilateral Labour Agreement', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal government and the United Arab Emirates have successfully renewed their bilateral labour agreement.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">June 15: The Nepal government and the United Arab Emirates have successfully renewed their bilateral labour agreement. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the third meeting of the joint committee established in accordance with the historic bilateral agreement reached on June 14, 2019, both nations have renewed labour pact.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, witnessed a support from UAE official Abdulla Alnuimi, who expressed a keen interest in welcoming domestic workers from Nepal to UAE. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">With a firm focus on protecting the rights and welfare of Nepali workers, the Nepal government put forward crucial proposals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These proposals included guaranteeing a minimum salary for Nepali workers in the UAE, streamlining the process for repatriating the bodies of deceased Nepali workers, and establishing an efficient system for gathering information on Nepali workers currently incarcerated.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rajib Pokharel, Joint Secretary who led the Nepali task force in the committee, emphasized the recent labor and foreign employment laws formulated in Nepal. </span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These progressive laws underscore Nepal's commitment to empowering its workforce and ensuring their well-being while working abroad.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-15', 'modified' => '2023-06-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17906', 'image' => '20230615054920_collage (23).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-15 05:47:23', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18175', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Turnover Amount Surpasses Rs 5 Billion After Five Months as NEPSE Gains 16.42 Points', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) witnessed a turnover amount of more than Rs 5 billion on Wednesday-the fourth trading day.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">June 14: Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) witnessed a turnover amount of more than Rs 5 billion on Wednesday-the fourth trading day. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">According to the Nepal Stock Exchange, today's trading amount is the highest in the past five months. Previously, on the 28th of the Poush, 2079, NEPSE had registered total turnover amount of Rs 5.47 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Looking into the today’s market rise, some booked the profit. However, buyers dominated the sellers at the end. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Seasoned investors and experts say that lately liquidity is easing and investors are expecting the interest rates to drop, resulting in the increase of share market. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">The NEPSE index closed at 2,037.06 today after gaining 16.42 points from the last trading day's closing. This marks a gain of 0.81%. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">As many as 275 scrips traded hands via 79,461 transactions. A total of 12,561,440 shares exchanged hands amounting to Rs. 5.01 billion in turnover amount. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">This is the highest turnover in 5 the past months.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">SHIVAM CEMENTS LTD (SHIVM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 28.17 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 525 per share.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Khaptad Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (KLBS) and City Hotel Limited (CITY) have gained the highest and technically hit the positive circuit for today.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">However, Rastriya Beema Company Limited (RBCL) lost the highest 5.62% today.</span> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif">Six sector indices closed in the red zone. "Others" gained the highest 2.35% while "Development Bank" lost the highest 0.96% today.</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17905', 'image' => '20230614044605_collage (29).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 16:44:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18174', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Share Investors’ Federation to Be Announced Next Week ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Preparations are underway to form a federation of share investors. The meeting of various share investors’ associations and unions held in Kathmandu on Tuesday decided to announce the federation of share investors next week.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">June 14: Preparations are underway to form a federation of share investors. The meeting of various share investors’ associations and unions held in Kathmandu on Tuesday decided to announce the federation of share investors next week.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Similarly, the meeting has also decided to present a unified suggestion to the Nepal Rastra Bank from the stock market for new monetary policies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Since the Finance Minister has pledged to remove the provisions detrimental to the share market in the new budget, investors are confident that Nepal Rastra Bank will incorporate share market-friendly arrangements in the new monetary policy. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Furthermore, the meeting has also expressed solidarity with the protesting employees of the Nepal Stock Exchange demanding its restructuring. As per the decision, the investors will approach the Ministry of Finance with NEPSE’s staffers and take initiatives for its restructuring.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">In addition, the meeting has also demanded to rectify the directive of Parliamentary Committee on Finance to halt issuance of new stock exchange and broker licenses. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Since the issuance of the new stock exchange and broker licenses has moved ahead in accordance with prevailing law and Supreme Court diktat, it is unbecoming for the finance committee to halt the license issuance process, said the investors. </span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17904', 'image' => '20230614040449_collage (28).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 16:03:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '18173', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Flood Disrupts Vehicular Movement Along Beni-Jomsom Road', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'June 14: The Beni-Jomsom road which connects Mustang district with the national highway has been obstructed. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">June 14: The Beni-Jomsom road which connects Mustang district with the national highway has been obstructed. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A flooding that occurred on Tuesday night washed away a culvert in Tatopani area of Annapurna Rural Municipality-2, of Myagdi district along the road causing traffic obstruction. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As a result, vehicular movement along the Beni-Jomsom road has been disrupted, informed chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Bharat Kumar Pun. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Vehicles to and from Beni and Mustang have been stranded on the road. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Earlier, a flood that occurred on May 20 had broken down the three-meter long bridge installed in Bhurung,Tatopani. Following the demolition of the bridge, a temporary structure with Hume pipe was built to cross the river. The flood again took away the Hume pipe and road on Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The 76-km Beni-Jomsom road is under the Kaligandaki Corridor Road Project is currently being upgraded. Project Supervisor Indra Singh Sherchan informed that efforts are underway to resume vehicular movement by mobilizing dozers and labourers since early morning on Wednesday. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-06-14', 'modified' => '2023-06-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17903', 'image' => '20230614034825_20230124123517_DhrubasagarSharma_Galeswor_RSS_07_-himalmunikalopatresadak.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-06-14 15:47:41', '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