December 30: The westerly low pressure system and the low pressure area around Bihar in India is having its influence in the country at present.…
December 30: The westerly low pressure system and the low pressure area around Bihar in India is having its influence in the country at present.…
December 30: Biratnagar-based Bhawani Spices and Food Industries has been using the famous trademark of India's spice brand 'MDH' without authorisation.…
December 30: With the risk of Covid-19 subsiding, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which is listed in the World Heritage Site, has started increasing.…
December 30: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the decision to suspend Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Dhananjay…
December 29: Snowfall has occurred in many places in the mountainous region and high hill areas of the country since Sunday evening, affecting the normal…
December 29: Insurance premium is becoming the major source of revenue of Bharatpur Hospital.…
December 29: The cost of acquiring land in between Birgunj Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is increasing due to procedural hassles.…
December 29: Nepal Insurers Association has stated that the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance is in accordance with international…
December 29: The government has delayed the operation of the recently-constructed Chobhar Dry…
…
December 29: Chandragiri hill, one of the prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, has witnessed snowfall this morning (December…
December 28: Most of the districts still have only one or two land revenue offices which are not easily accessible to citizens of remote…
December 28: The number of banking offense cases has been increasing in Nepal in recent days, according to data obtained from Nepal…
A one-megawatt solar project built by Api Power Company of Dhanusha has been connected to the national grid since Monday, December…
December 28: In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the expenditure of major national pride projects has been less than one percent suggesting sluggish progress.…
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 30: The westerly low pressure system and the low pressure area around Bihar in India is having its influence in the country at present. The weather is generally to completely cloudy throughout the country due to this system with light rain taking place at a few places and light snowfall in the high hills and mountainous region, the Meteorological Forecasting Division said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a warning and advisory for the next 24 hours, the division said it will be partly to generally cloudy across the country with chances of light rainfall at a few places of the hill region and light to moderate snowfall in the high hills and mountainous region. The division has urged one and all to adopt necessary precaution to stay safe from cold. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather will be partly to generally cloudy throughout the country in the afternoon today (December 30) with the possibility of light rainfall at a few places of the hill region and light to moderate snowfall in the high hills and mountainous areas. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meteorologist at the Division, Manju Basi said the weather will gradually improve from today as new weather system is not likely to develop immediately. “The weather will gradually improve in the coming days,” she said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather update issued by the division states that Kathmandu's minimum temperature is 6 degrees Celsius and maximum 8 degrees Celsius. Jumla recorded the lowest temperature of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius while Bhairahawa recorded the maximum temperature of 22.1 degrees Celsius throughout the country in the last 24 hours. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Rainfall in Kathmandu was measured at 35 millimetres in the last 24 hours. Similarly, Bhairahawa recorded 41 millimetres, Pokhara 31 millimetres and Ghorahi 31 millimetres rainfall over the period. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14311', 'image' => '20211230045251_HK_Jajarkot-2 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 16:51:49', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14567', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali Company Infringes Trademark of Popular Indian Brand MDH', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: Biratnagar-based Bhawani Spices and Food Industries has been using the famous trademark of India's spice brand 'MDH' without authorisation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: Biratnagar-based Bhawani Spices and Food Industries has been using the famous trademark of India's spice brand 'MDH' without authorisation. It has already registered a trademark in Nepal under the name 'MDH' without the consent of the Indian company.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Department of Industry has given official recognition to the trademark registered by the Nepali company as the Indian spice company has not registered the trademark in Nepal. If the Indian company wants to protect its trademark, it will now have to approach the Supreme Court. The precedent set by the Supreme Court recently provides an opportunity for the Indian company to get recognition for its trademark.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Kansai Nerolac, a well-known Japanese paints company, had won a lawsuit against the Department of Industry and the High Court in Nepal over a counterfeit trademark in accordance to the Supreme Court verdict.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The trademark of the Japanese company was used without any authorisation by a Nepali company Rukmini Chemicals. However, it was Shravan Kumar Goyal, proprietor of Rukmini Chemicals, who had instead lodged a complaint with the department alleging Kansai of trademark infringement. After the department ruled in Goyal's favor, Kansai filed the case at the Supreme Court.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As the case was prolonged for a long time, Kansai had produced and sold paints under the KNP Japan brand. After nearly three years of legal battle, it finally regained its official trademark after the Supreme Court ruled in its favour in February 2019.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Although Bhawani Spice Industry has made an exact copy of the Indian company, the law recognizes the first company that is registered in Nepal. Therefore, the department has ruled in favor of Bhawani Spice Industry," said Deepak Ghimire, head of the department's legal unit.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ghimire said that Bhawani Spice Industry has registered a trademark with the department but the genuine MDH is selling and distributing its priduct in the country without registering the trademark. So, it has decided to prevent the latter from engaging in any kind of sales and distribution.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, the department has ruled in favor of the Indian company in a case against an almond drink sold by the Indian company. Ghimire said that the Indian company registered the trademark with the department before the Nepali industry applied for the trademark.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"No one can distinguish between the Indian and Nepali product at a glance, so the consumers also need to be aware of the fake products,” he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Three kinds of 'Royal Stag in the market'</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Two different companies are selling an exact copy of 'Royal Stag', originially an Indian brand, in the Nepali market. The counterfeit products look similar to the Indian brand. The Indian company, which had been producing and selling Royal Stag in partnership with Himalayan Distillery for 16 years, stopped production five years ago. At present, Royal Stag is being produced, sold and distributed by Winner Liquor Industry in Jhapa.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">High Infringement cases </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the department the number of trademark infringements are increasing due to the irrelevance of the law formulated fifty six years ago. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ghimire said the provision of low penalties and fines is driving perpetrators to commit trademark theft. He also said it is not possible to differentiate between the fake and the genuine goods available in the Nepali market. By the time the company that produces genuine goods seeks legal actions, the counterfeit company would have already made a profit of ten folds.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Trademark infringement cases still fall under the laws formulated in 1965. The perpetrator has to pay fines of Rs 100,000 if found guilty. Back it 1965, Rs 100,000 was a huge amount which is not the same anymore. A draft to the amended the act has proposed a fine of up to Rs 1 million for such trademark infringement. Ghimire believes that trademark issues will be reduced soon after the new act is enforced. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">About 1000 trademark related cases have been registered with the department. In the last two years, the number of verdicts issued on such cases has declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14310', 'image' => '20211230023401_dddd.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 14:32:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14566', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Number of Foreign Tourists Increasing at Hanumandhoka ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: With the risk of Covid-19 subsiding, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which is listed in the World Heritage Site, has started increasing. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: With the risk of Covid-19 subsiding, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which is listed in the World Heritage Site, has started increasing. The Hanumandhoka Durbar Square was opened for foreign tourists in July after the risk of coronavirus infection started declining. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 49 tourists, including 11 from South Asian countries and 38 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in July. Sundarkaji Thuyaju, an official of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square Conservation Program under the Kathmandu Metropolitan, informed that 101 tourists including 30 from South Asian countries and 71 from other countries visited the heritage site in August. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, in October, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square skyrocketed. A total of 621 tourists, including 149 from South Asian countries and 472 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in October. The number of foreign tourists in the Durbar Square increased three times in November compared to October. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 2,103 foreign tourists, including 585 from South Asian countries and 1,518 from other countries, visited the area in mid-November. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The number of tourists declined in mid-December due to the spread of a new variant of coronavirus, Omicron. A total of 1,873 tourists, including 653 from South Asian countries and 1,220 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in mid-December. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Thuyaju informed that Rs 150 is charged for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC nations while Rs 1,000 is charged for citizens of other countries. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the Fiscal Year 2075/2076, the government had collected a revenue of of Rs 187.2 million from tourists visiting the site. Due to the impact of coronavirus, only Rs 1.35 million was collected in FY 2077/2078. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of mid-December of the current fiscal year, Rs 3.6 million has been raised. The office has set up six counters at Juddha Statue, Jhonche, Dashavatar temple, Simhasattal, Pyaphal and Makkhan Pashupati temples to issue tickets to foreign tourists. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14309', 'image' => '20211230124309_20210402113150_20190328044452_aaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 12:42:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14565', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Supreme Court Issues Interim Order not to Sack NTB CEO ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the decision to suspend Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Dhananjay Regmi.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the decision to suspend Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Dhananjay Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A single bench of Justice Deepak Kumar Karki issued the order not to implement Regmi's suspension immediately. Hearing a writ petition filed by Regmi on Wednesday, the Supreme Court summoned both the parties for further discussion on January 15. The apex court has ordered the government to submit a written clarification for taking action against Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A board meeting of NTB chaired by Maheshwor Neupane, secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, who is also the chairman of the board, had suspended Regmi for his alleged altercation with customs officials at the Tribhuvan International Airport a few weeks ago. Regmi, who was appointed as the CEO for a four-year term on January 29, 2019, was suspended by the board with two years left in his term. Before the suspension, a committee was formed upon the instruction of Tourism Minister Prem Kumar Ale to investigate into the allegations labeled against CEO Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CEO Regmi had allegedly assaulted the customs staffers working at the Tribhuvan International Airport under the influence of alcohol on his way back to Kathmandu from London. The incident had become viral on social media. CEO Regmi was asked to explain about the scuffle with the customs officials after he was now allowed to take home the liquor he had brought from the UK a month and a half ago. The probe committee headed by NTB vice-chairman Chandra Rijal found Regmi guilty and recommended the board for his suspension. Regmi was suspended on charges of abuse of authority, immorality, and financial irregularities.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, an separate investigation is underway into a complaint lodged against Regmi over financial irregularities. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Regmi is accused of paying bills for his office maintenance by misusing public procurement authority, operating a tourism project worth Rs 500 million by misusing his authority, and many other accusations relating to public procurement act. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14308', 'image' => '20211230122726_Supreme Court.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 12:26:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14564', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Mountainous Region Brings Normal Life to a Standstill ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Snowfall has occurred in many places in the mountainous region and high hill areas of the country since Sunday evening, affecting the normal life. ', 'content' => '<p><em>A village in Dolpa covered in a blanket of snow. (Below) Snow-covered Manang district. Photos: RSS</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: Snowfall has occurred in many places in the mountainous region and high hill areas of the country since Sunday evening, affecting the normal life. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Phungling in Taplejung district of Province no 1 states that heavy snowfall since Sunday evening has led to a sharp drop in mercury level in the mountainous district. Heavy snowfall occurred at Ghunsa and other areas in Phaktanglung rural municipality which is situated at an altitude of above 3,400 metres from the sea level. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Although moderate snowfall started occurring in Ghunsa area from the last week, heavy snowfall occurred since last night, affecting the normal life in the areas, said Pema Sherpa, a local. He said people have not been able to go outdoors due to the snowfall and accumulation of thick snow outside. According to Sherpa, children and the elderly people have been affected the most due to the freezing cold. </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""><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/NabinLamichhane_Manang_RSS_14.jpg" style="height:440px; width:800px" /> </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, most parts of Humla district in Karnali Province have received heavy snowfall, affecting life of the people, including in Simikot, the district headquarters. The district headquarters is blanketed by snow as it started snowing continuously since the morning today (December 29). It has been reported that two-feet thick snow has accumulated in the area, plunging the mercury to minus 12 degrees Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The northern belt of the district has received heavy snowfall while the southern belt is getting rainfall since the morning. Four feet snow has accumulated in Limi and Muchu settlements in Namkha Rural Municipality in the northern belt, said Chhapal Lama, a local of Muchu. The rivers and streams and water taps have frozen. The temperature in Muchu has dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius. </span> <br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Tribhuvan Highway obstructed due to snowfall </span></strong><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Makawanpur states that the vehicular movement in the Tribhuvan Highway in Makawanpur district has been obstructed due to snowfall since Tuesday night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snowfall that occurred last night led to obstruction of traffic movement in the Highway since today morning at 7, said Area Police Office, Palung's Inspector Shreeram Timalsina. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The traffic movement was halted to prevent road accidents as the roads could be slippery due to snowfall, added inspector Timalsina. Simbhanjyang and Aghor in Makawanpur district are receiving snowfall by the time this news report was prepared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snow in the road would be cleared off once the weather starts improving, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Dadeldhura said snowfall has occurred in the hill districts including Dadeldhura, Doti and Baitadi, and mountainous districts such as Darchula, Bajhanag and Bajura of the Sudurpaschim Province since last night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Vehicular movement along the Bhimdatta and Jayaprithvi highways has been obstructed due to the accumulation of snow at several sections of the highways. The Bhimdutta highway has been blocked by snow at Hagulte and Sahukharka area. Vehicles heading to various destinations have been stranded. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14307', 'image' => '20211229054850_HemantKC_Jajarkot_RSS_14__narku(2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 17:46:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14563', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurance Premium becoming a Major Source of Revenue for Government Hospitals', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Insurance premium is becoming the major source of revenue of Bharatpur Hospital. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: Insurance premium is becoming the major source of revenue of Bharatpur Hospital. The insurance scheme was started in this hospital four years back. Until now, the hospital has raised revenue of Rs 726.7 million through the insurance scheme. Moreover, Rs 40 million is yet to be collected.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Statistics show that insurance claims have been made 400,000 times since the implementation of the insurance scheme. The health insurance programme in the hospital is supervised by a separate department. According to Liladhar Poudel, who has been overseeing the settlement of claims of the insurance scheme, the health insurance programme was implemented at the hospital from 18 August, 2007. Initially the programme was launched as a social security programme but now it is overseen by the Health Insurance Board.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to him, Bharatpur Hospital is the third hospital in the country to treat patients through health insurance. After Noble and Lumbini Medical College, Bharatpur Hospital has been treating many insured patients. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Poudel, the hospital collected Rs 32.32 million as income from insurance in the first year when the scheme was launched.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The hospital earned Rs 166.67 million in the fiscal year 2075/76, Rs 209.357 million in fiscal year 2076/77, and only Rs 127.168 million in the last fiscal year 2077/78 year due to Covid-19 pandemic. Poudel has estimated that the hospital will earn more than Rs 250 million in the current fiscal year. Poudel stated that the hospital made claims of Rs 39.1 million last month with the Health Insurance Board.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Out of the total outpatients who came to Bharatpur Hospital on Sunday this week, 734 were insured. On Monday, the number of insured patients was 620 while the number of non-insurance ticket holders was only 327. Bharatpur Hospital receives almost twice the number of insured patients than other patients. Lately, the hospital has been making the insurance programme effective</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prof Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel, medical superintendent of the hospital, said that the Health Insurance Board made payments of Rs 45.2 million in September, Rs 11 million in October, Rs 1.253 million in November and Rs 86.6 million in December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that the hospital has been expanding its services so that the insurance policy holder patients do not have to go elsewhere. According to Poudel, the outpatient service starts from 8:30 am and the surgery service operates till 5 pm. “We are working to provide maximum facilities to the insurance policy holders even though we cannot give all the desired facilities due to lack of manpower and space,” said Poudel.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the past, when outpatient services were crowded and people had to wait for a long time for surgery, they were forced to take patients to other hospitals where insurance programmes were implemented. While the insurance programme is becoming effective, it is becoming the main source of income of the hospital as well.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Patients from Chitwan and East Nawalparasi come to Bharatpur Hospital to benefit from the insurance scheme. Since this hospital is the Central Hospital, patients from more than 20 districts including Chitwan come here for treatment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Most of the services provided through the health insurance programme are the services from outpatients’ departments. The board has stated that most of the facilities used by the patients from the insurance are for stomach medicines. The social security programme in Nepal started in 2015.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14306', 'image' => '20211229052438_740_1_55b7d6db-49f5-43c0-9f77-63559b9c4847.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 17:23:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14562', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Procedural Hassles Increasing Cost of Expanding Birgunj Dry Port and ICP', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: The cost of acquiring land in between Birgunj Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is increasing due to procedural hassles. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: The cost of acquiring land in between Birgunj Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is increasing due to procedural hassles. The government has been spending billions of rupees on land acquisition and compensation due to the bureaucratic red tape. In 2015, the compensation for the land required for the dry port was estimated to be Rs 720 million initially which has now increased to over Rs 4 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has started the second phase of land acquisition to expand the Birgunj Dry Port and the ICP. The District Administration Office, Parsa has started distributing compensation for 62 bighas of land located between the Integrated Check Post (ICP) and the dry port starting from Tuesday, December 28. The government plans to increase the infrastructure by acquiring land between these two structures.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Umesh Kumar Dhakal, Chief District Officer of Parsa, said the second phase of compensation distribution has been started after the government released an additional budget of Rs 1 billion in the current fiscal year 2021/22. In the last fiscal year, the government had distributed Rs 1.5 billion rupees. Lal Bahadur Khatri, chief customs officer of the dry port, informed that compensation for 17 bighas of land has been paid to 52 local landowners. The Ministry of Finance had proposed land acquisition in 2015/16.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The project plan was implemented five years later, yet it has not been able to pick up pace. It has been seventeen years since the dry port came into operation and four years since import and export started from the Integrated Check Post. The government plans to merge these infrastructures. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs say that the plan to expand the infrastructure by acquiring the land in between the ICP and the dry port has not gained much momentum. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In 2015, the compensation for land was estimated to be around Rs 720 million. Due to the procedural delays the government is spending billions on compensation alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Khatri said that the amount released in the second phase will not be enough for compensation. The government needs to allocate funds again in the next year for the compensation. He said that efforts are being made to expedite the dry port expansion and distribution of compensation as soon as possible. Customs officials estimate it will still require Rs 3 billion for the compensation alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The proposal for land acquisition was stranded in the cabinet. The acquisition was delayed due to the indecisiveness of the Council of Ministers which started only after five years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The cabinet decided to acquire the land only in November, last year. Only then did the port customs distributed compensation in the first phase.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the current estimate, it will cost more than Rs 5 billion rupees to acquire the land. The customs officials claim that this estimate covers the cost of land alone. When the valuation of houses and trees are added, the cost is expected to reach above Rs 7 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has classified the land into thirteen categories. Compensation ranging from Rs 2.4 million to Rs 6.5 million has been fixed. The compensation has been fixed for 919 plots west of the port, south of Padma Road and east of ICP Road. It includes private land, 64 houses, a primary school, health post, pond and land belonging to a guthi (trust).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The sale and purchase of land has been prevented after the compensation amount was fixed. Locals have been demanding immediate compensation for their land since the government has blocked its purchase and sale.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14305', 'image' => '20211229031826_20201230024130_1609284634.Clipboard08.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 15:17:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14561', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurers’ Association defends Insurance Board's Decision to Fix Minimum Rates for Insurance Premium', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Nepal Insurers Association has stated that the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance is in accordance with international practice.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: Nepal Insurers Association has stated that the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance is in accordance with international practice. The insurers made such remark in response to the private sector's protest against the newly-fixed minimum rate of non-tariff insurance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Issuing a press release on Tuesday, the association said that the minimum rate set for insurance was in line with international norms and practice. The association said that there is no need to protest as the minimum premium has been fixed considering the possible risks in Nepal. According to the association, the rates are fixed on the basis of risk assessment, possible premiums, potential losses and in accordance to the international practice. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Insurance Board had fixed the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance on September 22. Since then, the private sector has been protesting against the decision, arguing that insurance premium has become expensive. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This week, the Independent Power Producer Association of Nepal (IPPAN) and the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN) met Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and demanded that the Insurance Board's directive be revoked. They have even warned to start protests if the directive is not revoked. In response, the Nepal Insurers Association stated that it is reasonable to specify a minimum rate for non-life insurance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Insurance companies had started insuring at very cheap rates to get business. The international reinsurance companies did not even agree to take the insurance done at such a cheap rate. The board had fixed the minimum rates for non-life insurance due to an increase in unhealthy competition that threatened the entire insurance sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14304', 'image' => '20211229024319_20200503041304_20191023114923_aaaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 14:42:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14560', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Lack of Necessary Procedures Delays Operation of Chobhar Dry Port', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: The government has delayed the operation of the recently-constructed Chobhar Dry Port.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">December 29: The government has delayed the operation of the recently-constructed Chobhar Dry Port. Although the dry port built in 220 ropanis of land in Chobhar is ready for operation, it is not yet functional. The dry port was built with an investment of Rs 1.60 billion. Although the government was preparing to hand over the operation of the dry port to the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, no decision has been taken so far in this regard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Similarly, the modality of operation has not been finalized and the stakeholders are yet decide on how to bring goods from across the border to Chobhar.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Executive Director of Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, Ashish Gajurel, says that they are ready to operate the port if the government gives the nod. "We are ready to run it if given the responsibility," he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Commerce Secretary Dinesh Bhattarai said that the delay was due to the failure on part of the Department of Customs and the Ministry of Finance in preparing necessary procedures to operate the dry port.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">He said that all the preparations have been completed on their behalf. “The operation is on hold as the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Customs have not prepared a clear procedure in this regard. We are urged them to prepare the procedure quickly,” he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to Bhattarai, a decision will be taken soon. If the dry port comes into operation soon, traders will be able to bring goods directly to Kathmandu and this will reduce the cost of import. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Gajurel informed that there are three gates at the dry port, each exclusively slated for import, export and contingencies. The dry port also has three buildings (customs, quarantine and administrative), three large warehouses, structures for customs purposes, container and parking area. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">There is also a container yard that can hold 500 containers and 500 trucks. The Intermodal Transport Development Committee has stated that CCTV have also been installed in the parking lot while firefighters have been stationed there.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The foundation stone of the dry port which was laid by the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in January 2019 has been completed in about three years. Despite an agreement to complete the project in 18 months, the construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other reasons.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Once the dry port comes into operation, it is expected to maximize imports and facilitate export, decrease investment costs and simplify trade in general.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">It would also help reduce logistics costs. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Although dry ports are only set up in the districts sharing border with India and China, the dry port of Chobhar is the first in the inner district. Dry ports are in operation in Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Kakadvitta, and Tatopani, while one each in Rasuwa and Nepalgunj are also under construction.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14303', 'image' => '20211229124917_20211008020353_20210905105501_5fc6e0f9c43e3_Chobhar_dry_port (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 12:48:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14559', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Adverse Weather Affects TIA Flight Schedule, Mountaineering Sector also Affected', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => '', 'content' => '<p><em>This file photo taken from Facebook shows rainfall at TIA.</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: slight implications on the flight schedule at Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Low visibility caused by a thick mist in Kathmandu’s sky since Tuesday morning slightly affected the flights to and from TIA, according to TIA General Manager Bhola Prasad Guragain. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Only IFR flights towards the domestic service took place, RSS reported citing the TIA general manager. Although the adverse weather had affected the international flights in the morning, the flight schedule became regular in the afternoon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A flight by the Ethiopian Airlines from New Delhi of India was diverted. TIA measures visibility up to 3,000 meters. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Meteorological Forecasting Division, the country has been witnessing the impact of Westerly low pressure system. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division further said that the disturbance in weather has caused light drizzle in most of the parts of the country and snowfall in high hills and mountainous areas. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to RSS, the division has urged one and all to place necessary safety measures to protect oneself from the rising cold across the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division has cautioned that the Westerly disturbance is likely to affect mountaineering and aviation service as well as daily life and also called for all to adopt precautionary measures to stay safe from the effects of cold and snowfall. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Light to moderate rainfall is likely to take place in most of the places across the country with the weather likely to change in the afternoon. The high hills and mountainous regions are likely to receive light to moderate snowfall. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There are chances of light to moderate rainfall and light to moderate snowfall in most of the areas tonight. According to the latest update of the division, Kathmandu's minimum temperature was recorded at 3.56 degree and maximum 15.2 degree Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">--- </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14302', 'image' => '20211229120803_105455600_1001242890335489_7805524326125736768_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 12:07:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14558', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Chandragiri ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Chandragiri hill, one of the prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, has witnessed snowfall this morning (December 29). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: Chandragiri hill, one of the prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, has witnessed snowfall this morning (December 29). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Snowfall occurred in Chandragiri hill this morning following light rainfall since last night. This is the first time snowfall capped the Chandragiri hill in the winter this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">General Manager of Chandragiri Hills Limited, Abhishek Bikram Shah, informed that inflow of tourists to the hill has increased to take joy of snowfall since this morning. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Snowfall has also occurred in high hills and mountainous regions of the country with the change in weather since the last few days. According to the Weather Forecasting and Meteorology Division, light drizzle took place in different parts of the country since last night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kathmandu valley has witnessed a fall in mercury level with rainfall since last night. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14301', 'image' => '20211229114956_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 11:49:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14557', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government to Provide Land Revenue Services from Local Units ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: Most of the districts still have only one or two land revenue offices which are not easily accessible to citizens of remote areas.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: Most of the districts still have only one or two land revenue offices which are not easily accessible to citizens of remote areas.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As it takes 4/5 days to go to the land revenue office, people have not been able to get the services such as buying and selling of land, transfer of property ownership, property division and getting a copy of land ownership certificate.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The service seekers who benefitted from a seven-day mobile service run by the Land Revenue Office, Panchthar recently complained that it takes a lot of time and money to travel from their home to the land revenue office to get the service.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the Department of Land Management and Archive has recently made arrangements for the local municipalities to submit online documents and applications from the municipality for the works related to real estate, the service seekers are still obliged to the Land Revenue Office to get the work done.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to article 57 of the Constitution of Nepal 2072, the land and archive management shall be transferred to the state and local governments as per Schedule 6 of provincial jurisdiction and Schedule 8 of local level jurisdiction. However, since the government has not shown any priority in handing over the system, the local levels have started moving forward to provide real estate services to the citizens from the rural municipality.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Tumbewa, Miklajung, Kumbayak and Hilihang rural municipalities of Panchthar district in eastern Nepal, in collaboration with the Land Revenue Office, Panchthar, conducted a seven-day camp related to land management at the municipalities. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Baburam Pokharel, chief of the Land Revenue Officer, Panchthar, said that there is a need to provide services at the local level after observing the enthusiasm of the locals who come to the mobile service camp for getting service from their own village. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The chairpersons of the local municipalities have been pressing for running such service desks so that the service seekers can avail the services without visiting the rural municipality. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> “After the mobile service reached the village, the locals who could not go to the city were the first to seek the service. They are unable to come to the district headquarters for various reasons,” Pokhrel told New Business Age, “If such people benefit from having a service center at the local level and the state gets additional revenue, then there is no need to delay giving permission.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Pokharel said that the two municipalities would be allowed to run such desks as a pilot project and if successful, service centers could be set up at the local levels across the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Spokesperson of the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Janak Raj Joshi said that the ministry is positive about the request submitted by the locals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Secretary at the Ministry Ganesh Pandey has also taken the request of the rural municipality positively. However, as he is out of the country, he has not been able to hold discussions with the experts,” said Joshi, “The decision will be made after discussions with legal and land administration experts.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Raj Kumar Maharjan, director of information technology at the land management department, said that their application was being taken positively as it was not technically impossible to provide this service and it was a matter envisaged by the constitution. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Hom Thapa, chairman of Tumbewa Rural Municipality, they will manage the expense and staff management themselves if the government gives permission to set up a service center. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14300', 'image' => '20211228060911_Logo_of_Nepal_(2020).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 18:08:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14556', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Cases of Banking Offense on the Rise', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: The number of banking offense cases has been increasing in Nepal in recent days, according to data obtained from Nepal Police.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: The number of banking offense cases has been increasing in Nepal in recent days, according to data obtained from Nepal Police.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Nepal Police, the number of such cases has increased by 105 percent in the first five months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year when 880 cases of banking offense were registered with the police.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Cases related to banking offense go to the court through Nepal Police. The government itself fights the case related to banking offense on behalf of the plaintiff, and such cases have been on the rise recently, according to police data. Such cases are usually decided by the high court.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There was a slight decline in the number of banking offense cases in the last fiscal year (FY 2077/78). While 3,309 such cases were registered in the fiscal year 2076/77, such cases dropped to 2,373 in the last fiscal year 2077/78. However, the data of police show that the cases of banking fraud have started increasing again from the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Last year, the number of banking offense cases was reduced due to the lockdown and restriction imposed to control Covid-19. However, now that the situation is becoming normal again, the number of such cases is increasing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the first five months of the current fiscal year, the number of cases like murder and attempt to murder as well as arms related incidents <strong>have decreased</strong>. Similarly, the growth rate of cases like drug smuggling, kidnapping and theft is below 50 percent. However, the growth rate of banking offense cases is more than 100 percent, according to the police data.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Spokesperson of Nepal Police SSP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar said that the number of cases related to banking malpractice has been increasing recently. He said that the number of cases has increased as the sphere of banking sector has increased. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to him, big business entities to a commoner are found to be involved in banking malpractice. “Most of the cases related to banking offense are related to check bounce,” said SSP Kunwar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14299', 'image' => '20211228051428_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 17:13:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14555', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '1-MW Dhalkebar Solar Project connected to National Grid', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A one-megawatt solar project built by Api Power Company of Dhanusha has been connected to the national grid since Monday, December 27.', 'content' => '<p>December 28: <span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A one-megawatt solar project built by Api Power Company of Dhanusha has been connected to the national grid since Monday, December 27.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The solar project is based in Mithila Municipality-1 of Dhanusha district. The solar project has been connected to the Dhalkebar substation 2 km away via an 11-kV transmission line. The Nepal Electricity Authority will be buying the electricity produced by the project at a rate of Rs 7.30 per unit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company started generating electricity by placing 2,688 solar panels of 450 watts in an area spread over 4.5 bighas. It is a solar power project of the company which has come into operation with the objective of generating commercial electricity with private investment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is estimated that more than Rs 9 million has been invested in this project financed by Bank of Kathmandu as the sole investor of the project.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Guru Prasad Neupane, chairman of Api Power Company, has claimed that the power distribution system of Dhanusha will be improved after the solar power project is connected to the national transmission system. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company, which has been working in the field of power generation, has already constructed and brought 8.10 MW solar power project at Tilottama of Butwal, 8 MW at Parwanipur, 5 MW at Chandranigahapur of Rautahat and 1 MW at Simara into operation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company had already completed the construction of 16 MW hydropower projects of Naugad and Upper Naugad in Darchula prior to this project.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Chairman of the company, Neupane informed that the 40 MW Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project under construction in Darchula will come into operation by January 2024.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14298', 'image' => '20211228020526_API_Solar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 14:04:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14551', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Performance of Game Changer Projects Below Par', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the expenditure of major national pride projects has been less than one percent suggesting sluggish progress. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the expenditure of major national pride projects has been less than one percent suggesting sluggish progress. Many other projects have failed to make progress even on the modality of construction.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, the much-hyped Budhigandaki project received a budget of Rs 7.44 billion in the current fiscal year but has spent Rs 136.9 million only till date. Alhough the government is planning to build the project on its own, no concrete decision has been taken in this regard. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project was prepared by the French company Trackwell in 2015/16. It had estimated the cost of the project to be around Rs 259 billion, which has now increased to US$ 2.5 billion. The cost is increasing due to the delay in project construction.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has been collecting tax on petroleum products at the rate of Rs 5 per liter for the construction of the project. According to the Nepal Oil Corporation, Rs 69.94 billion has been collected so far in the last six years. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the progress of Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track is also poor. The government had allocated budget of Rss 8.81 billion this year, of which 253 million has been spent. The project inaugurated by the then PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal was expected to be completed in four years but it has not made any significant progress. The Nepalese Army, which had opened the fast track in 2012 has been awarded the contract of the project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Nepalese Army has completed 16 percent of the work in the last four years. Two Chinese companies have won contracts this year for the construction of tunnels and bridges along 72.5 km of roads, which is estimated to cost Rs 175 billion. There will be 71 bridges including 16 major bridges and other 87 smaller bridges. The army aims to complete the construction of the 11 km tunnel and bridge in the next three and a half years. The deadline of the project has been extended till 2024 and it has so far spent only Rs 25 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Expenditure of the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal, which includes national pride projects, also shows poor performance during the review period of the current Fiscal Year. According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, the project, which received a budget of Rs 8.5 billion in the current fiscal year, has spent only 0.22% of it. Delay in the ratification of the project has pushed it into uncertainty.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, the Bheri Babai Diversion Project, Babai Irrigation Project, Melamchi Water Supply Project and Sikta Irrigation Project have made development expenditures of four, five, six and seven percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Projects like Ranijamara, Mahakali Irrigation Project, Nijgadh and Pokhara Regional International Airports, Mid-Hills and North-South highways also have not made any significant progress in terms of capital expenditure. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Experts says though there is no high risks of COVID-19 like in the previous years, the poor performance of these projects show the government itself is not concerned about moving the projects forward. According to Surya Raj Acharya, infrastructure expert, the government is not interested in addressing the problems these projects are facing. "The state selects the projects recklessly and displays no interest in the development of those projects," he said. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14297', 'image' => '20211228013928_20170616052456_fast track nov 21.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 13:38:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14568', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Weather Improving Gradually ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: The westerly low pressure system and the low pressure area around Bihar in India is having its influence in the country at present. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 30: The westerly low pressure system and the low pressure area around Bihar in India is having its influence in the country at present. The weather is generally to completely cloudy throughout the country due to this system with light rain taking place at a few places and light snowfall in the high hills and mountainous region, the Meteorological Forecasting Division said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a warning and advisory for the next 24 hours, the division said it will be partly to generally cloudy across the country with chances of light rainfall at a few places of the hill region and light to moderate snowfall in the high hills and mountainous region. The division has urged one and all to adopt necessary precaution to stay safe from cold. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather will be partly to generally cloudy throughout the country in the afternoon today (December 30) with the possibility of light rainfall at a few places of the hill region and light to moderate snowfall in the high hills and mountainous areas. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meteorologist at the Division, Manju Basi said the weather will gradually improve from today as new weather system is not likely to develop immediately. “The weather will gradually improve in the coming days,” she said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather update issued by the division states that Kathmandu's minimum temperature is 6 degrees Celsius and maximum 8 degrees Celsius. Jumla recorded the lowest temperature of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius while Bhairahawa recorded the maximum temperature of 22.1 degrees Celsius throughout the country in the last 24 hours. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Rainfall in Kathmandu was measured at 35 millimetres in the last 24 hours. Similarly, Bhairahawa recorded 41 millimetres, Pokhara 31 millimetres and Ghorahi 31 millimetres rainfall over the period. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14311', 'image' => '20211230045251_HK_Jajarkot-2 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 16:51:49', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14567', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali Company Infringes Trademark of Popular Indian Brand MDH', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: Biratnagar-based Bhawani Spices and Food Industries has been using the famous trademark of India's spice brand 'MDH' without authorisation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: Biratnagar-based Bhawani Spices and Food Industries has been using the famous trademark of India's spice brand 'MDH' without authorisation. It has already registered a trademark in Nepal under the name 'MDH' without the consent of the Indian company.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Department of Industry has given official recognition to the trademark registered by the Nepali company as the Indian spice company has not registered the trademark in Nepal. If the Indian company wants to protect its trademark, it will now have to approach the Supreme Court. The precedent set by the Supreme Court recently provides an opportunity for the Indian company to get recognition for its trademark.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Kansai Nerolac, a well-known Japanese paints company, had won a lawsuit against the Department of Industry and the High Court in Nepal over a counterfeit trademark in accordance to the Supreme Court verdict.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The trademark of the Japanese company was used without any authorisation by a Nepali company Rukmini Chemicals. However, it was Shravan Kumar Goyal, proprietor of Rukmini Chemicals, who had instead lodged a complaint with the department alleging Kansai of trademark infringement. After the department ruled in Goyal's favor, Kansai filed the case at the Supreme Court.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As the case was prolonged for a long time, Kansai had produced and sold paints under the KNP Japan brand. After nearly three years of legal battle, it finally regained its official trademark after the Supreme Court ruled in its favour in February 2019.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Although Bhawani Spice Industry has made an exact copy of the Indian company, the law recognizes the first company that is registered in Nepal. Therefore, the department has ruled in favor of Bhawani Spice Industry," said Deepak Ghimire, head of the department's legal unit.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ghimire said that Bhawani Spice Industry has registered a trademark with the department but the genuine MDH is selling and distributing its priduct in the country without registering the trademark. So, it has decided to prevent the latter from engaging in any kind of sales and distribution.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, the department has ruled in favor of the Indian company in a case against an almond drink sold by the Indian company. Ghimire said that the Indian company registered the trademark with the department before the Nepali industry applied for the trademark.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"No one can distinguish between the Indian and Nepali product at a glance, so the consumers also need to be aware of the fake products,” he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Three kinds of 'Royal Stag in the market'</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Two different companies are selling an exact copy of 'Royal Stag', originially an Indian brand, in the Nepali market. The counterfeit products look similar to the Indian brand. The Indian company, which had been producing and selling Royal Stag in partnership with Himalayan Distillery for 16 years, stopped production five years ago. At present, Royal Stag is being produced, sold and distributed by Winner Liquor Industry in Jhapa.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">High Infringement cases </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the department the number of trademark infringements are increasing due to the irrelevance of the law formulated fifty six years ago. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ghimire said the provision of low penalties and fines is driving perpetrators to commit trademark theft. He also said it is not possible to differentiate between the fake and the genuine goods available in the Nepali market. By the time the company that produces genuine goods seeks legal actions, the counterfeit company would have already made a profit of ten folds.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Trademark infringement cases still fall under the laws formulated in 1965. The perpetrator has to pay fines of Rs 100,000 if found guilty. Back it 1965, Rs 100,000 was a huge amount which is not the same anymore. A draft to the amended the act has proposed a fine of up to Rs 1 million for such trademark infringement. Ghimire believes that trademark issues will be reduced soon after the new act is enforced. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">About 1000 trademark related cases have been registered with the department. In the last two years, the number of verdicts issued on such cases has declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14310', 'image' => '20211230023401_dddd.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 14:32:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14566', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Number of Foreign Tourists Increasing at Hanumandhoka ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: With the risk of Covid-19 subsiding, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which is listed in the World Heritage Site, has started increasing. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: With the risk of Covid-19 subsiding, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which is listed in the World Heritage Site, has started increasing. The Hanumandhoka Durbar Square was opened for foreign tourists in July after the risk of coronavirus infection started declining. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 49 tourists, including 11 from South Asian countries and 38 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in July. Sundarkaji Thuyaju, an official of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square Conservation Program under the Kathmandu Metropolitan, informed that 101 tourists including 30 from South Asian countries and 71 from other countries visited the heritage site in August. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, in October, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square skyrocketed. A total of 621 tourists, including 149 from South Asian countries and 472 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in October. The number of foreign tourists in the Durbar Square increased three times in November compared to October. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 2,103 foreign tourists, including 585 from South Asian countries and 1,518 from other countries, visited the area in mid-November. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The number of tourists declined in mid-December due to the spread of a new variant of coronavirus, Omicron. A total of 1,873 tourists, including 653 from South Asian countries and 1,220 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in mid-December. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Thuyaju informed that Rs 150 is charged for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC nations while Rs 1,000 is charged for citizens of other countries. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the Fiscal Year 2075/2076, the government had collected a revenue of of Rs 187.2 million from tourists visiting the site. Due to the impact of coronavirus, only Rs 1.35 million was collected in FY 2077/2078. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of mid-December of the current fiscal year, Rs 3.6 million has been raised. The office has set up six counters at Juddha Statue, Jhonche, Dashavatar temple, Simhasattal, Pyaphal and Makkhan Pashupati temples to issue tickets to foreign tourists. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14309', 'image' => '20211230124309_20210402113150_20190328044452_aaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 12:42:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14565', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Supreme Court Issues Interim Order not to Sack NTB CEO ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the decision to suspend Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Dhananjay Regmi.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the decision to suspend Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Dhananjay Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A single bench of Justice Deepak Kumar Karki issued the order not to implement Regmi's suspension immediately. Hearing a writ petition filed by Regmi on Wednesday, the Supreme Court summoned both the parties for further discussion on January 15. The apex court has ordered the government to submit a written clarification for taking action against Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A board meeting of NTB chaired by Maheshwor Neupane, secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, who is also the chairman of the board, had suspended Regmi for his alleged altercation with customs officials at the Tribhuvan International Airport a few weeks ago. Regmi, who was appointed as the CEO for a four-year term on January 29, 2019, was suspended by the board with two years left in his term. Before the suspension, a committee was formed upon the instruction of Tourism Minister Prem Kumar Ale to investigate into the allegations labeled against CEO Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CEO Regmi had allegedly assaulted the customs staffers working at the Tribhuvan International Airport under the influence of alcohol on his way back to Kathmandu from London. The incident had become viral on social media. CEO Regmi was asked to explain about the scuffle with the customs officials after he was now allowed to take home the liquor he had brought from the UK a month and a half ago. The probe committee headed by NTB vice-chairman Chandra Rijal found Regmi guilty and recommended the board for his suspension. Regmi was suspended on charges of abuse of authority, immorality, and financial irregularities.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, an separate investigation is underway into a complaint lodged against Regmi over financial irregularities. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Regmi is accused of paying bills for his office maintenance by misusing public procurement authority, operating a tourism project worth Rs 500 million by misusing his authority, and many other accusations relating to public procurement act. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14308', 'image' => '20211230122726_Supreme Court.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 12:26:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14564', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Mountainous Region Brings Normal Life to a Standstill ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Snowfall has occurred in many places in the mountainous region and high hill areas of the country since Sunday evening, affecting the normal life. ', 'content' => '<p><em>A village in Dolpa covered in a blanket of snow. (Below) Snow-covered Manang district. Photos: RSS</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: Snowfall has occurred in many places in the mountainous region and high hill areas of the country since Sunday evening, affecting the normal life. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Phungling in Taplejung district of Province no 1 states that heavy snowfall since Sunday evening has led to a sharp drop in mercury level in the mountainous district. Heavy snowfall occurred at Ghunsa and other areas in Phaktanglung rural municipality which is situated at an altitude of above 3,400 metres from the sea level. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Although moderate snowfall started occurring in Ghunsa area from the last week, heavy snowfall occurred since last night, affecting the normal life in the areas, said Pema Sherpa, a local. He said people have not been able to go outdoors due to the snowfall and accumulation of thick snow outside. According to Sherpa, children and the elderly people have been affected the most due to the freezing cold. </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""><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/NabinLamichhane_Manang_RSS_14.jpg" style="height:440px; width:800px" /> </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, most parts of Humla district in Karnali Province have received heavy snowfall, affecting life of the people, including in Simikot, the district headquarters. The district headquarters is blanketed by snow as it started snowing continuously since the morning today (December 29). It has been reported that two-feet thick snow has accumulated in the area, plunging the mercury to minus 12 degrees Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The northern belt of the district has received heavy snowfall while the southern belt is getting rainfall since the morning. Four feet snow has accumulated in Limi and Muchu settlements in Namkha Rural Municipality in the northern belt, said Chhapal Lama, a local of Muchu. The rivers and streams and water taps have frozen. The temperature in Muchu has dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius. </span> <br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Tribhuvan Highway obstructed due to snowfall </span></strong><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Makawanpur states that the vehicular movement in the Tribhuvan Highway in Makawanpur district has been obstructed due to snowfall since Tuesday night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snowfall that occurred last night led to obstruction of traffic movement in the Highway since today morning at 7, said Area Police Office, Palung's Inspector Shreeram Timalsina. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The traffic movement was halted to prevent road accidents as the roads could be slippery due to snowfall, added inspector Timalsina. Simbhanjyang and Aghor in Makawanpur district are receiving snowfall by the time this news report was prepared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snow in the road would be cleared off once the weather starts improving, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Dadeldhura said snowfall has occurred in the hill districts including Dadeldhura, Doti and Baitadi, and mountainous districts such as Darchula, Bajhanag and Bajura of the Sudurpaschim Province since last night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Vehicular movement along the Bhimdatta and Jayaprithvi highways has been obstructed due to the accumulation of snow at several sections of the highways. The Bhimdutta highway has been blocked by snow at Hagulte and Sahukharka area. Vehicles heading to various destinations have been stranded. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14307', 'image' => '20211229054850_HemantKC_Jajarkot_RSS_14__narku(2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 17:46:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14563', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurance Premium becoming a Major Source of Revenue for Government Hospitals', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Insurance premium is becoming the major source of revenue of Bharatpur Hospital. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: Insurance premium is becoming the major source of revenue of Bharatpur Hospital. The insurance scheme was started in this hospital four years back. Until now, the hospital has raised revenue of Rs 726.7 million through the insurance scheme. Moreover, Rs 40 million is yet to be collected.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Statistics show that insurance claims have been made 400,000 times since the implementation of the insurance scheme. The health insurance programme in the hospital is supervised by a separate department. According to Liladhar Poudel, who has been overseeing the settlement of claims of the insurance scheme, the health insurance programme was implemented at the hospital from 18 August, 2007. Initially the programme was launched as a social security programme but now it is overseen by the Health Insurance Board.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to him, Bharatpur Hospital is the third hospital in the country to treat patients through health insurance. After Noble and Lumbini Medical College, Bharatpur Hospital has been treating many insured patients. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Poudel, the hospital collected Rs 32.32 million as income from insurance in the first year when the scheme was launched.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The hospital earned Rs 166.67 million in the fiscal year 2075/76, Rs 209.357 million in fiscal year 2076/77, and only Rs 127.168 million in the last fiscal year 2077/78 year due to Covid-19 pandemic. Poudel has estimated that the hospital will earn more than Rs 250 million in the current fiscal year. Poudel stated that the hospital made claims of Rs 39.1 million last month with the Health Insurance Board.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Out of the total outpatients who came to Bharatpur Hospital on Sunday this week, 734 were insured. On Monday, the number of insured patients was 620 while the number of non-insurance ticket holders was only 327. Bharatpur Hospital receives almost twice the number of insured patients than other patients. Lately, the hospital has been making the insurance programme effective</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prof Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel, medical superintendent of the hospital, said that the Health Insurance Board made payments of Rs 45.2 million in September, Rs 11 million in October, Rs 1.253 million in November and Rs 86.6 million in December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that the hospital has been expanding its services so that the insurance policy holder patients do not have to go elsewhere. According to Poudel, the outpatient service starts from 8:30 am and the surgery service operates till 5 pm. “We are working to provide maximum facilities to the insurance policy holders even though we cannot give all the desired facilities due to lack of manpower and space,” said Poudel.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the past, when outpatient services were crowded and people had to wait for a long time for surgery, they were forced to take patients to other hospitals where insurance programmes were implemented. While the insurance programme is becoming effective, it is becoming the main source of income of the hospital as well.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Patients from Chitwan and East Nawalparasi come to Bharatpur Hospital to benefit from the insurance scheme. Since this hospital is the Central Hospital, patients from more than 20 districts including Chitwan come here for treatment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Most of the services provided through the health insurance programme are the services from outpatients’ departments. The board has stated that most of the facilities used by the patients from the insurance are for stomach medicines. The social security programme in Nepal started in 2015.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14306', 'image' => '20211229052438_740_1_55b7d6db-49f5-43c0-9f77-63559b9c4847.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 17:23:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14562', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Procedural Hassles Increasing Cost of Expanding Birgunj Dry Port and ICP', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: The cost of acquiring land in between Birgunj Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is increasing due to procedural hassles. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: The cost of acquiring land in between Birgunj Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is increasing due to procedural hassles. The government has been spending billions of rupees on land acquisition and compensation due to the bureaucratic red tape. In 2015, the compensation for the land required for the dry port was estimated to be Rs 720 million initially which has now increased to over Rs 4 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has started the second phase of land acquisition to expand the Birgunj Dry Port and the ICP. The District Administration Office, Parsa has started distributing compensation for 62 bighas of land located between the Integrated Check Post (ICP) and the dry port starting from Tuesday, December 28. The government plans to increase the infrastructure by acquiring land between these two structures.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Umesh Kumar Dhakal, Chief District Officer of Parsa, said the second phase of compensation distribution has been started after the government released an additional budget of Rs 1 billion in the current fiscal year 2021/22. In the last fiscal year, the government had distributed Rs 1.5 billion rupees. Lal Bahadur Khatri, chief customs officer of the dry port, informed that compensation for 17 bighas of land has been paid to 52 local landowners. The Ministry of Finance had proposed land acquisition in 2015/16.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The project plan was implemented five years later, yet it has not been able to pick up pace. It has been seventeen years since the dry port came into operation and four years since import and export started from the Integrated Check Post. The government plans to merge these infrastructures. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs say that the plan to expand the infrastructure by acquiring the land in between the ICP and the dry port has not gained much momentum. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In 2015, the compensation for land was estimated to be around Rs 720 million. Due to the procedural delays the government is spending billions on compensation alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Khatri said that the amount released in the second phase will not be enough for compensation. The government needs to allocate funds again in the next year for the compensation. He said that efforts are being made to expedite the dry port expansion and distribution of compensation as soon as possible. Customs officials estimate it will still require Rs 3 billion for the compensation alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The proposal for land acquisition was stranded in the cabinet. The acquisition was delayed due to the indecisiveness of the Council of Ministers which started only after five years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The cabinet decided to acquire the land only in November, last year. Only then did the port customs distributed compensation in the first phase.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the current estimate, it will cost more than Rs 5 billion rupees to acquire the land. The customs officials claim that this estimate covers the cost of land alone. When the valuation of houses and trees are added, the cost is expected to reach above Rs 7 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has classified the land into thirteen categories. Compensation ranging from Rs 2.4 million to Rs 6.5 million has been fixed. The compensation has been fixed for 919 plots west of the port, south of Padma Road and east of ICP Road. It includes private land, 64 houses, a primary school, health post, pond and land belonging to a guthi (trust).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The sale and purchase of land has been prevented after the compensation amount was fixed. Locals have been demanding immediate compensation for their land since the government has blocked its purchase and sale.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14305', 'image' => '20211229031826_20201230024130_1609284634.Clipboard08.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 15:17:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14561', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurers’ Association defends Insurance Board's Decision to Fix Minimum Rates for Insurance Premium', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Nepal Insurers Association has stated that the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance is in accordance with international practice.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: Nepal Insurers Association has stated that the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance is in accordance with international practice. The insurers made such remark in response to the private sector's protest against the newly-fixed minimum rate of non-tariff insurance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Issuing a press release on Tuesday, the association said that the minimum rate set for insurance was in line with international norms and practice. The association said that there is no need to protest as the minimum premium has been fixed considering the possible risks in Nepal. According to the association, the rates are fixed on the basis of risk assessment, possible premiums, potential losses and in accordance to the international practice. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Insurance Board had fixed the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance on September 22. Since then, the private sector has been protesting against the decision, arguing that insurance premium has become expensive. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This week, the Independent Power Producer Association of Nepal (IPPAN) and the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN) met Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and demanded that the Insurance Board's directive be revoked. They have even warned to start protests if the directive is not revoked. In response, the Nepal Insurers Association stated that it is reasonable to specify a minimum rate for non-life insurance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Insurance companies had started insuring at very cheap rates to get business. The international reinsurance companies did not even agree to take the insurance done at such a cheap rate. The board had fixed the minimum rates for non-life insurance due to an increase in unhealthy competition that threatened the entire insurance sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14304', 'image' => '20211229024319_20200503041304_20191023114923_aaaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 14:42:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14560', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Lack of Necessary Procedures Delays Operation of Chobhar Dry Port', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: The government has delayed the operation of the recently-constructed Chobhar Dry Port.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">December 29: The government has delayed the operation of the recently-constructed Chobhar Dry Port. Although the dry port built in 220 ropanis of land in Chobhar is ready for operation, it is not yet functional. The dry port was built with an investment of Rs 1.60 billion. Although the government was preparing to hand over the operation of the dry port to the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, no decision has been taken so far in this regard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Similarly, the modality of operation has not been finalized and the stakeholders are yet decide on how to bring goods from across the border to Chobhar.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Executive Director of Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, Ashish Gajurel, says that they are ready to operate the port if the government gives the nod. "We are ready to run it if given the responsibility," he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Commerce Secretary Dinesh Bhattarai said that the delay was due to the failure on part of the Department of Customs and the Ministry of Finance in preparing necessary procedures to operate the dry port.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">He said that all the preparations have been completed on their behalf. “The operation is on hold as the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Customs have not prepared a clear procedure in this regard. We are urged them to prepare the procedure quickly,” he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to Bhattarai, a decision will be taken soon. If the dry port comes into operation soon, traders will be able to bring goods directly to Kathmandu and this will reduce the cost of import. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Gajurel informed that there are three gates at the dry port, each exclusively slated for import, export and contingencies. The dry port also has three buildings (customs, quarantine and administrative), three large warehouses, structures for customs purposes, container and parking area. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">There is also a container yard that can hold 500 containers and 500 trucks. The Intermodal Transport Development Committee has stated that CCTV have also been installed in the parking lot while firefighters have been stationed there.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The foundation stone of the dry port which was laid by the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in January 2019 has been completed in about three years. Despite an agreement to complete the project in 18 months, the construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other reasons.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Once the dry port comes into operation, it is expected to maximize imports and facilitate export, decrease investment costs and simplify trade in general.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">It would also help reduce logistics costs. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Although dry ports are only set up in the districts sharing border with India and China, the dry port of Chobhar is the first in the inner district. Dry ports are in operation in Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Kakadvitta, and Tatopani, while one each in Rasuwa and Nepalgunj are also under construction.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14303', 'image' => '20211229124917_20211008020353_20210905105501_5fc6e0f9c43e3_Chobhar_dry_port (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 12:48:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14559', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Adverse Weather Affects TIA Flight Schedule, Mountaineering Sector also Affected', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => '', 'content' => '<p><em>This file photo taken from Facebook shows rainfall at TIA.</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: slight implications on the flight schedule at Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Low visibility caused by a thick mist in Kathmandu’s sky since Tuesday morning slightly affected the flights to and from TIA, according to TIA General Manager Bhola Prasad Guragain. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Only IFR flights towards the domestic service took place, RSS reported citing the TIA general manager. Although the adverse weather had affected the international flights in the morning, the flight schedule became regular in the afternoon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A flight by the Ethiopian Airlines from New Delhi of India was diverted. TIA measures visibility up to 3,000 meters. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Meteorological Forecasting Division, the country has been witnessing the impact of Westerly low pressure system. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division further said that the disturbance in weather has caused light drizzle in most of the parts of the country and snowfall in high hills and mountainous areas. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to RSS, the division has urged one and all to place necessary safety measures to protect oneself from the rising cold across the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division has cautioned that the Westerly disturbance is likely to affect mountaineering and aviation service as well as daily life and also called for all to adopt precautionary measures to stay safe from the effects of cold and snowfall. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Light to moderate rainfall is likely to take place in most of the places across the country with the weather likely to change in the afternoon. The high hills and mountainous regions are likely to receive light to moderate snowfall. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There are chances of light to moderate rainfall and light to moderate snowfall in most of the areas tonight. According to the latest update of the division, Kathmandu's minimum temperature was recorded at 3.56 degree and maximum 15.2 degree Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">--- </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14302', 'image' => '20211229120803_105455600_1001242890335489_7805524326125736768_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 12:07:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14558', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Chandragiri ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Chandragiri hill, one of the prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, has witnessed snowfall this morning (December 29). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: Chandragiri hill, one of the prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, has witnessed snowfall this morning (December 29). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Snowfall occurred in Chandragiri hill this morning following light rainfall since last night. This is the first time snowfall capped the Chandragiri hill in the winter this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">General Manager of Chandragiri Hills Limited, Abhishek Bikram Shah, informed that inflow of tourists to the hill has increased to take joy of snowfall since this morning. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Snowfall has also occurred in high hills and mountainous regions of the country with the change in weather since the last few days. According to the Weather Forecasting and Meteorology Division, light drizzle took place in different parts of the country since last night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kathmandu valley has witnessed a fall in mercury level with rainfall since last night. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14301', 'image' => '20211229114956_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 11:49:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14557', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government to Provide Land Revenue Services from Local Units ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: Most of the districts still have only one or two land revenue offices which are not easily accessible to citizens of remote areas.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: Most of the districts still have only one or two land revenue offices which are not easily accessible to citizens of remote areas.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As it takes 4/5 days to go to the land revenue office, people have not been able to get the services such as buying and selling of land, transfer of property ownership, property division and getting a copy of land ownership certificate.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The service seekers who benefitted from a seven-day mobile service run by the Land Revenue Office, Panchthar recently complained that it takes a lot of time and money to travel from their home to the land revenue office to get the service.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the Department of Land Management and Archive has recently made arrangements for the local municipalities to submit online documents and applications from the municipality for the works related to real estate, the service seekers are still obliged to the Land Revenue Office to get the work done.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to article 57 of the Constitution of Nepal 2072, the land and archive management shall be transferred to the state and local governments as per Schedule 6 of provincial jurisdiction and Schedule 8 of local level jurisdiction. However, since the government has not shown any priority in handing over the system, the local levels have started moving forward to provide real estate services to the citizens from the rural municipality.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Tumbewa, Miklajung, Kumbayak and Hilihang rural municipalities of Panchthar district in eastern Nepal, in collaboration with the Land Revenue Office, Panchthar, conducted a seven-day camp related to land management at the municipalities. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Baburam Pokharel, chief of the Land Revenue Officer, Panchthar, said that there is a need to provide services at the local level after observing the enthusiasm of the locals who come to the mobile service camp for getting service from their own village. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The chairpersons of the local municipalities have been pressing for running such service desks so that the service seekers can avail the services without visiting the rural municipality. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> “After the mobile service reached the village, the locals who could not go to the city were the first to seek the service. They are unable to come to the district headquarters for various reasons,” Pokhrel told New Business Age, “If such people benefit from having a service center at the local level and the state gets additional revenue, then there is no need to delay giving permission.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Pokharel said that the two municipalities would be allowed to run such desks as a pilot project and if successful, service centers could be set up at the local levels across the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Spokesperson of the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Janak Raj Joshi said that the ministry is positive about the request submitted by the locals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Secretary at the Ministry Ganesh Pandey has also taken the request of the rural municipality positively. However, as he is out of the country, he has not been able to hold discussions with the experts,” said Joshi, “The decision will be made after discussions with legal and land administration experts.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Raj Kumar Maharjan, director of information technology at the land management department, said that their application was being taken positively as it was not technically impossible to provide this service and it was a matter envisaged by the constitution. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Hom Thapa, chairman of Tumbewa Rural Municipality, they will manage the expense and staff management themselves if the government gives permission to set up a service center. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14300', 'image' => '20211228060911_Logo_of_Nepal_(2020).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 18:08:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14556', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Cases of Banking Offense on the Rise', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: The number of banking offense cases has been increasing in Nepal in recent days, according to data obtained from Nepal Police.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: The number of banking offense cases has been increasing in Nepal in recent days, according to data obtained from Nepal Police.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Nepal Police, the number of such cases has increased by 105 percent in the first five months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year when 880 cases of banking offense were registered with the police.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Cases related to banking offense go to the court through Nepal Police. The government itself fights the case related to banking offense on behalf of the plaintiff, and such cases have been on the rise recently, according to police data. Such cases are usually decided by the high court.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There was a slight decline in the number of banking offense cases in the last fiscal year (FY 2077/78). While 3,309 such cases were registered in the fiscal year 2076/77, such cases dropped to 2,373 in the last fiscal year 2077/78. However, the data of police show that the cases of banking fraud have started increasing again from the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Last year, the number of banking offense cases was reduced due to the lockdown and restriction imposed to control Covid-19. However, now that the situation is becoming normal again, the number of such cases is increasing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the first five months of the current fiscal year, the number of cases like murder and attempt to murder as well as arms related incidents <strong>have decreased</strong>. Similarly, the growth rate of cases like drug smuggling, kidnapping and theft is below 50 percent. However, the growth rate of banking offense cases is more than 100 percent, according to the police data.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Spokesperson of Nepal Police SSP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar said that the number of cases related to banking malpractice has been increasing recently. He said that the number of cases has increased as the sphere of banking sector has increased. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to him, big business entities to a commoner are found to be involved in banking malpractice. “Most of the cases related to banking offense are related to check bounce,” said SSP Kunwar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14299', 'image' => '20211228051428_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 17:13:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14555', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '1-MW Dhalkebar Solar Project connected to National Grid', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A one-megawatt solar project built by Api Power Company of Dhanusha has been connected to the national grid since Monday, December 27.', 'content' => '<p>December 28: <span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A one-megawatt solar project built by Api Power Company of Dhanusha has been connected to the national grid since Monday, December 27.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The solar project is based in Mithila Municipality-1 of Dhanusha district. The solar project has been connected to the Dhalkebar substation 2 km away via an 11-kV transmission line. The Nepal Electricity Authority will be buying the electricity produced by the project at a rate of Rs 7.30 per unit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company started generating electricity by placing 2,688 solar panels of 450 watts in an area spread over 4.5 bighas. It is a solar power project of the company which has come into operation with the objective of generating commercial electricity with private investment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is estimated that more than Rs 9 million has been invested in this project financed by Bank of Kathmandu as the sole investor of the project.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Guru Prasad Neupane, chairman of Api Power Company, has claimed that the power distribution system of Dhanusha will be improved after the solar power project is connected to the national transmission system. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company, which has been working in the field of power generation, has already constructed and brought 8.10 MW solar power project at Tilottama of Butwal, 8 MW at Parwanipur, 5 MW at Chandranigahapur of Rautahat and 1 MW at Simara into operation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company had already completed the construction of 16 MW hydropower projects of Naugad and Upper Naugad in Darchula prior to this project.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Chairman of the company, Neupane informed that the 40 MW Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project under construction in Darchula will come into operation by January 2024.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14298', 'image' => '20211228020526_API_Solar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 14:04:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14551', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Performance of Game Changer Projects Below Par', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the expenditure of major national pride projects has been less than one percent suggesting sluggish progress. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the expenditure of major national pride projects has been less than one percent suggesting sluggish progress. Many other projects have failed to make progress even on the modality of construction.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, the much-hyped Budhigandaki project received a budget of Rs 7.44 billion in the current fiscal year but has spent Rs 136.9 million only till date. Alhough the government is planning to build the project on its own, no concrete decision has been taken in this regard. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project was prepared by the French company Trackwell in 2015/16. It had estimated the cost of the project to be around Rs 259 billion, which has now increased to US$ 2.5 billion. The cost is increasing due to the delay in project construction.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has been collecting tax on petroleum products at the rate of Rs 5 per liter for the construction of the project. According to the Nepal Oil Corporation, Rs 69.94 billion has been collected so far in the last six years. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the progress of Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track is also poor. The government had allocated budget of Rss 8.81 billion this year, of which 253 million has been spent. The project inaugurated by the then PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal was expected to be completed in four years but it has not made any significant progress. The Nepalese Army, which had opened the fast track in 2012 has been awarded the contract of the project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Nepalese Army has completed 16 percent of the work in the last four years. Two Chinese companies have won contracts this year for the construction of tunnels and bridges along 72.5 km of roads, which is estimated to cost Rs 175 billion. There will be 71 bridges including 16 major bridges and other 87 smaller bridges. The army aims to complete the construction of the 11 km tunnel and bridge in the next three and a half years. The deadline of the project has been extended till 2024 and it has so far spent only Rs 25 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Expenditure of the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal, which includes national pride projects, also shows poor performance during the review period of the current Fiscal Year. According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, the project, which received a budget of Rs 8.5 billion in the current fiscal year, has spent only 0.22% of it. Delay in the ratification of the project has pushed it into uncertainty.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, the Bheri Babai Diversion Project, Babai Irrigation Project, Melamchi Water Supply Project and Sikta Irrigation Project have made development expenditures of four, five, six and seven percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Projects like Ranijamara, Mahakali Irrigation Project, Nijgadh and Pokhara Regional International Airports, Mid-Hills and North-South highways also have not made any significant progress in terms of capital expenditure. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Experts says though there is no high risks of COVID-19 like in the previous years, the poor performance of these projects show the government itself is not concerned about moving the projects forward. According to Surya Raj Acharya, infrastructure expert, the government is not interested in addressing the problems these projects are facing. "The state selects the projects recklessly and displays no interest in the development of those projects," he said. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14297', 'image' => '20211228013928_20170616052456_fast track nov 21.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 13:38:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14568', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Weather Improving Gradually ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: The westerly low pressure system and the low pressure area around Bihar in India is having its influence in the country at present. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 30: The westerly low pressure system and the low pressure area around Bihar in India is having its influence in the country at present. The weather is generally to completely cloudy throughout the country due to this system with light rain taking place at a few places and light snowfall in the high hills and mountainous region, the Meteorological Forecasting Division said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a warning and advisory for the next 24 hours, the division said it will be partly to generally cloudy across the country with chances of light rainfall at a few places of the hill region and light to moderate snowfall in the high hills and mountainous region. The division has urged one and all to adopt necessary precaution to stay safe from cold. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather will be partly to generally cloudy throughout the country in the afternoon today (December 30) with the possibility of light rainfall at a few places of the hill region and light to moderate snowfall in the high hills and mountainous areas. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meteorologist at the Division, Manju Basi said the weather will gradually improve from today as new weather system is not likely to develop immediately. “The weather will gradually improve in the coming days,” she said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather update issued by the division states that Kathmandu's minimum temperature is 6 degrees Celsius and maximum 8 degrees Celsius. Jumla recorded the lowest temperature of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius while Bhairahawa recorded the maximum temperature of 22.1 degrees Celsius throughout the country in the last 24 hours. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Rainfall in Kathmandu was measured at 35 millimetres in the last 24 hours. Similarly, Bhairahawa recorded 41 millimetres, Pokhara 31 millimetres and Ghorahi 31 millimetres rainfall over the period. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14311', 'image' => '20211230045251_HK_Jajarkot-2 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 16:51:49', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14567', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali Company Infringes Trademark of Popular Indian Brand MDH', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: Biratnagar-based Bhawani Spices and Food Industries has been using the famous trademark of India's spice brand 'MDH' without authorisation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: Biratnagar-based Bhawani Spices and Food Industries has been using the famous trademark of India's spice brand 'MDH' without authorisation. It has already registered a trademark in Nepal under the name 'MDH' without the consent of the Indian company.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Department of Industry has given official recognition to the trademark registered by the Nepali company as the Indian spice company has not registered the trademark in Nepal. If the Indian company wants to protect its trademark, it will now have to approach the Supreme Court. The precedent set by the Supreme Court recently provides an opportunity for the Indian company to get recognition for its trademark.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Kansai Nerolac, a well-known Japanese paints company, had won a lawsuit against the Department of Industry and the High Court in Nepal over a counterfeit trademark in accordance to the Supreme Court verdict.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The trademark of the Japanese company was used without any authorisation by a Nepali company Rukmini Chemicals. However, it was Shravan Kumar Goyal, proprietor of Rukmini Chemicals, who had instead lodged a complaint with the department alleging Kansai of trademark infringement. After the department ruled in Goyal's favor, Kansai filed the case at the Supreme Court.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As the case was prolonged for a long time, Kansai had produced and sold paints under the KNP Japan brand. After nearly three years of legal battle, it finally regained its official trademark after the Supreme Court ruled in its favour in February 2019.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Although Bhawani Spice Industry has made an exact copy of the Indian company, the law recognizes the first company that is registered in Nepal. Therefore, the department has ruled in favor of Bhawani Spice Industry," said Deepak Ghimire, head of the department's legal unit.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ghimire said that Bhawani Spice Industry has registered a trademark with the department but the genuine MDH is selling and distributing its priduct in the country without registering the trademark. So, it has decided to prevent the latter from engaging in any kind of sales and distribution.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, the department has ruled in favor of the Indian company in a case against an almond drink sold by the Indian company. Ghimire said that the Indian company registered the trademark with the department before the Nepali industry applied for the trademark.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"No one can distinguish between the Indian and Nepali product at a glance, so the consumers also need to be aware of the fake products,” he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Three kinds of 'Royal Stag in the market'</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Two different companies are selling an exact copy of 'Royal Stag', originially an Indian brand, in the Nepali market. The counterfeit products look similar to the Indian brand. The Indian company, which had been producing and selling Royal Stag in partnership with Himalayan Distillery for 16 years, stopped production five years ago. At present, Royal Stag is being produced, sold and distributed by Winner Liquor Industry in Jhapa.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">High Infringement cases </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the department the number of trademark infringements are increasing due to the irrelevance of the law formulated fifty six years ago. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ghimire said the provision of low penalties and fines is driving perpetrators to commit trademark theft. He also said it is not possible to differentiate between the fake and the genuine goods available in the Nepali market. By the time the company that produces genuine goods seeks legal actions, the counterfeit company would have already made a profit of ten folds.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Trademark infringement cases still fall under the laws formulated in 1965. The perpetrator has to pay fines of Rs 100,000 if found guilty. Back it 1965, Rs 100,000 was a huge amount which is not the same anymore. A draft to the amended the act has proposed a fine of up to Rs 1 million for such trademark infringement. Ghimire believes that trademark issues will be reduced soon after the new act is enforced. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">About 1000 trademark related cases have been registered with the department. In the last two years, the number of verdicts issued on such cases has declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14310', 'image' => '20211230023401_dddd.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 14:32:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14566', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Number of Foreign Tourists Increasing at Hanumandhoka ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: With the risk of Covid-19 subsiding, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which is listed in the World Heritage Site, has started increasing. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: With the risk of Covid-19 subsiding, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which is listed in the World Heritage Site, has started increasing. The Hanumandhoka Durbar Square was opened for foreign tourists in July after the risk of coronavirus infection started declining. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 49 tourists, including 11 from South Asian countries and 38 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in July. Sundarkaji Thuyaju, an official of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square Conservation Program under the Kathmandu Metropolitan, informed that 101 tourists including 30 from South Asian countries and 71 from other countries visited the heritage site in August. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, in October, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square skyrocketed. A total of 621 tourists, including 149 from South Asian countries and 472 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in October. The number of foreign tourists in the Durbar Square increased three times in November compared to October. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 2,103 foreign tourists, including 585 from South Asian countries and 1,518 from other countries, visited the area in mid-November. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The number of tourists declined in mid-December due to the spread of a new variant of coronavirus, Omicron. A total of 1,873 tourists, including 653 from South Asian countries and 1,220 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in mid-December. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Thuyaju informed that Rs 150 is charged for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC nations while Rs 1,000 is charged for citizens of other countries. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the Fiscal Year 2075/2076, the government had collected a revenue of of Rs 187.2 million from tourists visiting the site. Due to the impact of coronavirus, only Rs 1.35 million was collected in FY 2077/2078. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of mid-December of the current fiscal year, Rs 3.6 million has been raised. The office has set up six counters at Juddha Statue, Jhonche, Dashavatar temple, Simhasattal, Pyaphal and Makkhan Pashupati temples to issue tickets to foreign tourists. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14309', 'image' => '20211230124309_20210402113150_20190328044452_aaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 12:42:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14565', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Supreme Court Issues Interim Order not to Sack NTB CEO ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the decision to suspend Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Dhananjay Regmi.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the decision to suspend Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Dhananjay Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A single bench of Justice Deepak Kumar Karki issued the order not to implement Regmi's suspension immediately. Hearing a writ petition filed by Regmi on Wednesday, the Supreme Court summoned both the parties for further discussion on January 15. The apex court has ordered the government to submit a written clarification for taking action against Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A board meeting of NTB chaired by Maheshwor Neupane, secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, who is also the chairman of the board, had suspended Regmi for his alleged altercation with customs officials at the Tribhuvan International Airport a few weeks ago. Regmi, who was appointed as the CEO for a four-year term on January 29, 2019, was suspended by the board with two years left in his term. Before the suspension, a committee was formed upon the instruction of Tourism Minister Prem Kumar Ale to investigate into the allegations labeled against CEO Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CEO Regmi had allegedly assaulted the customs staffers working at the Tribhuvan International Airport under the influence of alcohol on his way back to Kathmandu from London. The incident had become viral on social media. CEO Regmi was asked to explain about the scuffle with the customs officials after he was now allowed to take home the liquor he had brought from the UK a month and a half ago. The probe committee headed by NTB vice-chairman Chandra Rijal found Regmi guilty and recommended the board for his suspension. Regmi was suspended on charges of abuse of authority, immorality, and financial irregularities.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, an separate investigation is underway into a complaint lodged against Regmi over financial irregularities. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Regmi is accused of paying bills for his office maintenance by misusing public procurement authority, operating a tourism project worth Rs 500 million by misusing his authority, and many other accusations relating to public procurement act. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14308', 'image' => '20211230122726_Supreme Court.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 12:26:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14564', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Mountainous Region Brings Normal Life to a Standstill ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Snowfall has occurred in many places in the mountainous region and high hill areas of the country since Sunday evening, affecting the normal life. ', 'content' => '<p><em>A village in Dolpa covered in a blanket of snow. (Below) Snow-covered Manang district. Photos: RSS</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: Snowfall has occurred in many places in the mountainous region and high hill areas of the country since Sunday evening, affecting the normal life. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Phungling in Taplejung district of Province no 1 states that heavy snowfall since Sunday evening has led to a sharp drop in mercury level in the mountainous district. Heavy snowfall occurred at Ghunsa and other areas in Phaktanglung rural municipality which is situated at an altitude of above 3,400 metres from the sea level. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Although moderate snowfall started occurring in Ghunsa area from the last week, heavy snowfall occurred since last night, affecting the normal life in the areas, said Pema Sherpa, a local. He said people have not been able to go outdoors due to the snowfall and accumulation of thick snow outside. According to Sherpa, children and the elderly people have been affected the most due to the freezing cold. </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""><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/NabinLamichhane_Manang_RSS_14.jpg" style="height:440px; width:800px" /> </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, most parts of Humla district in Karnali Province have received heavy snowfall, affecting life of the people, including in Simikot, the district headquarters. The district headquarters is blanketed by snow as it started snowing continuously since the morning today (December 29). It has been reported that two-feet thick snow has accumulated in the area, plunging the mercury to minus 12 degrees Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The northern belt of the district has received heavy snowfall while the southern belt is getting rainfall since the morning. Four feet snow has accumulated in Limi and Muchu settlements in Namkha Rural Municipality in the northern belt, said Chhapal Lama, a local of Muchu. The rivers and streams and water taps have frozen. The temperature in Muchu has dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius. </span> <br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Tribhuvan Highway obstructed due to snowfall </span></strong><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Makawanpur states that the vehicular movement in the Tribhuvan Highway in Makawanpur district has been obstructed due to snowfall since Tuesday night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snowfall that occurred last night led to obstruction of traffic movement in the Highway since today morning at 7, said Area Police Office, Palung's Inspector Shreeram Timalsina. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The traffic movement was halted to prevent road accidents as the roads could be slippery due to snowfall, added inspector Timalsina. Simbhanjyang and Aghor in Makawanpur district are receiving snowfall by the time this news report was prepared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snow in the road would be cleared off once the weather starts improving, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Dadeldhura said snowfall has occurred in the hill districts including Dadeldhura, Doti and Baitadi, and mountainous districts such as Darchula, Bajhanag and Bajura of the Sudurpaschim Province since last night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Vehicular movement along the Bhimdatta and Jayaprithvi highways has been obstructed due to the accumulation of snow at several sections of the highways. The Bhimdutta highway has been blocked by snow at Hagulte and Sahukharka area. Vehicles heading to various destinations have been stranded. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14307', 'image' => '20211229054850_HemantKC_Jajarkot_RSS_14__narku(2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 17:46:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14563', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurance Premium becoming a Major Source of Revenue for Government Hospitals', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Insurance premium is becoming the major source of revenue of Bharatpur Hospital. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: Insurance premium is becoming the major source of revenue of Bharatpur Hospital. The insurance scheme was started in this hospital four years back. Until now, the hospital has raised revenue of Rs 726.7 million through the insurance scheme. Moreover, Rs 40 million is yet to be collected.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Statistics show that insurance claims have been made 400,000 times since the implementation of the insurance scheme. The health insurance programme in the hospital is supervised by a separate department. According to Liladhar Poudel, who has been overseeing the settlement of claims of the insurance scheme, the health insurance programme was implemented at the hospital from 18 August, 2007. Initially the programme was launched as a social security programme but now it is overseen by the Health Insurance Board.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to him, Bharatpur Hospital is the third hospital in the country to treat patients through health insurance. After Noble and Lumbini Medical College, Bharatpur Hospital has been treating many insured patients. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Poudel, the hospital collected Rs 32.32 million as income from insurance in the first year when the scheme was launched.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The hospital earned Rs 166.67 million in the fiscal year 2075/76, Rs 209.357 million in fiscal year 2076/77, and only Rs 127.168 million in the last fiscal year 2077/78 year due to Covid-19 pandemic. Poudel has estimated that the hospital will earn more than Rs 250 million in the current fiscal year. Poudel stated that the hospital made claims of Rs 39.1 million last month with the Health Insurance Board.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Out of the total outpatients who came to Bharatpur Hospital on Sunday this week, 734 were insured. On Monday, the number of insured patients was 620 while the number of non-insurance ticket holders was only 327. Bharatpur Hospital receives almost twice the number of insured patients than other patients. Lately, the hospital has been making the insurance programme effective</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prof Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel, medical superintendent of the hospital, said that the Health Insurance Board made payments of Rs 45.2 million in September, Rs 11 million in October, Rs 1.253 million in November and Rs 86.6 million in December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that the hospital has been expanding its services so that the insurance policy holder patients do not have to go elsewhere. According to Poudel, the outpatient service starts from 8:30 am and the surgery service operates till 5 pm. “We are working to provide maximum facilities to the insurance policy holders even though we cannot give all the desired facilities due to lack of manpower and space,” said Poudel.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the past, when outpatient services were crowded and people had to wait for a long time for surgery, they were forced to take patients to other hospitals where insurance programmes were implemented. While the insurance programme is becoming effective, it is becoming the main source of income of the hospital as well.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Patients from Chitwan and East Nawalparasi come to Bharatpur Hospital to benefit from the insurance scheme. Since this hospital is the Central Hospital, patients from more than 20 districts including Chitwan come here for treatment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Most of the services provided through the health insurance programme are the services from outpatients’ departments. The board has stated that most of the facilities used by the patients from the insurance are for stomach medicines. The social security programme in Nepal started in 2015.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14306', 'image' => '20211229052438_740_1_55b7d6db-49f5-43c0-9f77-63559b9c4847.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 17:23:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14562', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Procedural Hassles Increasing Cost of Expanding Birgunj Dry Port and ICP', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: The cost of acquiring land in between Birgunj Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is increasing due to procedural hassles. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: The cost of acquiring land in between Birgunj Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is increasing due to procedural hassles. The government has been spending billions of rupees on land acquisition and compensation due to the bureaucratic red tape. In 2015, the compensation for the land required for the dry port was estimated to be Rs 720 million initially which has now increased to over Rs 4 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has started the second phase of land acquisition to expand the Birgunj Dry Port and the ICP. The District Administration Office, Parsa has started distributing compensation for 62 bighas of land located between the Integrated Check Post (ICP) and the dry port starting from Tuesday, December 28. The government plans to increase the infrastructure by acquiring land between these two structures.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Umesh Kumar Dhakal, Chief District Officer of Parsa, said the second phase of compensation distribution has been started after the government released an additional budget of Rs 1 billion in the current fiscal year 2021/22. In the last fiscal year, the government had distributed Rs 1.5 billion rupees. Lal Bahadur Khatri, chief customs officer of the dry port, informed that compensation for 17 bighas of land has been paid to 52 local landowners. The Ministry of Finance had proposed land acquisition in 2015/16.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The project plan was implemented five years later, yet it has not been able to pick up pace. It has been seventeen years since the dry port came into operation and four years since import and export started from the Integrated Check Post. The government plans to merge these infrastructures. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs say that the plan to expand the infrastructure by acquiring the land in between the ICP and the dry port has not gained much momentum. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In 2015, the compensation for land was estimated to be around Rs 720 million. Due to the procedural delays the government is spending billions on compensation alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Khatri said that the amount released in the second phase will not be enough for compensation. The government needs to allocate funds again in the next year for the compensation. He said that efforts are being made to expedite the dry port expansion and distribution of compensation as soon as possible. Customs officials estimate it will still require Rs 3 billion for the compensation alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The proposal for land acquisition was stranded in the cabinet. The acquisition was delayed due to the indecisiveness of the Council of Ministers which started only after five years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The cabinet decided to acquire the land only in November, last year. Only then did the port customs distributed compensation in the first phase.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the current estimate, it will cost more than Rs 5 billion rupees to acquire the land. The customs officials claim that this estimate covers the cost of land alone. When the valuation of houses and trees are added, the cost is expected to reach above Rs 7 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has classified the land into thirteen categories. Compensation ranging from Rs 2.4 million to Rs 6.5 million has been fixed. The compensation has been fixed for 919 plots west of the port, south of Padma Road and east of ICP Road. It includes private land, 64 houses, a primary school, health post, pond and land belonging to a guthi (trust).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The sale and purchase of land has been prevented after the compensation amount was fixed. Locals have been demanding immediate compensation for their land since the government has blocked its purchase and sale.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14305', 'image' => '20211229031826_20201230024130_1609284634.Clipboard08.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 15:17:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14561', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurers’ Association defends Insurance Board's Decision to Fix Minimum Rates for Insurance Premium', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Nepal Insurers Association has stated that the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance is in accordance with international practice.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: Nepal Insurers Association has stated that the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance is in accordance with international practice. The insurers made such remark in response to the private sector's protest against the newly-fixed minimum rate of non-tariff insurance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Issuing a press release on Tuesday, the association said that the minimum rate set for insurance was in line with international norms and practice. The association said that there is no need to protest as the minimum premium has been fixed considering the possible risks in Nepal. According to the association, the rates are fixed on the basis of risk assessment, possible premiums, potential losses and in accordance to the international practice. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Insurance Board had fixed the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance on September 22. Since then, the private sector has been protesting against the decision, arguing that insurance premium has become expensive. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This week, the Independent Power Producer Association of Nepal (IPPAN) and the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN) met Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and demanded that the Insurance Board's directive be revoked. They have even warned to start protests if the directive is not revoked. In response, the Nepal Insurers Association stated that it is reasonable to specify a minimum rate for non-life insurance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Insurance companies had started insuring at very cheap rates to get business. The international reinsurance companies did not even agree to take the insurance done at such a cheap rate. The board had fixed the minimum rates for non-life insurance due to an increase in unhealthy competition that threatened the entire insurance sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14304', 'image' => '20211229024319_20200503041304_20191023114923_aaaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 14:42:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14560', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Lack of Necessary Procedures Delays Operation of Chobhar Dry Port', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: The government has delayed the operation of the recently-constructed Chobhar Dry Port.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">December 29: The government has delayed the operation of the recently-constructed Chobhar Dry Port. Although the dry port built in 220 ropanis of land in Chobhar is ready for operation, it is not yet functional. The dry port was built with an investment of Rs 1.60 billion. Although the government was preparing to hand over the operation of the dry port to the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, no decision has been taken so far in this regard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Similarly, the modality of operation has not been finalized and the stakeholders are yet decide on how to bring goods from across the border to Chobhar.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Executive Director of Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, Ashish Gajurel, says that they are ready to operate the port if the government gives the nod. "We are ready to run it if given the responsibility," he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Commerce Secretary Dinesh Bhattarai said that the delay was due to the failure on part of the Department of Customs and the Ministry of Finance in preparing necessary procedures to operate the dry port.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">He said that all the preparations have been completed on their behalf. “The operation is on hold as the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Customs have not prepared a clear procedure in this regard. We are urged them to prepare the procedure quickly,” he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to Bhattarai, a decision will be taken soon. If the dry port comes into operation soon, traders will be able to bring goods directly to Kathmandu and this will reduce the cost of import. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Gajurel informed that there are three gates at the dry port, each exclusively slated for import, export and contingencies. The dry port also has three buildings (customs, quarantine and administrative), three large warehouses, structures for customs purposes, container and parking area. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">There is also a container yard that can hold 500 containers and 500 trucks. The Intermodal Transport Development Committee has stated that CCTV have also been installed in the parking lot while firefighters have been stationed there.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The foundation stone of the dry port which was laid by the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in January 2019 has been completed in about three years. Despite an agreement to complete the project in 18 months, the construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other reasons.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Once the dry port comes into operation, it is expected to maximize imports and facilitate export, decrease investment costs and simplify trade in general.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">It would also help reduce logistics costs. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Although dry ports are only set up in the districts sharing border with India and China, the dry port of Chobhar is the first in the inner district. Dry ports are in operation in Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Kakadvitta, and Tatopani, while one each in Rasuwa and Nepalgunj are also under construction.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14303', 'image' => '20211229124917_20211008020353_20210905105501_5fc6e0f9c43e3_Chobhar_dry_port (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 12:48:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14559', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Adverse Weather Affects TIA Flight Schedule, Mountaineering Sector also Affected', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => '', 'content' => '<p><em>This file photo taken from Facebook shows rainfall at TIA.</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: slight implications on the flight schedule at Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Low visibility caused by a thick mist in Kathmandu’s sky since Tuesday morning slightly affected the flights to and from TIA, according to TIA General Manager Bhola Prasad Guragain. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Only IFR flights towards the domestic service took place, RSS reported citing the TIA general manager. Although the adverse weather had affected the international flights in the morning, the flight schedule became regular in the afternoon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A flight by the Ethiopian Airlines from New Delhi of India was diverted. TIA measures visibility up to 3,000 meters. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Meteorological Forecasting Division, the country has been witnessing the impact of Westerly low pressure system. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division further said that the disturbance in weather has caused light drizzle in most of the parts of the country and snowfall in high hills and mountainous areas. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to RSS, the division has urged one and all to place necessary safety measures to protect oneself from the rising cold across the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division has cautioned that the Westerly disturbance is likely to affect mountaineering and aviation service as well as daily life and also called for all to adopt precautionary measures to stay safe from the effects of cold and snowfall. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Light to moderate rainfall is likely to take place in most of the places across the country with the weather likely to change in the afternoon. The high hills and mountainous regions are likely to receive light to moderate snowfall. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There are chances of light to moderate rainfall and light to moderate snowfall in most of the areas tonight. According to the latest update of the division, Kathmandu's minimum temperature was recorded at 3.56 degree and maximum 15.2 degree Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">--- </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14302', 'image' => '20211229120803_105455600_1001242890335489_7805524326125736768_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 12:07:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14558', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Chandragiri ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Chandragiri hill, one of the prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, has witnessed snowfall this morning (December 29). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: Chandragiri hill, one of the prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, has witnessed snowfall this morning (December 29). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Snowfall occurred in Chandragiri hill this morning following light rainfall since last night. This is the first time snowfall capped the Chandragiri hill in the winter this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">General Manager of Chandragiri Hills Limited, Abhishek Bikram Shah, informed that inflow of tourists to the hill has increased to take joy of snowfall since this morning. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Snowfall has also occurred in high hills and mountainous regions of the country with the change in weather since the last few days. According to the Weather Forecasting and Meteorology Division, light drizzle took place in different parts of the country since last night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kathmandu valley has witnessed a fall in mercury level with rainfall since last night. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14301', 'image' => '20211229114956_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 11:49:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14557', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government to Provide Land Revenue Services from Local Units ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: Most of the districts still have only one or two land revenue offices which are not easily accessible to citizens of remote areas.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: Most of the districts still have only one or two land revenue offices which are not easily accessible to citizens of remote areas.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As it takes 4/5 days to go to the land revenue office, people have not been able to get the services such as buying and selling of land, transfer of property ownership, property division and getting a copy of land ownership certificate.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The service seekers who benefitted from a seven-day mobile service run by the Land Revenue Office, Panchthar recently complained that it takes a lot of time and money to travel from their home to the land revenue office to get the service.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the Department of Land Management and Archive has recently made arrangements for the local municipalities to submit online documents and applications from the municipality for the works related to real estate, the service seekers are still obliged to the Land Revenue Office to get the work done.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to article 57 of the Constitution of Nepal 2072, the land and archive management shall be transferred to the state and local governments as per Schedule 6 of provincial jurisdiction and Schedule 8 of local level jurisdiction. However, since the government has not shown any priority in handing over the system, the local levels have started moving forward to provide real estate services to the citizens from the rural municipality.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Tumbewa, Miklajung, Kumbayak and Hilihang rural municipalities of Panchthar district in eastern Nepal, in collaboration with the Land Revenue Office, Panchthar, conducted a seven-day camp related to land management at the municipalities. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Baburam Pokharel, chief of the Land Revenue Officer, Panchthar, said that there is a need to provide services at the local level after observing the enthusiasm of the locals who come to the mobile service camp for getting service from their own village. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The chairpersons of the local municipalities have been pressing for running such service desks so that the service seekers can avail the services without visiting the rural municipality. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> “After the mobile service reached the village, the locals who could not go to the city were the first to seek the service. They are unable to come to the district headquarters for various reasons,” Pokhrel told New Business Age, “If such people benefit from having a service center at the local level and the state gets additional revenue, then there is no need to delay giving permission.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Pokharel said that the two municipalities would be allowed to run such desks as a pilot project and if successful, service centers could be set up at the local levels across the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Spokesperson of the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Janak Raj Joshi said that the ministry is positive about the request submitted by the locals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Secretary at the Ministry Ganesh Pandey has also taken the request of the rural municipality positively. However, as he is out of the country, he has not been able to hold discussions with the experts,” said Joshi, “The decision will be made after discussions with legal and land administration experts.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Raj Kumar Maharjan, director of information technology at the land management department, said that their application was being taken positively as it was not technically impossible to provide this service and it was a matter envisaged by the constitution. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Hom Thapa, chairman of Tumbewa Rural Municipality, they will manage the expense and staff management themselves if the government gives permission to set up a service center. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14300', 'image' => '20211228060911_Logo_of_Nepal_(2020).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 18:08:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14556', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Cases of Banking Offense on the Rise', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: The number of banking offense cases has been increasing in Nepal in recent days, according to data obtained from Nepal Police.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: The number of banking offense cases has been increasing in Nepal in recent days, according to data obtained from Nepal Police.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Nepal Police, the number of such cases has increased by 105 percent in the first five months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year when 880 cases of banking offense were registered with the police.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Cases related to banking offense go to the court through Nepal Police. The government itself fights the case related to banking offense on behalf of the plaintiff, and such cases have been on the rise recently, according to police data. Such cases are usually decided by the high court.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There was a slight decline in the number of banking offense cases in the last fiscal year (FY 2077/78). While 3,309 such cases were registered in the fiscal year 2076/77, such cases dropped to 2,373 in the last fiscal year 2077/78. However, the data of police show that the cases of banking fraud have started increasing again from the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Last year, the number of banking offense cases was reduced due to the lockdown and restriction imposed to control Covid-19. However, now that the situation is becoming normal again, the number of such cases is increasing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the first five months of the current fiscal year, the number of cases like murder and attempt to murder as well as arms related incidents <strong>have decreased</strong>. Similarly, the growth rate of cases like drug smuggling, kidnapping and theft is below 50 percent. However, the growth rate of banking offense cases is more than 100 percent, according to the police data.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Spokesperson of Nepal Police SSP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar said that the number of cases related to banking malpractice has been increasing recently. He said that the number of cases has increased as the sphere of banking sector has increased. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to him, big business entities to a commoner are found to be involved in banking malpractice. “Most of the cases related to banking offense are related to check bounce,” said SSP Kunwar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14299', 'image' => '20211228051428_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 17:13:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14555', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '1-MW Dhalkebar Solar Project connected to National Grid', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A one-megawatt solar project built by Api Power Company of Dhanusha has been connected to the national grid since Monday, December 27.', 'content' => '<p>December 28: <span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A one-megawatt solar project built by Api Power Company of Dhanusha has been connected to the national grid since Monday, December 27.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The solar project is based in Mithila Municipality-1 of Dhanusha district. The solar project has been connected to the Dhalkebar substation 2 km away via an 11-kV transmission line. The Nepal Electricity Authority will be buying the electricity produced by the project at a rate of Rs 7.30 per unit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company started generating electricity by placing 2,688 solar panels of 450 watts in an area spread over 4.5 bighas. It is a solar power project of the company which has come into operation with the objective of generating commercial electricity with private investment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is estimated that more than Rs 9 million has been invested in this project financed by Bank of Kathmandu as the sole investor of the project.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Guru Prasad Neupane, chairman of Api Power Company, has claimed that the power distribution system of Dhanusha will be improved after the solar power project is connected to the national transmission system. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company, which has been working in the field of power generation, has already constructed and brought 8.10 MW solar power project at Tilottama of Butwal, 8 MW at Parwanipur, 5 MW at Chandranigahapur of Rautahat and 1 MW at Simara into operation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company had already completed the construction of 16 MW hydropower projects of Naugad and Upper Naugad in Darchula prior to this project.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Chairman of the company, Neupane informed that the 40 MW Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project under construction in Darchula will come into operation by January 2024.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14298', 'image' => '20211228020526_API_Solar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 14:04:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14551', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Performance of Game Changer Projects Below Par', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the expenditure of major national pride projects has been less than one percent suggesting sluggish progress. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the expenditure of major national pride projects has been less than one percent suggesting sluggish progress. Many other projects have failed to make progress even on the modality of construction.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, the much-hyped Budhigandaki project received a budget of Rs 7.44 billion in the current fiscal year but has spent Rs 136.9 million only till date. Alhough the government is planning to build the project on its own, no concrete decision has been taken in this regard. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project was prepared by the French company Trackwell in 2015/16. It had estimated the cost of the project to be around Rs 259 billion, which has now increased to US$ 2.5 billion. The cost is increasing due to the delay in project construction.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has been collecting tax on petroleum products at the rate of Rs 5 per liter for the construction of the project. According to the Nepal Oil Corporation, Rs 69.94 billion has been collected so far in the last six years. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the progress of Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track is also poor. The government had allocated budget of Rss 8.81 billion this year, of which 253 million has been spent. The project inaugurated by the then PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal was expected to be completed in four years but it has not made any significant progress. The Nepalese Army, which had opened the fast track in 2012 has been awarded the contract of the project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Nepalese Army has completed 16 percent of the work in the last four years. Two Chinese companies have won contracts this year for the construction of tunnels and bridges along 72.5 km of roads, which is estimated to cost Rs 175 billion. There will be 71 bridges including 16 major bridges and other 87 smaller bridges. The army aims to complete the construction of the 11 km tunnel and bridge in the next three and a half years. The deadline of the project has been extended till 2024 and it has so far spent only Rs 25 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Expenditure of the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal, which includes national pride projects, also shows poor performance during the review period of the current Fiscal Year. According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, the project, which received a budget of Rs 8.5 billion in the current fiscal year, has spent only 0.22% of it. Delay in the ratification of the project has pushed it into uncertainty.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, the Bheri Babai Diversion Project, Babai Irrigation Project, Melamchi Water Supply Project and Sikta Irrigation Project have made development expenditures of four, five, six and seven percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Projects like Ranijamara, Mahakali Irrigation Project, Nijgadh and Pokhara Regional International Airports, Mid-Hills and North-South highways also have not made any significant progress in terms of capital expenditure. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Experts says though there is no high risks of COVID-19 like in the previous years, the poor performance of these projects show the government itself is not concerned about moving the projects forward. According to Surya Raj Acharya, infrastructure expert, the government is not interested in addressing the problems these projects are facing. "The state selects the projects recklessly and displays no interest in the development of those projects," he said. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14297', 'image' => '20211228013928_20170616052456_fast track nov 21.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 13:38:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14568', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Weather Improving Gradually ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: The westerly low pressure system and the low pressure area around Bihar in India is having its influence in the country at present. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 30: The westerly low pressure system and the low pressure area around Bihar in India is having its influence in the country at present. The weather is generally to completely cloudy throughout the country due to this system with light rain taking place at a few places and light snowfall in the high hills and mountainous region, the Meteorological Forecasting Division said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a warning and advisory for the next 24 hours, the division said it will be partly to generally cloudy across the country with chances of light rainfall at a few places of the hill region and light to moderate snowfall in the high hills and mountainous region. The division has urged one and all to adopt necessary precaution to stay safe from cold. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather will be partly to generally cloudy throughout the country in the afternoon today (December 30) with the possibility of light rainfall at a few places of the hill region and light to moderate snowfall in the high hills and mountainous areas. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meteorologist at the Division, Manju Basi said the weather will gradually improve from today as new weather system is not likely to develop immediately. “The weather will gradually improve in the coming days,” she said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather update issued by the division states that Kathmandu's minimum temperature is 6 degrees Celsius and maximum 8 degrees Celsius. Jumla recorded the lowest temperature of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius while Bhairahawa recorded the maximum temperature of 22.1 degrees Celsius throughout the country in the last 24 hours. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Rainfall in Kathmandu was measured at 35 millimetres in the last 24 hours. Similarly, Bhairahawa recorded 41 millimetres, Pokhara 31 millimetres and Ghorahi 31 millimetres rainfall over the period. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14311', 'image' => '20211230045251_HK_Jajarkot-2 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 16:51:49', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14567', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepali Company Infringes Trademark of Popular Indian Brand MDH', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: Biratnagar-based Bhawani Spices and Food Industries has been using the famous trademark of India's spice brand 'MDH' without authorisation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: Biratnagar-based Bhawani Spices and Food Industries has been using the famous trademark of India's spice brand 'MDH' without authorisation. It has already registered a trademark in Nepal under the name 'MDH' without the consent of the Indian company.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Department of Industry has given official recognition to the trademark registered by the Nepali company as the Indian spice company has not registered the trademark in Nepal. If the Indian company wants to protect its trademark, it will now have to approach the Supreme Court. The precedent set by the Supreme Court recently provides an opportunity for the Indian company to get recognition for its trademark.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Kansai Nerolac, a well-known Japanese paints company, had won a lawsuit against the Department of Industry and the High Court in Nepal over a counterfeit trademark in accordance to the Supreme Court verdict.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The trademark of the Japanese company was used without any authorisation by a Nepali company Rukmini Chemicals. However, it was Shravan Kumar Goyal, proprietor of Rukmini Chemicals, who had instead lodged a complaint with the department alleging Kansai of trademark infringement. After the department ruled in Goyal's favor, Kansai filed the case at the Supreme Court.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As the case was prolonged for a long time, Kansai had produced and sold paints under the KNP Japan brand. After nearly three years of legal battle, it finally regained its official trademark after the Supreme Court ruled in its favour in February 2019.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Although Bhawani Spice Industry has made an exact copy of the Indian company, the law recognizes the first company that is registered in Nepal. Therefore, the department has ruled in favor of Bhawani Spice Industry," said Deepak Ghimire, head of the department's legal unit.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ghimire said that Bhawani Spice Industry has registered a trademark with the department but the genuine MDH is selling and distributing its priduct in the country without registering the trademark. So, it has decided to prevent the latter from engaging in any kind of sales and distribution.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, the department has ruled in favor of the Indian company in a case against an almond drink sold by the Indian company. Ghimire said that the Indian company registered the trademark with the department before the Nepali industry applied for the trademark.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"No one can distinguish between the Indian and Nepali product at a glance, so the consumers also need to be aware of the fake products,” he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Three kinds of 'Royal Stag in the market'</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Two different companies are selling an exact copy of 'Royal Stag', originially an Indian brand, in the Nepali market. The counterfeit products look similar to the Indian brand. The Indian company, which had been producing and selling Royal Stag in partnership with Himalayan Distillery for 16 years, stopped production five years ago. At present, Royal Stag is being produced, sold and distributed by Winner Liquor Industry in Jhapa.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">High Infringement cases </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the department the number of trademark infringements are increasing due to the irrelevance of the law formulated fifty six years ago. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ghimire said the provision of low penalties and fines is driving perpetrators to commit trademark theft. He also said it is not possible to differentiate between the fake and the genuine goods available in the Nepali market. By the time the company that produces genuine goods seeks legal actions, the counterfeit company would have already made a profit of ten folds.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Trademark infringement cases still fall under the laws formulated in 1965. The perpetrator has to pay fines of Rs 100,000 if found guilty. Back it 1965, Rs 100,000 was a huge amount which is not the same anymore. A draft to the amended the act has proposed a fine of up to Rs 1 million for such trademark infringement. Ghimire believes that trademark issues will be reduced soon after the new act is enforced. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">About 1000 trademark related cases have been registered with the department. In the last two years, the number of verdicts issued on such cases has declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14310', 'image' => '20211230023401_dddd.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 14:32:44', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14566', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Number of Foreign Tourists Increasing at Hanumandhoka ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: With the risk of Covid-19 subsiding, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which is listed in the World Heritage Site, has started increasing. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: With the risk of Covid-19 subsiding, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, which is listed in the World Heritage Site, has started increasing. The Hanumandhoka Durbar Square was opened for foreign tourists in July after the risk of coronavirus infection started declining. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 49 tourists, including 11 from South Asian countries and 38 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in July. Sundarkaji Thuyaju, an official of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square Conservation Program under the Kathmandu Metropolitan, informed that 101 tourists including 30 from South Asian countries and 71 from other countries visited the heritage site in August. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, in October, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square skyrocketed. A total of 621 tourists, including 149 from South Asian countries and 472 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in October. The number of foreign tourists in the Durbar Square increased three times in November compared to October. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 2,103 foreign tourists, including 585 from South Asian countries and 1,518 from other countries, visited the area in mid-November. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The number of tourists declined in mid-December due to the spread of a new variant of coronavirus, Omicron. A total of 1,873 tourists, including 653 from South Asian countries and 1,220 from other countries, visited the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in mid-December. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Thuyaju informed that Rs 150 is charged for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC nations while Rs 1,000 is charged for citizens of other countries. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the Fiscal Year 2075/2076, the government had collected a revenue of of Rs 187.2 million from tourists visiting the site. Due to the impact of coronavirus, only Rs 1.35 million was collected in FY 2077/2078. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As of mid-December of the current fiscal year, Rs 3.6 million has been raised. The office has set up six counters at Juddha Statue, Jhonche, Dashavatar temple, Simhasattal, Pyaphal and Makkhan Pashupati temples to issue tickets to foreign tourists. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14309', 'image' => '20211230124309_20210402113150_20190328044452_aaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 12:42:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14565', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Supreme Court Issues Interim Order not to Sack NTB CEO ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 30: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the decision to suspend Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Dhananjay Regmi.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 30: The Supreme Court has issued an interim order not to implement the decision to suspend Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO Dhananjay Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A single bench of Justice Deepak Kumar Karki issued the order not to implement Regmi's suspension immediately. Hearing a writ petition filed by Regmi on Wednesday, the Supreme Court summoned both the parties for further discussion on January 15. The apex court has ordered the government to submit a written clarification for taking action against Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A board meeting of NTB chaired by Maheshwor Neupane, secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, who is also the chairman of the board, had suspended Regmi for his alleged altercation with customs officials at the Tribhuvan International Airport a few weeks ago. Regmi, who was appointed as the CEO for a four-year term on January 29, 2019, was suspended by the board with two years left in his term. Before the suspension, a committee was formed upon the instruction of Tourism Minister Prem Kumar Ale to investigate into the allegations labeled against CEO Regmi.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CEO Regmi had allegedly assaulted the customs staffers working at the Tribhuvan International Airport under the influence of alcohol on his way back to Kathmandu from London. The incident had become viral on social media. CEO Regmi was asked to explain about the scuffle with the customs officials after he was now allowed to take home the liquor he had brought from the UK a month and a half ago. The probe committee headed by NTB vice-chairman Chandra Rijal found Regmi guilty and recommended the board for his suspension. Regmi was suspended on charges of abuse of authority, immorality, and financial irregularities.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, an separate investigation is underway into a complaint lodged against Regmi over financial irregularities. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Regmi is accused of paying bills for his office maintenance by misusing public procurement authority, operating a tourism project worth Rs 500 million by misusing his authority, and many other accusations relating to public procurement act. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-30', 'modified' => '2021-12-30', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14308', 'image' => '20211230122726_Supreme Court.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-30 12:26:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14564', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Mountainous Region Brings Normal Life to a Standstill ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Snowfall has occurred in many places in the mountainous region and high hill areas of the country since Sunday evening, affecting the normal life. ', 'content' => '<p><em>A village in Dolpa covered in a blanket of snow. (Below) Snow-covered Manang district. Photos: RSS</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: Snowfall has occurred in many places in the mountainous region and high hill areas of the country since Sunday evening, affecting the normal life. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Phungling in Taplejung district of Province no 1 states that heavy snowfall since Sunday evening has led to a sharp drop in mercury level in the mountainous district. Heavy snowfall occurred at Ghunsa and other areas in Phaktanglung rural municipality which is situated at an altitude of above 3,400 metres from the sea level. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Although moderate snowfall started occurring in Ghunsa area from the last week, heavy snowfall occurred since last night, affecting the normal life in the areas, said Pema Sherpa, a local. He said people have not been able to go outdoors due to the snowfall and accumulation of thick snow outside. According to Sherpa, children and the elderly people have been affected the most due to the freezing cold. </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""><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/NabinLamichhane_Manang_RSS_14.jpg" style="height:440px; width:800px" /> </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, most parts of Humla district in Karnali Province have received heavy snowfall, affecting life of the people, including in Simikot, the district headquarters. The district headquarters is blanketed by snow as it started snowing continuously since the morning today (December 29). It has been reported that two-feet thick snow has accumulated in the area, plunging the mercury to minus 12 degrees Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The northern belt of the district has received heavy snowfall while the southern belt is getting rainfall since the morning. Four feet snow has accumulated in Limi and Muchu settlements in Namkha Rural Municipality in the northern belt, said Chhapal Lama, a local of Muchu. The rivers and streams and water taps have frozen. The temperature in Muchu has dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius. </span> <br /> <strong><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Tribhuvan Highway obstructed due to snowfall </span></strong><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Makawanpur states that the vehicular movement in the Tribhuvan Highway in Makawanpur district has been obstructed due to snowfall since Tuesday night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snowfall that occurred last night led to obstruction of traffic movement in the Highway since today morning at 7, said Area Police Office, Palung's Inspector Shreeram Timalsina. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The traffic movement was halted to prevent road accidents as the roads could be slippery due to snowfall, added inspector Timalsina. Simbhanjyang and Aghor in Makawanpur district are receiving snowfall by the time this news report was prepared. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snow in the road would be cleared off once the weather starts improving, he said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A report from Dadeldhura said snowfall has occurred in the hill districts including Dadeldhura, Doti and Baitadi, and mountainous districts such as Darchula, Bajhanag and Bajura of the Sudurpaschim Province since last night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Vehicular movement along the Bhimdatta and Jayaprithvi highways has been obstructed due to the accumulation of snow at several sections of the highways. The Bhimdutta highway has been blocked by snow at Hagulte and Sahukharka area. Vehicles heading to various destinations have been stranded. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14307', 'image' => '20211229054850_HemantKC_Jajarkot_RSS_14__narku(2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 17:46:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14563', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurance Premium becoming a Major Source of Revenue for Government Hospitals', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Insurance premium is becoming the major source of revenue of Bharatpur Hospital. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: Insurance premium is becoming the major source of revenue of Bharatpur Hospital. The insurance scheme was started in this hospital four years back. Until now, the hospital has raised revenue of Rs 726.7 million through the insurance scheme. Moreover, Rs 40 million is yet to be collected.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Statistics show that insurance claims have been made 400,000 times since the implementation of the insurance scheme. The health insurance programme in the hospital is supervised by a separate department. According to Liladhar Poudel, who has been overseeing the settlement of claims of the insurance scheme, the health insurance programme was implemented at the hospital from 18 August, 2007. Initially the programme was launched as a social security programme but now it is overseen by the Health Insurance Board.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to him, Bharatpur Hospital is the third hospital in the country to treat patients through health insurance. After Noble and Lumbini Medical College, Bharatpur Hospital has been treating many insured patients. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Poudel, the hospital collected Rs 32.32 million as income from insurance in the first year when the scheme was launched.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The hospital earned Rs 166.67 million in the fiscal year 2075/76, Rs 209.357 million in fiscal year 2076/77, and only Rs 127.168 million in the last fiscal year 2077/78 year due to Covid-19 pandemic. Poudel has estimated that the hospital will earn more than Rs 250 million in the current fiscal year. Poudel stated that the hospital made claims of Rs 39.1 million last month with the Health Insurance Board.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Out of the total outpatients who came to Bharatpur Hospital on Sunday this week, 734 were insured. On Monday, the number of insured patients was 620 while the number of non-insurance ticket holders was only 327. Bharatpur Hospital receives almost twice the number of insured patients than other patients. Lately, the hospital has been making the insurance programme effective</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Prof Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel, medical superintendent of the hospital, said that the Health Insurance Board made payments of Rs 45.2 million in September, Rs 11 million in October, Rs 1.253 million in November and Rs 86.6 million in December.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He said that the hospital has been expanding its services so that the insurance policy holder patients do not have to go elsewhere. According to Poudel, the outpatient service starts from 8:30 am and the surgery service operates till 5 pm. “We are working to provide maximum facilities to the insurance policy holders even though we cannot give all the desired facilities due to lack of manpower and space,” said Poudel.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the past, when outpatient services were crowded and people had to wait for a long time for surgery, they were forced to take patients to other hospitals where insurance programmes were implemented. While the insurance programme is becoming effective, it is becoming the main source of income of the hospital as well.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Patients from Chitwan and East Nawalparasi come to Bharatpur Hospital to benefit from the insurance scheme. Since this hospital is the Central Hospital, patients from more than 20 districts including Chitwan come here for treatment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Most of the services provided through the health insurance programme are the services from outpatients’ departments. The board has stated that most of the facilities used by the patients from the insurance are for stomach medicines. The social security programme in Nepal started in 2015.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14306', 'image' => '20211229052438_740_1_55b7d6db-49f5-43c0-9f77-63559b9c4847.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 17:23:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14562', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Procedural Hassles Increasing Cost of Expanding Birgunj Dry Port and ICP', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: The cost of acquiring land in between Birgunj Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is increasing due to procedural hassles. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: The cost of acquiring land in between Birgunj Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) is increasing due to procedural hassles. The government has been spending billions of rupees on land acquisition and compensation due to the bureaucratic red tape. In 2015, the compensation for the land required for the dry port was estimated to be Rs 720 million initially which has now increased to over Rs 4 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has started the second phase of land acquisition to expand the Birgunj Dry Port and the ICP. The District Administration Office, Parsa has started distributing compensation for 62 bighas of land located between the Integrated Check Post (ICP) and the dry port starting from Tuesday, December 28. The government plans to increase the infrastructure by acquiring land between these two structures.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Umesh Kumar Dhakal, Chief District Officer of Parsa, said the second phase of compensation distribution has been started after the government released an additional budget of Rs 1 billion in the current fiscal year 2021/22. In the last fiscal year, the government had distributed Rs 1.5 billion rupees. Lal Bahadur Khatri, chief customs officer of the dry port, informed that compensation for 17 bighas of land has been paid to 52 local landowners. The Ministry of Finance had proposed land acquisition in 2015/16.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The project plan was implemented five years later, yet it has not been able to pick up pace. It has been seventeen years since the dry port came into operation and four years since import and export started from the Integrated Check Post. The government plans to merge these infrastructures. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs say that the plan to expand the infrastructure by acquiring the land in between the ICP and the dry port has not gained much momentum. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In 2015, the compensation for land was estimated to be around Rs 720 million. Due to the procedural delays the government is spending billions on compensation alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Khatri said that the amount released in the second phase will not be enough for compensation. The government needs to allocate funds again in the next year for the compensation. He said that efforts are being made to expedite the dry port expansion and distribution of compensation as soon as possible. Customs officials estimate it will still require Rs 3 billion for the compensation alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The proposal for land acquisition was stranded in the cabinet. The acquisition was delayed due to the indecisiveness of the Council of Ministers which started only after five years. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The cabinet decided to acquire the land only in November, last year. Only then did the port customs distributed compensation in the first phase.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the current estimate, it will cost more than Rs 5 billion rupees to acquire the land. The customs officials claim that this estimate covers the cost of land alone. When the valuation of houses and trees are added, the cost is expected to reach above Rs 7 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has classified the land into thirteen categories. Compensation ranging from Rs 2.4 million to Rs 6.5 million has been fixed. The compensation has been fixed for 919 plots west of the port, south of Padma Road and east of ICP Road. It includes private land, 64 houses, a primary school, health post, pond and land belonging to a guthi (trust).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The sale and purchase of land has been prevented after the compensation amount was fixed. Locals have been demanding immediate compensation for their land since the government has blocked its purchase and sale.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14305', 'image' => '20211229031826_20201230024130_1609284634.Clipboard08.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 15:17:41', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14561', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurers’ Association defends Insurance Board's Decision to Fix Minimum Rates for Insurance Premium', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Nepal Insurers Association has stated that the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance is in accordance with international practice.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 29: Nepal Insurers Association has stated that the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance is in accordance with international practice. The insurers made such remark in response to the private sector's protest against the newly-fixed minimum rate of non-tariff insurance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Issuing a press release on Tuesday, the association said that the minimum rate set for insurance was in line with international norms and practice. The association said that there is no need to protest as the minimum premium has been fixed considering the possible risks in Nepal. According to the association, the rates are fixed on the basis of risk assessment, possible premiums, potential losses and in accordance to the international practice. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Insurance Board had fixed the minimum rate for non-tariff insurance on September 22. Since then, the private sector has been protesting against the decision, arguing that insurance premium has become expensive. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This week, the Independent Power Producer Association of Nepal (IPPAN) and the Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN) met Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and demanded that the Insurance Board's directive be revoked. They have even warned to start protests if the directive is not revoked. In response, the Nepal Insurers Association stated that it is reasonable to specify a minimum rate for non-life insurance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Insurance companies had started insuring at very cheap rates to get business. The international reinsurance companies did not even agree to take the insurance done at such a cheap rate. The board had fixed the minimum rates for non-life insurance due to an increase in unhealthy competition that threatened the entire insurance sector. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14304', 'image' => '20211229024319_20200503041304_20191023114923_aaaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 14:42:31', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14560', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Lack of Necessary Procedures Delays Operation of Chobhar Dry Port', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: The government has delayed the operation of the recently-constructed Chobhar Dry Port.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">December 29: The government has delayed the operation of the recently-constructed Chobhar Dry Port. Although the dry port built in 220 ropanis of land in Chobhar is ready for operation, it is not yet functional. The dry port was built with an investment of Rs 1.60 billion. Although the government was preparing to hand over the operation of the dry port to the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, no decision has been taken so far in this regard.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Similarly, the modality of operation has not been finalized and the stakeholders are yet decide on how to bring goods from across the border to Chobhar.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Executive Director of Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, Ashish Gajurel, says that they are ready to operate the port if the government gives the nod. "We are ready to run it if given the responsibility," he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Commerce Secretary Dinesh Bhattarai said that the delay was due to the failure on part of the Department of Customs and the Ministry of Finance in preparing necessary procedures to operate the dry port.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">He said that all the preparations have been completed on their behalf. “The operation is on hold as the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Customs have not prepared a clear procedure in this regard. We are urged them to prepare the procedure quickly,” he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to Bhattarai, a decision will be taken soon. If the dry port comes into operation soon, traders will be able to bring goods directly to Kathmandu and this will reduce the cost of import. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Gajurel informed that there are three gates at the dry port, each exclusively slated for import, export and contingencies. The dry port also has three buildings (customs, quarantine and administrative), three large warehouses, structures for customs purposes, container and parking area. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">There is also a container yard that can hold 500 containers and 500 trucks. The Intermodal Transport Development Committee has stated that CCTV have also been installed in the parking lot while firefighters have been stationed there.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The foundation stone of the dry port which was laid by the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in January 2019 has been completed in about three years. Despite an agreement to complete the project in 18 months, the construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other reasons.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Once the dry port comes into operation, it is expected to maximize imports and facilitate export, decrease investment costs and simplify trade in general.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">It would also help reduce logistics costs. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Although dry ports are only set up in the districts sharing border with India and China, the dry port of Chobhar is the first in the inner district. Dry ports are in operation in Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Kakadvitta, and Tatopani, while one each in Rasuwa and Nepalgunj are also under construction.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14303', 'image' => '20211229124917_20211008020353_20210905105501_5fc6e0f9c43e3_Chobhar_dry_port (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 12:48:28', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14559', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Adverse Weather Affects TIA Flight Schedule, Mountaineering Sector also Affected', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => '', 'content' => '<p><em>This file photo taken from Facebook shows rainfall at TIA.</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: slight implications on the flight schedule at Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Low visibility caused by a thick mist in Kathmandu’s sky since Tuesday morning slightly affected the flights to and from TIA, according to TIA General Manager Bhola Prasad Guragain. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Only IFR flights towards the domestic service took place, RSS reported citing the TIA general manager. Although the adverse weather had affected the international flights in the morning, the flight schedule became regular in the afternoon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A flight by the Ethiopian Airlines from New Delhi of India was diverted. TIA measures visibility up to 3,000 meters. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Meteorological Forecasting Division, the country has been witnessing the impact of Westerly low pressure system. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division further said that the disturbance in weather has caused light drizzle in most of the parts of the country and snowfall in high hills and mountainous areas. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to RSS, the division has urged one and all to place necessary safety measures to protect oneself from the rising cold across the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division has cautioned that the Westerly disturbance is likely to affect mountaineering and aviation service as well as daily life and also called for all to adopt precautionary measures to stay safe from the effects of cold and snowfall. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Light to moderate rainfall is likely to take place in most of the places across the country with the weather likely to change in the afternoon. The high hills and mountainous regions are likely to receive light to moderate snowfall. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There are chances of light to moderate rainfall and light to moderate snowfall in most of the areas tonight. According to the latest update of the division, Kathmandu's minimum temperature was recorded at 3.56 degree and maximum 15.2 degree Celsius. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">--- </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14302', 'image' => '20211229120803_105455600_1001242890335489_7805524326125736768_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 12:07:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14558', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Chandragiri ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 29: Chandragiri hill, one of the prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, has witnessed snowfall this morning (December 29). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">December 29: Chandragiri hill, one of the prime tourist destinations on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, has witnessed snowfall this morning (December 29). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Snowfall occurred in Chandragiri hill this morning following light rainfall since last night. This is the first time snowfall capped the Chandragiri hill in the winter this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">General Manager of Chandragiri Hills Limited, Abhishek Bikram Shah, informed that inflow of tourists to the hill has increased to take joy of snowfall since this morning. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Snowfall has also occurred in high hills and mountainous regions of the country with the change in weather since the last few days. According to the Weather Forecasting and Meteorology Division, light drizzle took place in different parts of the country since last night. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kathmandu valley has witnessed a fall in mercury level with rainfall since last night. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-29', 'modified' => '2021-12-29', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14301', 'image' => '20211229114956_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-29 11:49:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14557', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government to Provide Land Revenue Services from Local Units ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: Most of the districts still have only one or two land revenue offices which are not easily accessible to citizens of remote areas.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: Most of the districts still have only one or two land revenue offices which are not easily accessible to citizens of remote areas.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As it takes 4/5 days to go to the land revenue office, people have not been able to get the services such as buying and selling of land, transfer of property ownership, property division and getting a copy of land ownership certificate.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The service seekers who benefitted from a seven-day mobile service run by the Land Revenue Office, Panchthar recently complained that it takes a lot of time and money to travel from their home to the land revenue office to get the service.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the Department of Land Management and Archive has recently made arrangements for the local municipalities to submit online documents and applications from the municipality for the works related to real estate, the service seekers are still obliged to the Land Revenue Office to get the work done.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to article 57 of the Constitution of Nepal 2072, the land and archive management shall be transferred to the state and local governments as per Schedule 6 of provincial jurisdiction and Schedule 8 of local level jurisdiction. However, since the government has not shown any priority in handing over the system, the local levels have started moving forward to provide real estate services to the citizens from the rural municipality.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Tumbewa, Miklajung, Kumbayak and Hilihang rural municipalities of Panchthar district in eastern Nepal, in collaboration with the Land Revenue Office, Panchthar, conducted a seven-day camp related to land management at the municipalities. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Baburam Pokharel, chief of the Land Revenue Officer, Panchthar, said that there is a need to provide services at the local level after observing the enthusiasm of the locals who come to the mobile service camp for getting service from their own village. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The chairpersons of the local municipalities have been pressing for running such service desks so that the service seekers can avail the services without visiting the rural municipality. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> “After the mobile service reached the village, the locals who could not go to the city were the first to seek the service. They are unable to come to the district headquarters for various reasons,” Pokhrel told New Business Age, “If such people benefit from having a service center at the local level and the state gets additional revenue, then there is no need to delay giving permission.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Pokharel said that the two municipalities would be allowed to run such desks as a pilot project and if successful, service centers could be set up at the local levels across the country. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Spokesperson of the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Janak Raj Joshi said that the ministry is positive about the request submitted by the locals. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Secretary at the Ministry Ganesh Pandey has also taken the request of the rural municipality positively. However, as he is out of the country, he has not been able to hold discussions with the experts,” said Joshi, “The decision will be made after discussions with legal and land administration experts.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Raj Kumar Maharjan, director of information technology at the land management department, said that their application was being taken positively as it was not technically impossible to provide this service and it was a matter envisaged by the constitution. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Hom Thapa, chairman of Tumbewa Rural Municipality, they will manage the expense and staff management themselves if the government gives permission to set up a service center. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14300', 'image' => '20211228060911_Logo_of_Nepal_(2020).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 18:08:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14556', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Cases of Banking Offense on the Rise', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: The number of banking offense cases has been increasing in Nepal in recent days, according to data obtained from Nepal Police.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: The number of banking offense cases has been increasing in Nepal in recent days, according to data obtained from Nepal Police.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Nepal Police, the number of such cases has increased by 105 percent in the first five months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year when 880 cases of banking offense were registered with the police.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Cases related to banking offense go to the court through Nepal Police. The government itself fights the case related to banking offense on behalf of the plaintiff, and such cases have been on the rise recently, according to police data. Such cases are usually decided by the high court.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">There was a slight decline in the number of banking offense cases in the last fiscal year (FY 2077/78). While 3,309 such cases were registered in the fiscal year 2076/77, such cases dropped to 2,373 in the last fiscal year 2077/78. However, the data of police show that the cases of banking fraud have started increasing again from the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Last year, the number of banking offense cases was reduced due to the lockdown and restriction imposed to control Covid-19. However, now that the situation is becoming normal again, the number of such cases is increasing.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the first five months of the current fiscal year, the number of cases like murder and attempt to murder as well as arms related incidents <strong>have decreased</strong>. Similarly, the growth rate of cases like drug smuggling, kidnapping and theft is below 50 percent. However, the growth rate of banking offense cases is more than 100 percent, according to the police data.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Spokesperson of Nepal Police SSP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar said that the number of cases related to banking malpractice has been increasing recently. He said that the number of cases has increased as the sphere of banking sector has increased. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to him, big business entities to a commoner are found to be involved in banking malpractice. “Most of the cases related to banking offense are related to check bounce,” said SSP Kunwar.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14299', 'image' => '20211228051428_maxresdefault.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 17:13:39', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14555', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '1-MW Dhalkebar Solar Project connected to National Grid', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'A one-megawatt solar project built by Api Power Company of Dhanusha has been connected to the national grid since Monday, December 27.', 'content' => '<p>December 28: <span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A one-megawatt solar project built by Api Power Company of Dhanusha has been connected to the national grid since Monday, December 27.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The solar project is based in Mithila Municipality-1 of Dhanusha district. The solar project has been connected to the Dhalkebar substation 2 km away via an 11-kV transmission line. The Nepal Electricity Authority will be buying the electricity produced by the project at a rate of Rs 7.30 per unit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company started generating electricity by placing 2,688 solar panels of 450 watts in an area spread over 4.5 bighas. It is a solar power project of the company which has come into operation with the objective of generating commercial electricity with private investment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">It is estimated that more than Rs 9 million has been invested in this project financed by Bank of Kathmandu as the sole investor of the project.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Guru Prasad Neupane, chairman of Api Power Company, has claimed that the power distribution system of Dhanusha will be improved after the solar power project is connected to the national transmission system. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company, which has been working in the field of power generation, has already constructed and brought 8.10 MW solar power project at Tilottama of Butwal, 8 MW at Parwanipur, 5 MW at Chandranigahapur of Rautahat and 1 MW at Simara into operation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The company had already completed the construction of 16 MW hydropower projects of Naugad and Upper Naugad in Darchula prior to this project.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Chairman of the company, Neupane informed that the 40 MW Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project under construction in Darchula will come into operation by January 2024.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14298', 'image' => '20211228020526_API_Solar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 14:04:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '14551', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Performance of Game Changer Projects Below Par', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 28: In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the expenditure of major national pride projects has been less than one percent suggesting sluggish progress. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">December 28: In the first six months of the current fiscal year, the expenditure of major national pride projects has been less than one percent suggesting sluggish progress. Many other projects have failed to make progress even on the modality of construction.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, the much-hyped Budhigandaki project received a budget of Rs 7.44 billion in the current fiscal year but has spent Rs 136.9 million only till date. Alhough the government is planning to build the project on its own, no concrete decision has been taken in this regard. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project was prepared by the French company Trackwell in 2015/16. It had estimated the cost of the project to be around Rs 259 billion, which has now increased to US$ 2.5 billion. The cost is increasing due to the delay in project construction.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The government has been collecting tax on petroleum products at the rate of Rs 5 per liter for the construction of the project. According to the Nepal Oil Corporation, Rs 69.94 billion has been collected so far in the last six years. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the progress of Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track is also poor. The government had allocated budget of Rss 8.81 billion this year, of which 253 million has been spent. The project inaugurated by the then PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal was expected to be completed in four years but it has not made any significant progress. The Nepalese Army, which had opened the fast track in 2012 has been awarded the contract of the project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Nepalese Army has completed 16 percent of the work in the last four years. Two Chinese companies have won contracts this year for the construction of tunnels and bridges along 72.5 km of roads, which is estimated to cost Rs 175 billion. There will be 71 bridges including 16 major bridges and other 87 smaller bridges. The army aims to complete the construction of the 11 km tunnel and bridge in the next three and a half years. The deadline of the project has been extended till 2024 and it has so far spent only Rs 25 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Expenditure of the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal, which includes national pride projects, also shows poor performance during the review period of the current Fiscal Year. According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, the project, which received a budget of Rs 8.5 billion in the current fiscal year, has spent only 0.22% of it. Delay in the ratification of the project has pushed it into uncertainty.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, the Bheri Babai Diversion Project, Babai Irrigation Project, Melamchi Water Supply Project and Sikta Irrigation Project have made development expenditures of four, five, six and seven percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Projects like Ranijamara, Mahakali Irrigation Project, Nijgadh and Pokhara Regional International Airports, Mid-Hills and North-South highways also have not made any significant progress in terms of capital expenditure. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Experts says though there is no high risks of COVID-19 like in the previous years, the poor performance of these projects show the government itself is not concerned about moving the projects forward. According to Surya Raj Acharya, infrastructure expert, the government is not interested in addressing the problems these projects are facing. "The state selects the projects recklessly and displays no interest in the development of those projects," he said. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-12-28', 'modified' => '2021-12-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '14297', 'image' => '20211228013928_20170616052456_fast track nov 21.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-12-28 13:38:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
