April 14: The government has given approval to invest Rs 167 billion in five hydropower projects in the country.…
April 14: The government has given approval to invest Rs 167 billion in five hydropower projects in the country.…
April 14: The country witnessed the arrival of around 100,000 foreign tourists throughout the month of March, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country towards the end of…
April 14: The Nepali New Year 2080 Bikram Sambat (BS) is being celebrated with fanfare by exchanging greetings across the country…
Chandra Prasad Dhakal has been elected the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Dhakal was elected to the post from 57th AGM of the FNCCI as per its statute that senior Vice President is the one in a line to become the…
The NEPSE index lost 29.07 points or 1.48% and closed at 1934.47 on the last trading of 2079…
Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has started a 14-day pre-service training to newly-appointed 74 employees for Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in Kathmandu from…
One hundred and eighty Chinese tourists have arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight of Himalayan…
April 13: The Foreign Employment Board has launched the reintegration programme in coordination with the local levels targeting the returnee Nepali migrant workers.…
April 13: The Nepali New Year 2080 BS is starting from…
April 13: UK-based Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Nepal’s Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group to develop four new hotels in…
April 13: Second-round election is taking place today to elect the senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today (April 13).…
April 13: Nabil Bank has released a new calendar for the year 2080…
April 13: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started testing the central electricity transmission line from Dolpa to…
April 13: The Department of Tourism has launched a search and rescue operation to find climbers who have gone missing in an avalanche in course of climbing Mount Everest. …
One person succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a total of 121new coronavirus cases was…
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">April 14: The government has given approval to invest Rs 167 billion in five hydropower projects in the country. The amount includes Rs 146 billion in foreign investment and Rs 21.37 billion in domestic investment. The decision was taken at the 53rd meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) on Thursday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting approved the investment of Rs 92.68 billion for the Lower Arun Hydropower Project and formed a negotiating committee under the coordination of CEO of the board to negotiate with the developer, prepare the project development agreement document and submit it to the board.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, Rs 33.19 billion investment has been approved for the 102 MW Upper Marsyangdi-1 Hydropower Project, Rs 20.35 billion for the 70 MW Dudhkoshi-2 (Jaleshwor) Hydropower Project, Rs 13.44 billion for the 70.3 MW Simbuwa Khola Hydropower Project and Rs 7.93 billion for 43 MW Upper Madi-0 Khola Hydropower.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The board has informed that the proposal submitted by Renicola Holdings SDN BHD of Malaysia to study the production of green calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer has been approved as well.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting also instructed stakeholders to prepare a detailed feasibility study report in accordance with the provisions of the MoU signed with NHPC Limited, India for the development of West Seti and Seti River-6 hydropower projects in line with the decision of the Council of Ministers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The board meeting approved the concept paper of the investment conference to be held in 2080 and gave the responsibility of the conference preparation to the office of the investment board.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is also the chairman of the board, instructed the concerned agencies to coordinate and cooperate effectively and work so that the results are visible. He directed the relevant ministries and agencies to work together in this regard, saying that the cost of the projects is increasing due to delay in completion of the work on time.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17289', 'image' => '20230414124016_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 12:39:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17553', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourism in 2079 BS: Increasing Influx of Foreign Tourists Instills Hopes of Tourism Revival', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: The country witnessed the arrival of around 100,000 foreign tourists throughout the month of March, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country towards the end of 2019.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 14: The country witnessed the arrival of around 100,000 foreign tourists throughout the month of March, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country towards the end of 2019. The encouraging inflow of foreign tourists has revived the hopes of bringing back the tourism industry marred by the deadly infection, say stakeholders. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to data with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 99,426 foreign tourists visited Nepal in March, 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The influx of foreign tourists has increased since the beginning of the year 2023, NTB said. The total 55,074 tourists visited Nepal in January, 2023, and 73,255 in February. A total of 1,197,091 foreign visitors arrived in 2019, just before the virus outbreak. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the following years, the number sharply dropped by 81 percent in 2020 to 230,085, and to 150,962 in 2021. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Nepali year, 2079, has overall been the year of the revival of tourism, and increasing inflow of tourists has encouraged tourism entrepreneurs, said NTB Director Maniraj Lamichhane. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> "Overall, 2079 BS has been satisfactory in terms of tourism. The influx of tourists has been on the upward spiral in each months. The arrival of tourists increased since mid-July, 2022. Each preceding months saw over 70 percent increment in the arrival of tourists," he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The mobility of domestic tourists has also increased, according to Lamichhane. In 2078 BS and 2079, the mobility of tourists increased around 120 and 130 percent respectively, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the year 2079 BS, the tourism infrastructures were added. Investment in hotel and restaurants soared and the entry of international chain hotels began. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN)’s first vice-president Binayak Shah said the year 2079 BS was in overall encouraging for the tourism industry. He said that the hospitality industry assessed the period as the "Year of Tourism Improvement". Lately, the arrival of tourists and the trend of hotel booking have been positive. He was of the opinion of promoting air connectivity and the strengthening rural roads. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The year brought hope for the mountaineering sector as well. Director General of the Department of Tourism, Hom Prasad Luitel said 512 people have taken permissions for the climbing of 21 peaks in the spring season, 2079 BS and the revenue collection stood at Rs 310.03 million. Of them, the highest number of climbers are for Mt Everest, 60 for Lhotse and 56 are for the Annapurna expedition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents ( NATTA) President Ramesh Thapa evaluates that the year 2079 BS remained as an 'improvement year for tourism industry', sending encouragements to the tourism sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Foreign tourist arrivals are increasing gradually. International flights suspended with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic have been resumed. The number of Chinese tourists in Nepal has soared with China easing travel restrictions for the citizens and these all have raised hope for the business, according to Luitel. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In view of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) President Nilhari Bastola, the 2079 BS was in overall encouraging for the tourism business. "The latest improvement in the tourism indices suggests the business is booming." -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17288', 'image' => '20230414104405_tourism ktm.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 10:43:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17552', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali New Year being Observed Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: The Nepali New Year 2080 Bikram Sambat (BS) is being celebrated with fanfare by exchanging greetings across the country today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 14: The Nepali New Year 2080 Bikram Sambat (BS) is being celebrated with fanfare by exchanging greetings across the country today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Bikram Sambat (era) runs synchronously with the Sun's motion and state, according to Chairman of the Rastriya Dharma Sabha, Dr Madhav Bhattarai. He further said that the Bikram Sambat incorporates both the features of Shak Sambat and practical aspects of the Gregorian Calendar. The BS was introduced 3,044 years after the beginning of the Kali Yuga (last of the four ages as per the Hindy mythology). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the New Year day, people review their past and make resolution for further success. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The houses are kept neat and clean and greetings exchanged among family members, relatives, friends and colleagues. Similarly, special delicacies are prepared and relished. The Nepali people living in any part of the world celebrate Baisakh 1 as the New Year. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17287', 'image' => '20230414102254_new year - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 10:21:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17551', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Chandra Dhakal Takes Charge of FNCCI ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Chandra Prasad Dhakal has been elected the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Dhakal was elected to the post from 57th AGM of the FNCCI as per its statute that senior Vice President is the one in a line to become the President. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 14: Chandra Prasad Dhakal has been elected the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Dhakal was elected to the post from 57th AGM of the FNCCI as per its statute that senior Vice President is the one in a line to become the President. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Likewise, Anjan Shrestha has been elected as the Senior Vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Shrestha and two other candidates-- Ram Chandra Sanghai, Umesh Lal Shrestha—were vying for the position. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Following the defeat of Sanghai in the first-round election held on Wednesday, Shrestha secured his win after Umesh Lal Shrestha agreed to withdraw his candidacy and support Anjan. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The election for the Senior Vice-President had entered the second-round as none of the candidates received 51 percent votes in the first round. As per FNCCI's statute, one should receive at least 51 percent votes to be elected as senior vice-president. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The newly elected Senior Vice-president Shrestha is the executive director of the Laxmi Group, a conglomerate of Sujal Food and Dairy Products, packaging industry, automobile trading, infrastructure, and steel manufacturing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Hemraj Dhakal has been elected as a commodity Vice-President of the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry(FNCCI). Dhakal, Manishlala Pradhan and Sukuntalal Hirachan had contested for the Vice-president under commodity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Jyotshana Shrestha has been elected as an Associate Vice-president of the FNCCI. Shrestha and Bharat Acharya had vied for the post. A total of 58 executive members have been elected from the FNCCI election. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">FNCCI new President Dhakal is a successful entrepreneur and industrialist of the first generation. He was member of executive committee of FNCCI for two terms. Dhakal is the founding chair of IME Group. He has nearly four decades of journey in entrepreneurship. Born at Amalchaur of Baglung district in 2022BS, Dhakal had begun entrepreneurship since 2045BS.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"> Dhakal made the first successful business stride with the establishment of IME remit, the first remit company in Nepal, in 2057BS. Currently, IME Group has its investment in two dozens of enterprises and industries, which have presence both in Nepal and abroad. Dhakal has significant role on building formal economy of the country through foreign remittance. The IME Group has given direct employment to more than 20,000 and while 40,000 are employed indirectly in the country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Upon his election as the FNCCI President, Dhakal said he would prioritize five areas during his tenure- preparation of strategy to resolve current economic crisis, creation of investment atmosphere, strengthening of State and private sector, production of competent human resources and employment generation, and boosting entrepreneurs' morale. </span></p> <p><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17286', 'image' => '20230414070003_collage (73).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 06:54:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17550', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Sees Correction; Investors Hopeful of Upward Move in 2080 ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The NEPSE index lost 29.07 points or 1.48% and closed at 1934.47 on the last trading of 2079 BS. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 13: The NEPSE index lost 29.07 points or 1.48% and closed at 1934.47 on the last trading of 2079 BS. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Sensitive Index lost 5.72 points while the float index and sensitive float index lost 2.12 and 1.49 points respectively. The NEPSE saw correction after the traders booked their profit today. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The NEPSE had achieved gains of 4.93% on Wednesday. Given yesterday’s surge, today’s correction is normal, say experts. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Share investors are confident the NEPSE index will be positive in 2080 as banks have slashed their interest rates on deposits and rates on credit will also drop accordingly. Similarly, the latest report released by Nepal Rastra Bank shows that economic indicators are improving in the country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">A total of 270 scrips traded hands via 44,708 transactions. A total of 4,913,702 shares exchanged hands amounting to Rs. 1.653 billion in turnover amount. This is lower than the last trading day's turnover of Rs. 1.976 billion. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Shivam Cements Limited(SHIVAM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 8.42 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 405 per share. Three scrips gained the highest 10% each and hit the positive circuit for the day. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Conversely, Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme - 2 (SIGS2) lost the highest 5.50% today.<br /> All sector indices closed in the red zone. "Development Bank" lost the highest 2.48%, while "Hotel and Tourism" lost the least 0.09% today. </span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17285', 'image' => '20230413061742_collage - 2023-04-13T181823.333.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 18:14:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17549', 'article_category_id' => '218', 'title' => 'RBBL Caters Pre-Service Training to New Appointees ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has started a 14-day pre-service training to newly-appointed 74 employees for Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in Kathmandu from Wednesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">April 13: Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has started a 14-day pre-service training to newly-appointed 74 employees for Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in Kathmandu from Wednesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Rastriya Banijya Bank’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Devendraraman Khanal inaugurated the pre-service training. Addressing the programme, Khanal asked the new appointees to work professionally to satisfy customers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Deputy Chief Executive Office Saraswoti Adhikari said that the new appointees should be dutiful at their work to win customers’ trust and confidence.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Department Chief Bhim Prasad Ghimire of Human Resource Departmnet at the RBBL had administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly-appointed staffers. </span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17284', 'image' => '20230413043104_collage - 2023-03-21T170708.448.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 16:29:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17548', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '180 Chinese Tourists Arrive on Chartered Flight on New Year’s Eve', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'One hundred and eighty Chinese tourists have arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight of Himalayan Airlines. ', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:20px">April 13: One hundred and eighty Chinese tourists have arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight of Himalayan Airlines. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The team of the Chinese tourists arrived in Kathmandu on the eve of the Nepali New Year on Thursday morning through Nepal Big Mountain Travel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Dr Dhananjay Regmi, among others, welcomed the Chinese tourists. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Talking to media persons, Minister Kirati said they were very happy to welcome such a large number of Chinese tourists for the first time after coronavirus pandemic and on the eve of the Nepali New Year. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">"Guests are Gods. We always welcome foreign guests as god," Kirati mentioned. Minister Kirati expressed the belief that such activities would help further strengthen Nepal-China relations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Saying there was a great role of Chinese government in construction of Pokhara International Airport, Minister Kirati opined that Nepal has wanted to directly connect Pokhara International Airport with China by air.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Minister Kirati expressed hope that Chinese tourists would like Nepal as some of the cities of Nepal are similar to Chinese cities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Similarly, Chinese Ambassador Song said China has permitted the Chinese tourists to go abroad after coronavirus came under control. Song shared he was very happy to get welcome the Chinese tourists in Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"> Likewise, CEO Regmi mentioned that the arrival of Chinese tourists will help energize Nepal's tourism industry hit hard since 2019. Nepal should involve tourism promotion targeting Chinese and Indian tourists, Regmi added. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Proprietor of Nepal Big Mountain Travel and tourism entrepreneur Sudarshan Nepal expressed happiness over arrivals of Chinese tourists after China on March 10 put Nepal as the list of tourism destination after coronavirus pandemic. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The Chinese tourists would visit various tourism sites of the Kathmandu Valley as well as Poon Hill during their one-week stay in Nepal. –RSS </span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17283', 'image' => '20230413035310_collage - 2023-04-13T153900.779.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 15:49:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17547', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Re-Integration Programme for Returnee Migrant Workers Launched ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Foreign Employment Board has launched the reintegration programme in coordination with the local levels targeting the returnee Nepali migrant workers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: The Foreign Employment Board has launched the reintegration programme in coordination with the local levels targeting the returnee Nepali migrant workers. The board is implementing this project for the first time for which it has issued a new directive to launch the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The board said that the programme is being implemented under a framework of sharing cost with various local levels to help turn returnee migrant workers into entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">An agreement to this effect has been inked with 81 local levels in all seven provinces to enforce the programme, shared Rama Bhattarai, director of the board. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A total of 21 local levels in Bagmati Province, 16 in Madhesh Province, 13 in Koshi Province, 14 in Gandaki Province and 18 each in Lumbini Province and Sudurpaschim Province have signed agreement with the board for the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The board is hopeful that an estimated 3,000 returnee migrant workers will benefit from the programme. The board has allocated over Rs 150 million budget for the project in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17282', 'image' => '20230413012604_foreign emp.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:25:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17546', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Only Popular Destinations getting Encouraging Booking for New Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Nepali New Year 2080 BS is starting from Friday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">April 13: The Nepali New Year 2080 BS is starting from Friday. Domestic tourists have started pre-booking hotels to celebrate the New Year. However, only popular destinations have witnessed bookings and inquiries from domestic tourists.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to tourism entrepreneurs, while hotels in Pokhara and Chitwan have witnessed 80 per cent of pre-bookings other destinations only have normal bookings. Hotels and resorts in Pokhara, Sauraha, Dhulikhel, and Nagarkot are witnessing massive pre-booking.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There is no booking in destinations like Lumbini, Kailali, Karnal and Chisapani in the west. The first day of 2080 is Friday and the next day is a holiday (Saturday). Due to this, tourists have booked hotels for 2 days. Regional Hotel Association Kanchanpur President Jagdish Chandra Bhatt informed New Business Age that there is no booking for the next few days.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Despite being a tourist destination in the Far West, there is no enthusiasm among the businessmen," said Bhatt.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He shared that due to the lack of quality roads and expensive airfare, few tourists are coming to Sudurpaschim Province. He said that even though organizations like the Nepal Tourism Board prioritized the promotion of the region, tourists haven’t arrived as expected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Though hotels are increasing in Jumla, tourists have not been able to come because of the bad condition of roads," Bhatt said, adding, "Domestic tourists visiting Rara do come, but foreigners are a far cry."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajan Shrestha, president of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Biratnagar, said that although there will be a rush of Indian tourists on January 1, the new year of the Gregorian calendar, there is no charm during the Nepali new year. He said that bookings are normal in areas like Sriantu, Ilam, and Bhedetar in the east.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CP Shrestha, president of Siddharth Hotel Association, Bhairahawa, said that bookings are low for the New Year. The booking of 2-3 hotels is only up to 25 per cent. There are 146 hotels, big and small, in the area. He said that some discounts have been arranged for domestic tourists for the New Year. He said that the room rate had already been reduced by 40 per cent due to the low number of tourists. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, said that domestic and foreign tourists are looking for popular destinations. "However, now there is a trend of searching for new destinations in Nepal and the world," said Joshi, "After Covid-19, tourists no longer prefer crowded places. They are looking for new destinations."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that proper branding and publicity about new destinations is likely to attract tourists.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The pre-booking of hotels is 100 per cent in the popular destinations. Hoteliers from Kavre, and Nagarkot, which are close to Kathmandu, are excited. They said that the situation is good for the first time after Covid-19.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">President of the Hotel Association, Kavre, Premkant Shrestha said the hotels in the region have "100 percent booking for Thursday, Friday and Saturday." He added that for the first time after Covid, there has been a significant improvement in business. Hotel bookings in Nagarkot are also said to be good. New Year bookings are also good in Sauraha in Chitwan.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Deepak Bhattarai, outgoing president of HAN Chitwan, said that hotels have received 80 per cent of pre-booking until Tuesday for the New Year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Pre-booking is growing in Pokhara. Lakshman Subedi, President of the HAN Pokhara Chapter, said that the hotels have witnessed 50 per cent pre-booking as of Tuesday. There are 1,000 hotels, big and small, in Pokhara.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17281', 'image' => '20230413012454_nagarkot.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:24:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17544', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'UK-based IHG Strengthens its Presence in Nepal in Collaboration with Shangri-La Hotel', 'sub_title' => 'The signing will bring three InterContinental hotels and a Hotel Indigo property across diverse locations in Nepal', 'summary' => 'April 13: UK-based Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Nepal’s Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group to develop four new hotels in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">April 13: UK-based Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Nepal’s Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group to develop four new hotels in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the agreement, two of the new hotels will be based in Pokhara and one each in Kathmandu and Chitwan. According to a statement issued by IHG, the project includes Lazimpat-based InterContinental Kathmandu, Hotel Indigo Pokhara (Gharipatan), InterContinental Resort Pokhara (Begnas Lake), and InterContinental Resort Chitwan (Meghauli). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The signing will see IHG add close to 500 rooms to its portfolio in Nepal, and debut two of its global brands, InterContinental and Hotel Indigo in the market, IHG further said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IHG said that the agreement has strengthened its footprint across the “South-West Asia region”, specifically in luxury and lifestyle segment. Currently under construction, the new hotels are scheduled to open in the next 1-4 years in the most sought-after leisure destinations of Nepal - Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, added the statement.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“We are delighted to introduce two of our leading brands from the luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, to Nepal. The signing of four new hotels in partnership with the esteemed and well- known Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Group of Nepal is testament to the trust and love for our brands from our owners as well as guests, and we are proud to grow our footprint in the South-West Asia region to bring our offering to new markets,” said Sudeep Jain, managing director of IHG for South West Asia, adding, “The strategic location of all four hotels in different key tourism destinations of Nepal provide us with a great opportunity to offer world-class hospitality and cater to the demands of our guests.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Likewise, Prasidha Pandey, chairman of Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group, expressed his pleasure to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts for the debut of the two renowned brands, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“We are confident that our partnership with IHG to open four new hotels will help us offer world-class hospitality to guests, at a time when travel to Nepal has increased exponentially. All new hotels will be located in top tourism hubs, and we expect to benefit from the strength and scale of IHG’s global systems, technology and a strong loyalty programme,” said Pandey.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to IHG, all four hotel guests will benefit from IHG’s best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which is centred around its guests – giving them richer benefits, all powered by leading technology and a new mobile app.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IHG currently has 47 hotels operating across five brands in South West Asia, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express, and has a strong pipeline of 53 hotels due to open in the next 2-3 years.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17280', 'image' => '20230413125849_xxl_153154733.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 12:57:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17545', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Second Round of Voting to Take Place Today to Elect FNCCI Senior Vice President', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Second-round election is taking place today to elect the senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today (April 13). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: Second-round election is taking place today to elect the senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today (April 13). The election is taking place again after no single candidate out of three – Ram Chandra Sanghai, Umesh Lal Shrestha and Anjan Shrestha – secured the required 50 per cent votes in the first round. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Ram Chandra Sanghai is out from the first-phase election. Umesh Lal Shrestha and Anjan Shreshta are in the race in the second phase. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Out of weightage of the votes cast in district/municipality commodity and associate, Anjan Shrestha got the highest 37.99 per cent votes, Umesh Lal Shrestha garnered 31.51 per cent votes and Ram Chandra Sanghai 30.46 per cent votes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the FNCCI's statute, one should receive at least 50 per cent vote to be elected as the senior vice-president. The first round of election had taken place on Wednesday. The counting of votes of senior vice-president had concluded on Thursday morning. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the result, out of the total 1,620 votes cast towards associate, Ram Chandra Sanghai had got 612, Anjan Shrestha 573 and Umesh Lal Shrestha 426 while eight votes were invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, out of the total 117 votes cast towards district/municipality, Anjan Shrestha had received 47 votes while Ram Chandra Sanghai and Umesh Lal Shrestha got 39 and 28 votes respectively. Three votes were invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, of the total 123 votes cast towards commodity, Umesh Lal Shrestha got 69 votes, Anjan Shrestha 41 and Ram Chandra Sanghai 12 while one vote was invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The second-round of election to the post of senior-vice president would be held today itself. According to Chief Election Officer, Leelamani Poudel, the voting would take place from 2:00-5:00 pm today. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17279', 'image' => '20230413011157_1680761442.FNCCI 1-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:11:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17543', 'article_category_id' => '218', 'title' => 'Nabil Bank Releases New Calendar on the Theme of Climate Change Awareness', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Nabil Bank has released a new calendar for the year 2080 BS.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">April 13: Nabil Bank has released a new calendar for the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2080</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> BS</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"">The bank informed that the calendar includes information related to climate change awareness and environmental promotion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nabil Bank's Chief Executive Officer Gyanendra Prasad Dhungana, Senior Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sujit Kumar Shakya, Deputy Chief Executive Officers Vinay Kumar Regmi and Bhupendra Pandey launched the wall calendar and table calendar on the eve of the Nepali New Year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The calendars feature pictures on the theme of weather and natural beauty of the 12 months and appeal for environmental protection. Similarly, the calendars also depict pictures of the beautiful mountain range, flying birds and the endangered snow leopard.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17278', 'image' => '20230413123210_1681341501.Clipboard13.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 12:31:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17542', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dunai to get Electricity from Central Transmission Line within Two Weeks ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started testing the central electricity transmission line from Dolpa to Dunai.', '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"">April 13: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started testing the central electricity transmission line from Dolpa to Dunai. Karnali Province office of NEA conformed that the testing of the transmission line from Triveni in Rukum West to Dunai in Dolpa has started from Wednesday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 construction of central transmission line was started in Dolpa two years ago. According to the NEA office, locals of Dunai can utilize the electricity service within two weeks.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 provincial office, the expansion of transmission line is going on even in the Jajarkot section. Although there was a plan to supply electricity through the central transmission line in Dunai in the previous fiscal year, the construction was completed only in the last quarter of the current fiscal year due to the dilly dallying on part of the contractor. The NEA is now all set to supply electricity to Dunai through the </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""> kV transmission, while a sub-station of the </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">33</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> kV transmission line is under construction at Tripurakot, the administrative center of Tripurasundari Municipality.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17277', 'image' => '20230413115757_1681304370.1654689332.prasaran line.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 11:57:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17541', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Search and Rescue Operation of Sherpas Missing in Avalanche Underway', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Department of Tourism has launched a search and rescue operation to find climbers who have gone missing in an avalanche in course of climbing Mount Everest. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: The Department of Tourism has launched a search and rescue operation to find climbers who have gone missing in an avalanche in course of climbing Mount Everest. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Three Sherpa climbers went missing on Wednesday morning while heading towards Camp 1 from the Everest Base Camp.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the department, Dawa Chhiri Sherpa, Pemba Tenjing Sherpa and Lakpa Rita Sherpa were caught in the avalanche at the Khumbu icefall region between base camp and Camp 1. They were carrying materials used to make trails for climbing when the incident took place. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Expedition teams are preparing to climb Mt Everest with the onset of the spring season, which is considered the most favourable time to climb the world’s highest peak. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">All three Sherpas who went missing are from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5 in Solukhumbu district. They were mobilized on behalf of Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A press statement released by the department says that search and rescue of the missing people are being carried out both aerially with the help of a Simrik Air helicopter and via land. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The rescue efforts are being carried out in collaboration with the local administration, Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, Himalayan Rescue Association, Imagine Expedition Company and Mountaineering Operation Association Nepal. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17276', 'image' => '20230413105117_EverestAvalanche-1179x675.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 10:50:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17540', 'article_category_id' => '265', 'title' => 'One Dies of COVID; 121 New Cases Confirmed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'One person succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a total of 121new coronavirus cases was confirmed.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 13: One person succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a total of 121new coronavirus cases was confirmed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Similarly, 81 people returned home after they recovered from the infection on the same day. Likewise, 25 people are in isolation, and 11 in ICU. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The country has 445 active cases of coronavirus in the country so far. COVID cases are on the rise in the country lately.</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17275', 'image' => '20230413064121_collage (72).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 06:40:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">April 14: The government has given approval to invest Rs 167 billion in five hydropower projects in the country. The amount includes Rs 146 billion in foreign investment and Rs 21.37 billion in domestic investment. The decision was taken at the 53rd meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) on Thursday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting approved the investment of Rs 92.68 billion for the Lower Arun Hydropower Project and formed a negotiating committee under the coordination of CEO of the board to negotiate with the developer, prepare the project development agreement document and submit it to the board.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, Rs 33.19 billion investment has been approved for the 102 MW Upper Marsyangdi-1 Hydropower Project, Rs 20.35 billion for the 70 MW Dudhkoshi-2 (Jaleshwor) Hydropower Project, Rs 13.44 billion for the 70.3 MW Simbuwa Khola Hydropower Project and Rs 7.93 billion for 43 MW Upper Madi-0 Khola Hydropower.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The board has informed that the proposal submitted by Renicola Holdings SDN BHD of Malaysia to study the production of green calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer has been approved as well.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting also instructed stakeholders to prepare a detailed feasibility study report in accordance with the provisions of the MoU signed with NHPC Limited, India for the development of West Seti and Seti River-6 hydropower projects in line with the decision of the Council of Ministers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The board meeting approved the concept paper of the investment conference to be held in 2080 and gave the responsibility of the conference preparation to the office of the investment board.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is also the chairman of the board, instructed the concerned agencies to coordinate and cooperate effectively and work so that the results are visible. He directed the relevant ministries and agencies to work together in this regard, saying that the cost of the projects is increasing due to delay in completion of the work on time.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17289', 'image' => '20230414124016_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 12:39:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17553', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourism in 2079 BS: Increasing Influx of Foreign Tourists Instills Hopes of Tourism Revival', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: The country witnessed the arrival of around 100,000 foreign tourists throughout the month of March, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country towards the end of 2019.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 14: The country witnessed the arrival of around 100,000 foreign tourists throughout the month of March, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country towards the end of 2019. The encouraging inflow of foreign tourists has revived the hopes of bringing back the tourism industry marred by the deadly infection, say stakeholders. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to data with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 99,426 foreign tourists visited Nepal in March, 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The influx of foreign tourists has increased since the beginning of the year 2023, NTB said. The total 55,074 tourists visited Nepal in January, 2023, and 73,255 in February. A total of 1,197,091 foreign visitors arrived in 2019, just before the virus outbreak. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the following years, the number sharply dropped by 81 percent in 2020 to 230,085, and to 150,962 in 2021. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Nepali year, 2079, has overall been the year of the revival of tourism, and increasing inflow of tourists has encouraged tourism entrepreneurs, said NTB Director Maniraj Lamichhane. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> "Overall, 2079 BS has been satisfactory in terms of tourism. The influx of tourists has been on the upward spiral in each months. The arrival of tourists increased since mid-July, 2022. Each preceding months saw over 70 percent increment in the arrival of tourists," he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The mobility of domestic tourists has also increased, according to Lamichhane. In 2078 BS and 2079, the mobility of tourists increased around 120 and 130 percent respectively, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the year 2079 BS, the tourism infrastructures were added. Investment in hotel and restaurants soared and the entry of international chain hotels began. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN)’s first vice-president Binayak Shah said the year 2079 BS was in overall encouraging for the tourism industry. He said that the hospitality industry assessed the period as the "Year of Tourism Improvement". Lately, the arrival of tourists and the trend of hotel booking have been positive. He was of the opinion of promoting air connectivity and the strengthening rural roads. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The year brought hope for the mountaineering sector as well. Director General of the Department of Tourism, Hom Prasad Luitel said 512 people have taken permissions for the climbing of 21 peaks in the spring season, 2079 BS and the revenue collection stood at Rs 310.03 million. Of them, the highest number of climbers are for Mt Everest, 60 for Lhotse and 56 are for the Annapurna expedition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents ( NATTA) President Ramesh Thapa evaluates that the year 2079 BS remained as an 'improvement year for tourism industry', sending encouragements to the tourism sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Foreign tourist arrivals are increasing gradually. International flights suspended with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic have been resumed. The number of Chinese tourists in Nepal has soared with China easing travel restrictions for the citizens and these all have raised hope for the business, according to Luitel. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In view of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) President Nilhari Bastola, the 2079 BS was in overall encouraging for the tourism business. "The latest improvement in the tourism indices suggests the business is booming." -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17288', 'image' => '20230414104405_tourism ktm.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 10:43:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17552', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali New Year being Observed Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: The Nepali New Year 2080 Bikram Sambat (BS) is being celebrated with fanfare by exchanging greetings across the country today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 14: The Nepali New Year 2080 Bikram Sambat (BS) is being celebrated with fanfare by exchanging greetings across the country today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Bikram Sambat (era) runs synchronously with the Sun's motion and state, according to Chairman of the Rastriya Dharma Sabha, Dr Madhav Bhattarai. He further said that the Bikram Sambat incorporates both the features of Shak Sambat and practical aspects of the Gregorian Calendar. The BS was introduced 3,044 years after the beginning of the Kali Yuga (last of the four ages as per the Hindy mythology). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the New Year day, people review their past and make resolution for further success. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The houses are kept neat and clean and greetings exchanged among family members, relatives, friends and colleagues. Similarly, special delicacies are prepared and relished. The Nepali people living in any part of the world celebrate Baisakh 1 as the New Year. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17287', 'image' => '20230414102254_new year - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 10:21:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17551', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Chandra Dhakal Takes Charge of FNCCI ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Chandra Prasad Dhakal has been elected the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Dhakal was elected to the post from 57th AGM of the FNCCI as per its statute that senior Vice President is the one in a line to become the President. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 14: Chandra Prasad Dhakal has been elected the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Dhakal was elected to the post from 57th AGM of the FNCCI as per its statute that senior Vice President is the one in a line to become the President. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Likewise, Anjan Shrestha has been elected as the Senior Vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Shrestha and two other candidates-- Ram Chandra Sanghai, Umesh Lal Shrestha—were vying for the position. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Following the defeat of Sanghai in the first-round election held on Wednesday, Shrestha secured his win after Umesh Lal Shrestha agreed to withdraw his candidacy and support Anjan. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The election for the Senior Vice-President had entered the second-round as none of the candidates received 51 percent votes in the first round. As per FNCCI's statute, one should receive at least 51 percent votes to be elected as senior vice-president. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The newly elected Senior Vice-president Shrestha is the executive director of the Laxmi Group, a conglomerate of Sujal Food and Dairy Products, packaging industry, automobile trading, infrastructure, and steel manufacturing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Hemraj Dhakal has been elected as a commodity Vice-President of the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry(FNCCI). Dhakal, Manishlala Pradhan and Sukuntalal Hirachan had contested for the Vice-president under commodity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Jyotshana Shrestha has been elected as an Associate Vice-president of the FNCCI. Shrestha and Bharat Acharya had vied for the post. A total of 58 executive members have been elected from the FNCCI election. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">FNCCI new President Dhakal is a successful entrepreneur and industrialist of the first generation. He was member of executive committee of FNCCI for two terms. Dhakal is the founding chair of IME Group. He has nearly four decades of journey in entrepreneurship. Born at Amalchaur of Baglung district in 2022BS, Dhakal had begun entrepreneurship since 2045BS.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"> Dhakal made the first successful business stride with the establishment of IME remit, the first remit company in Nepal, in 2057BS. Currently, IME Group has its investment in two dozens of enterprises and industries, which have presence both in Nepal and abroad. Dhakal has significant role on building formal economy of the country through foreign remittance. The IME Group has given direct employment to more than 20,000 and while 40,000 are employed indirectly in the country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Upon his election as the FNCCI President, Dhakal said he would prioritize five areas during his tenure- preparation of strategy to resolve current economic crisis, creation of investment atmosphere, strengthening of State and private sector, production of competent human resources and employment generation, and boosting entrepreneurs' morale. </span></p> <p><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17286', 'image' => '20230414070003_collage (73).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 06:54:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17550', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Sees Correction; Investors Hopeful of Upward Move in 2080 ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The NEPSE index lost 29.07 points or 1.48% and closed at 1934.47 on the last trading of 2079 BS. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 13: The NEPSE index lost 29.07 points or 1.48% and closed at 1934.47 on the last trading of 2079 BS. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Sensitive Index lost 5.72 points while the float index and sensitive float index lost 2.12 and 1.49 points respectively. The NEPSE saw correction after the traders booked their profit today. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The NEPSE had achieved gains of 4.93% on Wednesday. Given yesterday’s surge, today’s correction is normal, say experts. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Share investors are confident the NEPSE index will be positive in 2080 as banks have slashed their interest rates on deposits and rates on credit will also drop accordingly. Similarly, the latest report released by Nepal Rastra Bank shows that economic indicators are improving in the country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">A total of 270 scrips traded hands via 44,708 transactions. A total of 4,913,702 shares exchanged hands amounting to Rs. 1.653 billion in turnover amount. This is lower than the last trading day's turnover of Rs. 1.976 billion. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Shivam Cements Limited(SHIVAM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 8.42 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 405 per share. Three scrips gained the highest 10% each and hit the positive circuit for the day. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Conversely, Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme - 2 (SIGS2) lost the highest 5.50% today.<br /> All sector indices closed in the red zone. "Development Bank" lost the highest 2.48%, while "Hotel and Tourism" lost the least 0.09% today. </span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17285', 'image' => '20230413061742_collage - 2023-04-13T181823.333.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 18:14:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17549', 'article_category_id' => '218', 'title' => 'RBBL Caters Pre-Service Training to New Appointees ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has started a 14-day pre-service training to newly-appointed 74 employees for Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in Kathmandu from Wednesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">April 13: Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has started a 14-day pre-service training to newly-appointed 74 employees for Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in Kathmandu from Wednesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Rastriya Banijya Bank’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Devendraraman Khanal inaugurated the pre-service training. Addressing the programme, Khanal asked the new appointees to work professionally to satisfy customers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Deputy Chief Executive Office Saraswoti Adhikari said that the new appointees should be dutiful at their work to win customers’ trust and confidence.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Department Chief Bhim Prasad Ghimire of Human Resource Departmnet at the RBBL had administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly-appointed staffers. </span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17284', 'image' => '20230413043104_collage - 2023-03-21T170708.448.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 16:29:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17548', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '180 Chinese Tourists Arrive on Chartered Flight on New Year’s Eve', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'One hundred and eighty Chinese tourists have arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight of Himalayan Airlines. ', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:20px">April 13: One hundred and eighty Chinese tourists have arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight of Himalayan Airlines. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The team of the Chinese tourists arrived in Kathmandu on the eve of the Nepali New Year on Thursday morning through Nepal Big Mountain Travel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Dr Dhananjay Regmi, among others, welcomed the Chinese tourists. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Talking to media persons, Minister Kirati said they were very happy to welcome such a large number of Chinese tourists for the first time after coronavirus pandemic and on the eve of the Nepali New Year. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">"Guests are Gods. We always welcome foreign guests as god," Kirati mentioned. Minister Kirati expressed the belief that such activities would help further strengthen Nepal-China relations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Saying there was a great role of Chinese government in construction of Pokhara International Airport, Minister Kirati opined that Nepal has wanted to directly connect Pokhara International Airport with China by air.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Minister Kirati expressed hope that Chinese tourists would like Nepal as some of the cities of Nepal are similar to Chinese cities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Similarly, Chinese Ambassador Song said China has permitted the Chinese tourists to go abroad after coronavirus came under control. Song shared he was very happy to get welcome the Chinese tourists in Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"> Likewise, CEO Regmi mentioned that the arrival of Chinese tourists will help energize Nepal's tourism industry hit hard since 2019. Nepal should involve tourism promotion targeting Chinese and Indian tourists, Regmi added. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Proprietor of Nepal Big Mountain Travel and tourism entrepreneur Sudarshan Nepal expressed happiness over arrivals of Chinese tourists after China on March 10 put Nepal as the list of tourism destination after coronavirus pandemic. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The Chinese tourists would visit various tourism sites of the Kathmandu Valley as well as Poon Hill during their one-week stay in Nepal. –RSS </span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17283', 'image' => '20230413035310_collage - 2023-04-13T153900.779.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 15:49:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17547', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Re-Integration Programme for Returnee Migrant Workers Launched ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Foreign Employment Board has launched the reintegration programme in coordination with the local levels targeting the returnee Nepali migrant workers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: The Foreign Employment Board has launched the reintegration programme in coordination with the local levels targeting the returnee Nepali migrant workers. The board is implementing this project for the first time for which it has issued a new directive to launch the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The board said that the programme is being implemented under a framework of sharing cost with various local levels to help turn returnee migrant workers into entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">An agreement to this effect has been inked with 81 local levels in all seven provinces to enforce the programme, shared Rama Bhattarai, director of the board. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A total of 21 local levels in Bagmati Province, 16 in Madhesh Province, 13 in Koshi Province, 14 in Gandaki Province and 18 each in Lumbini Province and Sudurpaschim Province have signed agreement with the board for the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The board is hopeful that an estimated 3,000 returnee migrant workers will benefit from the programme. The board has allocated over Rs 150 million budget for the project in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17282', 'image' => '20230413012604_foreign emp.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:25:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17546', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Only Popular Destinations getting Encouraging Booking for New Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Nepali New Year 2080 BS is starting from Friday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">April 13: The Nepali New Year 2080 BS is starting from Friday. Domestic tourists have started pre-booking hotels to celebrate the New Year. However, only popular destinations have witnessed bookings and inquiries from domestic tourists.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to tourism entrepreneurs, while hotels in Pokhara and Chitwan have witnessed 80 per cent of pre-bookings other destinations only have normal bookings. Hotels and resorts in Pokhara, Sauraha, Dhulikhel, and Nagarkot are witnessing massive pre-booking.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There is no booking in destinations like Lumbini, Kailali, Karnal and Chisapani in the west. The first day of 2080 is Friday and the next day is a holiday (Saturday). Due to this, tourists have booked hotels for 2 days. Regional Hotel Association Kanchanpur President Jagdish Chandra Bhatt informed New Business Age that there is no booking for the next few days.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Despite being a tourist destination in the Far West, there is no enthusiasm among the businessmen," said Bhatt.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He shared that due to the lack of quality roads and expensive airfare, few tourists are coming to Sudurpaschim Province. He said that even though organizations like the Nepal Tourism Board prioritized the promotion of the region, tourists haven’t arrived as expected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Though hotels are increasing in Jumla, tourists have not been able to come because of the bad condition of roads," Bhatt said, adding, "Domestic tourists visiting Rara do come, but foreigners are a far cry."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajan Shrestha, president of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Biratnagar, said that although there will be a rush of Indian tourists on January 1, the new year of the Gregorian calendar, there is no charm during the Nepali new year. He said that bookings are normal in areas like Sriantu, Ilam, and Bhedetar in the east.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CP Shrestha, president of Siddharth Hotel Association, Bhairahawa, said that bookings are low for the New Year. The booking of 2-3 hotels is only up to 25 per cent. There are 146 hotels, big and small, in the area. He said that some discounts have been arranged for domestic tourists for the New Year. He said that the room rate had already been reduced by 40 per cent due to the low number of tourists. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, said that domestic and foreign tourists are looking for popular destinations. "However, now there is a trend of searching for new destinations in Nepal and the world," said Joshi, "After Covid-19, tourists no longer prefer crowded places. They are looking for new destinations."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that proper branding and publicity about new destinations is likely to attract tourists.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The pre-booking of hotels is 100 per cent in the popular destinations. Hoteliers from Kavre, and Nagarkot, which are close to Kathmandu, are excited. They said that the situation is good for the first time after Covid-19.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">President of the Hotel Association, Kavre, Premkant Shrestha said the hotels in the region have "100 percent booking for Thursday, Friday and Saturday." He added that for the first time after Covid, there has been a significant improvement in business. Hotel bookings in Nagarkot are also said to be good. New Year bookings are also good in Sauraha in Chitwan.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Deepak Bhattarai, outgoing president of HAN Chitwan, said that hotels have received 80 per cent of pre-booking until Tuesday for the New Year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Pre-booking is growing in Pokhara. Lakshman Subedi, President of the HAN Pokhara Chapter, said that the hotels have witnessed 50 per cent pre-booking as of Tuesday. There are 1,000 hotels, big and small, in Pokhara.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17281', 'image' => '20230413012454_nagarkot.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:24:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17544', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'UK-based IHG Strengthens its Presence in Nepal in Collaboration with Shangri-La Hotel', 'sub_title' => 'The signing will bring three InterContinental hotels and a Hotel Indigo property across diverse locations in Nepal', 'summary' => 'April 13: UK-based Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Nepal’s Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group to develop four new hotels in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">April 13: UK-based Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Nepal’s Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group to develop four new hotels in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the agreement, two of the new hotels will be based in Pokhara and one each in Kathmandu and Chitwan. According to a statement issued by IHG, the project includes Lazimpat-based InterContinental Kathmandu, Hotel Indigo Pokhara (Gharipatan), InterContinental Resort Pokhara (Begnas Lake), and InterContinental Resort Chitwan (Meghauli). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The signing will see IHG add close to 500 rooms to its portfolio in Nepal, and debut two of its global brands, InterContinental and Hotel Indigo in the market, IHG further said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IHG said that the agreement has strengthened its footprint across the “South-West Asia region”, specifically in luxury and lifestyle segment. Currently under construction, the new hotels are scheduled to open in the next 1-4 years in the most sought-after leisure destinations of Nepal - Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, added the statement.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“We are delighted to introduce two of our leading brands from the luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, to Nepal. The signing of four new hotels in partnership with the esteemed and well- known Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Group of Nepal is testament to the trust and love for our brands from our owners as well as guests, and we are proud to grow our footprint in the South-West Asia region to bring our offering to new markets,” said Sudeep Jain, managing director of IHG for South West Asia, adding, “The strategic location of all four hotels in different key tourism destinations of Nepal provide us with a great opportunity to offer world-class hospitality and cater to the demands of our guests.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Likewise, Prasidha Pandey, chairman of Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group, expressed his pleasure to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts for the debut of the two renowned brands, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“We are confident that our partnership with IHG to open four new hotels will help us offer world-class hospitality to guests, at a time when travel to Nepal has increased exponentially. All new hotels will be located in top tourism hubs, and we expect to benefit from the strength and scale of IHG’s global systems, technology and a strong loyalty programme,” said Pandey.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to IHG, all four hotel guests will benefit from IHG’s best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which is centred around its guests – giving them richer benefits, all powered by leading technology and a new mobile app.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IHG currently has 47 hotels operating across five brands in South West Asia, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express, and has a strong pipeline of 53 hotels due to open in the next 2-3 years.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17280', 'image' => '20230413125849_xxl_153154733.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 12:57:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17545', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Second Round of Voting to Take Place Today to Elect FNCCI Senior Vice President', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Second-round election is taking place today to elect the senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today (April 13). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: Second-round election is taking place today to elect the senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today (April 13). The election is taking place again after no single candidate out of three – Ram Chandra Sanghai, Umesh Lal Shrestha and Anjan Shrestha – secured the required 50 per cent votes in the first round. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Ram Chandra Sanghai is out from the first-phase election. Umesh Lal Shrestha and Anjan Shreshta are in the race in the second phase. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Out of weightage of the votes cast in district/municipality commodity and associate, Anjan Shrestha got the highest 37.99 per cent votes, Umesh Lal Shrestha garnered 31.51 per cent votes and Ram Chandra Sanghai 30.46 per cent votes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the FNCCI's statute, one should receive at least 50 per cent vote to be elected as the senior vice-president. The first round of election had taken place on Wednesday. The counting of votes of senior vice-president had concluded on Thursday morning. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the result, out of the total 1,620 votes cast towards associate, Ram Chandra Sanghai had got 612, Anjan Shrestha 573 and Umesh Lal Shrestha 426 while eight votes were invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, out of the total 117 votes cast towards district/municipality, Anjan Shrestha had received 47 votes while Ram Chandra Sanghai and Umesh Lal Shrestha got 39 and 28 votes respectively. Three votes were invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, of the total 123 votes cast towards commodity, Umesh Lal Shrestha got 69 votes, Anjan Shrestha 41 and Ram Chandra Sanghai 12 while one vote was invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The second-round of election to the post of senior-vice president would be held today itself. According to Chief Election Officer, Leelamani Poudel, the voting would take place from 2:00-5:00 pm today. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17279', 'image' => '20230413011157_1680761442.FNCCI 1-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:11:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17543', 'article_category_id' => '218', 'title' => 'Nabil Bank Releases New Calendar on the Theme of Climate Change Awareness', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Nabil Bank has released a new calendar for the year 2080 BS.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">April 13: Nabil Bank has released a new calendar for the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2080</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> BS</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"">The bank informed that the calendar includes information related to climate change awareness and environmental promotion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nabil Bank's Chief Executive Officer Gyanendra Prasad Dhungana, Senior Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sujit Kumar Shakya, Deputy Chief Executive Officers Vinay Kumar Regmi and Bhupendra Pandey launched the wall calendar and table calendar on the eve of the Nepali New Year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The calendars feature pictures on the theme of weather and natural beauty of the 12 months and appeal for environmental protection. Similarly, the calendars also depict pictures of the beautiful mountain range, flying birds and the endangered snow leopard.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17278', 'image' => '20230413123210_1681341501.Clipboard13.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 12:31:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17542', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dunai to get Electricity from Central Transmission Line within Two Weeks ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started testing the central electricity transmission line from Dolpa to Dunai.', '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"">April 13: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started testing the central electricity transmission line from Dolpa to Dunai. Karnali Province office of NEA conformed that the testing of the transmission line from Triveni in Rukum West to Dunai in Dolpa has started from Wednesday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 construction of central transmission line was started in Dolpa two years ago. According to the NEA office, locals of Dunai can utilize the electricity service within two weeks.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 provincial office, the expansion of transmission line is going on even in the Jajarkot section. Although there was a plan to supply electricity through the central transmission line in Dunai in the previous fiscal year, the construction was completed only in the last quarter of the current fiscal year due to the dilly dallying on part of the contractor. The NEA is now all set to supply electricity to Dunai through the </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""> kV transmission, while a sub-station of the </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">33</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> kV transmission line is under construction at Tripurakot, the administrative center of Tripurasundari Municipality.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17277', 'image' => '20230413115757_1681304370.1654689332.prasaran line.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 11:57:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17541', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Search and Rescue Operation of Sherpas Missing in Avalanche Underway', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Department of Tourism has launched a search and rescue operation to find climbers who have gone missing in an avalanche in course of climbing Mount Everest. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: The Department of Tourism has launched a search and rescue operation to find climbers who have gone missing in an avalanche in course of climbing Mount Everest. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Three Sherpa climbers went missing on Wednesday morning while heading towards Camp 1 from the Everest Base Camp.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the department, Dawa Chhiri Sherpa, Pemba Tenjing Sherpa and Lakpa Rita Sherpa were caught in the avalanche at the Khumbu icefall region between base camp and Camp 1. They were carrying materials used to make trails for climbing when the incident took place. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Expedition teams are preparing to climb Mt Everest with the onset of the spring season, which is considered the most favourable time to climb the world’s highest peak. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">All three Sherpas who went missing are from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5 in Solukhumbu district. They were mobilized on behalf of Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A press statement released by the department says that search and rescue of the missing people are being carried out both aerially with the help of a Simrik Air helicopter and via land. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The rescue efforts are being carried out in collaboration with the local administration, Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, Himalayan Rescue Association, Imagine Expedition Company and Mountaineering Operation Association Nepal. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17276', 'image' => '20230413105117_EverestAvalanche-1179x675.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 10:50:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17540', 'article_category_id' => '265', 'title' => 'One Dies of COVID; 121 New Cases Confirmed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'One person succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a total of 121new coronavirus cases was confirmed.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 13: One person succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a total of 121new coronavirus cases was confirmed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Similarly, 81 people returned home after they recovered from the infection on the same day. Likewise, 25 people are in isolation, and 11 in ICU. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The country has 445 active cases of coronavirus in the country so far. COVID cases are on the rise in the country lately.</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17275', 'image' => '20230413064121_collage (72).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 06:40:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">April 14: The government has given approval to invest Rs 167 billion in five hydropower projects in the country. The amount includes Rs 146 billion in foreign investment and Rs 21.37 billion in domestic investment. The decision was taken at the 53rd meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) on Thursday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting approved the investment of Rs 92.68 billion for the Lower Arun Hydropower Project and formed a negotiating committee under the coordination of CEO of the board to negotiate with the developer, prepare the project development agreement document and submit it to the board.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, Rs 33.19 billion investment has been approved for the 102 MW Upper Marsyangdi-1 Hydropower Project, Rs 20.35 billion for the 70 MW Dudhkoshi-2 (Jaleshwor) Hydropower Project, Rs 13.44 billion for the 70.3 MW Simbuwa Khola Hydropower Project and Rs 7.93 billion for 43 MW Upper Madi-0 Khola Hydropower.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The board has informed that the proposal submitted by Renicola Holdings SDN BHD of Malaysia to study the production of green calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer has been approved as well.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting also instructed stakeholders to prepare a detailed feasibility study report in accordance with the provisions of the MoU signed with NHPC Limited, India for the development of West Seti and Seti River-6 hydropower projects in line with the decision of the Council of Ministers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The board meeting approved the concept paper of the investment conference to be held in 2080 and gave the responsibility of the conference preparation to the office of the investment board.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is also the chairman of the board, instructed the concerned agencies to coordinate and cooperate effectively and work so that the results are visible. He directed the relevant ministries and agencies to work together in this regard, saying that the cost of the projects is increasing due to delay in completion of the work on time.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17289', 'image' => '20230414124016_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 12:39:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17553', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourism in 2079 BS: Increasing Influx of Foreign Tourists Instills Hopes of Tourism Revival', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: The country witnessed the arrival of around 100,000 foreign tourists throughout the month of March, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country towards the end of 2019.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 14: The country witnessed the arrival of around 100,000 foreign tourists throughout the month of March, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country towards the end of 2019. The encouraging inflow of foreign tourists has revived the hopes of bringing back the tourism industry marred by the deadly infection, say stakeholders. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to data with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 99,426 foreign tourists visited Nepal in March, 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The influx of foreign tourists has increased since the beginning of the year 2023, NTB said. The total 55,074 tourists visited Nepal in January, 2023, and 73,255 in February. A total of 1,197,091 foreign visitors arrived in 2019, just before the virus outbreak. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the following years, the number sharply dropped by 81 percent in 2020 to 230,085, and to 150,962 in 2021. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Nepali year, 2079, has overall been the year of the revival of tourism, and increasing inflow of tourists has encouraged tourism entrepreneurs, said NTB Director Maniraj Lamichhane. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> "Overall, 2079 BS has been satisfactory in terms of tourism. The influx of tourists has been on the upward spiral in each months. The arrival of tourists increased since mid-July, 2022. Each preceding months saw over 70 percent increment in the arrival of tourists," he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The mobility of domestic tourists has also increased, according to Lamichhane. In 2078 BS and 2079, the mobility of tourists increased around 120 and 130 percent respectively, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the year 2079 BS, the tourism infrastructures were added. Investment in hotel and restaurants soared and the entry of international chain hotels began. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN)’s first vice-president Binayak Shah said the year 2079 BS was in overall encouraging for the tourism industry. He said that the hospitality industry assessed the period as the "Year of Tourism Improvement". Lately, the arrival of tourists and the trend of hotel booking have been positive. He was of the opinion of promoting air connectivity and the strengthening rural roads. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The year brought hope for the mountaineering sector as well. Director General of the Department of Tourism, Hom Prasad Luitel said 512 people have taken permissions for the climbing of 21 peaks in the spring season, 2079 BS and the revenue collection stood at Rs 310.03 million. Of them, the highest number of climbers are for Mt Everest, 60 for Lhotse and 56 are for the Annapurna expedition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents ( NATTA) President Ramesh Thapa evaluates that the year 2079 BS remained as an 'improvement year for tourism industry', sending encouragements to the tourism sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Foreign tourist arrivals are increasing gradually. International flights suspended with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic have been resumed. The number of Chinese tourists in Nepal has soared with China easing travel restrictions for the citizens and these all have raised hope for the business, according to Luitel. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In view of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) President Nilhari Bastola, the 2079 BS was in overall encouraging for the tourism business. "The latest improvement in the tourism indices suggests the business is booming." -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17288', 'image' => '20230414104405_tourism ktm.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 10:43:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17552', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali New Year being Observed Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: The Nepali New Year 2080 Bikram Sambat (BS) is being celebrated with fanfare by exchanging greetings across the country today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 14: The Nepali New Year 2080 Bikram Sambat (BS) is being celebrated with fanfare by exchanging greetings across the country today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Bikram Sambat (era) runs synchronously with the Sun's motion and state, according to Chairman of the Rastriya Dharma Sabha, Dr Madhav Bhattarai. He further said that the Bikram Sambat incorporates both the features of Shak Sambat and practical aspects of the Gregorian Calendar. The BS was introduced 3,044 years after the beginning of the Kali Yuga (last of the four ages as per the Hindy mythology). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the New Year day, people review their past and make resolution for further success. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The houses are kept neat and clean and greetings exchanged among family members, relatives, friends and colleagues. Similarly, special delicacies are prepared and relished. The Nepali people living in any part of the world celebrate Baisakh 1 as the New Year. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17287', 'image' => '20230414102254_new year - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 10:21:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17551', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Chandra Dhakal Takes Charge of FNCCI ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Chandra Prasad Dhakal has been elected the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Dhakal was elected to the post from 57th AGM of the FNCCI as per its statute that senior Vice President is the one in a line to become the President. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 14: Chandra Prasad Dhakal has been elected the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Dhakal was elected to the post from 57th AGM of the FNCCI as per its statute that senior Vice President is the one in a line to become the President. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Likewise, Anjan Shrestha has been elected as the Senior Vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Shrestha and two other candidates-- Ram Chandra Sanghai, Umesh Lal Shrestha—were vying for the position. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Following the defeat of Sanghai in the first-round election held on Wednesday, Shrestha secured his win after Umesh Lal Shrestha agreed to withdraw his candidacy and support Anjan. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The election for the Senior Vice-President had entered the second-round as none of the candidates received 51 percent votes in the first round. As per FNCCI's statute, one should receive at least 51 percent votes to be elected as senior vice-president. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The newly elected Senior Vice-president Shrestha is the executive director of the Laxmi Group, a conglomerate of Sujal Food and Dairy Products, packaging industry, automobile trading, infrastructure, and steel manufacturing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Hemraj Dhakal has been elected as a commodity Vice-President of the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry(FNCCI). Dhakal, Manishlala Pradhan and Sukuntalal Hirachan had contested for the Vice-president under commodity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Jyotshana Shrestha has been elected as an Associate Vice-president of the FNCCI. Shrestha and Bharat Acharya had vied for the post. A total of 58 executive members have been elected from the FNCCI election. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">FNCCI new President Dhakal is a successful entrepreneur and industrialist of the first generation. He was member of executive committee of FNCCI for two terms. Dhakal is the founding chair of IME Group. He has nearly four decades of journey in entrepreneurship. Born at Amalchaur of Baglung district in 2022BS, Dhakal had begun entrepreneurship since 2045BS.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"> Dhakal made the first successful business stride with the establishment of IME remit, the first remit company in Nepal, in 2057BS. Currently, IME Group has its investment in two dozens of enterprises and industries, which have presence both in Nepal and abroad. Dhakal has significant role on building formal economy of the country through foreign remittance. The IME Group has given direct employment to more than 20,000 and while 40,000 are employed indirectly in the country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Upon his election as the FNCCI President, Dhakal said he would prioritize five areas during his tenure- preparation of strategy to resolve current economic crisis, creation of investment atmosphere, strengthening of State and private sector, production of competent human resources and employment generation, and boosting entrepreneurs' morale. </span></p> <p><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17286', 'image' => '20230414070003_collage (73).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 06:54:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17550', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Sees Correction; Investors Hopeful of Upward Move in 2080 ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The NEPSE index lost 29.07 points or 1.48% and closed at 1934.47 on the last trading of 2079 BS. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 13: The NEPSE index lost 29.07 points or 1.48% and closed at 1934.47 on the last trading of 2079 BS. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Sensitive Index lost 5.72 points while the float index and sensitive float index lost 2.12 and 1.49 points respectively. The NEPSE saw correction after the traders booked their profit today. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The NEPSE had achieved gains of 4.93% on Wednesday. Given yesterday’s surge, today’s correction is normal, say experts. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Share investors are confident the NEPSE index will be positive in 2080 as banks have slashed their interest rates on deposits and rates on credit will also drop accordingly. Similarly, the latest report released by Nepal Rastra Bank shows that economic indicators are improving in the country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">A total of 270 scrips traded hands via 44,708 transactions. A total of 4,913,702 shares exchanged hands amounting to Rs. 1.653 billion in turnover amount. This is lower than the last trading day's turnover of Rs. 1.976 billion. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Shivam Cements Limited(SHIVAM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 8.42 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 405 per share. Three scrips gained the highest 10% each and hit the positive circuit for the day. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Conversely, Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme - 2 (SIGS2) lost the highest 5.50% today.<br /> All sector indices closed in the red zone. "Development Bank" lost the highest 2.48%, while "Hotel and Tourism" lost the least 0.09% today. </span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17285', 'image' => '20230413061742_collage - 2023-04-13T181823.333.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 18:14:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17549', 'article_category_id' => '218', 'title' => 'RBBL Caters Pre-Service Training to New Appointees ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has started a 14-day pre-service training to newly-appointed 74 employees for Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in Kathmandu from Wednesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">April 13: Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has started a 14-day pre-service training to newly-appointed 74 employees for Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in Kathmandu from Wednesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Rastriya Banijya Bank’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Devendraraman Khanal inaugurated the pre-service training. Addressing the programme, Khanal asked the new appointees to work professionally to satisfy customers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Deputy Chief Executive Office Saraswoti Adhikari said that the new appointees should be dutiful at their work to win customers’ trust and confidence.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Department Chief Bhim Prasad Ghimire of Human Resource Departmnet at the RBBL had administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly-appointed staffers. </span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17284', 'image' => '20230413043104_collage - 2023-03-21T170708.448.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 16:29:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17548', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '180 Chinese Tourists Arrive on Chartered Flight on New Year’s Eve', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'One hundred and eighty Chinese tourists have arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight of Himalayan Airlines. ', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:20px">April 13: One hundred and eighty Chinese tourists have arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight of Himalayan Airlines. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The team of the Chinese tourists arrived in Kathmandu on the eve of the Nepali New Year on Thursday morning through Nepal Big Mountain Travel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Dr Dhananjay Regmi, among others, welcomed the Chinese tourists. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Talking to media persons, Minister Kirati said they were very happy to welcome such a large number of Chinese tourists for the first time after coronavirus pandemic and on the eve of the Nepali New Year. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">"Guests are Gods. We always welcome foreign guests as god," Kirati mentioned. Minister Kirati expressed the belief that such activities would help further strengthen Nepal-China relations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Saying there was a great role of Chinese government in construction of Pokhara International Airport, Minister Kirati opined that Nepal has wanted to directly connect Pokhara International Airport with China by air.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Minister Kirati expressed hope that Chinese tourists would like Nepal as some of the cities of Nepal are similar to Chinese cities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Similarly, Chinese Ambassador Song said China has permitted the Chinese tourists to go abroad after coronavirus came under control. Song shared he was very happy to get welcome the Chinese tourists in Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"> Likewise, CEO Regmi mentioned that the arrival of Chinese tourists will help energize Nepal's tourism industry hit hard since 2019. Nepal should involve tourism promotion targeting Chinese and Indian tourists, Regmi added. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Proprietor of Nepal Big Mountain Travel and tourism entrepreneur Sudarshan Nepal expressed happiness over arrivals of Chinese tourists after China on March 10 put Nepal as the list of tourism destination after coronavirus pandemic. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The Chinese tourists would visit various tourism sites of the Kathmandu Valley as well as Poon Hill during their one-week stay in Nepal. –RSS </span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17283', 'image' => '20230413035310_collage - 2023-04-13T153900.779.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 15:49:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17547', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Re-Integration Programme for Returnee Migrant Workers Launched ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Foreign Employment Board has launched the reintegration programme in coordination with the local levels targeting the returnee Nepali migrant workers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: The Foreign Employment Board has launched the reintegration programme in coordination with the local levels targeting the returnee Nepali migrant workers. The board is implementing this project for the first time for which it has issued a new directive to launch the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The board said that the programme is being implemented under a framework of sharing cost with various local levels to help turn returnee migrant workers into entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">An agreement to this effect has been inked with 81 local levels in all seven provinces to enforce the programme, shared Rama Bhattarai, director of the board. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A total of 21 local levels in Bagmati Province, 16 in Madhesh Province, 13 in Koshi Province, 14 in Gandaki Province and 18 each in Lumbini Province and Sudurpaschim Province have signed agreement with the board for the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The board is hopeful that an estimated 3,000 returnee migrant workers will benefit from the programme. The board has allocated over Rs 150 million budget for the project in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17282', 'image' => '20230413012604_foreign emp.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:25:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17546', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Only Popular Destinations getting Encouraging Booking for New Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Nepali New Year 2080 BS is starting from Friday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">April 13: The Nepali New Year 2080 BS is starting from Friday. Domestic tourists have started pre-booking hotels to celebrate the New Year. However, only popular destinations have witnessed bookings and inquiries from domestic tourists.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to tourism entrepreneurs, while hotels in Pokhara and Chitwan have witnessed 80 per cent of pre-bookings other destinations only have normal bookings. Hotels and resorts in Pokhara, Sauraha, Dhulikhel, and Nagarkot are witnessing massive pre-booking.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There is no booking in destinations like Lumbini, Kailali, Karnal and Chisapani in the west. The first day of 2080 is Friday and the next day is a holiday (Saturday). Due to this, tourists have booked hotels for 2 days. Regional Hotel Association Kanchanpur President Jagdish Chandra Bhatt informed New Business Age that there is no booking for the next few days.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Despite being a tourist destination in the Far West, there is no enthusiasm among the businessmen," said Bhatt.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He shared that due to the lack of quality roads and expensive airfare, few tourists are coming to Sudurpaschim Province. He said that even though organizations like the Nepal Tourism Board prioritized the promotion of the region, tourists haven’t arrived as expected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Though hotels are increasing in Jumla, tourists have not been able to come because of the bad condition of roads," Bhatt said, adding, "Domestic tourists visiting Rara do come, but foreigners are a far cry."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajan Shrestha, president of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Biratnagar, said that although there will be a rush of Indian tourists on January 1, the new year of the Gregorian calendar, there is no charm during the Nepali new year. He said that bookings are normal in areas like Sriantu, Ilam, and Bhedetar in the east.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CP Shrestha, president of Siddharth Hotel Association, Bhairahawa, said that bookings are low for the New Year. The booking of 2-3 hotels is only up to 25 per cent. There are 146 hotels, big and small, in the area. He said that some discounts have been arranged for domestic tourists for the New Year. He said that the room rate had already been reduced by 40 per cent due to the low number of tourists. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, said that domestic and foreign tourists are looking for popular destinations. "However, now there is a trend of searching for new destinations in Nepal and the world," said Joshi, "After Covid-19, tourists no longer prefer crowded places. They are looking for new destinations."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that proper branding and publicity about new destinations is likely to attract tourists.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The pre-booking of hotels is 100 per cent in the popular destinations. Hoteliers from Kavre, and Nagarkot, which are close to Kathmandu, are excited. They said that the situation is good for the first time after Covid-19.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">President of the Hotel Association, Kavre, Premkant Shrestha said the hotels in the region have "100 percent booking for Thursday, Friday and Saturday." He added that for the first time after Covid, there has been a significant improvement in business. Hotel bookings in Nagarkot are also said to be good. New Year bookings are also good in Sauraha in Chitwan.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Deepak Bhattarai, outgoing president of HAN Chitwan, said that hotels have received 80 per cent of pre-booking until Tuesday for the New Year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Pre-booking is growing in Pokhara. Lakshman Subedi, President of the HAN Pokhara Chapter, said that the hotels have witnessed 50 per cent pre-booking as of Tuesday. There are 1,000 hotels, big and small, in Pokhara.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17281', 'image' => '20230413012454_nagarkot.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:24:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17544', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'UK-based IHG Strengthens its Presence in Nepal in Collaboration with Shangri-La Hotel', 'sub_title' => 'The signing will bring three InterContinental hotels and a Hotel Indigo property across diverse locations in Nepal', 'summary' => 'April 13: UK-based Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Nepal’s Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group to develop four new hotels in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">April 13: UK-based Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Nepal’s Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group to develop four new hotels in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the agreement, two of the new hotels will be based in Pokhara and one each in Kathmandu and Chitwan. According to a statement issued by IHG, the project includes Lazimpat-based InterContinental Kathmandu, Hotel Indigo Pokhara (Gharipatan), InterContinental Resort Pokhara (Begnas Lake), and InterContinental Resort Chitwan (Meghauli). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The signing will see IHG add close to 500 rooms to its portfolio in Nepal, and debut two of its global brands, InterContinental and Hotel Indigo in the market, IHG further said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IHG said that the agreement has strengthened its footprint across the “South-West Asia region”, specifically in luxury and lifestyle segment. Currently under construction, the new hotels are scheduled to open in the next 1-4 years in the most sought-after leisure destinations of Nepal - Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, added the statement.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“We are delighted to introduce two of our leading brands from the luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, to Nepal. The signing of four new hotels in partnership with the esteemed and well- known Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Group of Nepal is testament to the trust and love for our brands from our owners as well as guests, and we are proud to grow our footprint in the South-West Asia region to bring our offering to new markets,” said Sudeep Jain, managing director of IHG for South West Asia, adding, “The strategic location of all four hotels in different key tourism destinations of Nepal provide us with a great opportunity to offer world-class hospitality and cater to the demands of our guests.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Likewise, Prasidha Pandey, chairman of Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group, expressed his pleasure to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts for the debut of the two renowned brands, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“We are confident that our partnership with IHG to open four new hotels will help us offer world-class hospitality to guests, at a time when travel to Nepal has increased exponentially. All new hotels will be located in top tourism hubs, and we expect to benefit from the strength and scale of IHG’s global systems, technology and a strong loyalty programme,” said Pandey.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to IHG, all four hotel guests will benefit from IHG’s best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which is centred around its guests – giving them richer benefits, all powered by leading technology and a new mobile app.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IHG currently has 47 hotels operating across five brands in South West Asia, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express, and has a strong pipeline of 53 hotels due to open in the next 2-3 years.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17280', 'image' => '20230413125849_xxl_153154733.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 12:57:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17545', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Second Round of Voting to Take Place Today to Elect FNCCI Senior Vice President', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Second-round election is taking place today to elect the senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today (April 13). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: Second-round election is taking place today to elect the senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today (April 13). The election is taking place again after no single candidate out of three – Ram Chandra Sanghai, Umesh Lal Shrestha and Anjan Shrestha – secured the required 50 per cent votes in the first round. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Ram Chandra Sanghai is out from the first-phase election. Umesh Lal Shrestha and Anjan Shreshta are in the race in the second phase. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Out of weightage of the votes cast in district/municipality commodity and associate, Anjan Shrestha got the highest 37.99 per cent votes, Umesh Lal Shrestha garnered 31.51 per cent votes and Ram Chandra Sanghai 30.46 per cent votes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the FNCCI's statute, one should receive at least 50 per cent vote to be elected as the senior vice-president. The first round of election had taken place on Wednesday. The counting of votes of senior vice-president had concluded on Thursday morning. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the result, out of the total 1,620 votes cast towards associate, Ram Chandra Sanghai had got 612, Anjan Shrestha 573 and Umesh Lal Shrestha 426 while eight votes were invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, out of the total 117 votes cast towards district/municipality, Anjan Shrestha had received 47 votes while Ram Chandra Sanghai and Umesh Lal Shrestha got 39 and 28 votes respectively. Three votes were invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, of the total 123 votes cast towards commodity, Umesh Lal Shrestha got 69 votes, Anjan Shrestha 41 and Ram Chandra Sanghai 12 while one vote was invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The second-round of election to the post of senior-vice president would be held today itself. According to Chief Election Officer, Leelamani Poudel, the voting would take place from 2:00-5:00 pm today. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17279', 'image' => '20230413011157_1680761442.FNCCI 1-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:11:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17543', 'article_category_id' => '218', 'title' => 'Nabil Bank Releases New Calendar on the Theme of Climate Change Awareness', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Nabil Bank has released a new calendar for the year 2080 BS.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">April 13: Nabil Bank has released a new calendar for the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2080</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> BS</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"">The bank informed that the calendar includes information related to climate change awareness and environmental promotion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nabil Bank's Chief Executive Officer Gyanendra Prasad Dhungana, Senior Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sujit Kumar Shakya, Deputy Chief Executive Officers Vinay Kumar Regmi and Bhupendra Pandey launched the wall calendar and table calendar on the eve of the Nepali New Year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The calendars feature pictures on the theme of weather and natural beauty of the 12 months and appeal for environmental protection. Similarly, the calendars also depict pictures of the beautiful mountain range, flying birds and the endangered snow leopard.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17278', 'image' => '20230413123210_1681341501.Clipboard13.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 12:31:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17542', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dunai to get Electricity from Central Transmission Line within Two Weeks ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started testing the central electricity transmission line from Dolpa to Dunai.', '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"">April 13: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started testing the central electricity transmission line from Dolpa to Dunai. Karnali Province office of NEA conformed that the testing of the transmission line from Triveni in Rukum West to Dunai in Dolpa has started from Wednesday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 construction of central transmission line was started in Dolpa two years ago. According to the NEA office, locals of Dunai can utilize the electricity service within two weeks.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 provincial office, the expansion of transmission line is going on even in the Jajarkot section. Although there was a plan to supply electricity through the central transmission line in Dunai in the previous fiscal year, the construction was completed only in the last quarter of the current fiscal year due to the dilly dallying on part of the contractor. The NEA is now all set to supply electricity to Dunai through the </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""> kV transmission, while a sub-station of the </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">33</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> kV transmission line is under construction at Tripurakot, the administrative center of Tripurasundari Municipality.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17277', 'image' => '20230413115757_1681304370.1654689332.prasaran line.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 11:57:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17541', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Search and Rescue Operation of Sherpas Missing in Avalanche Underway', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Department of Tourism has launched a search and rescue operation to find climbers who have gone missing in an avalanche in course of climbing Mount Everest. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: The Department of Tourism has launched a search and rescue operation to find climbers who have gone missing in an avalanche in course of climbing Mount Everest. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Three Sherpa climbers went missing on Wednesday morning while heading towards Camp 1 from the Everest Base Camp.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the department, Dawa Chhiri Sherpa, Pemba Tenjing Sherpa and Lakpa Rita Sherpa were caught in the avalanche at the Khumbu icefall region between base camp and Camp 1. They were carrying materials used to make trails for climbing when the incident took place. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Expedition teams are preparing to climb Mt Everest with the onset of the spring season, which is considered the most favourable time to climb the world’s highest peak. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">All three Sherpas who went missing are from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5 in Solukhumbu district. They were mobilized on behalf of Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A press statement released by the department says that search and rescue of the missing people are being carried out both aerially with the help of a Simrik Air helicopter and via land. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The rescue efforts are being carried out in collaboration with the local administration, Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, Himalayan Rescue Association, Imagine Expedition Company and Mountaineering Operation Association Nepal. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17276', 'image' => '20230413105117_EverestAvalanche-1179x675.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 10:50:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17540', 'article_category_id' => '265', 'title' => 'One Dies of COVID; 121 New Cases Confirmed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'One person succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a total of 121new coronavirus cases was confirmed.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 13: One person succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a total of 121new coronavirus cases was confirmed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Similarly, 81 people returned home after they recovered from the infection on the same day. Likewise, 25 people are in isolation, and 11 in ICU. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The country has 445 active cases of coronavirus in the country so far. COVID cases are on the rise in the country lately.</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17275', 'image' => '20230413064121_collage (72).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 06:40:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">April 14: The government has given approval to invest Rs 167 billion in five hydropower projects in the country. The amount includes Rs 146 billion in foreign investment and Rs 21.37 billion in domestic investment. The decision was taken at the 53rd meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) on Thursday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting approved the investment of Rs 92.68 billion for the Lower Arun Hydropower Project and formed a negotiating committee under the coordination of CEO of the board to negotiate with the developer, prepare the project development agreement document and submit it to the board.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, Rs 33.19 billion investment has been approved for the 102 MW Upper Marsyangdi-1 Hydropower Project, Rs 20.35 billion for the 70 MW Dudhkoshi-2 (Jaleshwor) Hydropower Project, Rs 13.44 billion for the 70.3 MW Simbuwa Khola Hydropower Project and Rs 7.93 billion for 43 MW Upper Madi-0 Khola Hydropower.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The board has informed that the proposal submitted by Renicola Holdings SDN BHD of Malaysia to study the production of green calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer has been approved as well.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting also instructed stakeholders to prepare a detailed feasibility study report in accordance with the provisions of the MoU signed with NHPC Limited, India for the development of West Seti and Seti River-6 hydropower projects in line with the decision of the Council of Ministers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The board meeting approved the concept paper of the investment conference to be held in 2080 and gave the responsibility of the conference preparation to the office of the investment board.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is also the chairman of the board, instructed the concerned agencies to coordinate and cooperate effectively and work so that the results are visible. He directed the relevant ministries and agencies to work together in this regard, saying that the cost of the projects is increasing due to delay in completion of the work on time.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17289', 'image' => '20230414124016_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 12:39:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17553', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourism in 2079 BS: Increasing Influx of Foreign Tourists Instills Hopes of Tourism Revival', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: The country witnessed the arrival of around 100,000 foreign tourists throughout the month of March, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country towards the end of 2019.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 14: The country witnessed the arrival of around 100,000 foreign tourists throughout the month of March, the largest number since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country towards the end of 2019. The encouraging inflow of foreign tourists has revived the hopes of bringing back the tourism industry marred by the deadly infection, say stakeholders. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to data with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 99,426 foreign tourists visited Nepal in March, 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The influx of foreign tourists has increased since the beginning of the year 2023, NTB said. The total 55,074 tourists visited Nepal in January, 2023, and 73,255 in February. A total of 1,197,091 foreign visitors arrived in 2019, just before the virus outbreak. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the following years, the number sharply dropped by 81 percent in 2020 to 230,085, and to 150,962 in 2021. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Nepali year, 2079, has overall been the year of the revival of tourism, and increasing inflow of tourists has encouraged tourism entrepreneurs, said NTB Director Maniraj Lamichhane. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif""> "Overall, 2079 BS has been satisfactory in terms of tourism. The influx of tourists has been on the upward spiral in each months. The arrival of tourists increased since mid-July, 2022. Each preceding months saw over 70 percent increment in the arrival of tourists," he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The mobility of domestic tourists has also increased, according to Lamichhane. In 2078 BS and 2079, the mobility of tourists increased around 120 and 130 percent respectively, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the year 2079 BS, the tourism infrastructures were added. Investment in hotel and restaurants soared and the entry of international chain hotels began. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN)’s first vice-president Binayak Shah said the year 2079 BS was in overall encouraging for the tourism industry. He said that the hospitality industry assessed the period as the "Year of Tourism Improvement". Lately, the arrival of tourists and the trend of hotel booking have been positive. He was of the opinion of promoting air connectivity and the strengthening rural roads. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The year brought hope for the mountaineering sector as well. Director General of the Department of Tourism, Hom Prasad Luitel said 512 people have taken permissions for the climbing of 21 peaks in the spring season, 2079 BS and the revenue collection stood at Rs 310.03 million. Of them, the highest number of climbers are for Mt Everest, 60 for Lhotse and 56 are for the Annapurna expedition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents ( NATTA) President Ramesh Thapa evaluates that the year 2079 BS remained as an 'improvement year for tourism industry', sending encouragements to the tourism sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Foreign tourist arrivals are increasing gradually. International flights suspended with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic have been resumed. The number of Chinese tourists in Nepal has soared with China easing travel restrictions for the citizens and these all have raised hope for the business, according to Luitel. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In view of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) President Nilhari Bastola, the 2079 BS was in overall encouraging for the tourism business. "The latest improvement in the tourism indices suggests the business is booming." -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17288', 'image' => '20230414104405_tourism ktm.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 10:43:02', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17552', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali New Year being Observed Today', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: The Nepali New Year 2080 Bikram Sambat (BS) is being celebrated with fanfare by exchanging greetings across the country today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 14: The Nepali New Year 2080 Bikram Sambat (BS) is being celebrated with fanfare by exchanging greetings across the country today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Bikram Sambat (era) runs synchronously with the Sun's motion and state, according to Chairman of the Rastriya Dharma Sabha, Dr Madhav Bhattarai. He further said that the Bikram Sambat incorporates both the features of Shak Sambat and practical aspects of the Gregorian Calendar. The BS was introduced 3,044 years after the beginning of the Kali Yuga (last of the four ages as per the Hindy mythology). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the New Year day, people review their past and make resolution for further success. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The houses are kept neat and clean and greetings exchanged among family members, relatives, friends and colleagues. Similarly, special delicacies are prepared and relished. The Nepali people living in any part of the world celebrate Baisakh 1 as the New Year. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17287', 'image' => '20230414102254_new year - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 10:21:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17551', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Chandra Dhakal Takes Charge of FNCCI ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Chandra Prasad Dhakal has been elected the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Dhakal was elected to the post from 57th AGM of the FNCCI as per its statute that senior Vice President is the one in a line to become the President. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 14: Chandra Prasad Dhakal has been elected the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Dhakal was elected to the post from 57th AGM of the FNCCI as per its statute that senior Vice President is the one in a line to become the President. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Likewise, Anjan Shrestha has been elected as the Senior Vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Shrestha and two other candidates-- Ram Chandra Sanghai, Umesh Lal Shrestha—were vying for the position. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Following the defeat of Sanghai in the first-round election held on Wednesday, Shrestha secured his win after Umesh Lal Shrestha agreed to withdraw his candidacy and support Anjan. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The election for the Senior Vice-President had entered the second-round as none of the candidates received 51 percent votes in the first round. As per FNCCI's statute, one should receive at least 51 percent votes to be elected as senior vice-president. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The newly elected Senior Vice-president Shrestha is the executive director of the Laxmi Group, a conglomerate of Sujal Food and Dairy Products, packaging industry, automobile trading, infrastructure, and steel manufacturing. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Hemraj Dhakal has been elected as a commodity Vice-President of the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry(FNCCI). Dhakal, Manishlala Pradhan and Sukuntalal Hirachan had contested for the Vice-president under commodity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Jyotshana Shrestha has been elected as an Associate Vice-president of the FNCCI. Shrestha and Bharat Acharya had vied for the post. A total of 58 executive members have been elected from the FNCCI election. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">FNCCI new President Dhakal is a successful entrepreneur and industrialist of the first generation. He was member of executive committee of FNCCI for two terms. Dhakal is the founding chair of IME Group. He has nearly four decades of journey in entrepreneurship. Born at Amalchaur of Baglung district in 2022BS, Dhakal had begun entrepreneurship since 2045BS.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"> Dhakal made the first successful business stride with the establishment of IME remit, the first remit company in Nepal, in 2057BS. Currently, IME Group has its investment in two dozens of enterprises and industries, which have presence both in Nepal and abroad. Dhakal has significant role on building formal economy of the country through foreign remittance. The IME Group has given direct employment to more than 20,000 and while 40,000 are employed indirectly in the country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Upon his election as the FNCCI President, Dhakal said he would prioritize five areas during his tenure- preparation of strategy to resolve current economic crisis, creation of investment atmosphere, strengthening of State and private sector, production of competent human resources and employment generation, and boosting entrepreneurs' morale. </span></p> <p><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-14', 'modified' => '2023-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17286', 'image' => '20230414070003_collage (73).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-14 06:54:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17550', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Sees Correction; Investors Hopeful of Upward Move in 2080 ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The NEPSE index lost 29.07 points or 1.48% and closed at 1934.47 on the last trading of 2079 BS. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 13: The NEPSE index lost 29.07 points or 1.48% and closed at 1934.47 on the last trading of 2079 BS. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Sensitive Index lost 5.72 points while the float index and sensitive float index lost 2.12 and 1.49 points respectively. The NEPSE saw correction after the traders booked their profit today. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The NEPSE had achieved gains of 4.93% on Wednesday. Given yesterday’s surge, today’s correction is normal, say experts. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Share investors are confident the NEPSE index will be positive in 2080 as banks have slashed their interest rates on deposits and rates on credit will also drop accordingly. Similarly, the latest report released by Nepal Rastra Bank shows that economic indicators are improving in the country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">A total of 270 scrips traded hands via 44,708 transactions. A total of 4,913,702 shares exchanged hands amounting to Rs. 1.653 billion in turnover amount. This is lower than the last trading day's turnover of Rs. 1.976 billion. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Shivam Cements Limited(SHIVAM) shares traded the most and had the highest turnover of Rs. 8.42 crores closing at a market price of Rs. 405 per share. Three scrips gained the highest 10% each and hit the positive circuit for the day. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Conversely, Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme - 2 (SIGS2) lost the highest 5.50% today.<br /> All sector indices closed in the red zone. "Development Bank" lost the highest 2.48%, while "Hotel and Tourism" lost the least 0.09% today. </span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17285', 'image' => '20230413061742_collage - 2023-04-13T181823.333.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 18:14:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17549', 'article_category_id' => '218', 'title' => 'RBBL Caters Pre-Service Training to New Appointees ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has started a 14-day pre-service training to newly-appointed 74 employees for Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in Kathmandu from Wednesday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">April 13: Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) has started a 14-day pre-service training to newly-appointed 74 employees for Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in Kathmandu from Wednesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Rastriya Banijya Bank’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Devendraraman Khanal inaugurated the pre-service training. Addressing the programme, Khanal asked the new appointees to work professionally to satisfy customers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Deputy Chief Executive Office Saraswoti Adhikari said that the new appointees should be dutiful at their work to win customers’ trust and confidence.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px">Department Chief Bhim Prasad Ghimire of Human Resource Departmnet at the RBBL had administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly-appointed staffers. </span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17284', 'image' => '20230413043104_collage - 2023-03-21T170708.448.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 16:29:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17548', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '180 Chinese Tourists Arrive on Chartered Flight on New Year’s Eve', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'One hundred and eighty Chinese tourists have arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight of Himalayan Airlines. ', 'content' => '<p><br /> <span style="font-size:20px">April 13: One hundred and eighty Chinese tourists have arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight of Himalayan Airlines. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The team of the Chinese tourists arrived in Kathmandu on the eve of the Nepali New Year on Thursday morning through Nepal Big Mountain Travel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Dr Dhananjay Regmi, among others, welcomed the Chinese tourists. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Talking to media persons, Minister Kirati said they were very happy to welcome such a large number of Chinese tourists for the first time after coronavirus pandemic and on the eve of the Nepali New Year. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">"Guests are Gods. We always welcome foreign guests as god," Kirati mentioned. Minister Kirati expressed the belief that such activities would help further strengthen Nepal-China relations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Saying there was a great role of Chinese government in construction of Pokhara International Airport, Minister Kirati opined that Nepal has wanted to directly connect Pokhara International Airport with China by air.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Minister Kirati expressed hope that Chinese tourists would like Nepal as some of the cities of Nepal are similar to Chinese cities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Similarly, Chinese Ambassador Song said China has permitted the Chinese tourists to go abroad after coronavirus came under control. Song shared he was very happy to get welcome the Chinese tourists in Nepal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"> Likewise, CEO Regmi mentioned that the arrival of Chinese tourists will help energize Nepal's tourism industry hit hard since 2019. Nepal should involve tourism promotion targeting Chinese and Indian tourists, Regmi added. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Proprietor of Nepal Big Mountain Travel and tourism entrepreneur Sudarshan Nepal expressed happiness over arrivals of Chinese tourists after China on March 10 put Nepal as the list of tourism destination after coronavirus pandemic. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The Chinese tourists would visit various tourism sites of the Kathmandu Valley as well as Poon Hill during their one-week stay in Nepal. –RSS </span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17283', 'image' => '20230413035310_collage - 2023-04-13T153900.779.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 15:49:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17547', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Re-Integration Programme for Returnee Migrant Workers Launched ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Foreign Employment Board has launched the reintegration programme in coordination with the local levels targeting the returnee Nepali migrant workers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: The Foreign Employment Board has launched the reintegration programme in coordination with the local levels targeting the returnee Nepali migrant workers. The board is implementing this project for the first time for which it has issued a new directive to launch the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The board said that the programme is being implemented under a framework of sharing cost with various local levels to help turn returnee migrant workers into entrepreneurs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">An agreement to this effect has been inked with 81 local levels in all seven provinces to enforce the programme, shared Rama Bhattarai, director of the board. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A total of 21 local levels in Bagmati Province, 16 in Madhesh Province, 13 in Koshi Province, 14 in Gandaki Province and 18 each in Lumbini Province and Sudurpaschim Province have signed agreement with the board for the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The board is hopeful that an estimated 3,000 returnee migrant workers will benefit from the programme. The board has allocated over Rs 150 million budget for the project in the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23). -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17282', 'image' => '20230413012604_foreign emp.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:25:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17546', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Only Popular Destinations getting Encouraging Booking for New Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Nepali New Year 2080 BS is starting from Friday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">April 13: The Nepali New Year 2080 BS is starting from Friday. Domestic tourists have started pre-booking hotels to celebrate the New Year. However, only popular destinations have witnessed bookings and inquiries from domestic tourists.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to tourism entrepreneurs, while hotels in Pokhara and Chitwan have witnessed 80 per cent of pre-bookings other destinations only have normal bookings. Hotels and resorts in Pokhara, Sauraha, Dhulikhel, and Nagarkot are witnessing massive pre-booking.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There is no booking in destinations like Lumbini, Kailali, Karnal and Chisapani in the west. The first day of 2080 is Friday and the next day is a holiday (Saturday). Due to this, tourists have booked hotels for 2 days. Regional Hotel Association Kanchanpur President Jagdish Chandra Bhatt informed New Business Age that there is no booking for the next few days.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Despite being a tourist destination in the Far West, there is no enthusiasm among the businessmen," said Bhatt.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He shared that due to the lack of quality roads and expensive airfare, few tourists are coming to Sudurpaschim Province. He said that even though organizations like the Nepal Tourism Board prioritized the promotion of the region, tourists haven’t arrived as expected.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Though hotels are increasing in Jumla, tourists have not been able to come because of the bad condition of roads," Bhatt said, adding, "Domestic tourists visiting Rara do come, but foreigners are a far cry."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rajan Shrestha, president of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Biratnagar, said that although there will be a rush of Indian tourists on January 1, the new year of the Gregorian calendar, there is no charm during the Nepali new year. He said that bookings are normal in areas like Sriantu, Ilam, and Bhedetar in the east.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CP Shrestha, president of Siddharth Hotel Association, Bhairahawa, said that bookings are low for the New Year. The booking of 2-3 hotels is only up to 25 per cent. There are 146 hotels, big and small, in the area. He said that some discounts have been arranged for domestic tourists for the New Year. He said that the room rate had already been reduced by 40 per cent due to the low number of tourists. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, said that domestic and foreign tourists are looking for popular destinations. "However, now there is a trend of searching for new destinations in Nepal and the world," said Joshi, "After Covid-19, tourists no longer prefer crowded places. They are looking for new destinations."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that proper branding and publicity about new destinations is likely to attract tourists.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The pre-booking of hotels is 100 per cent in the popular destinations. Hoteliers from Kavre, and Nagarkot, which are close to Kathmandu, are excited. They said that the situation is good for the first time after Covid-19.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">President of the Hotel Association, Kavre, Premkant Shrestha said the hotels in the region have "100 percent booking for Thursday, Friday and Saturday." He added that for the first time after Covid, there has been a significant improvement in business. Hotel bookings in Nagarkot are also said to be good. New Year bookings are also good in Sauraha in Chitwan.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Deepak Bhattarai, outgoing president of HAN Chitwan, said that hotels have received 80 per cent of pre-booking until Tuesday for the New Year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Pre-booking is growing in Pokhara. Lakshman Subedi, President of the HAN Pokhara Chapter, said that the hotels have witnessed 50 per cent pre-booking as of Tuesday. There are 1,000 hotels, big and small, in Pokhara.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17281', 'image' => '20230413012454_nagarkot.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:24:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17544', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'UK-based IHG Strengthens its Presence in Nepal in Collaboration with Shangri-La Hotel', 'sub_title' => 'The signing will bring three InterContinental hotels and a Hotel Indigo property across diverse locations in Nepal', 'summary' => 'April 13: UK-based Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Nepal’s Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group to develop four new hotels in Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">April 13: UK-based Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Nepal’s Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group to develop four new hotels in Nepal.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">As per the agreement, two of the new hotels will be based in Pokhara and one each in Kathmandu and Chitwan. According to a statement issued by IHG, the project includes Lazimpat-based InterContinental Kathmandu, Hotel Indigo Pokhara (Gharipatan), InterContinental Resort Pokhara (Begnas Lake), and InterContinental Resort Chitwan (Meghauli). </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The signing will see IHG add close to 500 rooms to its portfolio in Nepal, and debut two of its global brands, InterContinental and Hotel Indigo in the market, IHG further said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IHG said that the agreement has strengthened its footprint across the “South-West Asia region”, specifically in luxury and lifestyle segment. Currently under construction, the new hotels are scheduled to open in the next 1-4 years in the most sought-after leisure destinations of Nepal - Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, added the statement.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“We are delighted to introduce two of our leading brands from the luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, to Nepal. The signing of four new hotels in partnership with the esteemed and well- known Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Group of Nepal is testament to the trust and love for our brands from our owners as well as guests, and we are proud to grow our footprint in the South-West Asia region to bring our offering to new markets,” said Sudeep Jain, managing director of IHG for South West Asia, adding, “The strategic location of all four hotels in different key tourism destinations of Nepal provide us with a great opportunity to offer world-class hospitality and cater to the demands of our guests.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Likewise, Prasidha Pandey, chairman of Shangri-La Hotel and Resort Group, expressed his pleasure to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts for the debut of the two renowned brands, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo, in Nepal. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“We are confident that our partnership with IHG to open four new hotels will help us offer world-class hospitality to guests, at a time when travel to Nepal has increased exponentially. All new hotels will be located in top tourism hubs, and we expect to benefit from the strength and scale of IHG’s global systems, technology and a strong loyalty programme,” said Pandey.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to IHG, all four hotel guests will benefit from IHG’s best-in-class loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which is centred around its guests – giving them richer benefits, all powered by leading technology and a new mobile app.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">IHG currently has 47 hotels operating across five brands in South West Asia, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express, and has a strong pipeline of 53 hotels due to open in the next 2-3 years.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17280', 'image' => '20230413125849_xxl_153154733.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 12:57:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17545', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Second Round of Voting to Take Place Today to Elect FNCCI Senior Vice President', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Second-round election is taking place today to elect the senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today (April 13). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: Second-round election is taking place today to elect the senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today (April 13). The election is taking place again after no single candidate out of three – Ram Chandra Sanghai, Umesh Lal Shrestha and Anjan Shrestha – secured the required 50 per cent votes in the first round. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Ram Chandra Sanghai is out from the first-phase election. Umesh Lal Shrestha and Anjan Shreshta are in the race in the second phase. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Out of weightage of the votes cast in district/municipality commodity and associate, Anjan Shrestha got the highest 37.99 per cent votes, Umesh Lal Shrestha garnered 31.51 per cent votes and Ram Chandra Sanghai 30.46 per cent votes. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the FNCCI's statute, one should receive at least 50 per cent vote to be elected as the senior vice-president. The first round of election had taken place on Wednesday. The counting of votes of senior vice-president had concluded on Thursday morning. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the result, out of the total 1,620 votes cast towards associate, Ram Chandra Sanghai had got 612, Anjan Shrestha 573 and Umesh Lal Shrestha 426 while eight votes were invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, out of the total 117 votes cast towards district/municipality, Anjan Shrestha had received 47 votes while Ram Chandra Sanghai and Umesh Lal Shrestha got 39 and 28 votes respectively. Three votes were invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, of the total 123 votes cast towards commodity, Umesh Lal Shrestha got 69 votes, Anjan Shrestha 41 and Ram Chandra Sanghai 12 while one vote was invalid. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The second-round of election to the post of senior-vice president would be held today itself. According to Chief Election Officer, Leelamani Poudel, the voting would take place from 2:00-5:00 pm today. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17279', 'image' => '20230413011157_1680761442.FNCCI 1-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 13:11:14', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17543', 'article_category_id' => '218', 'title' => 'Nabil Bank Releases New Calendar on the Theme of Climate Change Awareness', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Nabil Bank has released a new calendar for the year 2080 BS.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">April 13: Nabil Bank has released a new calendar for the year </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">2080</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> BS</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"">The bank informed that the calendar includes information related to climate change awareness and environmental promotion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Nabil Bank's Chief Executive Officer Gyanendra Prasad Dhungana, Senior Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sujit Kumar Shakya, Deputy Chief Executive Officers Vinay Kumar Regmi and Bhupendra Pandey launched the wall calendar and table calendar on the eve of the Nepali New Year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The calendars feature pictures on the theme of weather and natural beauty of the 12 months and appeal for environmental protection. Similarly, the calendars also depict pictures of the beautiful mountain range, flying birds and the endangered snow leopard.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17278', 'image' => '20230413123210_1681341501.Clipboard13.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 12:31:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17542', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Dunai to get Electricity from Central Transmission Line within Two Weeks ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started testing the central electricity transmission line from Dolpa to Dunai.', '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"">April 13: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has started testing the central electricity transmission line from Dolpa to Dunai. Karnali Province office of NEA conformed that the testing of the transmission line from Triveni in Rukum West to Dunai in Dolpa has started from Wednesday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 construction of central transmission line was started in Dolpa two years ago. According to the NEA office, locals of Dunai can utilize the electricity service within two weeks.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="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 provincial office, the expansion of transmission line is going on even in the Jajarkot section. Although there was a plan to supply electricity through the central transmission line in Dunai in the previous fiscal year, the construction was completed only in the last quarter of the current fiscal year due to the dilly dallying on part of the contractor. The NEA is now all set to supply electricity to Dunai through the </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""> kV transmission, while a sub-station of the </span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">33</span></span><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> kV transmission line is under construction at Tripurakot, the administrative center of Tripurasundari Municipality.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17277', 'image' => '20230413115757_1681304370.1654689332.prasaran line.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 11:57:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17541', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Search and Rescue Operation of Sherpas Missing in Avalanche Underway', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: The Department of Tourism has launched a search and rescue operation to find climbers who have gone missing in an avalanche in course of climbing Mount Everest. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">April 13: The Department of Tourism has launched a search and rescue operation to find climbers who have gone missing in an avalanche in course of climbing Mount Everest. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Three Sherpa climbers went missing on Wednesday morning while heading towards Camp 1 from the Everest Base Camp.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the department, Dawa Chhiri Sherpa, Pemba Tenjing Sherpa and Lakpa Rita Sherpa were caught in the avalanche at the Khumbu icefall region between base camp and Camp 1. They were carrying materials used to make trails for climbing when the incident took place. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Expedition teams are preparing to climb Mt Everest with the onset of the spring season, which is considered the most favourable time to climb the world’s highest peak. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">All three Sherpas who went missing are from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5 in Solukhumbu district. They were mobilized on behalf of Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A press statement released by the department says that search and rescue of the missing people are being carried out both aerially with the help of a Simrik Air helicopter and via land. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The rescue efforts are being carried out in collaboration with the local administration, Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, Himalayan Rescue Association, Imagine Expedition Company and Mountaineering Operation Association Nepal. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17276', 'image' => '20230413105117_EverestAvalanche-1179x675.jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 10:50:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '17540', 'article_category_id' => '265', 'title' => 'One Dies of COVID; 121 New Cases Confirmed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'One person succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a total of 121new coronavirus cases was confirmed.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 13: One person succumbed to the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a total of 121new coronavirus cases was confirmed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">Similarly, 81 people returned home after they recovered from the infection on the same day. Likewise, 25 people are in isolation, and 11 in ICU. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px">The country has 445 active cases of coronavirus in the country so far. COVID cases are on the rise in the country lately.</span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2023-04-13', 'modified' => '2023-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '17275', 'image' => '20230413064121_collage (72).jpg', 'article_date' => '2023-04-13 06:40:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
