Industrial Sector Reeling Under Twelve Hours of Load Shedding

Apr 09, 2024 0 5 minutes 11 seconds to read

April 9: Aegis Plastics Pvt Ltd located in Budhiganga-4 of Morang had been employing its workers in two shifts, day and night.…

USAID Supports Private Sector-Led Development of 23 EV Charging Stations

Apr 09, 2024 0 4 minutes 33 seconds to read

April 9: USAID’s Urja Nepal inaugurated 23 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across seven locations in Bagmati Province, marking a significant step forward for Nepal’s EV ambitions under USAID’s Urja Nepal’s grants…

Tourist Police Receive 370 Complaints

Apr 09, 2024 0 1 minutes 37 seconds to read

April 9: Tourist police have received 370 complaints related to tourists so far since the beginning of the current fiscal…

Banks Struggling to Recover Bad Loans

Apr 09, 2024 0 3 minutes 11 seconds to read

April 9: The number of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal formed to recover bad loans of banks and financial institutions has more than doubled this…

Kathmandu Listed as World's Third Most Polluted City

Apr 09, 2024 0 5 minutes 23 seconds to read

April 9: Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and…

Arrival of Tourists Increasing in Pokhara ahead of Nepali New Year

Apr 09, 2024 0 1 minutes 43 seconds to read

April 9: The number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased in recent days.…

Price of Gold Sets New Record for Two Consecutive Days

Apr 08, 2024 0 1 minutes 16 seconds to read

April 8: The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market of Nepal on Monday, just a day after setting an all-time high…

Standard Chartered Bank Nepal inaugurates Dharan branch

Apr 08, 2024 0 2 minutes 1 seconds to read

April 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has inaugurated its Dharan branch at Mukumlung Complex, Ramailo Chowk. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the bank said that the branch operation commenced on April…

Government Starts Issuing Work Permit within an Hour

Apr 08, 2024 0 1 minutes 5 seconds to read

April 8: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the government has started providing labour permit within an hour to the workers opting foreign…

Committee to Solve the Problems of Troubled Cooperatives itself in Trouble

Apr 08, 2024 0 3 minutes 44 seconds to read

April 8: The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee, which was formed by the government to manage the cooperatives that land in trouble due to not being able to return the savings of the general public, is itself in…

House Panel Directs Government Agencies to Provide Tax Exemption to Flood-Affected Projects

Apr 08, 2024 0 3 minutes 5 seconds to read

April 8: The Finance Committee under the House of Representatives has instructed the concerned government agencies to give tax exemption on the import of machinery to be brought for the maintenance of some hydropower projects that were damaged by floods…

Army Plans to Collect 10 Tonnes of Trash from Mt Everest

Apr 08, 2024 0 1 minutes 21 seconds to read

April 8: The Nepalese Army is planning to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Mountain Campaign-2024 this…

Govt to Retract Bill to Amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act 2076

Apr 08, 2024 0 1 minutes 47 seconds to read

April 8: The government has decided to retract the bill designed to amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076 which was registered in the federal parliament…

Fin Min Pledges to Clarify with Reasons if there is Adjustments in Tax Rates in Budget

Apr 07, 2024 0 2 minutes 52 seconds to read

April 7: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has vowed to maintain transparency while determining the rate of revenues in the budget statement for the next fiscal year…

NEPSE Records Surge of 22.75 Points to Close at 2026.81

Apr 07, 2024 0 1 minutes 13 seconds to read

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced significant growth, with its index climbing by 22.75 points, or 1.13%, ultimately closing at 2026.81 on the first trading day of the week on…

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No Laughing Matter

The Sweet Rewards of Power

By Madan Lamsal

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			'title' => 'Industrial Sector Reeling Under Twelve Hours of Load Shedding',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Aegis Plastics Pvt Ltd located in Budhiganga-4 of Morang had been employing its workers in two shifts, day and night. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">April 9: Aegis Plastics Pvt Ltd located in Budhiganga-4 of Morang had been employing its workers in two shifts, day and night. The company, which has been running the industry for 22 hours a day, has not been able to employ workers regularly due to hours-long power outages for the past few days.<br />
&quot;Unannounced load shedding is happening 12 hours a day now,&quot; Ankit Khadgi, the owner of the industry, told New Business Age, adding, &quot;Due to this, I had to lay off 20 workers.&quot;<br />
According to him, load shedding has started increasing since last week.&nbsp;<br />
India recently renewed the electricity trade agreement with Nepal on condition to provide electricity from the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) only during the day time. After renewing the contract for three months, India is supplying electricity to Nepal only from 6 am to 6 pm. The Nepal Electricity Authority also informed that India renewed the agreement to provide only 554 MW. Earlier, NEA could import up to 600 MW electricity from India round the clock and as per the requirement.<br />
Since India stopped providing electricity after 6 pm, the NEA is finding it difficult to manage electricity during the peak hours. According to the authority, the current peak hour electricity demand is more than 1,800 megawatts. However, currently only 1000 megawatts are being produced from the electricity projects operating in the country.&nbsp;<br />
Although electricity is produced in full capacity during the rainy season, the hydropower projects based on river flow produce only one-third of the capacity in winter. As a result, Nepal, which can export surplus electricity in the rainy season, has to rely on India to meet its domestic demand in the winter.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">As India did not provide electricity in the evening, the NEA cut the power supply to the industrial sector.&nbsp;<br />
&quot;The industrial sector had been facing power cuts for 8 hours a day, including four hours in the morning and four hours in the evening. After India stopped providing electricity at night, the NEA has started load shedding for four more hours in the afternoon and at night,&quot; said Rakesh Surana, president of the Industry Association of Morang.<br />
Although the NEA has not declared load shedding, it has halted power supply to the major industrial areas of the Terai. The NEA insists that it has not been able to supply electricity as per the demand due to the lack of transmission lines that can carry more electricity.<br />
According to industrialists, as the authority has not given a definite schedule of load shedding, there has been confusion as to when to operate the industry and when not to operate. &quot;Due to the problem of lights going out while the factory machines are running, the industries have been bearing huge losses,&quot; said Surana.<br />
Surana, who runs a plastic industry in the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor, said that once the light goes off, all the plastic in the machine gets damaged. &quot;It takes up to 4 hours to reheat the machine,&quot; he said.<br />
Khadgi has also been experiencing the same problem.&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;When the light goes out while the machine is running, you have to throw away all the plastic in it. It takes 40 minutes to heat up the machine again if the light goes off for 10 minutes. When the machine heats up, there is a fear that the light will go out again. How can we run an industry in such a situation?&rdquo; complained Khadgi, adding, &ldquo;It would have been better if they had made public the schedule of how long the lights go.&rdquo;<br />
The Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor employs 67,944 workers. According to industrialists, load shedding has started to increase not only in Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor but also in other industrial corridors.<br />
Even in the Bara-Parsa industrial corridor, power cuts have started since the onset of winter. After India did not provide electricity at night, the industries here had to face more power cuts. The industrial city of Birgunj also falls in this industrial corridor.<br />
Anil Agarwal, President of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce, complained that they face long hours of power cut.<br />
&quot;Until a few days ago, there used to be load shedding for 8 hours daily in Birgunj industrial area. Now, there is load shedding for 4 more hours,&quot; Agarwal said.<br />
He said that the production capacity of all industries including cement, steel and plastic in Birgunj area has decreased by 70 to 75 percent and load shedding has played a major role in this. Industrial production has also decreased due to lack of demand in the market. According to the data released recently by the National Statistics Office, it is estimated that the growth rate of the productive sector in the second quarter of the current fiscal year was negative by 0.4 percent.<br />
&ldquo;The NEA gives more priority to household consumers than industry for electricity supply. Therefore, the NEA has requested the businessmen not to operate their industries during the peak hours,&rdquo; Agarwal said.&nbsp;<br />
NEA Spokesperson Chandan Kumar Ghosh said that power distribution in some industrial areas may become more challenging from next week. However, as the water level in the river has started to rise, Ghosh believes that the industries will not have to face the problem for a long time.<br />
A week ago, it rained in different parts of the country. Also, due to the melting of snow, the water level in the rivers has increased. The NEA has confirmed that the electricity generation from the run-of-the-river project has increased. Based on this, the officials of the authority have estimated that the current problem will not last long.<br />
Apart from Kulekhani, there is no reservoir-based hydropower project in operation in the country. The three projects in Kulekhani have a capacity of 106 MW. The contribution of other energy sources including solar is also negligible. In such a situation, the NEA has taken a strategy to increase the production of any type of electricity project and also to increase the production of solar energy.</span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20685',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'USAID Supports Private Sector-Led Development of 23 EV Charging Stations',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: USAID’s Urja Nepal inaugurated 23 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across seven locations in Bagmati Province, marking a significant step forward for Nepal’s EV ambitions under USAID’s Urja Nepal’s grants program. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal inaugurated 23 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across seven locations in Bagmati Province, marking a significant step forward for Nepal&rsquo;s EV ambitions under USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal&rsquo;s grants program.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">This initiative aligns with the Government of Nepal (GoN)&rsquo;s determined target of increasing EV sales to cover 90 percent of all private vehicles and 60 percent of all public vehicles by 2030 to lessen the nation&#39;s reliance on fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable transportation sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;USAID Nepal&rsquo;s commitment and support to promoting electric mobility is second to none and it perfectly aligns with the government&rsquo;s vision of energy transition to achieve net zero target,&rdquo; said Sandip Kumar Dev, joint secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. &ldquo;These business models of leveraging the private sector to scale up EV infrastructure will enable Nepal to accelerate its energy transition goal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;This grant initiative of USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal has been a tremendous support to Nepal Electricity Authority as it has directly contributed towards our goal to have more and more charging stations in near future and address the key constraints for massive adoption of EVs,&rdquo; said Kulman Ghising, managing director at Nepal Electricity Authority. &ldquo;And I would like to request other development partners to have contributions like this.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The shift towards EVs is expected to bring numerous&nbsp;advantages to Nepal. In addition to the estimated 100,000 metric tons of CO2 offset, these charging stations aim to cut down on fossil fuel imports, which significantly impact the country&#39;s trade deficit. Additionally, this move will boost domestic electricity usage, aligning with the GoN&rsquo;s goals.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;These charging stations are just the tip of the iceberg in Nepal&#39;s energy transition and USAID Nepal is proud to continue to partner with the Government of Nepal and our local partners for the improved future of Nepal and all its people,&rdquo; said Karen Welch, the acting mission director of USAID Nepal.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">At the heart of this launch event, the USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal activity emphasized its role in encouraging private sector innovation within Nepal&#39;s growing EV charging infrastructure. Through its grant program, Urja Nepal provided $346,315 to Yatri Design Studio and E.Stop Private Limited. This funding complements the $185,000 in-kind and financial support from the companies themselves, aiding them in developing innovative business strategies for the EV market. With USAID&rsquo;s support, the program aims to help private businesses find effective business models to encourage the use of commercial and passenger electric vehicles by increasing the number of charging stations nationwide.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">For instance, companies like Yatri and E.Stop plan to introduce subscription services or add extra amenities to their charging stations as part of their business plans. These approaches are meant to generate more income and improve the financial stability of their operations.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Beyond financial support for establishing the charging network, the grant recipients will undertake capacity-building and public awareness efforts. These include playing educational videos at charging stations, conducting focus groups, offering maintenance training workshops targeting women and minorities, and running marketing campaigns to encourage more drivers to switch to EVs.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ashim Pandey, the founder of Yatri Design Studio, expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting its crucial role in advancing their mission towards a sustainable energy ecosystem and facilitating Nepal&#39;s transition to clean mobility. &ldquo;The support was paramount to catalyze the pilot program, strengthen our team, and help us validate our assumptions,&rdquo; he said.</span></span></span></p>
',
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-09 15:14:40',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20684',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Tourist Police Receive 370 Complaints   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Tourist police have received 370 complaints related to tourists so far since the beginning of the current fiscal year.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: Tourist police have received 370 complaints related to tourists so far since the beginning of the current fiscal year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Of them, 273 are related to the loss of goods, 49 related with theft, 11 related with cheating, five related with looting, 17 related with misbehavior, two related with attack, two related with accident, one related with threating, four related with missing people, one related with misconduct and one related with kidnaping, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Deputy Inspector General, Bhim Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for the Nepal Police, shared that a total of 79 complaints were filed in the fiscal year 2077/78, 180 in fiscal year 2078/79 and 532 in fiscal year 2079/80. He added that most of the cases were related to the loss of documents and goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tourist police unit was formed to address the problems and complaints of tourists, to make their stay in Nepal safe and to promote tourism development, said Chief of Tourist Police Office, Bhrikutimandap, Narendra Kunwar.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Tourist police provide necessary information and support to tourists, make regular patrolling at tourism areas as well as arrest those found involved in indecent and illegal activities at tourism areas and hand them over to the concerned offices for the action, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A tourist can dial the hotline no 1144 if they face any problem. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'id' => '20683',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Banks Struggling to Recover Bad Loans',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: The number of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal formed to recover bad loans of banks and financial institutions has more than doubled this year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: The number of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal formed to recover bad loans of banks and financial institutions has more than doubled this year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With banks encountering difficulties in loan recovery amidst a decline in economic activities, the number of cases filed with the tribunal has also begun to rise.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Banks can register a case at the tribunal if they are unable to recover the loan even from the mortgage auction. Information officer of the tribunal, Devendra Dhakal, said that the number of cases has increased as there is no condition to recover the loan from the mortgage due to the fall in real estate prices along with the economic recession.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As of mid-March of the current fiscal year (FY), banks and financial institutions have registered 342 cases at the tribunal. During the corresponding period last year, only 162 cases were registered. It shows that the number of cases has doubled this year. A total of 200 cases were registered at the tribunal last year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With the increase in bad loans, banks and financial institutions are currently focused on debt recovery. However, the number of cases in the tribunal is increasing due to the non-recovery of loan from the mortgage. According to the tribunal, the highest number of cases in a single month in the current year was registered in the Nepali month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February) with a total of 66 cases registered in the review month. The tribunal said that 49 cases were filed in mid-February to mid-March.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the financial statements banks of the second quarter of the current fiscal year, the average bad loan ratio of banks and financial institutions has reached 3.73 percent. Data of Nepal Rastra Bank shows that the bad loans of commercial banks stand at 3.63 percent while that of development banks and finance companies are 3.61 percent and 9.61 percent respectively.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The International Monetary Fund has approved loans for Nepal on the condition that the credit status of 10 big banks will be audited by an international organization. Nepal Rastra Bank has also invited tenders for the auditing by international organisations.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although the number of cases in the tribunal is increasing, the situation of debt recovery is weak. By mid-March, the number of cases in the tribunal reached 676, including 334 backlog cases of last year. As of mid-March, the tribunal has settled only 251 cases. There are still 425 cases to be decided.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">So far, the tribunal has recovered Rs 34.91 billion of bad debts of banks. As of mid-March of the current fiscal year, the debt recovery stands at Rs 644.4 million.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tribunal was established in 2060 BS in accordance with the Bank and Financial Institutions Debt Recovery Act 2058 to facilitate debt recovery. Banks and financial institutions can register a case at the tribunal if the principal amount is over 500,000. There is a provision to file a case within four years if the loan cannot be recovered despite the banks&#39; efforts.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20682',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Kathmandu Listed as World's Third Most Polluted City',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. Air quality has deteriorated significantly, with Kathmandu ranking as the third most polluted city globally on Monday afternoon, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 165.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It was measured 158 in Khumaltar, 175 around the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and 120 in the Ratnapark area and these measurements are highly concerning given public health.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to environmental activist Rajan Thapa, an AQI above 100 poses a severe risk to human health.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An AQI value of 50 is considered good for public health, from 51-100 moderate, 100-150 unhealthy and it is highly hazardous if measured at 150-200.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Typically, Nepal experiences approximately 2,500 incidents of wildfires annually, with a majority (80 percent) occurring between the last week of February and the last week of May. The period from mid-March to mid-May is particularly vulnerable, accounting for 60 percent of reported cases of forest fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is needed, he asserted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Promoting the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles can significantly mitigate air pollution, according to Thapa.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;However, meteorologist Barun Paudel warns that the upcoming week is unlikely to see rainfall, posing challenges in containing forest fires. A potential heat wave could exacerbate dry conditions, further increasing the risk of wildfires.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Wildfire expert Sundar Sharma said that the surge in forest fires has worsened air quality in major towns like Kathmandu. Wildfire smoke poses serious health risks, including eye problems. According to the United States-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Nepal reported forest fires at 130 locations across the country on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Sharma shared about a concerning trend of increasing environmental dryness in Nepal, with a notable rise in forest fires over the past three days. &quot;Control measures for forest fires are required to tackle air pollution,&quot; he asserted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Spokesperson of the Forests and Environment Ministry, Badri Raj Dhungana, said lack of state&#39;s adequate investment, awareness and inter-body coordination for the improvement of air quality are the reasons behind such problems.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He underlined, &quot;Air pollution is increasing in lack of provision of environmental impact assessment in course of constructing different projects, lack of effective implementation of rules related to garbage management and environmental standard.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Dhungana pointed out the need of forwarding publicity activities to control forest fire is necessary as pollution is increasing due to forest fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chest specialist, Dr Niraj Bam, said air pollution has been posing short-term and long-term health problems on humans.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Respiratory diseases, common cold and cough, asthma, lung cancer, high blood pressure, paralysis and heart attack are also caused by air pollution.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">People suffering from such health problems should be alert during the air pollution, he mentioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chest Specialist Bam urged one and all to limit themselves inside the house if possible during pollution hour, to use mask compulsorily if it is urgent to go out and avoid early morning walk as the air is more polluted in the morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An AQI of more than 300 is considered as a disaster. In order to prevent this disaster, it has been mentioned in the Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS not to burn garbage, to increase the use of brooms and vacuums to clean the roads, and to issue public notices to children, senior citizens and patients to take special precautions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, in the National Environment Policy, 2076 BS, it is mentioned that national standards related to prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electricity, magnetic waves, radioactive radiation, hazardous chemical pollution will be prepared and implemented in order to reduce pollution.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the strategy, air, water and sound quality will be mapped by establishing and operating quality measurement centers in areas at risk of pollution including major cities and industrial establishments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It is mentioned in the policy that environment-friendly technology will be implemented to manage polluted smoke, dust, and water emitted from industries and other businesses sectors. -- RSS</span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20681',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists Increasing in Pokhara ahead of Nepali New Year  ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: The number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased in recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: The number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased in recent days. As the eve of Nepali New Year is just around the corner, domestic and foreign tourists are thronging the lake city which was recently declared as the tourism capital. With it, tourism business and other activities in Pokhara have started regaining momentum. Tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic with the progress in tourists&#39; activities in the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Lakshman Subedi, president of Pokhara Hotel Association, said that the number of guests in hotels here has reached by 50 percent of late. &quot;The occupancy of hotels reaches 60 percent on Fridays and Saturdays,&quot; he said, adding, &quot;We expect it to reach 90 percent during the New Year.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The occupancy of hotels in Pokhara was limited to less than ten percent in December to January, which is considered as the &#39;off season&#39; for tourism. Subedi further expects that the number of tourists to increase as the &#39;19th Phewa New Year Festival&#39; is being organized at Lakeside targeting the New Year 2081 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Subedi said that a 30 percent discount has been arranged for hotels during the festival. According to him, the hotel in Pokhara has the capacity to accommodate 40,000 tourists daily. &quot;Currently, there are only 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists in Pokhara on a daily basis,&quot; he said, &quot;To fill more than 1,200 hotels here, 40,000 tourists should visit Pokhara every day.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;Basically, hotel entrepreneurs have expressed joy at the resurgence of tourism after a long time. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-09 09:29:21',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20678',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Price of Gold Sets New Record for Two Consecutive Days',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market of Nepal on Monday, just a day after setting an all-time high record.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market of Nepal on Monday, just a day after setting an all-time high record.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&#39; Association, the price of hallmark (fine) gold has been fixed at Rs 136,200 per tola. It was traded for Rs 135,600 per tola on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, standard (worked) gold is being traded at Rs 135,550 per tola on Monday against Rs 134,950 on Sunday. Likewise, the federation has determined the price of silver at Rs 1,685 per tola. It was traded Rs 1,670 on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The price of gold has been rising steadily in the past few weeks. The federation fixes the price of gold and silver based on the price in the international market.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The recent geopolitical tension due to the Israel&rsquo;s offensive in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war have led to investors to invest in gold considering it as a safe haven in times of turmoil.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '20405',
			'image' => '20240408083140_20240407074212_20240404123101_20240403013353_gold newwww.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 20:31:17',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20677',
			'article_category_id' => '218',
			'title' => 'Standard Chartered Bank Nepal inaugurates Dharan branch',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has inaugurated its Dharan branch at Mukumlung Complex, Ramailo Chowk. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the bank said that the branch operation commenced on April 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has inaugurated its Dharan branch at Mukumlung Complex, Ramailo Chowk. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the bank said that the branch operation commenced on April 7.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the SCB, the branch offers new interactive forms of banking with enhanced personal and customer-focused experiences along with complementary mobile banking and digital marketing products. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The bank said it has also adopted latest designs as per the global standards of Standard Chartered Bank that allows for new ways of working for the staff.&nbsp;The bank added that the branch has ample space for parking and ATM facilities along with dedicated spaces for Priority Banking customers including meeting rooms and waiting lounges.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The branch was jointly inaugurated by Indra Chamlagai Mainali, director Nepal Rastra Bank, Biratnagar Office, Major (Retired) Man B Gurung,&nbsp;head of the Veteran Services, British Gurkhas Nepal and Gorkah Rana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The DCEO mentioned &ldquo;We are happy to inaugurate our branch in Dharan which is a rapidly growing market. We have plans to further strengthen our presence and customer reach in other parts of the country as well. Standard Chartered Bank&rsquo;s purpose in Nepal also is to drive commerce and prosperity and contribute to the country&rsquo;s long term economic growth.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Niwesh Shrestha, the branch manager of Dharan and his staff welcomed the new and existing customers to the newly inaugurated 1800 square foot branch.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20676',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => ' Government Starts Issuing Work Permit within an Hour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the government has started providing labour permit within an hour to the workers opting foreign employment.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the government has started providing labour permit within an hour to the workers opting foreign employment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In a press conference held here Sunday, Minister Aryal shared that one could now get the labour permit on his mobile phone within an hour after uploading the required documents and details through online technology during office hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to him, Tahachal-based Foreign Employment Office worked actively to realize the plan of ensuring worker&#39;s access to labour permit in a short time. He appreciated honesty and complete support of the employees in this regard.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The minister, however, informed that the permit delivery could prolong in case of pending document, duplicity or suspicious submission of documents. Computer software has been upgraded for the new scheme, he added. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20675',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Committee to Solve the Problems of Troubled Cooperatives itself in Trouble',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee, which was formed by the government to manage the cooperatives that land in trouble due to not being able to return the savings of the general public, is itself in disarray.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee, which was formed by the government to manage the cooperatives that land in trouble due to not being able to return the savings of the general public, is itself in disarray.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The committee has seen four of its chairmen replaced in six years since its inception.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">During this period, the government has declared 20 cooperatives as problematic and assigned responsibility to the committee to manage the assets and liabilities of those cooperatives. But so far, the committee has not been able to settle the arrears of even a single cooperative.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In 15 out of 20 cases, the depositors have staked claims of Rs 6.74 billion. The committee said that they are collecting the details of other five cooperatives which have been declared problematic recently. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tenure of Kashiraj Dahal, who was appointed the chairman of the committee two years ago, ended on Friday. Since then, the work of the committee has come to a standstill after the tenure of two officials, Keshavraj Acharya and DB Basnet, also expired. There are seven officials in the committee.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Cooperative Act 2074 has a provision for the Problematic Cooperative Management Committee to investigate the assets of problematic cooperatives and settle their liabilities. According to the provisions of the Act, the federal government had formed the committee on January 13, 2018</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the suggestion given by the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission formed by the government to study the problematic cooperatives, the provision of the committee was included in the Act. The government also gave the responsibility to lead the committee as its first chairman to Karki. However, due to the change of the government and election code of conduct, he was ousted from the committee within five months.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Yuvraj Subedi, who became the chairman after Karki, resigned although nine months of his term was left after the government appointed him as the chairman of the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons. The subsequent presidents Kumar Prasad Pokharel and Dahal led the committee during their two-year tenure respectively. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Karki, who became the first chairman of the committee, says that the committee has not been able to work effectively because the appropriate person was not given the responsibility. &quot;The problematic Cooperative Management Committee has become only a place to recruit workers of political parties,&quot; he said, &quot;You can&#39;t hunt tigers wearing a fox&#39;s coat.&quot; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the Department of Cooperatives also monitors the cooperatives but does not take timely action.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The department shows interest only after the depositors stage protest on the streets.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has declared eight cooperatives as problematic in the current fiscal year. So far, the committee has not been able to completely settle the liabilities of any such organizations. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The committee has been saying that the work has been delayed due to limited resources. While presenting the committee&#39;s annual report for the last year, it also demanded vehicles, computers, laptops and manpower to the then Cooperative Minister Ranjita Shrestha. Although the committee demanded to increase the number of employees to 50 and 15 policemen under the command of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) for peace and security, it has not been fulfilled. At present, 18 employees including office assistant, driver and two policemen are working in the committee.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20674',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'House Panel Directs Government Agencies to Provide Tax Exemption  to Flood-Affected Projects',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Finance Committee under the House of Representatives has instructed the concerned government agencies to give tax exemption on the import of machinery to be brought for the maintenance of some hydropower projects that were damaged by floods during.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">April 8: The Finance Committee under the House of Representatives has instructed the concerned government agencies to give tax exemption on the import of machinery to be brought for the maintenance of some hydropower projects that were damaged by floods during the last monsoon season and to provide re-financing and loan rescheduling facilities for those projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the decision taken by the committee meeting on April 4, the committee sent separate letters to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal Rastra Bank and Securities Board of Nepal on April 5 and directed them to send the details of the implementation of the directive to the committee within </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">7</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> days.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The energy producers who suffered losses due to the natural calamity have been complaining that they have not received relief for a long time and they have not even received customs exemptions for the import of spare parts required for maintenance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the letter sent to the ministries and other government agencies, the committee has instructed them to provide relief to the under-construction and operating hydropower projects damaged due to incessant rainfall, floods and landslides from June 14 to 17.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal, IPPAN, the umbrella organization of private sector energy producers, said that </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">30</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> projects in the eastern region of the country suffered losses of more than Rs </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">8.5</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> billion due to the monsoon-induced disaster.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the letter sent to the Ministry of Finance, it has been asked to make arrangements to import necessary spare parts and equipment for the maintenance of the affected projects with a </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">1</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> percent customs duty and full exemption on value added tax. Likewise, the Ministry of Finance and the central bank have been asked to arrange re-financing facility as well as rescheduling of the interest on the loans of the affected projects according to the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy dated December 19.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Likewise, the Ministry of Finance and the SEBON have been instructed to amend the regulations as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy regarding the lock-in period of promoter shares in the case of affected projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'sortorder' => '20401',
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 11:49:37',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20673',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Army Plans to Collect 10 Tonnes of Trash from Mt Everest',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Nepalese Army is planning to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Mountain Campaign-2024 this year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The Nepalese Army is planning to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Mountain Campaign-2024 this year. The army plans to collect 10 tonnes of waste and as many as five dead bodies from the mountains, the army informed the media in news conference on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The army said that trained personnel will collect trash from the Base Camp up to Camp Four on Mt Everest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Director of the Clean Mountain Campaign, Brigadier General Sanjaya Deuja said that 12 trained army personnel will be mobilized for this campaign. Of them, 10 will be mobilize above the Base Camp while two will coordinate from Namche.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, 18 Sherpas will be mobilized for facilitating in the waste collection, the army said. The leader of the campaign, Major Aditya Karki said the waste would be collected up to a height of 8,000 metres on Mt Everest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The waste collection drive would commence from April 11 and will run for 50 days. The campaign will conclude on June 5, 2024 on the day of the World Environment Day. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '20400',
			'image' => '20240408110214_RS_KTM_RSS_25_1712478547488.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 11:01:31',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20671',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt to Retract Bill to Amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act 2076   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The government has decided to retract the bill designed to amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076 which was registered in the federal parliament secretariat.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The government has decided to retract the bill designed to amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076 which was registered in the federal parliament secretariat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, informed media persons on Sunday while sharing the Cabinet decision made in this regard on April 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the government decided to form a dialogue team under the leadership of Joint Secretary of the Finance Ministry to finalize an agreement draft on receiving grants worth Rs 9.45 billion from the International Agriculture Development Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, government is creating two special posts for DIG of Nepal Police under technical category.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister Sharma shared that the meeting decided to grant permission to use three hectares of national forest to build garbage collection, management and processing centre for Narayan Municipality of Dailekh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, the meeting decided to retract Nepal Drinking Water Corporations Regulations-2080 to the concerned ministry and to approve Mega Project Implementation Monitoring and Facilitation Directive, 2080.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As per the cabinet decision, government will approve the model format of the bilateral investment agreement between the Government of Nepal and other countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister Sharma further shared that the cabinet meeting approved the resignation tendered by Central Statistic Office&#39;s Secretary Toyam Raya and Forest Research Group&#39;s Joint-Secretary Sabitri Aryal. -- RSS&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20669',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Fin Min Pledges to Clarify with Reasons if there is Adjustments in Tax Rates in Budget',
			'sub_title' => 'Finance Minister in favor of backing Birgunj as the financial capital of Nepal',
			'summary' => 'April 7: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has vowed to maintain transparency while determining the rate of revenues in the budget statement for the next fiscal year 2024/25.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">April 7: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has vowed to maintain transparency while determining the rate of revenues in the budget statement for the next fiscal year 2024/25.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Addressing an interaction programme on &#39;revenue consultations and budget preparation&#39; organized by the Ministry of Finance and the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday, he said since increasing and decreasing the tax rates through the budget statement courted controversy in the previous years, clarifications with reasons for the fluctuation in the tax rate would be included in the upcoming fiscal year&#39;s budget statement.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Finance Minister Pun also expressed the commitment that he would not change the tax or revenue rates to benefit a particular person or industry. &quot;We are preparing to carry out works so that there is no controversy in the tax rates this year. We will clearly determine our threshold and work accordingly,&quot; he added.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">He assured of his facilitation in establishing Birgunj as a &#39;financial hub&#39; as demanded by the industrialists and businesspersons of Birgunj. He reiterated the federal government&#39;s support in developing Birgunj as an industrial city.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">&quot;Pokhara has been recently declared as the tourism capital. The prime minister himself attended the declaration programme organized under the leadership of the local level of Pokhara and the Gandaki Province, and announced Pokhara as the tourism capital. The demand of the industrialists and businesspersons of Birgunj to declare it as a &#39;financial hub&#39; is extremely positive. The federal government shall support if the Birgunj Metropolitan City and the Madhes Province propose the same,&quot; the Finance Minister said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">He described Birgunj as an industrial city as well as the financial capital, stating that they would take initiatives to develop Birgunj as a special economic zone in this context.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">According to him, the government will move ahead as per the desire and aspirations of the people.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Calling upon the politicians, the business community, civil society and bureaucrats to work hand in hand and contribute from their respective places for the country&#39;s development and prosperity, he reiterated that the government shall bring forth policy for protecting the industrial sector. --RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20668',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEPSE Records Surge of 22.75 Points to Close at 2026.81',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced significant growth, with its index climbing by 22.75 points, or 1.13%, ultimately closing at 2026.81 on the first trading day of the week on Sunday. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">April 7:&nbsp; The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced significant growth, with its index climbing by 22.75 points, or 1.13%, ultimately closing at 2026.81 on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Throughout today&rsquo;s trading session, a total of 311 scrips were traded via 64,221 transactions on the NEPSE, amounting to a turnover of Rs 4.25 billion, with 11,210,102 shares changing hands.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited Promoter Share (NRICP) dominated the transaction activity, accounting for a total turnover of Rs 95 crores. Four scrips&mdash;Nepal Finance Limited (NFS), Pokhara Finance Limited (PFL), Janaki Finance Limited (JFL), and Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL)&mdash;each witnessed a 10% increase and hit the positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Conversely, Taragaon Regency Hotel Limited (TRH) incurred losses, dropping by 10% and hitting the negative circuit for the day, closing at Rs 792 per share. In terms of sector indices, all sector indices closed in the green territory except Trading Index and Hotels and Tourism index. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Finance Index saw the maximum gain at 5.95%, while Hotels and Tourism Index suffered the highest loss at 0.08%. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20686',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Industrial Sector Reeling Under Twelve Hours of Load Shedding',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Aegis Plastics Pvt Ltd located in Budhiganga-4 of Morang had been employing its workers in two shifts, day and night. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">April 9: Aegis Plastics Pvt Ltd located in Budhiganga-4 of Morang had been employing its workers in two shifts, day and night. The company, which has been running the industry for 22 hours a day, has not been able to employ workers regularly due to hours-long power outages for the past few days.<br />
&quot;Unannounced load shedding is happening 12 hours a day now,&quot; Ankit Khadgi, the owner of the industry, told New Business Age, adding, &quot;Due to this, I had to lay off 20 workers.&quot;<br />
According to him, load shedding has started increasing since last week.&nbsp;<br />
India recently renewed the electricity trade agreement with Nepal on condition to provide electricity from the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) only during the day time. After renewing the contract for three months, India is supplying electricity to Nepal only from 6 am to 6 pm. The Nepal Electricity Authority also informed that India renewed the agreement to provide only 554 MW. Earlier, NEA could import up to 600 MW electricity from India round the clock and as per the requirement.<br />
Since India stopped providing electricity after 6 pm, the NEA is finding it difficult to manage electricity during the peak hours. According to the authority, the current peak hour electricity demand is more than 1,800 megawatts. However, currently only 1000 megawatts are being produced from the electricity projects operating in the country.&nbsp;<br />
Although electricity is produced in full capacity during the rainy season, the hydropower projects based on river flow produce only one-third of the capacity in winter. As a result, Nepal, which can export surplus electricity in the rainy season, has to rely on India to meet its domestic demand in the winter.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">As India did not provide electricity in the evening, the NEA cut the power supply to the industrial sector.&nbsp;<br />
&quot;The industrial sector had been facing power cuts for 8 hours a day, including four hours in the morning and four hours in the evening. After India stopped providing electricity at night, the NEA has started load shedding for four more hours in the afternoon and at night,&quot; said Rakesh Surana, president of the Industry Association of Morang.<br />
Although the NEA has not declared load shedding, it has halted power supply to the major industrial areas of the Terai. The NEA insists that it has not been able to supply electricity as per the demand due to the lack of transmission lines that can carry more electricity.<br />
According to industrialists, as the authority has not given a definite schedule of load shedding, there has been confusion as to when to operate the industry and when not to operate. &quot;Due to the problem of lights going out while the factory machines are running, the industries have been bearing huge losses,&quot; said Surana.<br />
Surana, who runs a plastic industry in the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor, said that once the light goes off, all the plastic in the machine gets damaged. &quot;It takes up to 4 hours to reheat the machine,&quot; he said.<br />
Khadgi has also been experiencing the same problem.&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;When the light goes out while the machine is running, you have to throw away all the plastic in it. It takes 40 minutes to heat up the machine again if the light goes off for 10 minutes. When the machine heats up, there is a fear that the light will go out again. How can we run an industry in such a situation?&rdquo; complained Khadgi, adding, &ldquo;It would have been better if they had made public the schedule of how long the lights go.&rdquo;<br />
The Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor employs 67,944 workers. According to industrialists, load shedding has started to increase not only in Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor but also in other industrial corridors.<br />
Even in the Bara-Parsa industrial corridor, power cuts have started since the onset of winter. After India did not provide electricity at night, the industries here had to face more power cuts. The industrial city of Birgunj also falls in this industrial corridor.<br />
Anil Agarwal, President of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce, complained that they face long hours of power cut.<br />
&quot;Until a few days ago, there used to be load shedding for 8 hours daily in Birgunj industrial area. Now, there is load shedding for 4 more hours,&quot; Agarwal said.<br />
He said that the production capacity of all industries including cement, steel and plastic in Birgunj area has decreased by 70 to 75 percent and load shedding has played a major role in this. Industrial production has also decreased due to lack of demand in the market. According to the data released recently by the National Statistics Office, it is estimated that the growth rate of the productive sector in the second quarter of the current fiscal year was negative by 0.4 percent.<br />
&ldquo;The NEA gives more priority to household consumers than industry for electricity supply. Therefore, the NEA has requested the businessmen not to operate their industries during the peak hours,&rdquo; Agarwal said.&nbsp;<br />
NEA Spokesperson Chandan Kumar Ghosh said that power distribution in some industrial areas may become more challenging from next week. However, as the water level in the river has started to rise, Ghosh believes that the industries will not have to face the problem for a long time.<br />
A week ago, it rained in different parts of the country. Also, due to the melting of snow, the water level in the rivers has increased. The NEA has confirmed that the electricity generation from the run-of-the-river project has increased. Based on this, the officials of the authority have estimated that the current problem will not last long.<br />
Apart from Kulekhani, there is no reservoir-based hydropower project in operation in the country. The three projects in Kulekhani have a capacity of 106 MW. The contribution of other energy sources including solar is also negligible. In such a situation, the NEA has taken a strategy to increase the production of any type of electricity project and also to increase the production of solar energy.</span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20685',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'USAID Supports Private Sector-Led Development of 23 EV Charging Stations',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: USAID’s Urja Nepal inaugurated 23 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across seven locations in Bagmati Province, marking a significant step forward for Nepal’s EV ambitions under USAID’s Urja Nepal’s grants program. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal inaugurated 23 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across seven locations in Bagmati Province, marking a significant step forward for Nepal&rsquo;s EV ambitions under USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal&rsquo;s grants program.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">This initiative aligns with the Government of Nepal (GoN)&rsquo;s determined target of increasing EV sales to cover 90 percent of all private vehicles and 60 percent of all public vehicles by 2030 to lessen the nation&#39;s reliance on fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable transportation sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;USAID Nepal&rsquo;s commitment and support to promoting electric mobility is second to none and it perfectly aligns with the government&rsquo;s vision of energy transition to achieve net zero target,&rdquo; said Sandip Kumar Dev, joint secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. &ldquo;These business models of leveraging the private sector to scale up EV infrastructure will enable Nepal to accelerate its energy transition goal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;This grant initiative of USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal has been a tremendous support to Nepal Electricity Authority as it has directly contributed towards our goal to have more and more charging stations in near future and address the key constraints for massive adoption of EVs,&rdquo; said Kulman Ghising, managing director at Nepal Electricity Authority. &ldquo;And I would like to request other development partners to have contributions like this.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The shift towards EVs is expected to bring numerous&nbsp;advantages to Nepal. In addition to the estimated 100,000 metric tons of CO2 offset, these charging stations aim to cut down on fossil fuel imports, which significantly impact the country&#39;s trade deficit. Additionally, this move will boost domestic electricity usage, aligning with the GoN&rsquo;s goals.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;These charging stations are just the tip of the iceberg in Nepal&#39;s energy transition and USAID Nepal is proud to continue to partner with the Government of Nepal and our local partners for the improved future of Nepal and all its people,&rdquo; said Karen Welch, the acting mission director of USAID Nepal.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">At the heart of this launch event, the USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal activity emphasized its role in encouraging private sector innovation within Nepal&#39;s growing EV charging infrastructure. Through its grant program, Urja Nepal provided $346,315 to Yatri Design Studio and E.Stop Private Limited. This funding complements the $185,000 in-kind and financial support from the companies themselves, aiding them in developing innovative business strategies for the EV market. With USAID&rsquo;s support, the program aims to help private businesses find effective business models to encourage the use of commercial and passenger electric vehicles by increasing the number of charging stations nationwide.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">For instance, companies like Yatri and E.Stop plan to introduce subscription services or add extra amenities to their charging stations as part of their business plans. These approaches are meant to generate more income and improve the financial stability of their operations.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Beyond financial support for establishing the charging network, the grant recipients will undertake capacity-building and public awareness efforts. These include playing educational videos at charging stations, conducting focus groups, offering maintenance training workshops targeting women and minorities, and running marketing campaigns to encourage more drivers to switch to EVs.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ashim Pandey, the founder of Yatri Design Studio, expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting its crucial role in advancing their mission towards a sustainable energy ecosystem and facilitating Nepal&#39;s transition to clean mobility. &ldquo;The support was paramount to catalyze the pilot program, strengthen our team, and help us validate our assumptions,&rdquo; he said.</span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20684',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Tourist Police Receive 370 Complaints   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Tourist police have received 370 complaints related to tourists so far since the beginning of the current fiscal year.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: Tourist police have received 370 complaints related to tourists so far since the beginning of the current fiscal year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Of them, 273 are related to the loss of goods, 49 related with theft, 11 related with cheating, five related with looting, 17 related with misbehavior, two related with attack, two related with accident, one related with threating, four related with missing people, one related with misconduct and one related with kidnaping, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Deputy Inspector General, Bhim Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for the Nepal Police, shared that a total of 79 complaints were filed in the fiscal year 2077/78, 180 in fiscal year 2078/79 and 532 in fiscal year 2079/80. He added that most of the cases were related to the loss of documents and goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tourist police unit was formed to address the problems and complaints of tourists, to make their stay in Nepal safe and to promote tourism development, said Chief of Tourist Police Office, Bhrikutimandap, Narendra Kunwar.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Tourist police provide necessary information and support to tourists, make regular patrolling at tourism areas as well as arrest those found involved in indecent and illegal activities at tourism areas and hand them over to the concerned offices for the action, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A tourist can dial the hotline no 1144 if they face any problem. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'image' => '20240409103540_tourist-police.jpg',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20683',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Banks Struggling to Recover Bad Loans',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: The number of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal formed to recover bad loans of banks and financial institutions has more than doubled this year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: The number of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal formed to recover bad loans of banks and financial institutions has more than doubled this year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With banks encountering difficulties in loan recovery amidst a decline in economic activities, the number of cases filed with the tribunal has also begun to rise.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Banks can register a case at the tribunal if they are unable to recover the loan even from the mortgage auction. Information officer of the tribunal, Devendra Dhakal, said that the number of cases has increased as there is no condition to recover the loan from the mortgage due to the fall in real estate prices along with the economic recession.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As of mid-March of the current fiscal year (FY), banks and financial institutions have registered 342 cases at the tribunal. During the corresponding period last year, only 162 cases were registered. It shows that the number of cases has doubled this year. A total of 200 cases were registered at the tribunal last year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With the increase in bad loans, banks and financial institutions are currently focused on debt recovery. However, the number of cases in the tribunal is increasing due to the non-recovery of loan from the mortgage. According to the tribunal, the highest number of cases in a single month in the current year was registered in the Nepali month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February) with a total of 66 cases registered in the review month. The tribunal said that 49 cases were filed in mid-February to mid-March.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the financial statements banks of the second quarter of the current fiscal year, the average bad loan ratio of banks and financial institutions has reached 3.73 percent. Data of Nepal Rastra Bank shows that the bad loans of commercial banks stand at 3.63 percent while that of development banks and finance companies are 3.61 percent and 9.61 percent respectively.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The International Monetary Fund has approved loans for Nepal on the condition that the credit status of 10 big banks will be audited by an international organization. Nepal Rastra Bank has also invited tenders for the auditing by international organisations.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although the number of cases in the tribunal is increasing, the situation of debt recovery is weak. By mid-March, the number of cases in the tribunal reached 676, including 334 backlog cases of last year. As of mid-March, the tribunal has settled only 251 cases. There are still 425 cases to be decided.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">So far, the tribunal has recovered Rs 34.91 billion of bad debts of banks. As of mid-March of the current fiscal year, the debt recovery stands at Rs 644.4 million.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tribunal was established in 2060 BS in accordance with the Bank and Financial Institutions Debt Recovery Act 2058 to facilitate debt recovery. Banks and financial institutions can register a case at the tribunal if the principal amount is over 500,000. There is a provision to file a case within four years if the loan cannot be recovered despite the banks&#39; efforts.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20682',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Kathmandu Listed as World's Third Most Polluted City',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. Air quality has deteriorated significantly, with Kathmandu ranking as the third most polluted city globally on Monday afternoon, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 165.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It was measured 158 in Khumaltar, 175 around the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and 120 in the Ratnapark area and these measurements are highly concerning given public health.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to environmental activist Rajan Thapa, an AQI above 100 poses a severe risk to human health.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An AQI value of 50 is considered good for public health, from 51-100 moderate, 100-150 unhealthy and it is highly hazardous if measured at 150-200.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Typically, Nepal experiences approximately 2,500 incidents of wildfires annually, with a majority (80 percent) occurring between the last week of February and the last week of May. The period from mid-March to mid-May is particularly vulnerable, accounting for 60 percent of reported cases of forest fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is needed, he asserted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Promoting the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles can significantly mitigate air pollution, according to Thapa.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;However, meteorologist Barun Paudel warns that the upcoming week is unlikely to see rainfall, posing challenges in containing forest fires. A potential heat wave could exacerbate dry conditions, further increasing the risk of wildfires.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Wildfire expert Sundar Sharma said that the surge in forest fires has worsened air quality in major towns like Kathmandu. Wildfire smoke poses serious health risks, including eye problems. According to the United States-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Nepal reported forest fires at 130 locations across the country on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Sharma shared about a concerning trend of increasing environmental dryness in Nepal, with a notable rise in forest fires over the past three days. &quot;Control measures for forest fires are required to tackle air pollution,&quot; he asserted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Spokesperson of the Forests and Environment Ministry, Badri Raj Dhungana, said lack of state&#39;s adequate investment, awareness and inter-body coordination for the improvement of air quality are the reasons behind such problems.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He underlined, &quot;Air pollution is increasing in lack of provision of environmental impact assessment in course of constructing different projects, lack of effective implementation of rules related to garbage management and environmental standard.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Dhungana pointed out the need of forwarding publicity activities to control forest fire is necessary as pollution is increasing due to forest fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chest specialist, Dr Niraj Bam, said air pollution has been posing short-term and long-term health problems on humans.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Respiratory diseases, common cold and cough, asthma, lung cancer, high blood pressure, paralysis and heart attack are also caused by air pollution.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">People suffering from such health problems should be alert during the air pollution, he mentioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chest Specialist Bam urged one and all to limit themselves inside the house if possible during pollution hour, to use mask compulsorily if it is urgent to go out and avoid early morning walk as the air is more polluted in the morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An AQI of more than 300 is considered as a disaster. In order to prevent this disaster, it has been mentioned in the Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS not to burn garbage, to increase the use of brooms and vacuums to clean the roads, and to issue public notices to children, senior citizens and patients to take special precautions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, in the National Environment Policy, 2076 BS, it is mentioned that national standards related to prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electricity, magnetic waves, radioactive radiation, hazardous chemical pollution will be prepared and implemented in order to reduce pollution.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the strategy, air, water and sound quality will be mapped by establishing and operating quality measurement centers in areas at risk of pollution including major cities and industrial establishments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It is mentioned in the policy that environment-friendly technology will be implemented to manage polluted smoke, dust, and water emitted from industries and other businesses sectors. -- RSS</span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20681',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists Increasing in Pokhara ahead of Nepali New Year  ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: The number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased in recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: The number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased in recent days. As the eve of Nepali New Year is just around the corner, domestic and foreign tourists are thronging the lake city which was recently declared as the tourism capital. With it, tourism business and other activities in Pokhara have started regaining momentum. Tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic with the progress in tourists&#39; activities in the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Lakshman Subedi, president of Pokhara Hotel Association, said that the number of guests in hotels here has reached by 50 percent of late. &quot;The occupancy of hotels reaches 60 percent on Fridays and Saturdays,&quot; he said, adding, &quot;We expect it to reach 90 percent during the New Year.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The occupancy of hotels in Pokhara was limited to less than ten percent in December to January, which is considered as the &#39;off season&#39; for tourism. Subedi further expects that the number of tourists to increase as the &#39;19th Phewa New Year Festival&#39; is being organized at Lakeside targeting the New Year 2081 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Subedi said that a 30 percent discount has been arranged for hotels during the festival. According to him, the hotel in Pokhara has the capacity to accommodate 40,000 tourists daily. &quot;Currently, there are only 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists in Pokhara on a daily basis,&quot; he said, &quot;To fill more than 1,200 hotels here, 40,000 tourists should visit Pokhara every day.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;Basically, hotel entrepreneurs have expressed joy at the resurgence of tourism after a long time. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20678',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Price of Gold Sets New Record for Two Consecutive Days',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market of Nepal on Monday, just a day after setting an all-time high record.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market of Nepal on Monday, just a day after setting an all-time high record.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&#39; Association, the price of hallmark (fine) gold has been fixed at Rs 136,200 per tola. It was traded for Rs 135,600 per tola on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, standard (worked) gold is being traded at Rs 135,550 per tola on Monday against Rs 134,950 on Sunday. Likewise, the federation has determined the price of silver at Rs 1,685 per tola. It was traded Rs 1,670 on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The price of gold has been rising steadily in the past few weeks. The federation fixes the price of gold and silver based on the price in the international market.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The recent geopolitical tension due to the Israel&rsquo;s offensive in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war have led to investors to invest in gold considering it as a safe haven in times of turmoil.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20677',
			'article_category_id' => '218',
			'title' => 'Standard Chartered Bank Nepal inaugurates Dharan branch',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has inaugurated its Dharan branch at Mukumlung Complex, Ramailo Chowk. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the bank said that the branch operation commenced on April 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has inaugurated its Dharan branch at Mukumlung Complex, Ramailo Chowk. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the bank said that the branch operation commenced on April 7.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the SCB, the branch offers new interactive forms of banking with enhanced personal and customer-focused experiences along with complementary mobile banking and digital marketing products. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The bank said it has also adopted latest designs as per the global standards of Standard Chartered Bank that allows for new ways of working for the staff.&nbsp;The bank added that the branch has ample space for parking and ATM facilities along with dedicated spaces for Priority Banking customers including meeting rooms and waiting lounges.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The branch was jointly inaugurated by Indra Chamlagai Mainali, director Nepal Rastra Bank, Biratnagar Office, Major (Retired) Man B Gurung,&nbsp;head of the Veteran Services, British Gurkhas Nepal and Gorkah Rana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The DCEO mentioned &ldquo;We are happy to inaugurate our branch in Dharan which is a rapidly growing market. We have plans to further strengthen our presence and customer reach in other parts of the country as well. Standard Chartered Bank&rsquo;s purpose in Nepal also is to drive commerce and prosperity and contribute to the country&rsquo;s long term economic growth.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Niwesh Shrestha, the branch manager of Dharan and his staff welcomed the new and existing customers to the newly inaugurated 1800 square foot branch.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '20404',
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 18:50:53',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20676',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => ' Government Starts Issuing Work Permit within an Hour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the government has started providing labour permit within an hour to the workers opting foreign employment.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the government has started providing labour permit within an hour to the workers opting foreign employment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In a press conference held here Sunday, Minister Aryal shared that one could now get the labour permit on his mobile phone within an hour after uploading the required documents and details through online technology during office hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to him, Tahachal-based Foreign Employment Office worked actively to realize the plan of ensuring worker&#39;s access to labour permit in a short time. He appreciated honesty and complete support of the employees in this regard.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The minister, however, informed that the permit delivery could prolong in case of pending document, duplicity or suspicious submission of documents. Computer software has been upgraded for the new scheme, he added. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '20403',
			'image' => '20240408123051_20230503112934_1683079796.abhiyan (10).jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 12:30:17',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20675',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Committee to Solve the Problems of Troubled Cooperatives itself in Trouble',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee, which was formed by the government to manage the cooperatives that land in trouble due to not being able to return the savings of the general public, is itself in disarray.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee, which was formed by the government to manage the cooperatives that land in trouble due to not being able to return the savings of the general public, is itself in disarray.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The committee has seen four of its chairmen replaced in six years since its inception.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">During this period, the government has declared 20 cooperatives as problematic and assigned responsibility to the committee to manage the assets and liabilities of those cooperatives. But so far, the committee has not been able to settle the arrears of even a single cooperative.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In 15 out of 20 cases, the depositors have staked claims of Rs 6.74 billion. The committee said that they are collecting the details of other five cooperatives which have been declared problematic recently. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tenure of Kashiraj Dahal, who was appointed the chairman of the committee two years ago, ended on Friday. Since then, the work of the committee has come to a standstill after the tenure of two officials, Keshavraj Acharya and DB Basnet, also expired. There are seven officials in the committee.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Cooperative Act 2074 has a provision for the Problematic Cooperative Management Committee to investigate the assets of problematic cooperatives and settle their liabilities. According to the provisions of the Act, the federal government had formed the committee on January 13, 2018</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the suggestion given by the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission formed by the government to study the problematic cooperatives, the provision of the committee was included in the Act. The government also gave the responsibility to lead the committee as its first chairman to Karki. However, due to the change of the government and election code of conduct, he was ousted from the committee within five months.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Yuvraj Subedi, who became the chairman after Karki, resigned although nine months of his term was left after the government appointed him as the chairman of the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons. The subsequent presidents Kumar Prasad Pokharel and Dahal led the committee during their two-year tenure respectively. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Karki, who became the first chairman of the committee, says that the committee has not been able to work effectively because the appropriate person was not given the responsibility. &quot;The problematic Cooperative Management Committee has become only a place to recruit workers of political parties,&quot; he said, &quot;You can&#39;t hunt tigers wearing a fox&#39;s coat.&quot; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the Department of Cooperatives also monitors the cooperatives but does not take timely action.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The department shows interest only after the depositors stage protest on the streets.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has declared eight cooperatives as problematic in the current fiscal year. So far, the committee has not been able to completely settle the liabilities of any such organizations. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The committee has been saying that the work has been delayed due to limited resources. While presenting the committee&#39;s annual report for the last year, it also demanded vehicles, computers, laptops and manpower to the then Cooperative Minister Ranjita Shrestha. Although the committee demanded to increase the number of employees to 50 and 15 policemen under the command of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) for peace and security, it has not been fulfilled. At present, 18 employees including office assistant, driver and two policemen are working in the committee.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'description' => '',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20674',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'House Panel Directs Government Agencies to Provide Tax Exemption  to Flood-Affected Projects',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Finance Committee under the House of Representatives has instructed the concerned government agencies to give tax exemption on the import of machinery to be brought for the maintenance of some hydropower projects that were damaged by floods during.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">April 8: The Finance Committee under the House of Representatives has instructed the concerned government agencies to give tax exemption on the import of machinery to be brought for the maintenance of some hydropower projects that were damaged by floods during the last monsoon season and to provide re-financing and loan rescheduling facilities for those projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the decision taken by the committee meeting on April 4, the committee sent separate letters to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal Rastra Bank and Securities Board of Nepal on April 5 and directed them to send the details of the implementation of the directive to the committee within </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">7</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> days.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The energy producers who suffered losses due to the natural calamity have been complaining that they have not received relief for a long time and they have not even received customs exemptions for the import of spare parts required for maintenance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the letter sent to the ministries and other government agencies, the committee has instructed them to provide relief to the under-construction and operating hydropower projects damaged due to incessant rainfall, floods and landslides from June 14 to 17.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal, IPPAN, the umbrella organization of private sector energy producers, said that </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">30</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> projects in the eastern region of the country suffered losses of more than Rs </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">8.5</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> billion due to the monsoon-induced disaster.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the letter sent to the Ministry of Finance, it has been asked to make arrangements to import necessary spare parts and equipment for the maintenance of the affected projects with a </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">1</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> percent customs duty and full exemption on value added tax. Likewise, the Ministry of Finance and the central bank have been asked to arrange re-financing facility as well as rescheduling of the interest on the loans of the affected projects according to the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy dated December 19.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Likewise, the Ministry of Finance and the SEBON have been instructed to amend the regulations as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy regarding the lock-in period of promoter shares in the case of affected projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'modified' => '2024-04-08',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '20401',
			'image' => '20240408115047_Hewa_Flood.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 11:49:37',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20673',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Army Plans to Collect 10 Tonnes of Trash from Mt Everest',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Nepalese Army is planning to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Mountain Campaign-2024 this year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The Nepalese Army is planning to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Mountain Campaign-2024 this year. The army plans to collect 10 tonnes of waste and as many as five dead bodies from the mountains, the army informed the media in news conference on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The army said that trained personnel will collect trash from the Base Camp up to Camp Four on Mt Everest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Director of the Clean Mountain Campaign, Brigadier General Sanjaya Deuja said that 12 trained army personnel will be mobilized for this campaign. Of them, 10 will be mobilize above the Base Camp while two will coordinate from Namche.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, 18 Sherpas will be mobilized for facilitating in the waste collection, the army said. The leader of the campaign, Major Aditya Karki said the waste would be collected up to a height of 8,000 metres on Mt Everest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The waste collection drive would commence from April 11 and will run for 50 days. The campaign will conclude on June 5, 2024 on the day of the World Environment Day. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '20400',
			'image' => '20240408110214_RS_KTM_RSS_25_1712478547488.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 11:01:31',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20671',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt to Retract Bill to Amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act 2076   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The government has decided to retract the bill designed to amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076 which was registered in the federal parliament secretariat.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The government has decided to retract the bill designed to amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076 which was registered in the federal parliament secretariat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, informed media persons on Sunday while sharing the Cabinet decision made in this regard on April 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the government decided to form a dialogue team under the leadership of Joint Secretary of the Finance Ministry to finalize an agreement draft on receiving grants worth Rs 9.45 billion from the International Agriculture Development Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, government is creating two special posts for DIG of Nepal Police under technical category.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister Sharma shared that the meeting decided to grant permission to use three hectares of national forest to build garbage collection, management and processing centre for Narayan Municipality of Dailekh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, the meeting decided to retract Nepal Drinking Water Corporations Regulations-2080 to the concerned ministry and to approve Mega Project Implementation Monitoring and Facilitation Directive, 2080.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As per the cabinet decision, government will approve the model format of the bilateral investment agreement between the Government of Nepal and other countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister Sharma further shared that the cabinet meeting approved the resignation tendered by Central Statistic Office&#39;s Secretary Toyam Raya and Forest Research Group&#39;s Joint-Secretary Sabitri Aryal. -- RSS&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '20398',
			'image' => '20240408093926_20240115115317_pm.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 09:38:47',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20669',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Fin Min Pledges to Clarify with Reasons if there is Adjustments in Tax Rates in Budget',
			'sub_title' => 'Finance Minister in favor of backing Birgunj as the financial capital of Nepal',
			'summary' => 'April 7: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has vowed to maintain transparency while determining the rate of revenues in the budget statement for the next fiscal year 2024/25.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">April 7: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has vowed to maintain transparency while determining the rate of revenues in the budget statement for the next fiscal year 2024/25.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Addressing an interaction programme on &#39;revenue consultations and budget preparation&#39; organized by the Ministry of Finance and the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday, he said since increasing and decreasing the tax rates through the budget statement courted controversy in the previous years, clarifications with reasons for the fluctuation in the tax rate would be included in the upcoming fiscal year&#39;s budget statement.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Finance Minister Pun also expressed the commitment that he would not change the tax or revenue rates to benefit a particular person or industry. &quot;We are preparing to carry out works so that there is no controversy in the tax rates this year. We will clearly determine our threshold and work accordingly,&quot; he added.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">He assured of his facilitation in establishing Birgunj as a &#39;financial hub&#39; as demanded by the industrialists and businesspersons of Birgunj. He reiterated the federal government&#39;s support in developing Birgunj as an industrial city.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">&quot;Pokhara has been recently declared as the tourism capital. The prime minister himself attended the declaration programme organized under the leadership of the local level of Pokhara and the Gandaki Province, and announced Pokhara as the tourism capital. The demand of the industrialists and businesspersons of Birgunj to declare it as a &#39;financial hub&#39; is extremely positive. The federal government shall support if the Birgunj Metropolitan City and the Madhes Province propose the same,&quot; the Finance Minister said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">He described Birgunj as an industrial city as well as the financial capital, stating that they would take initiatives to develop Birgunj as a special economic zone in this context.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">According to him, the government will move ahead as per the desire and aspirations of the people.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Calling upon the politicians, the business community, civil society and bureaucrats to work hand in hand and contribute from their respective places for the country&#39;s development and prosperity, he reiterated that the government shall bring forth policy for protecting the industrial sector. --RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '20397',
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-07 19:32:18',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20668',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEPSE Records Surge of 22.75 Points to Close at 2026.81',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced significant growth, with its index climbing by 22.75 points, or 1.13%, ultimately closing at 2026.81 on the first trading day of the week on Sunday. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">April 7:&nbsp; The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced significant growth, with its index climbing by 22.75 points, or 1.13%, ultimately closing at 2026.81 on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Throughout today&rsquo;s trading session, a total of 311 scrips were traded via 64,221 transactions on the NEPSE, amounting to a turnover of Rs 4.25 billion, with 11,210,102 shares changing hands.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited Promoter Share (NRICP) dominated the transaction activity, accounting for a total turnover of Rs 95 crores. Four scrips&mdash;Nepal Finance Limited (NFS), Pokhara Finance Limited (PFL), Janaki Finance Limited (JFL), and Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL)&mdash;each witnessed a 10% increase and hit the positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Conversely, Taragaon Regency Hotel Limited (TRH) incurred losses, dropping by 10% and hitting the negative circuit for the day, closing at Rs 792 per share. In terms of sector indices, all sector indices closed in the green territory except Trading Index and Hotels and Tourism index. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Finance Index saw the maximum gain at 5.95%, while Hotels and Tourism Index suffered the highest loss at 0.08%. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20686',
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			'title' => 'Industrial Sector Reeling Under Twelve Hours of Load Shedding',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Aegis Plastics Pvt Ltd located in Budhiganga-4 of Morang had been employing its workers in two shifts, day and night. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">April 9: Aegis Plastics Pvt Ltd located in Budhiganga-4 of Morang had been employing its workers in two shifts, day and night. The company, which has been running the industry for 22 hours a day, has not been able to employ workers regularly due to hours-long power outages for the past few days.<br />
&quot;Unannounced load shedding is happening 12 hours a day now,&quot; Ankit Khadgi, the owner of the industry, told New Business Age, adding, &quot;Due to this, I had to lay off 20 workers.&quot;<br />
According to him, load shedding has started increasing since last week.&nbsp;<br />
India recently renewed the electricity trade agreement with Nepal on condition to provide electricity from the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) only during the day time. After renewing the contract for three months, India is supplying electricity to Nepal only from 6 am to 6 pm. The Nepal Electricity Authority also informed that India renewed the agreement to provide only 554 MW. Earlier, NEA could import up to 600 MW electricity from India round the clock and as per the requirement.<br />
Since India stopped providing electricity after 6 pm, the NEA is finding it difficult to manage electricity during the peak hours. According to the authority, the current peak hour electricity demand is more than 1,800 megawatts. However, currently only 1000 megawatts are being produced from the electricity projects operating in the country.&nbsp;<br />
Although electricity is produced in full capacity during the rainy season, the hydropower projects based on river flow produce only one-third of the capacity in winter. As a result, Nepal, which can export surplus electricity in the rainy season, has to rely on India to meet its domestic demand in the winter.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">As India did not provide electricity in the evening, the NEA cut the power supply to the industrial sector.&nbsp;<br />
&quot;The industrial sector had been facing power cuts for 8 hours a day, including four hours in the morning and four hours in the evening. After India stopped providing electricity at night, the NEA has started load shedding for four more hours in the afternoon and at night,&quot; said Rakesh Surana, president of the Industry Association of Morang.<br />
Although the NEA has not declared load shedding, it has halted power supply to the major industrial areas of the Terai. The NEA insists that it has not been able to supply electricity as per the demand due to the lack of transmission lines that can carry more electricity.<br />
According to industrialists, as the authority has not given a definite schedule of load shedding, there has been confusion as to when to operate the industry and when not to operate. &quot;Due to the problem of lights going out while the factory machines are running, the industries have been bearing huge losses,&quot; said Surana.<br />
Surana, who runs a plastic industry in the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor, said that once the light goes off, all the plastic in the machine gets damaged. &quot;It takes up to 4 hours to reheat the machine,&quot; he said.<br />
Khadgi has also been experiencing the same problem.&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;When the light goes out while the machine is running, you have to throw away all the plastic in it. It takes 40 minutes to heat up the machine again if the light goes off for 10 minutes. When the machine heats up, there is a fear that the light will go out again. How can we run an industry in such a situation?&rdquo; complained Khadgi, adding, &ldquo;It would have been better if they had made public the schedule of how long the lights go.&rdquo;<br />
The Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor employs 67,944 workers. According to industrialists, load shedding has started to increase not only in Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor but also in other industrial corridors.<br />
Even in the Bara-Parsa industrial corridor, power cuts have started since the onset of winter. After India did not provide electricity at night, the industries here had to face more power cuts. The industrial city of Birgunj also falls in this industrial corridor.<br />
Anil Agarwal, President of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce, complained that they face long hours of power cut.<br />
&quot;Until a few days ago, there used to be load shedding for 8 hours daily in Birgunj industrial area. Now, there is load shedding for 4 more hours,&quot; Agarwal said.<br />
He said that the production capacity of all industries including cement, steel and plastic in Birgunj area has decreased by 70 to 75 percent and load shedding has played a major role in this. Industrial production has also decreased due to lack of demand in the market. According to the data released recently by the National Statistics Office, it is estimated that the growth rate of the productive sector in the second quarter of the current fiscal year was negative by 0.4 percent.<br />
&ldquo;The NEA gives more priority to household consumers than industry for electricity supply. Therefore, the NEA has requested the businessmen not to operate their industries during the peak hours,&rdquo; Agarwal said.&nbsp;<br />
NEA Spokesperson Chandan Kumar Ghosh said that power distribution in some industrial areas may become more challenging from next week. However, as the water level in the river has started to rise, Ghosh believes that the industries will not have to face the problem for a long time.<br />
A week ago, it rained in different parts of the country. Also, due to the melting of snow, the water level in the rivers has increased. The NEA has confirmed that the electricity generation from the run-of-the-river project has increased. Based on this, the officials of the authority have estimated that the current problem will not last long.<br />
Apart from Kulekhani, there is no reservoir-based hydropower project in operation in the country. The three projects in Kulekhani have a capacity of 106 MW. The contribution of other energy sources including solar is also negligible. In such a situation, the NEA has taken a strategy to increase the production of any type of electricity project and also to increase the production of solar energy.</span></p>
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			'title' => 'USAID Supports Private Sector-Led Development of 23 EV Charging Stations',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: USAID’s Urja Nepal inaugurated 23 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across seven locations in Bagmati Province, marking a significant step forward for Nepal’s EV ambitions under USAID’s Urja Nepal’s grants program. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal inaugurated 23 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across seven locations in Bagmati Province, marking a significant step forward for Nepal&rsquo;s EV ambitions under USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal&rsquo;s grants program.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">This initiative aligns with the Government of Nepal (GoN)&rsquo;s determined target of increasing EV sales to cover 90 percent of all private vehicles and 60 percent of all public vehicles by 2030 to lessen the nation&#39;s reliance on fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable transportation sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;USAID Nepal&rsquo;s commitment and support to promoting electric mobility is second to none and it perfectly aligns with the government&rsquo;s vision of energy transition to achieve net zero target,&rdquo; said Sandip Kumar Dev, joint secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. &ldquo;These business models of leveraging the private sector to scale up EV infrastructure will enable Nepal to accelerate its energy transition goal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;This grant initiative of USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal has been a tremendous support to Nepal Electricity Authority as it has directly contributed towards our goal to have more and more charging stations in near future and address the key constraints for massive adoption of EVs,&rdquo; said Kulman Ghising, managing director at Nepal Electricity Authority. &ldquo;And I would like to request other development partners to have contributions like this.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The shift towards EVs is expected to bring numerous&nbsp;advantages to Nepal. In addition to the estimated 100,000 metric tons of CO2 offset, these charging stations aim to cut down on fossil fuel imports, which significantly impact the country&#39;s trade deficit. Additionally, this move will boost domestic electricity usage, aligning with the GoN&rsquo;s goals.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;These charging stations are just the tip of the iceberg in Nepal&#39;s energy transition and USAID Nepal is proud to continue to partner with the Government of Nepal and our local partners for the improved future of Nepal and all its people,&rdquo; said Karen Welch, the acting mission director of USAID Nepal.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">At the heart of this launch event, the USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal activity emphasized its role in encouraging private sector innovation within Nepal&#39;s growing EV charging infrastructure. Through its grant program, Urja Nepal provided $346,315 to Yatri Design Studio and E.Stop Private Limited. This funding complements the $185,000 in-kind and financial support from the companies themselves, aiding them in developing innovative business strategies for the EV market. With USAID&rsquo;s support, the program aims to help private businesses find effective business models to encourage the use of commercial and passenger electric vehicles by increasing the number of charging stations nationwide.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">For instance, companies like Yatri and E.Stop plan to introduce subscription services or add extra amenities to their charging stations as part of their business plans. These approaches are meant to generate more income and improve the financial stability of their operations.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Beyond financial support for establishing the charging network, the grant recipients will undertake capacity-building and public awareness efforts. These include playing educational videos at charging stations, conducting focus groups, offering maintenance training workshops targeting women and minorities, and running marketing campaigns to encourage more drivers to switch to EVs.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ashim Pandey, the founder of Yatri Design Studio, expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting its crucial role in advancing their mission towards a sustainable energy ecosystem and facilitating Nepal&#39;s transition to clean mobility. &ldquo;The support was paramount to catalyze the pilot program, strengthen our team, and help us validate our assumptions,&rdquo; he said.</span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20684',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Tourist Police Receive 370 Complaints   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Tourist police have received 370 complaints related to tourists so far since the beginning of the current fiscal year.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: Tourist police have received 370 complaints related to tourists so far since the beginning of the current fiscal year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Of them, 273 are related to the loss of goods, 49 related with theft, 11 related with cheating, five related with looting, 17 related with misbehavior, two related with attack, two related with accident, one related with threating, four related with missing people, one related with misconduct and one related with kidnaping, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Deputy Inspector General, Bhim Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for the Nepal Police, shared that a total of 79 complaints were filed in the fiscal year 2077/78, 180 in fiscal year 2078/79 and 532 in fiscal year 2079/80. He added that most of the cases were related to the loss of documents and goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tourist police unit was formed to address the problems and complaints of tourists, to make their stay in Nepal safe and to promote tourism development, said Chief of Tourist Police Office, Bhrikutimandap, Narendra Kunwar.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Tourist police provide necessary information and support to tourists, make regular patrolling at tourism areas as well as arrest those found involved in indecent and illegal activities at tourism areas and hand them over to the concerned offices for the action, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A tourist can dial the hotline no 1144 if they face any problem. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'id' => '20683',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Banks Struggling to Recover Bad Loans',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: The number of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal formed to recover bad loans of banks and financial institutions has more than doubled this year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: The number of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal formed to recover bad loans of banks and financial institutions has more than doubled this year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With banks encountering difficulties in loan recovery amidst a decline in economic activities, the number of cases filed with the tribunal has also begun to rise.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Banks can register a case at the tribunal if they are unable to recover the loan even from the mortgage auction. Information officer of the tribunal, Devendra Dhakal, said that the number of cases has increased as there is no condition to recover the loan from the mortgage due to the fall in real estate prices along with the economic recession.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As of mid-March of the current fiscal year (FY), banks and financial institutions have registered 342 cases at the tribunal. During the corresponding period last year, only 162 cases were registered. It shows that the number of cases has doubled this year. A total of 200 cases were registered at the tribunal last year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With the increase in bad loans, banks and financial institutions are currently focused on debt recovery. However, the number of cases in the tribunal is increasing due to the non-recovery of loan from the mortgage. According to the tribunal, the highest number of cases in a single month in the current year was registered in the Nepali month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February) with a total of 66 cases registered in the review month. The tribunal said that 49 cases were filed in mid-February to mid-March.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the financial statements banks of the second quarter of the current fiscal year, the average bad loan ratio of banks and financial institutions has reached 3.73 percent. Data of Nepal Rastra Bank shows that the bad loans of commercial banks stand at 3.63 percent while that of development banks and finance companies are 3.61 percent and 9.61 percent respectively.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The International Monetary Fund has approved loans for Nepal on the condition that the credit status of 10 big banks will be audited by an international organization. Nepal Rastra Bank has also invited tenders for the auditing by international organisations.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although the number of cases in the tribunal is increasing, the situation of debt recovery is weak. By mid-March, the number of cases in the tribunal reached 676, including 334 backlog cases of last year. As of mid-March, the tribunal has settled only 251 cases. There are still 425 cases to be decided.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">So far, the tribunal has recovered Rs 34.91 billion of bad debts of banks. As of mid-March of the current fiscal year, the debt recovery stands at Rs 644.4 million.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tribunal was established in 2060 BS in accordance with the Bank and Financial Institutions Debt Recovery Act 2058 to facilitate debt recovery. Banks and financial institutions can register a case at the tribunal if the principal amount is over 500,000. There is a provision to file a case within four years if the loan cannot be recovered despite the banks&#39; efforts.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Kathmandu Listed as World's Third Most Polluted City',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. Air quality has deteriorated significantly, with Kathmandu ranking as the third most polluted city globally on Monday afternoon, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 165.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It was measured 158 in Khumaltar, 175 around the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and 120 in the Ratnapark area and these measurements are highly concerning given public health.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to environmental activist Rajan Thapa, an AQI above 100 poses a severe risk to human health.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An AQI value of 50 is considered good for public health, from 51-100 moderate, 100-150 unhealthy and it is highly hazardous if measured at 150-200.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Typically, Nepal experiences approximately 2,500 incidents of wildfires annually, with a majority (80 percent) occurring between the last week of February and the last week of May. The period from mid-March to mid-May is particularly vulnerable, accounting for 60 percent of reported cases of forest fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is needed, he asserted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Promoting the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles can significantly mitigate air pollution, according to Thapa.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;However, meteorologist Barun Paudel warns that the upcoming week is unlikely to see rainfall, posing challenges in containing forest fires. A potential heat wave could exacerbate dry conditions, further increasing the risk of wildfires.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Wildfire expert Sundar Sharma said that the surge in forest fires has worsened air quality in major towns like Kathmandu. Wildfire smoke poses serious health risks, including eye problems. According to the United States-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Nepal reported forest fires at 130 locations across the country on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Sharma shared about a concerning trend of increasing environmental dryness in Nepal, with a notable rise in forest fires over the past three days. &quot;Control measures for forest fires are required to tackle air pollution,&quot; he asserted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Spokesperson of the Forests and Environment Ministry, Badri Raj Dhungana, said lack of state&#39;s adequate investment, awareness and inter-body coordination for the improvement of air quality are the reasons behind such problems.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He underlined, &quot;Air pollution is increasing in lack of provision of environmental impact assessment in course of constructing different projects, lack of effective implementation of rules related to garbage management and environmental standard.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Dhungana pointed out the need of forwarding publicity activities to control forest fire is necessary as pollution is increasing due to forest fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chest specialist, Dr Niraj Bam, said air pollution has been posing short-term and long-term health problems on humans.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Respiratory diseases, common cold and cough, asthma, lung cancer, high blood pressure, paralysis and heart attack are also caused by air pollution.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">People suffering from such health problems should be alert during the air pollution, he mentioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chest Specialist Bam urged one and all to limit themselves inside the house if possible during pollution hour, to use mask compulsorily if it is urgent to go out and avoid early morning walk as the air is more polluted in the morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An AQI of more than 300 is considered as a disaster. In order to prevent this disaster, it has been mentioned in the Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS not to burn garbage, to increase the use of brooms and vacuums to clean the roads, and to issue public notices to children, senior citizens and patients to take special precautions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, in the National Environment Policy, 2076 BS, it is mentioned that national standards related to prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electricity, magnetic waves, radioactive radiation, hazardous chemical pollution will be prepared and implemented in order to reduce pollution.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the strategy, air, water and sound quality will be mapped by establishing and operating quality measurement centers in areas at risk of pollution including major cities and industrial establishments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It is mentioned in the policy that environment-friendly technology will be implemented to manage polluted smoke, dust, and water emitted from industries and other businesses sectors. -- RSS</span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20681',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists Increasing in Pokhara ahead of Nepali New Year  ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: The number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased in recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: The number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased in recent days. As the eve of Nepali New Year is just around the corner, domestic and foreign tourists are thronging the lake city which was recently declared as the tourism capital. With it, tourism business and other activities in Pokhara have started regaining momentum. Tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic with the progress in tourists&#39; activities in the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Lakshman Subedi, president of Pokhara Hotel Association, said that the number of guests in hotels here has reached by 50 percent of late. &quot;The occupancy of hotels reaches 60 percent on Fridays and Saturdays,&quot; he said, adding, &quot;We expect it to reach 90 percent during the New Year.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The occupancy of hotels in Pokhara was limited to less than ten percent in December to January, which is considered as the &#39;off season&#39; for tourism. Subedi further expects that the number of tourists to increase as the &#39;19th Phewa New Year Festival&#39; is being organized at Lakeside targeting the New Year 2081 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Subedi said that a 30 percent discount has been arranged for hotels during the festival. According to him, the hotel in Pokhara has the capacity to accommodate 40,000 tourists daily. &quot;Currently, there are only 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists in Pokhara on a daily basis,&quot; he said, &quot;To fill more than 1,200 hotels here, 40,000 tourists should visit Pokhara every day.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;Basically, hotel entrepreneurs have expressed joy at the resurgence of tourism after a long time. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-09 09:29:21',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20678',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Price of Gold Sets New Record for Two Consecutive Days',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market of Nepal on Monday, just a day after setting an all-time high record.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market of Nepal on Monday, just a day after setting an all-time high record.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&#39; Association, the price of hallmark (fine) gold has been fixed at Rs 136,200 per tola. It was traded for Rs 135,600 per tola on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, standard (worked) gold is being traded at Rs 135,550 per tola on Monday against Rs 134,950 on Sunday. Likewise, the federation has determined the price of silver at Rs 1,685 per tola. It was traded Rs 1,670 on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The price of gold has been rising steadily in the past few weeks. The federation fixes the price of gold and silver based on the price in the international market.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The recent geopolitical tension due to the Israel&rsquo;s offensive in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war have led to investors to invest in gold considering it as a safe haven in times of turmoil.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '20405',
			'image' => '20240408083140_20240407074212_20240404123101_20240403013353_gold newwww.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 20:31:17',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20677',
			'article_category_id' => '218',
			'title' => 'Standard Chartered Bank Nepal inaugurates Dharan branch',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has inaugurated its Dharan branch at Mukumlung Complex, Ramailo Chowk. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the bank said that the branch operation commenced on April 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has inaugurated its Dharan branch at Mukumlung Complex, Ramailo Chowk. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the bank said that the branch operation commenced on April 7.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the SCB, the branch offers new interactive forms of banking with enhanced personal and customer-focused experiences along with complementary mobile banking and digital marketing products. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The bank said it has also adopted latest designs as per the global standards of Standard Chartered Bank that allows for new ways of working for the staff.&nbsp;The bank added that the branch has ample space for parking and ATM facilities along with dedicated spaces for Priority Banking customers including meeting rooms and waiting lounges.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The branch was jointly inaugurated by Indra Chamlagai Mainali, director Nepal Rastra Bank, Biratnagar Office, Major (Retired) Man B Gurung,&nbsp;head of the Veteran Services, British Gurkhas Nepal and Gorkah Rana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The DCEO mentioned &ldquo;We are happy to inaugurate our branch in Dharan which is a rapidly growing market. We have plans to further strengthen our presence and customer reach in other parts of the country as well. Standard Chartered Bank&rsquo;s purpose in Nepal also is to drive commerce and prosperity and contribute to the country&rsquo;s long term economic growth.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Niwesh Shrestha, the branch manager of Dharan and his staff welcomed the new and existing customers to the newly inaugurated 1800 square foot branch.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20676',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => ' Government Starts Issuing Work Permit within an Hour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the government has started providing labour permit within an hour to the workers opting foreign employment.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the government has started providing labour permit within an hour to the workers opting foreign employment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In a press conference held here Sunday, Minister Aryal shared that one could now get the labour permit on his mobile phone within an hour after uploading the required documents and details through online technology during office hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to him, Tahachal-based Foreign Employment Office worked actively to realize the plan of ensuring worker&#39;s access to labour permit in a short time. He appreciated honesty and complete support of the employees in this regard.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The minister, however, informed that the permit delivery could prolong in case of pending document, duplicity or suspicious submission of documents. Computer software has been upgraded for the new scheme, he added. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20675',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Committee to Solve the Problems of Troubled Cooperatives itself in Trouble',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee, which was formed by the government to manage the cooperatives that land in trouble due to not being able to return the savings of the general public, is itself in disarray.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee, which was formed by the government to manage the cooperatives that land in trouble due to not being able to return the savings of the general public, is itself in disarray.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The committee has seen four of its chairmen replaced in six years since its inception.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">During this period, the government has declared 20 cooperatives as problematic and assigned responsibility to the committee to manage the assets and liabilities of those cooperatives. But so far, the committee has not been able to settle the arrears of even a single cooperative.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In 15 out of 20 cases, the depositors have staked claims of Rs 6.74 billion. The committee said that they are collecting the details of other five cooperatives which have been declared problematic recently. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tenure of Kashiraj Dahal, who was appointed the chairman of the committee two years ago, ended on Friday. Since then, the work of the committee has come to a standstill after the tenure of two officials, Keshavraj Acharya and DB Basnet, also expired. There are seven officials in the committee.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Cooperative Act 2074 has a provision for the Problematic Cooperative Management Committee to investigate the assets of problematic cooperatives and settle their liabilities. According to the provisions of the Act, the federal government had formed the committee on January 13, 2018</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the suggestion given by the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission formed by the government to study the problematic cooperatives, the provision of the committee was included in the Act. The government also gave the responsibility to lead the committee as its first chairman to Karki. However, due to the change of the government and election code of conduct, he was ousted from the committee within five months.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Yuvraj Subedi, who became the chairman after Karki, resigned although nine months of his term was left after the government appointed him as the chairman of the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons. The subsequent presidents Kumar Prasad Pokharel and Dahal led the committee during their two-year tenure respectively. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Karki, who became the first chairman of the committee, says that the committee has not been able to work effectively because the appropriate person was not given the responsibility. &quot;The problematic Cooperative Management Committee has become only a place to recruit workers of political parties,&quot; he said, &quot;You can&#39;t hunt tigers wearing a fox&#39;s coat.&quot; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the Department of Cooperatives also monitors the cooperatives but does not take timely action.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The department shows interest only after the depositors stage protest on the streets.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has declared eight cooperatives as problematic in the current fiscal year. So far, the committee has not been able to completely settle the liabilities of any such organizations. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The committee has been saying that the work has been delayed due to limited resources. While presenting the committee&#39;s annual report for the last year, it also demanded vehicles, computers, laptops and manpower to the then Cooperative Minister Ranjita Shrestha. Although the committee demanded to increase the number of employees to 50 and 15 policemen under the command of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) for peace and security, it has not been fulfilled. At present, 18 employees including office assistant, driver and two policemen are working in the committee.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20674',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'House Panel Directs Government Agencies to Provide Tax Exemption  to Flood-Affected Projects',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Finance Committee under the House of Representatives has instructed the concerned government agencies to give tax exemption on the import of machinery to be brought for the maintenance of some hydropower projects that were damaged by floods during.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">April 8: The Finance Committee under the House of Representatives has instructed the concerned government agencies to give tax exemption on the import of machinery to be brought for the maintenance of some hydropower projects that were damaged by floods during the last monsoon season and to provide re-financing and loan rescheduling facilities for those projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the decision taken by the committee meeting on April 4, the committee sent separate letters to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal Rastra Bank and Securities Board of Nepal on April 5 and directed them to send the details of the implementation of the directive to the committee within </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">7</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> days.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The energy producers who suffered losses due to the natural calamity have been complaining that they have not received relief for a long time and they have not even received customs exemptions for the import of spare parts required for maintenance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the letter sent to the ministries and other government agencies, the committee has instructed them to provide relief to the under-construction and operating hydropower projects damaged due to incessant rainfall, floods and landslides from June 14 to 17.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal, IPPAN, the umbrella organization of private sector energy producers, said that </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">30</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> projects in the eastern region of the country suffered losses of more than Rs </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">8.5</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> billion due to the monsoon-induced disaster.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the letter sent to the Ministry of Finance, it has been asked to make arrangements to import necessary spare parts and equipment for the maintenance of the affected projects with a </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">1</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> percent customs duty and full exemption on value added tax. Likewise, the Ministry of Finance and the central bank have been asked to arrange re-financing facility as well as rescheduling of the interest on the loans of the affected projects according to the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy dated December 19.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Likewise, the Ministry of Finance and the SEBON have been instructed to amend the regulations as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy regarding the lock-in period of promoter shares in the case of affected projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'sortorder' => '20401',
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 11:49:37',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20673',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Army Plans to Collect 10 Tonnes of Trash from Mt Everest',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Nepalese Army is planning to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Mountain Campaign-2024 this year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The Nepalese Army is planning to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Mountain Campaign-2024 this year. The army plans to collect 10 tonnes of waste and as many as five dead bodies from the mountains, the army informed the media in news conference on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The army said that trained personnel will collect trash from the Base Camp up to Camp Four on Mt Everest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Director of the Clean Mountain Campaign, Brigadier General Sanjaya Deuja said that 12 trained army personnel will be mobilized for this campaign. Of them, 10 will be mobilize above the Base Camp while two will coordinate from Namche.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, 18 Sherpas will be mobilized for facilitating in the waste collection, the army said. The leader of the campaign, Major Aditya Karki said the waste would be collected up to a height of 8,000 metres on Mt Everest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The waste collection drive would commence from April 11 and will run for 50 days. The campaign will conclude on June 5, 2024 on the day of the World Environment Day. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'sortorder' => '20400',
			'image' => '20240408110214_RS_KTM_RSS_25_1712478547488.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 11:01:31',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20671',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt to Retract Bill to Amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act 2076   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The government has decided to retract the bill designed to amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076 which was registered in the federal parliament secretariat.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The government has decided to retract the bill designed to amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076 which was registered in the federal parliament secretariat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, informed media persons on Sunday while sharing the Cabinet decision made in this regard on April 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the government decided to form a dialogue team under the leadership of Joint Secretary of the Finance Ministry to finalize an agreement draft on receiving grants worth Rs 9.45 billion from the International Agriculture Development Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, government is creating two special posts for DIG of Nepal Police under technical category.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister Sharma shared that the meeting decided to grant permission to use three hectares of national forest to build garbage collection, management and processing centre for Narayan Municipality of Dailekh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, the meeting decided to retract Nepal Drinking Water Corporations Regulations-2080 to the concerned ministry and to approve Mega Project Implementation Monitoring and Facilitation Directive, 2080.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As per the cabinet decision, government will approve the model format of the bilateral investment agreement between the Government of Nepal and other countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister Sharma further shared that the cabinet meeting approved the resignation tendered by Central Statistic Office&#39;s Secretary Toyam Raya and Forest Research Group&#39;s Joint-Secretary Sabitri Aryal. -- RSS&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20669',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Fin Min Pledges to Clarify with Reasons if there is Adjustments in Tax Rates in Budget',
			'sub_title' => 'Finance Minister in favor of backing Birgunj as the financial capital of Nepal',
			'summary' => 'April 7: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has vowed to maintain transparency while determining the rate of revenues in the budget statement for the next fiscal year 2024/25.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">April 7: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has vowed to maintain transparency while determining the rate of revenues in the budget statement for the next fiscal year 2024/25.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Addressing an interaction programme on &#39;revenue consultations and budget preparation&#39; organized by the Ministry of Finance and the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday, he said since increasing and decreasing the tax rates through the budget statement courted controversy in the previous years, clarifications with reasons for the fluctuation in the tax rate would be included in the upcoming fiscal year&#39;s budget statement.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Finance Minister Pun also expressed the commitment that he would not change the tax or revenue rates to benefit a particular person or industry. &quot;We are preparing to carry out works so that there is no controversy in the tax rates this year. We will clearly determine our threshold and work accordingly,&quot; he added.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">He assured of his facilitation in establishing Birgunj as a &#39;financial hub&#39; as demanded by the industrialists and businesspersons of Birgunj. He reiterated the federal government&#39;s support in developing Birgunj as an industrial city.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">&quot;Pokhara has been recently declared as the tourism capital. The prime minister himself attended the declaration programme organized under the leadership of the local level of Pokhara and the Gandaki Province, and announced Pokhara as the tourism capital. The demand of the industrialists and businesspersons of Birgunj to declare it as a &#39;financial hub&#39; is extremely positive. The federal government shall support if the Birgunj Metropolitan City and the Madhes Province propose the same,&quot; the Finance Minister said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">He described Birgunj as an industrial city as well as the financial capital, stating that they would take initiatives to develop Birgunj as a special economic zone in this context.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">According to him, the government will move ahead as per the desire and aspirations of the people.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Calling upon the politicians, the business community, civil society and bureaucrats to work hand in hand and contribute from their respective places for the country&#39;s development and prosperity, he reiterated that the government shall bring forth policy for protecting the industrial sector. --RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20668',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEPSE Records Surge of 22.75 Points to Close at 2026.81',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced significant growth, with its index climbing by 22.75 points, or 1.13%, ultimately closing at 2026.81 on the first trading day of the week on Sunday. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">April 7:&nbsp; The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced significant growth, with its index climbing by 22.75 points, or 1.13%, ultimately closing at 2026.81 on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Throughout today&rsquo;s trading session, a total of 311 scrips were traded via 64,221 transactions on the NEPSE, amounting to a turnover of Rs 4.25 billion, with 11,210,102 shares changing hands.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited Promoter Share (NRICP) dominated the transaction activity, accounting for a total turnover of Rs 95 crores. Four scrips&mdash;Nepal Finance Limited (NFS), Pokhara Finance Limited (PFL), Janaki Finance Limited (JFL), and Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL)&mdash;each witnessed a 10% increase and hit the positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Conversely, Taragaon Regency Hotel Limited (TRH) incurred losses, dropping by 10% and hitting the negative circuit for the day, closing at Rs 792 per share. In terms of sector indices, all sector indices closed in the green territory except Trading Index and Hotels and Tourism index. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Finance Index saw the maximum gain at 5.95%, while Hotels and Tourism Index suffered the highest loss at 0.08%. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'Industrial Sector Reeling Under Twelve Hours of Load Shedding',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Aegis Plastics Pvt Ltd located in Budhiganga-4 of Morang had been employing its workers in two shifts, day and night. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px">April 9: Aegis Plastics Pvt Ltd located in Budhiganga-4 of Morang had been employing its workers in two shifts, day and night. The company, which has been running the industry for 22 hours a day, has not been able to employ workers regularly due to hours-long power outages for the past few days.<br />
&quot;Unannounced load shedding is happening 12 hours a day now,&quot; Ankit Khadgi, the owner of the industry, told New Business Age, adding, &quot;Due to this, I had to lay off 20 workers.&quot;<br />
According to him, load shedding has started increasing since last week.&nbsp;<br />
India recently renewed the electricity trade agreement with Nepal on condition to provide electricity from the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) only during the day time. After renewing the contract for three months, India is supplying electricity to Nepal only from 6 am to 6 pm. The Nepal Electricity Authority also informed that India renewed the agreement to provide only 554 MW. Earlier, NEA could import up to 600 MW electricity from India round the clock and as per the requirement.<br />
Since India stopped providing electricity after 6 pm, the NEA is finding it difficult to manage electricity during the peak hours. According to the authority, the current peak hour electricity demand is more than 1,800 megawatts. However, currently only 1000 megawatts are being produced from the electricity projects operating in the country.&nbsp;<br />
Although electricity is produced in full capacity during the rainy season, the hydropower projects based on river flow produce only one-third of the capacity in winter. As a result, Nepal, which can export surplus electricity in the rainy season, has to rely on India to meet its domestic demand in the winter.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px">As India did not provide electricity in the evening, the NEA cut the power supply to the industrial sector.&nbsp;<br />
&quot;The industrial sector had been facing power cuts for 8 hours a day, including four hours in the morning and four hours in the evening. After India stopped providing electricity at night, the NEA has started load shedding for four more hours in the afternoon and at night,&quot; said Rakesh Surana, president of the Industry Association of Morang.<br />
Although the NEA has not declared load shedding, it has halted power supply to the major industrial areas of the Terai. The NEA insists that it has not been able to supply electricity as per the demand due to the lack of transmission lines that can carry more electricity.<br />
According to industrialists, as the authority has not given a definite schedule of load shedding, there has been confusion as to when to operate the industry and when not to operate. &quot;Due to the problem of lights going out while the factory machines are running, the industries have been bearing huge losses,&quot; said Surana.<br />
Surana, who runs a plastic industry in the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor, said that once the light goes off, all the plastic in the machine gets damaged. &quot;It takes up to 4 hours to reheat the machine,&quot; he said.<br />
Khadgi has also been experiencing the same problem.&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;When the light goes out while the machine is running, you have to throw away all the plastic in it. It takes 40 minutes to heat up the machine again if the light goes off for 10 minutes. When the machine heats up, there is a fear that the light will go out again. How can we run an industry in such a situation?&rdquo; complained Khadgi, adding, &ldquo;It would have been better if they had made public the schedule of how long the lights go.&rdquo;<br />
The Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor employs 67,944 workers. According to industrialists, load shedding has started to increase not only in Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor but also in other industrial corridors.<br />
Even in the Bara-Parsa industrial corridor, power cuts have started since the onset of winter. After India did not provide electricity at night, the industries here had to face more power cuts. The industrial city of Birgunj also falls in this industrial corridor.<br />
Anil Agarwal, President of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce, complained that they face long hours of power cut.<br />
&quot;Until a few days ago, there used to be load shedding for 8 hours daily in Birgunj industrial area. Now, there is load shedding for 4 more hours,&quot; Agarwal said.<br />
He said that the production capacity of all industries including cement, steel and plastic in Birgunj area has decreased by 70 to 75 percent and load shedding has played a major role in this. Industrial production has also decreased due to lack of demand in the market. According to the data released recently by the National Statistics Office, it is estimated that the growth rate of the productive sector in the second quarter of the current fiscal year was negative by 0.4 percent.<br />
&ldquo;The NEA gives more priority to household consumers than industry for electricity supply. Therefore, the NEA has requested the businessmen not to operate their industries during the peak hours,&rdquo; Agarwal said.&nbsp;<br />
NEA Spokesperson Chandan Kumar Ghosh said that power distribution in some industrial areas may become more challenging from next week. However, as the water level in the river has started to rise, Ghosh believes that the industries will not have to face the problem for a long time.<br />
A week ago, it rained in different parts of the country. Also, due to the melting of snow, the water level in the rivers has increased. The NEA has confirmed that the electricity generation from the run-of-the-river project has increased. Based on this, the officials of the authority have estimated that the current problem will not last long.<br />
Apart from Kulekhani, there is no reservoir-based hydropower project in operation in the country. The three projects in Kulekhani have a capacity of 106 MW. The contribution of other energy sources including solar is also negligible. In such a situation, the NEA has taken a strategy to increase the production of any type of electricity project and also to increase the production of solar energy.</span></p>
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			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'USAID Supports Private Sector-Led Development of 23 EV Charging Stations',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: USAID’s Urja Nepal inaugurated 23 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across seven locations in Bagmati Province, marking a significant step forward for Nepal’s EV ambitions under USAID’s Urja Nepal’s grants program. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal inaugurated 23 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across seven locations in Bagmati Province, marking a significant step forward for Nepal&rsquo;s EV ambitions under USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal&rsquo;s grants program.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">This initiative aligns with the Government of Nepal (GoN)&rsquo;s determined target of increasing EV sales to cover 90 percent of all private vehicles and 60 percent of all public vehicles by 2030 to lessen the nation&#39;s reliance on fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable transportation sector.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;USAID Nepal&rsquo;s commitment and support to promoting electric mobility is second to none and it perfectly aligns with the government&rsquo;s vision of energy transition to achieve net zero target,&rdquo; said Sandip Kumar Dev, joint secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. &ldquo;These business models of leveraging the private sector to scale up EV infrastructure will enable Nepal to accelerate its energy transition goal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;This grant initiative of USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal has been a tremendous support to Nepal Electricity Authority as it has directly contributed towards our goal to have more and more charging stations in near future and address the key constraints for massive adoption of EVs,&rdquo; said Kulman Ghising, managing director at Nepal Electricity Authority. &ldquo;And I would like to request other development partners to have contributions like this.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The shift towards EVs is expected to bring numerous&nbsp;advantages to Nepal. In addition to the estimated 100,000 metric tons of CO2 offset, these charging stations aim to cut down on fossil fuel imports, which significantly impact the country&#39;s trade deficit. Additionally, this move will boost domestic electricity usage, aligning with the GoN&rsquo;s goals.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;These charging stations are just the tip of the iceberg in Nepal&#39;s energy transition and USAID Nepal is proud to continue to partner with the Government of Nepal and our local partners for the improved future of Nepal and all its people,&rdquo; said Karen Welch, the acting mission director of USAID Nepal.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">At the heart of this launch event, the USAID&rsquo;s Urja Nepal activity emphasized its role in encouraging private sector innovation within Nepal&#39;s growing EV charging infrastructure. Through its grant program, Urja Nepal provided $346,315 to Yatri Design Studio and E.Stop Private Limited. This funding complements the $185,000 in-kind and financial support from the companies themselves, aiding them in developing innovative business strategies for the EV market. With USAID&rsquo;s support, the program aims to help private businesses find effective business models to encourage the use of commercial and passenger electric vehicles by increasing the number of charging stations nationwide.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">For instance, companies like Yatri and E.Stop plan to introduce subscription services or add extra amenities to their charging stations as part of their business plans. These approaches are meant to generate more income and improve the financial stability of their operations.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Beyond financial support for establishing the charging network, the grant recipients will undertake capacity-building and public awareness efforts. These include playing educational videos at charging stations, conducting focus groups, offering maintenance training workshops targeting women and minorities, and running marketing campaigns to encourage more drivers to switch to EVs.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Gill Sans MT&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Ashim Pandey, the founder of Yatri Design Studio, expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting its crucial role in advancing their mission towards a sustainable energy ecosystem and facilitating Nepal&#39;s transition to clean mobility. &ldquo;The support was paramount to catalyze the pilot program, strengthen our team, and help us validate our assumptions,&rdquo; he said.</span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20684',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Tourist Police Receive 370 Complaints   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Tourist police have received 370 complaints related to tourists so far since the beginning of the current fiscal year.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: Tourist police have received 370 complaints related to tourists so far since the beginning of the current fiscal year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Of them, 273 are related to the loss of goods, 49 related with theft, 11 related with cheating, five related with looting, 17 related with misbehavior, two related with attack, two related with accident, one related with threating, four related with missing people, one related with misconduct and one related with kidnaping, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Deputy Inspector General, Bhim Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for the Nepal Police, shared that a total of 79 complaints were filed in the fiscal year 2077/78, 180 in fiscal year 2078/79 and 532 in fiscal year 2079/80. He added that most of the cases were related to the loss of documents and goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tourist police unit was formed to address the problems and complaints of tourists, to make their stay in Nepal safe and to promote tourism development, said Chief of Tourist Police Office, Bhrikutimandap, Narendra Kunwar.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Tourist police provide necessary information and support to tourists, make regular patrolling at tourism areas as well as arrest those found involved in indecent and illegal activities at tourism areas and hand them over to the concerned offices for the action, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A tourist can dial the hotline no 1144 if they face any problem. -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20683',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Banks Struggling to Recover Bad Loans',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: The number of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal formed to recover bad loans of banks and financial institutions has more than doubled this year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: The number of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunal formed to recover bad loans of banks and financial institutions has more than doubled this year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With banks encountering difficulties in loan recovery amidst a decline in economic activities, the number of cases filed with the tribunal has also begun to rise.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Banks can register a case at the tribunal if they are unable to recover the loan even from the mortgage auction. Information officer of the tribunal, Devendra Dhakal, said that the number of cases has increased as there is no condition to recover the loan from the mortgage due to the fall in real estate prices along with the economic recession.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As of mid-March of the current fiscal year (FY), banks and financial institutions have registered 342 cases at the tribunal. During the corresponding period last year, only 162 cases were registered. It shows that the number of cases has doubled this year. A total of 200 cases were registered at the tribunal last year. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">With the increase in bad loans, banks and financial institutions are currently focused on debt recovery. However, the number of cases in the tribunal is increasing due to the non-recovery of loan from the mortgage. According to the tribunal, the highest number of cases in a single month in the current year was registered in the Nepali month of Magh (mid-January to mid-February) with a total of 66 cases registered in the review month. The tribunal said that 49 cases were filed in mid-February to mid-March.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the financial statements banks of the second quarter of the current fiscal year, the average bad loan ratio of banks and financial institutions has reached 3.73 percent. Data of Nepal Rastra Bank shows that the bad loans of commercial banks stand at 3.63 percent while that of development banks and finance companies are 3.61 percent and 9.61 percent respectively.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The International Monetary Fund has approved loans for Nepal on the condition that the credit status of 10 big banks will be audited by an international organization. Nepal Rastra Bank has also invited tenders for the auditing by international organisations.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although the number of cases in the tribunal is increasing, the situation of debt recovery is weak. By mid-March, the number of cases in the tribunal reached 676, including 334 backlog cases of last year. As of mid-March, the tribunal has settled only 251 cases. There are still 425 cases to be decided.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">So far, the tribunal has recovered Rs 34.91 billion of bad debts of banks. As of mid-March of the current fiscal year, the debt recovery stands at Rs 644.4 million.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tribunal was established in 2060 BS in accordance with the Bank and Financial Institutions Debt Recovery Act 2058 to facilitate debt recovery. Banks and financial institutions can register a case at the tribunal if the principal amount is over 500,000. There is a provision to file a case within four years if the loan cannot be recovered despite the banks&#39; efforts.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20682',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Kathmandu Listed as World's Third Most Polluted City',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. Air quality has deteriorated significantly, with Kathmandu ranking as the third most polluted city globally on Monday afternoon, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 165.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It was measured 158 in Khumaltar, 175 around the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and 120 in the Ratnapark area and these measurements are highly concerning given public health.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to environmental activist Rajan Thapa, an AQI above 100 poses a severe risk to human health.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An AQI value of 50 is considered good for public health, from 51-100 moderate, 100-150 unhealthy and it is highly hazardous if measured at 150-200.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Typically, Nepal experiences approximately 2,500 incidents of wildfires annually, with a majority (80 percent) occurring between the last week of February and the last week of May. The period from mid-March to mid-May is particularly vulnerable, accounting for 60 percent of reported cases of forest fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is needed, he asserted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Promoting the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles can significantly mitigate air pollution, according to Thapa.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;However, meteorologist Barun Paudel warns that the upcoming week is unlikely to see rainfall, posing challenges in containing forest fires. A potential heat wave could exacerbate dry conditions, further increasing the risk of wildfires.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Wildfire expert Sundar Sharma said that the surge in forest fires has worsened air quality in major towns like Kathmandu. Wildfire smoke poses serious health risks, including eye problems. According to the United States-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Nepal reported forest fires at 130 locations across the country on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Sharma shared about a concerning trend of increasing environmental dryness in Nepal, with a notable rise in forest fires over the past three days. &quot;Control measures for forest fires are required to tackle air pollution,&quot; he asserted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Spokesperson of the Forests and Environment Ministry, Badri Raj Dhungana, said lack of state&#39;s adequate investment, awareness and inter-body coordination for the improvement of air quality are the reasons behind such problems.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He underlined, &quot;Air pollution is increasing in lack of provision of environmental impact assessment in course of constructing different projects, lack of effective implementation of rules related to garbage management and environmental standard.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Dhungana pointed out the need of forwarding publicity activities to control forest fire is necessary as pollution is increasing due to forest fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chest specialist, Dr Niraj Bam, said air pollution has been posing short-term and long-term health problems on humans.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Respiratory diseases, common cold and cough, asthma, lung cancer, high blood pressure, paralysis and heart attack are also caused by air pollution.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">People suffering from such health problems should be alert during the air pollution, he mentioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chest Specialist Bam urged one and all to limit themselves inside the house if possible during pollution hour, to use mask compulsorily if it is urgent to go out and avoid early morning walk as the air is more polluted in the morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">An AQI of more than 300 is considered as a disaster. In order to prevent this disaster, it has been mentioned in the Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS not to burn garbage, to increase the use of brooms and vacuums to clean the roads, and to issue public notices to children, senior citizens and patients to take special precautions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, in the National Environment Policy, 2076 BS, it is mentioned that national standards related to prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electricity, magnetic waves, radioactive radiation, hazardous chemical pollution will be prepared and implemented in order to reduce pollution.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the strategy, air, water and sound quality will be mapped by establishing and operating quality measurement centers in areas at risk of pollution including major cities and industrial establishments.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It is mentioned in the policy that environment-friendly technology will be implemented to manage polluted smoke, dust, and water emitted from industries and other businesses sectors. -- RSS</span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20681',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Arrival of Tourists Increasing in Pokhara ahead of Nepali New Year  ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 9: The number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased in recent days. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 9: The number of tourists visiting Pokhara has increased in recent days. As the eve of Nepali New Year is just around the corner, domestic and foreign tourists are thronging the lake city which was recently declared as the tourism capital. With it, tourism business and other activities in Pokhara have started regaining momentum. Tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic with the progress in tourists&#39; activities in the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Lakshman Subedi, president of Pokhara Hotel Association, said that the number of guests in hotels here has reached by 50 percent of late. &quot;The occupancy of hotels reaches 60 percent on Fridays and Saturdays,&quot; he said, adding, &quot;We expect it to reach 90 percent during the New Year.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The occupancy of hotels in Pokhara was limited to less than ten percent in December to January, which is considered as the &#39;off season&#39; for tourism. Subedi further expects that the number of tourists to increase as the &#39;19th Phewa New Year Festival&#39; is being organized at Lakeside targeting the New Year 2081 BS.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Subedi said that a 30 percent discount has been arranged for hotels during the festival. According to him, the hotel in Pokhara has the capacity to accommodate 40,000 tourists daily. &quot;Currently, there are only 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists in Pokhara on a daily basis,&quot; he said, &quot;To fill more than 1,200 hotels here, 40,000 tourists should visit Pokhara every day.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;Basically, hotel entrepreneurs have expressed joy at the resurgence of tourism after a long time. -- RSS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20678',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Price of Gold Sets New Record for Two Consecutive Days',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market of Nepal on Monday, just a day after setting an all-time high record.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market of Nepal on Monday, just a day after setting an all-time high record.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&#39; Association, the price of hallmark (fine) gold has been fixed at Rs 136,200 per tola. It was traded for Rs 135,600 per tola on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, standard (worked) gold is being traded at Rs 135,550 per tola on Monday against Rs 134,950 on Sunday. Likewise, the federation has determined the price of silver at Rs 1,685 per tola. It was traded Rs 1,670 on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The price of gold has been rising steadily in the past few weeks. The federation fixes the price of gold and silver based on the price in the international market.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The recent geopolitical tension due to the Israel&rsquo;s offensive in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war have led to investors to invest in gold considering it as a safe haven in times of turmoil.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20677',
			'article_category_id' => '218',
			'title' => 'Standard Chartered Bank Nepal inaugurates Dharan branch',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has inaugurated its Dharan branch at Mukumlung Complex, Ramailo Chowk. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the bank said that the branch operation commenced on April 7.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited has inaugurated its Dharan branch at Mukumlung Complex, Ramailo Chowk. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the bank said that the branch operation commenced on April 7.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the SCB, the branch offers new interactive forms of banking with enhanced personal and customer-focused experiences along with complementary mobile banking and digital marketing products. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The bank said it has also adopted latest designs as per the global standards of Standard Chartered Bank that allows for new ways of working for the staff.&nbsp;The bank added that the branch has ample space for parking and ATM facilities along with dedicated spaces for Priority Banking customers including meeting rooms and waiting lounges.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The branch was jointly inaugurated by Indra Chamlagai Mainali, director Nepal Rastra Bank, Biratnagar Office, Major (Retired) Man B Gurung,&nbsp;head of the Veteran Services, British Gurkhas Nepal and Gorkah Rana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The DCEO mentioned &ldquo;We are happy to inaugurate our branch in Dharan which is a rapidly growing market. We have plans to further strengthen our presence and customer reach in other parts of the country as well. Standard Chartered Bank&rsquo;s purpose in Nepal also is to drive commerce and prosperity and contribute to the country&rsquo;s long term economic growth.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Niwesh Shrestha, the branch manager of Dharan and his staff welcomed the new and existing customers to the newly inaugurated 1800 square foot branch.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '20404',
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 18:50:53',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20676',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => ' Government Starts Issuing Work Permit within an Hour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the government has started providing labour permit within an hour to the workers opting foreign employment.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the government has started providing labour permit within an hour to the workers opting foreign employment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In a press conference held here Sunday, Minister Aryal shared that one could now get the labour permit on his mobile phone within an hour after uploading the required documents and details through online technology during office hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to him, Tahachal-based Foreign Employment Office worked actively to realize the plan of ensuring worker&#39;s access to labour permit in a short time. He appreciated honesty and complete support of the employees in this regard.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The minister, however, informed that the permit delivery could prolong in case of pending document, duplicity or suspicious submission of documents. Computer software has been upgraded for the new scheme, he added. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '20403',
			'image' => '20240408123051_20230503112934_1683079796.abhiyan (10).jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 12:30:17',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20675',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Committee to Solve the Problems of Troubled Cooperatives itself in Trouble',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee, which was formed by the government to manage the cooperatives that land in trouble due to not being able to return the savings of the general public, is itself in disarray.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee, which was formed by the government to manage the cooperatives that land in trouble due to not being able to return the savings of the general public, is itself in disarray.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The committee has seen four of its chairmen replaced in six years since its inception.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">During this period, the government has declared 20 cooperatives as problematic and assigned responsibility to the committee to manage the assets and liabilities of those cooperatives. But so far, the committee has not been able to settle the arrears of even a single cooperative.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In 15 out of 20 cases, the depositors have staked claims of Rs 6.74 billion. The committee said that they are collecting the details of other five cooperatives which have been declared problematic recently. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tenure of Kashiraj Dahal, who was appointed the chairman of the committee two years ago, ended on Friday. Since then, the work of the committee has come to a standstill after the tenure of two officials, Keshavraj Acharya and DB Basnet, also expired. There are seven officials in the committee.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Cooperative Act 2074 has a provision for the Problematic Cooperative Management Committee to investigate the assets of problematic cooperatives and settle their liabilities. According to the provisions of the Act, the federal government had formed the committee on January 13, 2018</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the suggestion given by the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission formed by the government to study the problematic cooperatives, the provision of the committee was included in the Act. The government also gave the responsibility to lead the committee as its first chairman to Karki. However, due to the change of the government and election code of conduct, he was ousted from the committee within five months.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Yuvraj Subedi, who became the chairman after Karki, resigned although nine months of his term was left after the government appointed him as the chairman of the Commission for the Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons. The subsequent presidents Kumar Prasad Pokharel and Dahal led the committee during their two-year tenure respectively. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Karki, who became the first chairman of the committee, says that the committee has not been able to work effectively because the appropriate person was not given the responsibility. &quot;The problematic Cooperative Management Committee has become only a place to recruit workers of political parties,&quot; he said, &quot;You can&#39;t hunt tigers wearing a fox&#39;s coat.&quot; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the Department of Cooperatives also monitors the cooperatives but does not take timely action.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The department shows interest only after the depositors stage protest on the streets.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The government has declared eight cooperatives as problematic in the current fiscal year. So far, the committee has not been able to completely settle the liabilities of any such organizations. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The committee has been saying that the work has been delayed due to limited resources. While presenting the committee&#39;s annual report for the last year, it also demanded vehicles, computers, laptops and manpower to the then Cooperative Minister Ranjita Shrestha. Although the committee demanded to increase the number of employees to 50 and 15 policemen under the command of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) for peace and security, it has not been fulfilled. At present, 18 employees including office assistant, driver and two policemen are working in the committee.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'description' => '',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20674',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'House Panel Directs Government Agencies to Provide Tax Exemption  to Flood-Affected Projects',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Finance Committee under the House of Representatives has instructed the concerned government agencies to give tax exemption on the import of machinery to be brought for the maintenance of some hydropower projects that were damaged by floods during.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">April 8: The Finance Committee under the House of Representatives has instructed the concerned government agencies to give tax exemption on the import of machinery to be brought for the maintenance of some hydropower projects that were damaged by floods during the last monsoon season and to provide re-financing and loan rescheduling facilities for those projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the decision taken by the committee meeting on April 4, the committee sent separate letters to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal Rastra Bank and Securities Board of Nepal on April 5 and directed them to send the details of the implementation of the directive to the committee within </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">7</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> days.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The energy producers who suffered losses due to the natural calamity have been complaining that they have not received relief for a long time and they have not even received customs exemptions for the import of spare parts required for maintenance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the letter sent to the ministries and other government agencies, the committee has instructed them to provide relief to the under-construction and operating hydropower projects damaged due to incessant rainfall, floods and landslides from June 14 to 17.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal, IPPAN, the umbrella organization of private sector energy producers, said that </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">30</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> projects in the eastern region of the country suffered losses of more than Rs </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">8.5</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> billion due to the monsoon-induced disaster.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to the letter sent to the Ministry of Finance, it has been asked to make arrangements to import necessary spare parts and equipment for the maintenance of the affected projects with a </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">1</span><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> percent customs duty and full exemption on value added tax. Likewise, the Ministry of Finance and the central bank have been asked to arrange re-financing facility as well as rescheduling of the interest on the loans of the affected projects according to the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy dated December 19.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;ekmukta&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Likewise, the Ministry of Finance and the SEBON have been instructed to amend the regulations as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy regarding the lock-in period of promoter shares in the case of affected projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'modified' => '2024-04-08',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '20401',
			'image' => '20240408115047_Hewa_Flood.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 11:49:37',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20673',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Army Plans to Collect 10 Tonnes of Trash from Mt Everest',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The Nepalese Army is planning to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Mountain Campaign-2024 this year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The Nepalese Army is planning to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Mountain Campaign-2024 this year. The army plans to collect 10 tonnes of waste and as many as five dead bodies from the mountains, the army informed the media in news conference on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The army said that trained personnel will collect trash from the Base Camp up to Camp Four on Mt Everest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Director of the Clean Mountain Campaign, Brigadier General Sanjaya Deuja said that 12 trained army personnel will be mobilized for this campaign. Of them, 10 will be mobilize above the Base Camp while two will coordinate from Namche.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, 18 Sherpas will be mobilized for facilitating in the waste collection, the army said. The leader of the campaign, Major Aditya Karki said the waste would be collected up to a height of 8,000 metres on Mt Everest.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The waste collection drive would commence from April 11 and will run for 50 days. The campaign will conclude on June 5, 2024 on the day of the World Environment Day. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '20400',
			'image' => '20240408110214_RS_KTM_RSS_25_1712478547488.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 11:01:31',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20671',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt to Retract Bill to Amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act 2076   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 8: The government has decided to retract the bill designed to amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076 which was registered in the federal parliament secretariat.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 8: The government has decided to retract the bill designed to amend Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076 which was registered in the federal parliament secretariat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, informed media persons on Sunday while sharing the Cabinet decision made in this regard on April 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the government decided to form a dialogue team under the leadership of Joint Secretary of the Finance Ministry to finalize an agreement draft on receiving grants worth Rs 9.45 billion from the International Agriculture Development Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, government is creating two special posts for DIG of Nepal Police under technical category.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister Sharma shared that the meeting decided to grant permission to use three hectares of national forest to build garbage collection, management and processing centre for Narayan Municipality of Dailekh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, the meeting decided to retract Nepal Drinking Water Corporations Regulations-2080 to the concerned ministry and to approve Mega Project Implementation Monitoring and Facilitation Directive, 2080.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As per the cabinet decision, government will approve the model format of the bilateral investment agreement between the Government of Nepal and other countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Minister Sharma further shared that the cabinet meeting approved the resignation tendered by Central Statistic Office&#39;s Secretary Toyam Raya and Forest Research Group&#39;s Joint-Secretary Sabitri Aryal. -- RSS&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '20398',
			'image' => '20240408093926_20240115115317_pm.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2024-04-08 09:38:47',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20669',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Fin Min Pledges to Clarify with Reasons if there is Adjustments in Tax Rates in Budget',
			'sub_title' => 'Finance Minister in favor of backing Birgunj as the financial capital of Nepal',
			'summary' => 'April 7: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has vowed to maintain transparency while determining the rate of revenues in the budget statement for the next fiscal year 2024/25.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">April 7: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has vowed to maintain transparency while determining the rate of revenues in the budget statement for the next fiscal year 2024/25.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Addressing an interaction programme on &#39;revenue consultations and budget preparation&#39; organized by the Ministry of Finance and the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday, he said since increasing and decreasing the tax rates through the budget statement courted controversy in the previous years, clarifications with reasons for the fluctuation in the tax rate would be included in the upcoming fiscal year&#39;s budget statement.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Finance Minister Pun also expressed the commitment that he would not change the tax or revenue rates to benefit a particular person or industry. &quot;We are preparing to carry out works so that there is no controversy in the tax rates this year. We will clearly determine our threshold and work accordingly,&quot; he added.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">He assured of his facilitation in establishing Birgunj as a &#39;financial hub&#39; as demanded by the industrialists and businesspersons of Birgunj. He reiterated the federal government&#39;s support in developing Birgunj as an industrial city.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">&quot;Pokhara has been recently declared as the tourism capital. The prime minister himself attended the declaration programme organized under the leadership of the local level of Pokhara and the Gandaki Province, and announced Pokhara as the tourism capital. The demand of the industrialists and businesspersons of Birgunj to declare it as a &#39;financial hub&#39; is extremely positive. The federal government shall support if the Birgunj Metropolitan City and the Madhes Province propose the same,&quot; the Finance Minister said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">He described Birgunj as an industrial city as well as the financial capital, stating that they would take initiatives to develop Birgunj as a special economic zone in this context.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">According to him, the government will move ahead as per the desire and aspirations of the people.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt">Calling upon the politicians, the business community, civil society and bureaucrats to work hand in hand and contribute from their respective places for the country&#39;s development and prosperity, he reiterated that the government shall bring forth policy for protecting the industrial sector. --RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '20397',
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-07 19:32:18',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20668',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEPSE Records Surge of 22.75 Points to Close at 2026.81',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced significant growth, with its index climbing by 22.75 points, or 1.13%, ultimately closing at 2026.81 on the first trading day of the week on Sunday. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">April 7:&nbsp; The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced significant growth, with its index climbing by 22.75 points, or 1.13%, ultimately closing at 2026.81 on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Throughout today&rsquo;s trading session, a total of 311 scrips were traded via 64,221 transactions on the NEPSE, amounting to a turnover of Rs 4.25 billion, with 11,210,102 shares changing hands.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited Promoter Share (NRICP) dominated the transaction activity, accounting for a total turnover of Rs 95 crores. Four scrips&mdash;Nepal Finance Limited (NFS), Pokhara Finance Limited (PFL), Janaki Finance Limited (JFL), and Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL)&mdash;each witnessed a 10% increase and hit the positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Conversely, Taragaon Regency Hotel Limited (TRH) incurred losses, dropping by 10% and hitting the negative circuit for the day, closing at Rs 792 per share. In terms of sector indices, all sector indices closed in the green territory except Trading Index and Hotels and Tourism index. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Finance Index saw the maximum gain at 5.95%, while Hotels and Tourism Index suffered the highest loss at 0.08%. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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FOREX

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)

Bullion

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

Petroleum

Petrol	1 Liter	106.00
Diesel	1 Liter	95.00
Kerosene	1 Liter	95.00
LP Gas	1 Cylinder	1375.00