The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on…
The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on…
Arrival of tourists in Nepal surged by 11.9 percent in July this year compared to the corresponding month last year, data provided by the Department of Immigration…
ILAM, August 1: Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24.…
KATHMANDU, August 1: Manodhari Mainali, an 86-year-old resident of Kandaghari, witnessed the Saurya Airlines plane crash and burst into flames before her eyes as it tried to take off from the airport in Kathmandu.…
KATHMANDU, August 1: The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has reported revenue collection of Rs 4 million for the fiscal year 2023/24.…
KATHMANDU, August 1: A total of 145 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across the…
KATHMANDU, August 1: The Weather Forecasting Division on Wednesday announced the possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country for the next three days, particularly during the night.…
The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petroleum products, effective from…
KATHMANDU, July 31: The MCA-Nepal on Wednesday announced the signing of a contract with Techno Electric and Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) of India to construct a 400 kV substation in Damauli, Tanahun…
KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal faces a looming sugar shortage, exacerbated by India's ongoing export ban implemented in June…
KATHMANDU, July 31: The government has announced that the World Bank has sanctioned Rs 4 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Program, which was at risk of losing its unspent budget after the project’s term expired in…
KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of…
The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) set the new record with highest turnover of Rs 21.91 billion ever recorded in its history on…
MYAGDI, July 31: The Rahughat Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the breakthrough of its main…
KATHMANDU, July 30: Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 14% more areas available for paddy cultivation this year in comparison to last…
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21712', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gold Price Surges to Rs 149,400 Per Tola ', 'sub_title' => 'The Precious Yellow Metal becomes Dearer by Rs 1,600 per Tola on Thursday', 'summary' => 'The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold, which was traded at Rs 147,800 per tola on Wednesday, is being traded at Rs 149,400 per tola on Thursday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, the price of worked gold has surged to Rs 148,700 per tola from Rs 147,100 on Wednesday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The price of silver also went up in the domestic market by Rs 20 per tola on Thursday. Silver is currently being traded at Rs 1,800 per tola, up from Rs 1,780 per tola the previous day. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21438', 'image' => '20240801032633_cd5483b7.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 15:25:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21711', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourists’ Arrivals to Nepal Surge in July', 'sub_title' => 'A total of 64,599 international visitors came to Nepal in July this year compared to 57,726 visitors in the same month last year', 'summary' => 'Arrival of tourists in Nepal surged by 11.9 percent in July this year compared to the corresponding month last year, data provided by the Department of Immigration show.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report<br /> KATHMANDU, August 1</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Arrival of tourists in Nepal surged by 11.9 percent in July this year compared to the corresponding month last year, data provided by the Department of Immigration show.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">A total of 64,599 international visitors came to Nepal in July this year compared to 57,726 visitors in the same month last year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Most of the visitors were from the SAARC countries. According to the Department of Immigration, 27,212 or 42.1% of the visitors were from SAARC region with 21,491 from India alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepal saw 11,901 visitors from other Asian countries including China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Myanmar and Thailand. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">While the European tourists remained at 9,280 this July, followed by 7,864 Americans and 1,901 Australians who visited Nepal this July.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The data show that foreign visitors from SAARC countries, other Asian countries, and Europe surged by 5.8%, 16.9% and 3.5%, respectively, this July. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, 72.5% more Australians and 41.4% more Americans visited Nepal in the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => 'tourists, arrival, Nepal, American, Chinese, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, India, China', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21437', 'image' => '20240801022351_20211211082422_Clipboard18.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 14:22:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21710', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '59 Irrigation Projects Completed in Ilam with Investment of Rs 348.7 Million', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'ILAM, August 1: Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ILAM, August 1: Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24. These projects, under the Small Irrigation Programme, have benefited over 2,100 households across the district.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The projects have improved irrigation facilities, bringing relief to local farmers. Ten projects were completed in Suryodaya Municipality, nine in Ilam Municipality, eight in Mangsebung Rural Municipality and seven in Mai Municipality, according to Keshav Lama, chief of the Small Irrigation Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The construction of a canal with an investment of Rs 4 million in Gajurmukhi village of Mangsebung Rural Municipality has ended the compulsion to rely on rainwater for farming. Similarly, in Lapsibote of Maijogmai Rural Municipality, a project built with an investment of Rs 5 million is directly benefiting 58 households.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">These projects were developed through collaboration between the federal government, province government, local government, and the Swiss Government. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21436', 'image' => '20240801021518_breathtaking-view-of.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 14:14:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21709', 'article_category_id' => '228', 'title' => 'Saurya Airlines Crash Causes Fear Among Residents Near Airport', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: Manodhari Mainali, an 86-year-old resident of Kandaghari, witnessed the Saurya Airlines plane crash and burst into flames before her eyes as it tried to take off from the airport in Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: Manodhari Mainali, an 86-year-old resident of Kandaghari, witnessed the Saurya Airlines plane crash and burst into flames before her eyes as it tried to take off from the airport in Kathmandu. Since then, she has been afraid to stay at home. Mainali, who used to enjoy watching planes take off from the airport from her roof, no longer finds any pleasure in it after the crash at Tribhuvan International Airport on July 24.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"I won't live long, but because our home is near the airport, every day is fear for my son and grandson," Mainali said, adding, "We should have built a house far from the airport."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the fateful day on July 24, 18 out of 19 people on board the ill-fated aircraft died in the crash. The captain was the sole survivor as he was thrown from the aircraft due to the impact. Government officials have stated that if the crashed plane had not hit a parked container, it could have reached the nearby settlement and hit houses.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Seeing this potential danger, Govinda Pandey of Medical Chowk in Kandaghari is afraid to send his granddaughter to a school near the airport. "After the incident, I have considered changing my granddaughter's school," he told New Business Age.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ajay Shrestha, a businessman in Ward No. 9, Khare of Kageshwari Manohara Municipality, has a petrol pump near Tribhuvan International Airport. "This incident has saddened us," he told New Business Age. "The business that has been operating for 12 years cannot be relocated immediately."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the past 12 years, there have been three major plane crashes in and near Tribhuvan International Airport. In September 2012, a Sita Air plane crashed near the airport, killing 19 people. On March 12, 2018, 51 people died in a US-Bangla plane crash inside the airport. On July 24, 2024, 18 people died in a Saurya Airlines plane crash.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to international standards, airports should be located away from settlements. In developed countries, there are examples of airports being relocated due to growing settlements around them.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hong Kong moved its international airport in 1998 after the construction of high-rise buildings around the airport made it difficult for planes to take off and land. The international airport, previously located at Kai Tak, was moved to Chek Lap Kok, an island surrounded by the sea. Kansai International Airport in Japan is built in the sea.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"In developed countries, it is customary to build airports far from settlements to avoid crashes into human settlements," said Deputy Director General of the Civila Aviation Authority of Nepal, Hansraj Pandey.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> "At the international level, noise from flights and landings should not disturb residents. This is the first condition, so airports should be far from settlements. Secondly, airports have their standards."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Man-made structures grow as soon as settlements expand. Pandey said that the distance of such structures from the airport is determined by the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS). OLS is the imaginary airspace around the airport that describes the height and location of obstacles for safe landings. Once determined, the safety and operational efficiency of aircraft will increase.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"In the past, Tribhuvan International Airport was fine, but now, as settlements increase, the airport is in the middle of dense settlements," said Pandey. "Now there is a challenge to comply with OLS standards."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airport must follow the OLS height criteria, and the CAAN says there will be no compromise on this. However, in the case of houses and buildings, Pandey said that houses up to four floors do not affect aircraft landings, but higher buildings will cause problems.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"According to our rules and international standards, the 4 km area around the airport is considered sensitive, and any accident within this area falls within the airport's rescue area," said Pandey. "It is estimated that an accident can happen anywhere within 4 km, and flight and landing routes are considered more risky."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the authorities, the takeoff and landing of aircraft are very risky. On July 24, the Saurya Airlines plane had an accident soon after takeoff. The US-Bangla aircraft had an accident during landing.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airport office has already made a plan for accidents and immediate rescue within this 4 km area and along flight and landing routes. As soon as an accident occurs within this area, the airport takes over the responsibility for rescue work, Pandey said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Civil Aviation Regulations, 2058 stipulate that no one shall open slaughterhouses within 3 km of the airport area and no one shall openly pile and throw garbage in a way that contaminates the environment. With slaughterhouses near the airport, there is a possibility of birds flying and hitting planes, causing accidents.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Pandey, the Yeti Airlines plane crash also occurred in Pokhara on January 15, 2023 near the airport.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">That is why areas such as Bouddha and Imadol are considered very sensitive as the aircraft travel take this route when flying and landing at Tribhuvan International Airport. However, settlements have rapidly developed in those areas. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Pandey of Kandaghari said that the government needs to decide whether to evacuate the dangerous areas or move the airport to a safer location. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to CAAN Spokesperson Pandey, the Saurya Airlines flight could have ended up in the settlement in Bauddha. However, the plane did not reach the settlement because it hit a container inside the airport while flying from Koteshwar, he said, adding that the Gothatar area was spared from a major incident.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21435', 'image' => '20240801011257_20240724070148_unnamed.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 13:12:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21708', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Collects Rs 4 Million in FY 2023/24', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has reported revenue collection of Rs 4 million for the fiscal year 2023/24. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has reported revenue collection of Rs 4 million for the fiscal year 2023/24. Assistant Conservation Officer of the wildlife reserve, Binaya Kumar Mishra, said the revenue was collected from the royalty of jungle safari, eco-tourism, penalty, elephant riding and other headings.<br /> The highest amount of revenue was collected from the tickets sold for the visitors there. The eastern belt of the wildlife reserve has become a key destination for academic excursions.<br /> The wildlife reserve charges Rs 750 in fees to the tourists from SAARC member states while visitors from other countries should pay Rs 1,500 to visit the site for 12 hours. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => 'Kosh, Tappu, wildlife, reserve, tourists, ticket, safari, SAARC', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21434', 'image' => '20240801121518_koshi-tappu-wildli-life-reserve1505301650.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 12:14:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21707', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Monsoon-Induced Disaster Death Toll Rises to 145', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: A total of 145 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: A total of 145 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Nepal Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki, since the monsoon began on June 10, the casualties include two people in Kathmandu Valley, 24 in Koshi Province, six in Madhes, 29 in Bagmati, 42 in Gandaki, 24 in Lumbini, eight in Karnali, and 10 in Sudurpaschim Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">During this period, 10 people were injured in Kathmandu Valley, 37 in Koshi, 10 in Madhes, nine in Bagmati, 34 in Gandaki, nine in Lumbini, 51 in Karnali, and 14 in Sudurpaschim Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Furthermore, three people were rescued in Kathmandu Valley, 49 in Koshi, 14 in Gandaki, two in Karnali, and five in Sudurpaschim Province. Police also reported that 47 people are missing in Koshi, 42 in Bagmati, two in Gandaki, and one in Karnali Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 184 houses have been submerged due to floods, while 248 houses, 88 sheds, 43 bridges, two schools, and two government offices have been damaged. Additionally, 672 cattle have perished in the disaster, and a total of 4,063 households have been displaced, said DIG Karki. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21433', 'image' => '20240801114325_KDN_Dang-20240706_171042.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 11:42:09', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21706', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Night Rainfall to Continue till Friday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: The Weather Forecasting Division on Wednesday announced the possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country for the next three days, particularly during the night. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: The Weather Forecasting Division on Wednesday announced the possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country for the next three days, particularly during the night. However, unlike the past three days, the upcoming days are expected to see an improvement in the weather.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rojan Lamichhane, a meteorologist at the division, stated that nighttime rain is expected from Wednesday through Friday, after which the weather will likely improve. The influence of monsoon winds remains active across the country, he added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The division also reported that the weather will remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today, August 1.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Issuing a weather bulletin on Thursday morning, the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warned of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning expected in some areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as a few places in Madhes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Tonight, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy across the country, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in a few locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, and at one or two locations in Madhes and Lumbini provinces. The division indicated that there is a likelihood of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces tonight. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21432', 'image' => '20240801111319_rsain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 11:12:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21705', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NOC Slashes Prices of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petroleum products, effective from Thursday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">July 31: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petroleum products, effective from Thursday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to a press release issued by the NOC on Wednesday, the price of petrol has been decreased by Rs 1 per litre, while diesel and kerosene oil have been reduced by Rs 2 per litre. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The price of aviation fuel remains unchanged.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the new prices, petrol will cost Rs 167 per litre and diesel and kerosene oil Rs 155 per litre in Charali, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Amalekhgunj, Bhalbari, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Birgunj.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In Surkhet and Dang, the price of petrol will be Rs 169 per litre, with diesel and kerosene oil priced at Rs 157 per litre.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Petrol will be sold at Rs 170 per litre in Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Dipayal, while diesel and kerosene oil will cost Rs 158 per litre. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21431', 'image' => '20240801055143_collage (85).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 05:50:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21704', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MCA-Nepal Completes Signing of All Three 400kV Substations', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The MCA-Nepal on Wednesday announced the signing of a contract with Techno Electric and Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) of India to construct a 400 kV substation in Damauli, Tanahun district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The MCA-Nepal on Wednesday announced the signing of a contract with Techno Electric and Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) of India to construct a 400 kV substation in Damauli, Tanahun district. According to the MCA-Nepal, which is responsible for implementing the projects under the grant assistance of the USA government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the estimated cost of constructing the substation is US$38.89 million and the contract was signed accordingly.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With this, MCA-Nepal has completed awarding contracts for the construction of all three 400 kV substations as part of implementing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact, reads a statement issued by MCA-Nepal on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Once completed, the New Damauli Substation will have a capacity of 1000 Mega Volt Ampere, making it one of the largest substations in the country. The contract for the construction of the Ratmate Substation was signed with the same company in June 2024, the statement added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The MCA-Nepal further said that the New Damauli Substation will serve as a critical point of connection for power flow with the Ratmate, Lekhnath and New Butwal Substations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Khadga Bahadur Bisht, executive director of MCA-Nepal, and Rajiv Agarwal, director (commercial) at TEECL, India signed and exchanged the contract on Wednesday. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka, US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson, MCA-Nepal board members, TEECL Managing Director Padam Prakash Gupta and officials from NEA along with MCC and MCA-Nepal officials were present on the occasion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Addressing the event, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka expressed his belief that the substations would significantly contribute in strengthening the electricity distribution system in Nepal and pave the way for economic prosperity. He also urged all stakeholders to strengthen efforts for the timely completion of the project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, secretary at the Ministry of Finance, who is also the chair of the MCA-Nepal Board said, “The progress is a good indication of MCA-Nepal’s ongoing efforts to implement the MCC Nepal Compact. The three substations are essential to Nepal’s growing energy sector and will help ensure a reliable power sector to enhance industrial and commercial activities for the economic growth in Nepal.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Speaking at the event US Ambassador to Nepal, Thompson, acknowledged the important role each stakeholder played in the progress of this project and shaping a brighter future for Nepal. He further added, “The MCC Nepal Compact is going to be an important part of our shared success story, working with Nepal to power Nepali homes, power the Nepali economy, create jobs, and reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bisht termed it a remarkable milestone to sign all three substation contracts while approaching the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Compact.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“I would like to acknowledge the support of the Government of Nepal and our key stakeholders – Ministry of Finance, the MCA Nepal Board, NEA and MCC for their continued support,” he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Along with the three substations, the MCC Nepal Compact will fund the construction of up to 315 km of transmission line from Lapsiphedi, Kathmandu to the Nepal-India border in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) under the Electricity Transmission Project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">MCA Nepal said that the bids for the 18 km cross-border transmission line have been received for evaluation. MCA-Nepal aims to award the contract in August. Likewise, preparations are on track to ensure the bids for the remaining 297 km of transmission lines are relaunched at the earliest possible date this year. As far as the the Roads Maintenance Project under the MCC is concerned, MCA-Nepal is preparing to launch the Full Depth Reclamation procurement in August, the statement added.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21430', 'image' => '20240731081245_Minister for EWRI Dipak Khadka addressing the New Damauli Substation Contract Signing Ceremony on 31 July 2024.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 20:11:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21699', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Sugar Shortage Likely During Dashain and Tihar', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal faces a looming sugar shortage, exacerbated by India's ongoing export ban implemented in June 2022.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Prashant Khadka</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal faces a looming sugar shortage, exacerbated by India's ongoing export ban implemented in June 2022. The government has not yet started the process of importing sugar from India for this year's Dashain and Tihar festivals, which could lead to a significant price hike during the festive season.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Although the private sector supplies sugar to the market, the government's limited supply helps prevent price hikes. With domestic production declining and India's export ban still in place, the risk of a price surge is imminent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Salt Trading Corporation reports a demand of about 30,000 to 35,000 metric tons of sugar during Dashain and Tihar. Currently, it has only about 2,200 metric tons in stock, purchased from local traders. Last year, the government did not initiate the import process in time, leading to long lines and price hike up to Rs 130 per kilo during the festivals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">This year, the preparations appear similarly inadequate. The Salt Trading Corporation and Nepal Food Corporation have requested permission to import 20,000 metric tons of sugar each, but the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies has not received budget approval from the Ministry of Finance. Ten industries have permission to import 19,000 metric tons of from India, but the state-owned Salt Trading Corporation and the Nepal Food Corporation have yet to secure their quota.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Chandi Prasad Ghimire, indicated uncertainty about receiving additional quotas from India. Even if immediate approval is granted, the procurement process via international tenders will delay the arrival of sugar before Dashain.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Domestic sugarcane production has decreased in recent years, increasing reliance on imports from India. Last year, Nepal produced 165,000 metric tons of sugar, down from about 200,000 metric tons a decade ago. Annual sugar consumption is around 250,000 metric tons. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reports a decrease in sugarcane cultivation by 1,521 hectares and a production drop of 53,834 metric tons over the last three years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the decline in sugarcane and sugar production, Nepal's dependence on Indian imports has grown. Given India's continued export ban, a price increase during Dashain and Tihar is likely.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Kumar Rajbhandari, spokesperson for the Salt Trading Corporation, warns that a situation similar to last year might repeat if the process of importing sugar is delayed. The government sells sugar at concessional rates during festivals to curb black market activity and high prices. However, it takes about three months to import sugar via global tender, and Dashain is only two and a half months away. Thus, it is unlikely that subsidized sugar will arrive in time.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Amulkaji Tuladhar, general secretary of the Retail Trade Association, predicts that without timely arrival of concessional sugar, prices could spiral out of control, leading to increased black market activity and shortages. Currently, sugar costs Rs 110 per kilo, but this could rise significantly if the government fails to act soon.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21429', 'image' => '20240731020703_sugar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 14:06:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21702', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank Sanctions Rs 4 Billion for Prime Minister's Employment Program', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The government has announced that the World Bank has sanctioned Rs 4 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Program, which was at risk of losing its unspent budget after the project’s term expired in June.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The government has announced that the World Bank has sanctioned Rs 4 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Program, which was at risk of losing its unspent budget after the project’s term expired in June. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance had requested the World Bank to extend the project. Shobha Kumari Pokharel, under secretary of the Prime Minister's Employment Program Secretariat, confirmed that the World Bank has agreed to give continuity to the program for another year, extending it until July 15, 2025.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This program has been operational since the FY 2018/19, supported by a World Bank loan of $120 million (equivalent to Rs 16.11 billion at the current exchange rate). However, as the government was not able to utilize the entire budget in the initial 4-year timeframe, the government requested more time to spend the remaining funds.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel mentioned that the funds are now available for use in the current fiscal year. The budget will primarily be used as wages for job creation, facilitating training as per labor market demands, and providing workplace-based skill development training to registered individuals. The goal is to offer 50 days of work and 50 days of training to equip participants with skills for future employment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Approximately 796,000 individuals applied for jobs when the application process opened last February. However, the Prime Minister's Employment Program Secretariat indicated that only 52,000 people will be provided employment this year. Last year, 64,000 individuals were employed out of the targeted 60,000.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel pointed out that the reduced budget allocation of Rs 2.4 billion this year, down from Rs 2.38 billion last year, will make it challenging to create more jobs. The program, initiated by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in FY 2018/19, has faced criticism for utilizing substantial funds on petty tasks.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In its first year, the program was accused of spending billions of state funds on unproductive activities such as chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away. In response to these criticisms, the government announced plans to restructure the program in the previous year's budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Budget introduced by Former Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat emphasized the need for modifications to create productive employment and improve labor market outcomes. The plan included providing minimum employment with workplace-based training for labor-intensive work at the local level and upgrading employment service centers to offer comprehensive services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although a committee was formed to restructure the program and a report was submitted, it has yet to be implemented. The current budget has allocated funds to the Prime Minister's Employment Program to provide employment to approximately 200,000 people for a minimum of 100 days in public construction and maintenance projects. However, there is no mention of program restructuring in the budget statement, leading to increased confusion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel stated that while the task force has prepared a restructuring report, it is not feasible to implement the changes this year. The necessary preparations for restructuring should be completed this year and carried out from next year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The effectiveness of the Prime Minister's Employment Program has been repeatedly questioned, putting pressure on the government to restructure it. A recent report prepared by the Office of the Auditor General highlighted that the program's sustainability has not been effective, with a focus on small infrastructure projects like road and cleaning drains, school playgrounds, and off-roads. The report suggests that the program should be conducted in partnership with local levels to ensure cost-sharing and ownership.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21428', 'image' => '20240731042825_blank eight by six.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 16:27:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21703', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '31 YouTube Channels Face Action from Press Council Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of Conduct.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of Conduct.<br /> In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Council revealed it had targeted both registered and non-registered media channels. The actions were in response to content that instigated conflict, defamed individuals, or presented one-sided information.<br /> The Council has directed three specific YouTube channels—Hello TV Nepal Facebook Page, PNP Media, and Nagarik Patra—to edit or remove content that violates the code, suspend unfavorable material, and provide clarifications within 24 hours. Immediate removal of obscene content was also mandated.<br /> Additionally, the Council has requested Nepal Police's Cyber Bureau to investigate 28 YouTube channels, not officially recognized as media, that have been spreading obscene content styled as legitimate media.<br /> The Press Council Nepal had previously penalized a total of 43 YouTubers in the last fiscal year, 2023/24. According to the statement, the Council is actively monitoring social media content to prevent the spread of conflict-inducing, violent, and abusive material.<br /> Council President Bal Krishna Basnet emphasized that penalties were imposed based on new standards and guidelines. He urged for a constructive use of social media to enhance the media sector rather than exploit it. -- RSS</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21427', 'image' => '20240731074741_YouTube-Logo-.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 19:47:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21701', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Sets New Record with Rs 21.91 Billion Turnover', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) set the new record with highest turnover of Rs 21.91 billion ever recorded in its history on Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">July 31: The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) set the new record with highest daily turnover of Rs 21.91 billion ever recorded in its history on Wednesday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The secondary benchmark index saw a substantial gain of 64.25 points or 2.38%, closing at 2760.90 on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the trading session, 332 different securities were traded through 238,272 transactions, with a total of 50,967,951 shares exchanged.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Today’s highest turnover was led by Himalayan Reinsurance Company Limited (HRL), which saw transactions totaling Rs 840 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Remarkably, eight companies, including Gurkhas Finance Limited (GUFL), Reliance Finance Limited (RLFL), and Shree Investment Finance Limited (SIFC), experienced a 10% increase, hitting the upper circuit.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> On the other hand, Civil Bank Debenture 2088 (CBLD88) incurred the largest loss, dropping 7.92% to a market price of Rs 1070 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Sensitive Index rose by 2.19%, while the Float Index and Sensitive Float Index increased by 2.28% and 2.05%, respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">All sector indices ended the day in positive territory, with the Finance Index recording the highest gain at 8.08%. The Microfinance Index saw the smallest increase, growing by 0.63%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21425', 'image' => '20240731033033_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 15:29:09', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21698', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Main Tunnel of Rahughat Hydropower Project Achieves Breakthrough', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'MYAGDI, July 31: The Rahughat Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the breakthrough of its main tunnel.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">MYAGDI, July 31: The Rahughat Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the breakthrough of its main tunnel. The project, with a capacity to generate 40 megawatts of electricity, is a subsidiary of Nepal Electricity Authority, promoted by Raghuganga Hydropower.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The main tunnel, which is 6,270 meters long, starts from the dam at the base of Dagnam in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-4 and ends at Tilkenichaur in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-3, according to the project’s Managing Director, Ganesh KC.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The breakthrough was accomplished by dividing the tunnel into four segments (audits). Raghuganga Rural Municipality Chairman Bhawa Bahadur Bhandari and the project’s Managing Director KC jointly activated a switch for the breakthrough of the 2,332-meter-long section of the tunnel linking the dam to Audit No. 2 at Agherikhola.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The tunnel construction includes 875 meters dug from Audit 1 and 1,458 meters from Audit 2. Lining work is ongoing in the 3,836 meters of Audit 2 and 3 tunnels, which had breakthroughs last March.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Chairman Bhandari expressed his satisfaction with the tunnel's completion, highlighting that the tunnel construction is the project's primary task. He also noted that the rural municipality has facilitated and coordinated the project's efforts.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Rahughat Hydropower Project is being developed with a concessional loan of USD 67 million from the Indian EXIM (Export-Import) Bank, alongside joint investment from NEA and the Government of Nepal. The contract agreement for the project's construction was signed with civil contractors Jaiprakash Associates (JP) in 2074 BS. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21424', 'image' => '20240731013756_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 13:37:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21697', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Paddy Transplantation up by 14% this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 30: Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 14% more areas available for paddy cultivation this year in comparison to last year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report<br /> KATHMANDU, July 30: </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 14% more areas available for paddy cultivation this year in comparison to last year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Until July 28, the transplantation was completed in 92.41 percent of the available land across the country this year while 78.1 percent transplantation had completed in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Of the 1.398 million hectares designated for paddy cultivation, transplantation has been completed in 1.29 million hectares. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Government officials attributed the progress to sufficient rainfall and availability of chemical fertilisers.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">“Monsoon arrived earlier this year leading to consistent rainfall,” said Hari Bahadur KC, spokesperson at the ministry. “And the availability of chemical fertilisers led to timely transplantation.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Farmers could not prepare rice saplings on time last year due to delayed rainfall, which negatively impacted transplantation, KC added, estimating paddy transplantation to increase to 98% of the available area this year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">While the transplantation nears completion in Sudurpaschim Province, nearly 9 percent transplantation is yet to be completed in Koshi, according to the ministry. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Spokesperson KC said the transplantation may have been delayed due to less rain in the east compared to the west this season.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, paddy transplantation has completed in 96.9 percent of available land in Karnali.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">With the surge in transplantation, paddy harvest is projected to rise this year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Paddy harvest had increased last year as well, which the government attributed to the growing use of technology. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepali farmers had harvested 5.7 million tonnes of paddy in the last fiscal year, 2023/24, a 4.33% increase from the previous year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21423', 'image' => '20240731124638_SA_SURKHET_DJI_174520.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 12:45:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 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Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21712', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gold Price Surges to Rs 149,400 Per Tola ', 'sub_title' => 'The Precious Yellow Metal becomes Dearer by Rs 1,600 per Tola on Thursday', 'summary' => 'The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold, which was traded at Rs 147,800 per tola on Wednesday, is being traded at Rs 149,400 per tola on Thursday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, the price of worked gold has surged to Rs 148,700 per tola from Rs 147,100 on Wednesday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The price of silver also went up in the domestic market by Rs 20 per tola on Thursday. Silver is currently being traded at Rs 1,800 per tola, up from Rs 1,780 per tola the previous day. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21438', 'image' => '20240801032633_cd5483b7.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 15:25:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21711', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourists’ Arrivals to Nepal Surge in July', 'sub_title' => 'A total of 64,599 international visitors came to Nepal in July this year compared to 57,726 visitors in the same month last year', 'summary' => 'Arrival of tourists in Nepal surged by 11.9 percent in July this year compared to the corresponding month last year, data provided by the Department of Immigration show.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report<br /> KATHMANDU, August 1</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Arrival of tourists in Nepal surged by 11.9 percent in July this year compared to the corresponding month last year, data provided by the Department of Immigration show.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">A total of 64,599 international visitors came to Nepal in July this year compared to 57,726 visitors in the same month last year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Most of the visitors were from the SAARC countries. According to the Department of Immigration, 27,212 or 42.1% of the visitors were from SAARC region with 21,491 from India alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepal saw 11,901 visitors from other Asian countries including China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Myanmar and Thailand. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">While the European tourists remained at 9,280 this July, followed by 7,864 Americans and 1,901 Australians who visited Nepal this July.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The data show that foreign visitors from SAARC countries, other Asian countries, and Europe surged by 5.8%, 16.9% and 3.5%, respectively, this July. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, 72.5% more Australians and 41.4% more Americans visited Nepal in the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => 'tourists, arrival, Nepal, American, Chinese, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, India, China', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21437', 'image' => '20240801022351_20211211082422_Clipboard18.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 14:22:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21710', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '59 Irrigation Projects Completed in Ilam with Investment of Rs 348.7 Million', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'ILAM, August 1: Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ILAM, August 1: Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24. These projects, under the Small Irrigation Programme, have benefited over 2,100 households across the district.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The projects have improved irrigation facilities, bringing relief to local farmers. Ten projects were completed in Suryodaya Municipality, nine in Ilam Municipality, eight in Mangsebung Rural Municipality and seven in Mai Municipality, according to Keshav Lama, chief of the Small Irrigation Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The construction of a canal with an investment of Rs 4 million in Gajurmukhi village of Mangsebung Rural Municipality has ended the compulsion to rely on rainwater for farming. Similarly, in Lapsibote of Maijogmai Rural Municipality, a project built with an investment of Rs 5 million is directly benefiting 58 households.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">These projects were developed through collaboration between the federal government, province government, local government, and the Swiss Government. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21436', 'image' => '20240801021518_breathtaking-view-of.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 14:14:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21709', 'article_category_id' => '228', 'title' => 'Saurya Airlines Crash Causes Fear Among Residents Near Airport', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: Manodhari Mainali, an 86-year-old resident of Kandaghari, witnessed the Saurya Airlines plane crash and burst into flames before her eyes as it tried to take off from the airport in Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: Manodhari Mainali, an 86-year-old resident of Kandaghari, witnessed the Saurya Airlines plane crash and burst into flames before her eyes as it tried to take off from the airport in Kathmandu. Since then, she has been afraid to stay at home. Mainali, who used to enjoy watching planes take off from the airport from her roof, no longer finds any pleasure in it after the crash at Tribhuvan International Airport on July 24.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"I won't live long, but because our home is near the airport, every day is fear for my son and grandson," Mainali said, adding, "We should have built a house far from the airport."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the fateful day on July 24, 18 out of 19 people on board the ill-fated aircraft died in the crash. The captain was the sole survivor as he was thrown from the aircraft due to the impact. Government officials have stated that if the crashed plane had not hit a parked container, it could have reached the nearby settlement and hit houses.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Seeing this potential danger, Govinda Pandey of Medical Chowk in Kandaghari is afraid to send his granddaughter to a school near the airport. "After the incident, I have considered changing my granddaughter's school," he told New Business Age.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ajay Shrestha, a businessman in Ward No. 9, Khare of Kageshwari Manohara Municipality, has a petrol pump near Tribhuvan International Airport. "This incident has saddened us," he told New Business Age. "The business that has been operating for 12 years cannot be relocated immediately."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the past 12 years, there have been three major plane crashes in and near Tribhuvan International Airport. In September 2012, a Sita Air plane crashed near the airport, killing 19 people. On March 12, 2018, 51 people died in a US-Bangla plane crash inside the airport. On July 24, 2024, 18 people died in a Saurya Airlines plane crash.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to international standards, airports should be located away from settlements. In developed countries, there are examples of airports being relocated due to growing settlements around them.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hong Kong moved its international airport in 1998 after the construction of high-rise buildings around the airport made it difficult for planes to take off and land. The international airport, previously located at Kai Tak, was moved to Chek Lap Kok, an island surrounded by the sea. Kansai International Airport in Japan is built in the sea.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"In developed countries, it is customary to build airports far from settlements to avoid crashes into human settlements," said Deputy Director General of the Civila Aviation Authority of Nepal, Hansraj Pandey.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> "At the international level, noise from flights and landings should not disturb residents. This is the first condition, so airports should be far from settlements. Secondly, airports have their standards."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Man-made structures grow as soon as settlements expand. Pandey said that the distance of such structures from the airport is determined by the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS). OLS is the imaginary airspace around the airport that describes the height and location of obstacles for safe landings. Once determined, the safety and operational efficiency of aircraft will increase.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"In the past, Tribhuvan International Airport was fine, but now, as settlements increase, the airport is in the middle of dense settlements," said Pandey. "Now there is a challenge to comply with OLS standards."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airport must follow the OLS height criteria, and the CAAN says there will be no compromise on this. However, in the case of houses and buildings, Pandey said that houses up to four floors do not affect aircraft landings, but higher buildings will cause problems.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"According to our rules and international standards, the 4 km area around the airport is considered sensitive, and any accident within this area falls within the airport's rescue area," said Pandey. "It is estimated that an accident can happen anywhere within 4 km, and flight and landing routes are considered more risky."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the authorities, the takeoff and landing of aircraft are very risky. On July 24, the Saurya Airlines plane had an accident soon after takeoff. The US-Bangla aircraft had an accident during landing.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airport office has already made a plan for accidents and immediate rescue within this 4 km area and along flight and landing routes. As soon as an accident occurs within this area, the airport takes over the responsibility for rescue work, Pandey said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Civil Aviation Regulations, 2058 stipulate that no one shall open slaughterhouses within 3 km of the airport area and no one shall openly pile and throw garbage in a way that contaminates the environment. With slaughterhouses near the airport, there is a possibility of birds flying and hitting planes, causing accidents.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Pandey, the Yeti Airlines plane crash also occurred in Pokhara on January 15, 2023 near the airport.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">That is why areas such as Bouddha and Imadol are considered very sensitive as the aircraft travel take this route when flying and landing at Tribhuvan International Airport. However, settlements have rapidly developed in those areas. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Pandey of Kandaghari said that the government needs to decide whether to evacuate the dangerous areas or move the airport to a safer location. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to CAAN Spokesperson Pandey, the Saurya Airlines flight could have ended up in the settlement in Bauddha. However, the plane did not reach the settlement because it hit a container inside the airport while flying from Koteshwar, he said, adding that the Gothatar area was spared from a major incident.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21435', 'image' => '20240801011257_20240724070148_unnamed.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 13:12:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21708', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Collects Rs 4 Million in FY 2023/24', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has reported revenue collection of Rs 4 million for the fiscal year 2023/24. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has reported revenue collection of Rs 4 million for the fiscal year 2023/24. Assistant Conservation Officer of the wildlife reserve, Binaya Kumar Mishra, said the revenue was collected from the royalty of jungle safari, eco-tourism, penalty, elephant riding and other headings.<br /> The highest amount of revenue was collected from the tickets sold for the visitors there. The eastern belt of the wildlife reserve has become a key destination for academic excursions.<br /> The wildlife reserve charges Rs 750 in fees to the tourists from SAARC member states while visitors from other countries should pay Rs 1,500 to visit the site for 12 hours. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => 'Kosh, Tappu, wildlife, reserve, tourists, ticket, safari, SAARC', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21434', 'image' => '20240801121518_koshi-tappu-wildli-life-reserve1505301650.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 12:14:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21707', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Monsoon-Induced Disaster Death Toll Rises to 145', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: A total of 145 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: A total of 145 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Nepal Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki, since the monsoon began on June 10, the casualties include two people in Kathmandu Valley, 24 in Koshi Province, six in Madhes, 29 in Bagmati, 42 in Gandaki, 24 in Lumbini, eight in Karnali, and 10 in Sudurpaschim Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">During this period, 10 people were injured in Kathmandu Valley, 37 in Koshi, 10 in Madhes, nine in Bagmati, 34 in Gandaki, nine in Lumbini, 51 in Karnali, and 14 in Sudurpaschim Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Furthermore, three people were rescued in Kathmandu Valley, 49 in Koshi, 14 in Gandaki, two in Karnali, and five in Sudurpaschim Province. Police also reported that 47 people are missing in Koshi, 42 in Bagmati, two in Gandaki, and one in Karnali Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 184 houses have been submerged due to floods, while 248 houses, 88 sheds, 43 bridges, two schools, and two government offices have been damaged. Additionally, 672 cattle have perished in the disaster, and a total of 4,063 households have been displaced, said DIG Karki. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21433', 'image' => '20240801114325_KDN_Dang-20240706_171042.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 11:42:09', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21706', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Night Rainfall to Continue till Friday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: The Weather Forecasting Division on Wednesday announced the possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country for the next three days, particularly during the night. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: The Weather Forecasting Division on Wednesday announced the possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country for the next three days, particularly during the night. However, unlike the past three days, the upcoming days are expected to see an improvement in the weather.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rojan Lamichhane, a meteorologist at the division, stated that nighttime rain is expected from Wednesday through Friday, after which the weather will likely improve. The influence of monsoon winds remains active across the country, he added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The division also reported that the weather will remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today, August 1.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Issuing a weather bulletin on Thursday morning, the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warned of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning expected in some areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as a few places in Madhes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Tonight, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy across the country, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in a few locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, and at one or two locations in Madhes and Lumbini provinces. The division indicated that there is a likelihood of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces tonight. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21432', 'image' => '20240801111319_rsain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 11:12:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21705', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NOC Slashes Prices of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petroleum products, effective from Thursday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">July 31: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petroleum products, effective from Thursday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to a press release issued by the NOC on Wednesday, the price of petrol has been decreased by Rs 1 per litre, while diesel and kerosene oil have been reduced by Rs 2 per litre. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The price of aviation fuel remains unchanged.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the new prices, petrol will cost Rs 167 per litre and diesel and kerosene oil Rs 155 per litre in Charali, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Amalekhgunj, Bhalbari, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Birgunj.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In Surkhet and Dang, the price of petrol will be Rs 169 per litre, with diesel and kerosene oil priced at Rs 157 per litre.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Petrol will be sold at Rs 170 per litre in Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Dipayal, while diesel and kerosene oil will cost Rs 158 per litre. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21431', 'image' => '20240801055143_collage (85).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 05:50:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21704', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MCA-Nepal Completes Signing of All Three 400kV Substations', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The MCA-Nepal on Wednesday announced the signing of a contract with Techno Electric and Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) of India to construct a 400 kV substation in Damauli, Tanahun district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The MCA-Nepal on Wednesday announced the signing of a contract with Techno Electric and Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) of India to construct a 400 kV substation in Damauli, Tanahun district. According to the MCA-Nepal, which is responsible for implementing the projects under the grant assistance of the USA government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the estimated cost of constructing the substation is US$38.89 million and the contract was signed accordingly.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With this, MCA-Nepal has completed awarding contracts for the construction of all three 400 kV substations as part of implementing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact, reads a statement issued by MCA-Nepal on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Once completed, the New Damauli Substation will have a capacity of 1000 Mega Volt Ampere, making it one of the largest substations in the country. The contract for the construction of the Ratmate Substation was signed with the same company in June 2024, the statement added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The MCA-Nepal further said that the New Damauli Substation will serve as a critical point of connection for power flow with the Ratmate, Lekhnath and New Butwal Substations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Khadga Bahadur Bisht, executive director of MCA-Nepal, and Rajiv Agarwal, director (commercial) at TEECL, India signed and exchanged the contract on Wednesday. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka, US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson, MCA-Nepal board members, TEECL Managing Director Padam Prakash Gupta and officials from NEA along with MCC and MCA-Nepal officials were present on the occasion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Addressing the event, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka expressed his belief that the substations would significantly contribute in strengthening the electricity distribution system in Nepal and pave the way for economic prosperity. He also urged all stakeholders to strengthen efforts for the timely completion of the project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, secretary at the Ministry of Finance, who is also the chair of the MCA-Nepal Board said, “The progress is a good indication of MCA-Nepal’s ongoing efforts to implement the MCC Nepal Compact. The three substations are essential to Nepal’s growing energy sector and will help ensure a reliable power sector to enhance industrial and commercial activities for the economic growth in Nepal.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Speaking at the event US Ambassador to Nepal, Thompson, acknowledged the important role each stakeholder played in the progress of this project and shaping a brighter future for Nepal. He further added, “The MCC Nepal Compact is going to be an important part of our shared success story, working with Nepal to power Nepali homes, power the Nepali economy, create jobs, and reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bisht termed it a remarkable milestone to sign all three substation contracts while approaching the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Compact.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“I would like to acknowledge the support of the Government of Nepal and our key stakeholders – Ministry of Finance, the MCA Nepal Board, NEA and MCC for their continued support,” he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Along with the three substations, the MCC Nepal Compact will fund the construction of up to 315 km of transmission line from Lapsiphedi, Kathmandu to the Nepal-India border in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) under the Electricity Transmission Project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">MCA Nepal said that the bids for the 18 km cross-border transmission line have been received for evaluation. MCA-Nepal aims to award the contract in August. Likewise, preparations are on track to ensure the bids for the remaining 297 km of transmission lines are relaunched at the earliest possible date this year. As far as the the Roads Maintenance Project under the MCC is concerned, MCA-Nepal is preparing to launch the Full Depth Reclamation procurement in August, the statement added.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21430', 'image' => '20240731081245_Minister for EWRI Dipak Khadka addressing the New Damauli Substation Contract Signing Ceremony on 31 July 2024.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 20:11:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21699', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Sugar Shortage Likely During Dashain and Tihar', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal faces a looming sugar shortage, exacerbated by India's ongoing export ban implemented in June 2022.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Prashant Khadka</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal faces a looming sugar shortage, exacerbated by India's ongoing export ban implemented in June 2022. The government has not yet started the process of importing sugar from India for this year's Dashain and Tihar festivals, which could lead to a significant price hike during the festive season.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Although the private sector supplies sugar to the market, the government's limited supply helps prevent price hikes. With domestic production declining and India's export ban still in place, the risk of a price surge is imminent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Salt Trading Corporation reports a demand of about 30,000 to 35,000 metric tons of sugar during Dashain and Tihar. Currently, it has only about 2,200 metric tons in stock, purchased from local traders. Last year, the government did not initiate the import process in time, leading to long lines and price hike up to Rs 130 per kilo during the festivals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">This year, the preparations appear similarly inadequate. The Salt Trading Corporation and Nepal Food Corporation have requested permission to import 20,000 metric tons of sugar each, but the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies has not received budget approval from the Ministry of Finance. Ten industries have permission to import 19,000 metric tons of from India, but the state-owned Salt Trading Corporation and the Nepal Food Corporation have yet to secure their quota.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Chandi Prasad Ghimire, indicated uncertainty about receiving additional quotas from India. Even if immediate approval is granted, the procurement process via international tenders will delay the arrival of sugar before Dashain.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Domestic sugarcane production has decreased in recent years, increasing reliance on imports from India. Last year, Nepal produced 165,000 metric tons of sugar, down from about 200,000 metric tons a decade ago. Annual sugar consumption is around 250,000 metric tons. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reports a decrease in sugarcane cultivation by 1,521 hectares and a production drop of 53,834 metric tons over the last three years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the decline in sugarcane and sugar production, Nepal's dependence on Indian imports has grown. Given India's continued export ban, a price increase during Dashain and Tihar is likely.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Kumar Rajbhandari, spokesperson for the Salt Trading Corporation, warns that a situation similar to last year might repeat if the process of importing sugar is delayed. The government sells sugar at concessional rates during festivals to curb black market activity and high prices. However, it takes about three months to import sugar via global tender, and Dashain is only two and a half months away. Thus, it is unlikely that subsidized sugar will arrive in time.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Amulkaji Tuladhar, general secretary of the Retail Trade Association, predicts that without timely arrival of concessional sugar, prices could spiral out of control, leading to increased black market activity and shortages. Currently, sugar costs Rs 110 per kilo, but this could rise significantly if the government fails to act soon.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21429', 'image' => '20240731020703_sugar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 14:06:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21702', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank Sanctions Rs 4 Billion for Prime Minister's Employment Program', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The government has announced that the World Bank has sanctioned Rs 4 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Program, which was at risk of losing its unspent budget after the project’s term expired in June.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The government has announced that the World Bank has sanctioned Rs 4 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Program, which was at risk of losing its unspent budget after the project’s term expired in June. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance had requested the World Bank to extend the project. Shobha Kumari Pokharel, under secretary of the Prime Minister's Employment Program Secretariat, confirmed that the World Bank has agreed to give continuity to the program for another year, extending it until July 15, 2025.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This program has been operational since the FY 2018/19, supported by a World Bank loan of $120 million (equivalent to Rs 16.11 billion at the current exchange rate). However, as the government was not able to utilize the entire budget in the initial 4-year timeframe, the government requested more time to spend the remaining funds.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel mentioned that the funds are now available for use in the current fiscal year. The budget will primarily be used as wages for job creation, facilitating training as per labor market demands, and providing workplace-based skill development training to registered individuals. The goal is to offer 50 days of work and 50 days of training to equip participants with skills for future employment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Approximately 796,000 individuals applied for jobs when the application process opened last February. However, the Prime Minister's Employment Program Secretariat indicated that only 52,000 people will be provided employment this year. Last year, 64,000 individuals were employed out of the targeted 60,000.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel pointed out that the reduced budget allocation of Rs 2.4 billion this year, down from Rs 2.38 billion last year, will make it challenging to create more jobs. The program, initiated by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in FY 2018/19, has faced criticism for utilizing substantial funds on petty tasks.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In its first year, the program was accused of spending billions of state funds on unproductive activities such as chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away. In response to these criticisms, the government announced plans to restructure the program in the previous year's budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Budget introduced by Former Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat emphasized the need for modifications to create productive employment and improve labor market outcomes. The plan included providing minimum employment with workplace-based training for labor-intensive work at the local level and upgrading employment service centers to offer comprehensive services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although a committee was formed to restructure the program and a report was submitted, it has yet to be implemented. The current budget has allocated funds to the Prime Minister's Employment Program to provide employment to approximately 200,000 people for a minimum of 100 days in public construction and maintenance projects. However, there is no mention of program restructuring in the budget statement, leading to increased confusion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel stated that while the task force has prepared a restructuring report, it is not feasible to implement the changes this year. The necessary preparations for restructuring should be completed this year and carried out from next year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The effectiveness of the Prime Minister's Employment Program has been repeatedly questioned, putting pressure on the government to restructure it. A recent report prepared by the Office of the Auditor General highlighted that the program's sustainability has not been effective, with a focus on small infrastructure projects like road and cleaning drains, school playgrounds, and off-roads. The report suggests that the program should be conducted in partnership with local levels to ensure cost-sharing and ownership.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21428', 'image' => '20240731042825_blank eight by six.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 16:27:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21703', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '31 YouTube Channels Face Action from Press Council Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of Conduct.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of Conduct.<br /> In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Council revealed it had targeted both registered and non-registered media channels. The actions were in response to content that instigated conflict, defamed individuals, or presented one-sided information.<br /> The Council has directed three specific YouTube channels—Hello TV Nepal Facebook Page, PNP Media, and Nagarik Patra—to edit or remove content that violates the code, suspend unfavorable material, and provide clarifications within 24 hours. Immediate removal of obscene content was also mandated.<br /> Additionally, the Council has requested Nepal Police's Cyber Bureau to investigate 28 YouTube channels, not officially recognized as media, that have been spreading obscene content styled as legitimate media.<br /> The Press Council Nepal had previously penalized a total of 43 YouTubers in the last fiscal year, 2023/24. According to the statement, the Council is actively monitoring social media content to prevent the spread of conflict-inducing, violent, and abusive material.<br /> Council President Bal Krishna Basnet emphasized that penalties were imposed based on new standards and guidelines. He urged for a constructive use of social media to enhance the media sector rather than exploit it. -- RSS</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21427', 'image' => '20240731074741_YouTube-Logo-.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 19:47:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21701', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Sets New Record with Rs 21.91 Billion Turnover', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) set the new record with highest turnover of Rs 21.91 billion ever recorded in its history on Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">July 31: The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) set the new record with highest daily turnover of Rs 21.91 billion ever recorded in its history on Wednesday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The secondary benchmark index saw a substantial gain of 64.25 points or 2.38%, closing at 2760.90 on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the trading session, 332 different securities were traded through 238,272 transactions, with a total of 50,967,951 shares exchanged.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Today’s highest turnover was led by Himalayan Reinsurance Company Limited (HRL), which saw transactions totaling Rs 840 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Remarkably, eight companies, including Gurkhas Finance Limited (GUFL), Reliance Finance Limited (RLFL), and Shree Investment Finance Limited (SIFC), experienced a 10% increase, hitting the upper circuit.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> On the other hand, Civil Bank Debenture 2088 (CBLD88) incurred the largest loss, dropping 7.92% to a market price of Rs 1070 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Sensitive Index rose by 2.19%, while the Float Index and Sensitive Float Index increased by 2.28% and 2.05%, respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">All sector indices ended the day in positive territory, with the Finance Index recording the highest gain at 8.08%. The Microfinance Index saw the smallest increase, growing by 0.63%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21425', 'image' => '20240731033033_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 15:29:09', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21698', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Main Tunnel of Rahughat Hydropower Project Achieves Breakthrough', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'MYAGDI, July 31: The Rahughat Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the breakthrough of its main tunnel.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">MYAGDI, July 31: The Rahughat Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the breakthrough of its main tunnel. The project, with a capacity to generate 40 megawatts of electricity, is a subsidiary of Nepal Electricity Authority, promoted by Raghuganga Hydropower.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The main tunnel, which is 6,270 meters long, starts from the dam at the base of Dagnam in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-4 and ends at Tilkenichaur in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-3, according to the project’s Managing Director, Ganesh KC.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The breakthrough was accomplished by dividing the tunnel into four segments (audits). Raghuganga Rural Municipality Chairman Bhawa Bahadur Bhandari and the project’s Managing Director KC jointly activated a switch for the breakthrough of the 2,332-meter-long section of the tunnel linking the dam to Audit No. 2 at Agherikhola.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The tunnel construction includes 875 meters dug from Audit 1 and 1,458 meters from Audit 2. Lining work is ongoing in the 3,836 meters of Audit 2 and 3 tunnels, which had breakthroughs last March.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Chairman Bhandari expressed his satisfaction with the tunnel's completion, highlighting that the tunnel construction is the project's primary task. He also noted that the rural municipality has facilitated and coordinated the project's efforts.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Rahughat Hydropower Project is being developed with a concessional loan of USD 67 million from the Indian EXIM (Export-Import) Bank, alongside joint investment from NEA and the Government of Nepal. The contract agreement for the project's construction was signed with civil contractors Jaiprakash Associates (JP) in 2074 BS. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21424', 'image' => '20240731013756_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 13:37:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21697', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Paddy Transplantation up by 14% this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 30: Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 14% more areas available for paddy cultivation this year in comparison to last year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report<br /> KATHMANDU, July 30: </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 14% more areas available for paddy cultivation this year in comparison to last year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Until July 28, the transplantation was completed in 92.41 percent of the available land across the country this year while 78.1 percent transplantation had completed in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Of the 1.398 million hectares designated for paddy cultivation, transplantation has been completed in 1.29 million hectares. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Government officials attributed the progress to sufficient rainfall and availability of chemical fertilisers.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">“Monsoon arrived earlier this year leading to consistent rainfall,” said Hari Bahadur KC, spokesperson at the ministry. “And the availability of chemical fertilisers led to timely transplantation.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Farmers could not prepare rice saplings on time last year due to delayed rainfall, which negatively impacted transplantation, KC added, estimating paddy transplantation to increase to 98% of the available area this year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">While the transplantation nears completion in Sudurpaschim Province, nearly 9 percent transplantation is yet to be completed in Koshi, according to the ministry. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Spokesperson KC said the transplantation may have been delayed due to less rain in the east compared to the west this season.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, paddy transplantation has completed in 96.9 percent of available land in Karnali.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">With the surge in transplantation, paddy harvest is projected to rise this year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Paddy harvest had increased last year as well, which the government attributed to the growing use of technology. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepali farmers had harvested 5.7 million tonnes of paddy in the last fiscal year, 2023/24, a 4.33% increase from the previous year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21423', 'image' => '20240731124638_SA_SURKHET_DJI_174520.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 12:45:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 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Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21712', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gold Price Surges to Rs 149,400 Per Tola ', 'sub_title' => 'The Precious Yellow Metal becomes Dearer by Rs 1,600 per Tola on Thursday', 'summary' => 'The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold, which was traded at Rs 147,800 per tola on Wednesday, is being traded at Rs 149,400 per tola on Thursday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, the price of worked gold has surged to Rs 148,700 per tola from Rs 147,100 on Wednesday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The price of silver also went up in the domestic market by Rs 20 per tola on Thursday. Silver is currently being traded at Rs 1,800 per tola, up from Rs 1,780 per tola the previous day. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21438', 'image' => '20240801032633_cd5483b7.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 15:25:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21711', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourists’ Arrivals to Nepal Surge in July', 'sub_title' => 'A total of 64,599 international visitors came to Nepal in July this year compared to 57,726 visitors in the same month last year', 'summary' => 'Arrival of tourists in Nepal surged by 11.9 percent in July this year compared to the corresponding month last year, data provided by the Department of Immigration show.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report<br /> KATHMANDU, August 1</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Arrival of tourists in Nepal surged by 11.9 percent in July this year compared to the corresponding month last year, data provided by the Department of Immigration show.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">A total of 64,599 international visitors came to Nepal in July this year compared to 57,726 visitors in the same month last year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Most of the visitors were from the SAARC countries. According to the Department of Immigration, 27,212 or 42.1% of the visitors were from SAARC region with 21,491 from India alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepal saw 11,901 visitors from other Asian countries including China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Myanmar and Thailand. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">While the European tourists remained at 9,280 this July, followed by 7,864 Americans and 1,901 Australians who visited Nepal this July.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The data show that foreign visitors from SAARC countries, other Asian countries, and Europe surged by 5.8%, 16.9% and 3.5%, respectively, this July. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, 72.5% more Australians and 41.4% more Americans visited Nepal in the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => 'tourists, arrival, Nepal, American, Chinese, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, India, China', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21437', 'image' => '20240801022351_20211211082422_Clipboard18.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 14:22:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21710', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '59 Irrigation Projects Completed in Ilam with Investment of Rs 348.7 Million', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'ILAM, August 1: Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ILAM, August 1: Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24. These projects, under the Small Irrigation Programme, have benefited over 2,100 households across the district.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The projects have improved irrigation facilities, bringing relief to local farmers. Ten projects were completed in Suryodaya Municipality, nine in Ilam Municipality, eight in Mangsebung Rural Municipality and seven in Mai Municipality, according to Keshav Lama, chief of the Small Irrigation Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The construction of a canal with an investment of Rs 4 million in Gajurmukhi village of Mangsebung Rural Municipality has ended the compulsion to rely on rainwater for farming. Similarly, in Lapsibote of Maijogmai Rural Municipality, a project built with an investment of Rs 5 million is directly benefiting 58 households.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">These projects were developed through collaboration between the federal government, province government, local government, and the Swiss Government. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21436', 'image' => '20240801021518_breathtaking-view-of.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 14:14:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21709', 'article_category_id' => '228', 'title' => 'Saurya Airlines Crash Causes Fear Among Residents Near Airport', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: Manodhari Mainali, an 86-year-old resident of Kandaghari, witnessed the Saurya Airlines plane crash and burst into flames before her eyes as it tried to take off from the airport in Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: Manodhari Mainali, an 86-year-old resident of Kandaghari, witnessed the Saurya Airlines plane crash and burst into flames before her eyes as it tried to take off from the airport in Kathmandu. Since then, she has been afraid to stay at home. Mainali, who used to enjoy watching planes take off from the airport from her roof, no longer finds any pleasure in it after the crash at Tribhuvan International Airport on July 24.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"I won't live long, but because our home is near the airport, every day is fear for my son and grandson," Mainali said, adding, "We should have built a house far from the airport."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the fateful day on July 24, 18 out of 19 people on board the ill-fated aircraft died in the crash. The captain was the sole survivor as he was thrown from the aircraft due to the impact. Government officials have stated that if the crashed plane had not hit a parked container, it could have reached the nearby settlement and hit houses.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Seeing this potential danger, Govinda Pandey of Medical Chowk in Kandaghari is afraid to send his granddaughter to a school near the airport. "After the incident, I have considered changing my granddaughter's school," he told New Business Age.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ajay Shrestha, a businessman in Ward No. 9, Khare of Kageshwari Manohara Municipality, has a petrol pump near Tribhuvan International Airport. "This incident has saddened us," he told New Business Age. "The business that has been operating for 12 years cannot be relocated immediately."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the past 12 years, there have been three major plane crashes in and near Tribhuvan International Airport. In September 2012, a Sita Air plane crashed near the airport, killing 19 people. On March 12, 2018, 51 people died in a US-Bangla plane crash inside the airport. On July 24, 2024, 18 people died in a Saurya Airlines plane crash.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to international standards, airports should be located away from settlements. In developed countries, there are examples of airports being relocated due to growing settlements around them.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hong Kong moved its international airport in 1998 after the construction of high-rise buildings around the airport made it difficult for planes to take off and land. The international airport, previously located at Kai Tak, was moved to Chek Lap Kok, an island surrounded by the sea. Kansai International Airport in Japan is built in the sea.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"In developed countries, it is customary to build airports far from settlements to avoid crashes into human settlements," said Deputy Director General of the Civila Aviation Authority of Nepal, Hansraj Pandey.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> "At the international level, noise from flights and landings should not disturb residents. This is the first condition, so airports should be far from settlements. Secondly, airports have their standards."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Man-made structures grow as soon as settlements expand. Pandey said that the distance of such structures from the airport is determined by the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS). OLS is the imaginary airspace around the airport that describes the height and location of obstacles for safe landings. Once determined, the safety and operational efficiency of aircraft will increase.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"In the past, Tribhuvan International Airport was fine, but now, as settlements increase, the airport is in the middle of dense settlements," said Pandey. "Now there is a challenge to comply with OLS standards."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airport must follow the OLS height criteria, and the CAAN says there will be no compromise on this. However, in the case of houses and buildings, Pandey said that houses up to four floors do not affect aircraft landings, but higher buildings will cause problems.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"According to our rules and international standards, the 4 km area around the airport is considered sensitive, and any accident within this area falls within the airport's rescue area," said Pandey. "It is estimated that an accident can happen anywhere within 4 km, and flight and landing routes are considered more risky."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the authorities, the takeoff and landing of aircraft are very risky. On July 24, the Saurya Airlines plane had an accident soon after takeoff. The US-Bangla aircraft had an accident during landing.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airport office has already made a plan for accidents and immediate rescue within this 4 km area and along flight and landing routes. As soon as an accident occurs within this area, the airport takes over the responsibility for rescue work, Pandey said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Civil Aviation Regulations, 2058 stipulate that no one shall open slaughterhouses within 3 km of the airport area and no one shall openly pile and throw garbage in a way that contaminates the environment. With slaughterhouses near the airport, there is a possibility of birds flying and hitting planes, causing accidents.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Pandey, the Yeti Airlines plane crash also occurred in Pokhara on January 15, 2023 near the airport.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">That is why areas such as Bouddha and Imadol are considered very sensitive as the aircraft travel take this route when flying and landing at Tribhuvan International Airport. However, settlements have rapidly developed in those areas. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Pandey of Kandaghari said that the government needs to decide whether to evacuate the dangerous areas or move the airport to a safer location. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to CAAN Spokesperson Pandey, the Saurya Airlines flight could have ended up in the settlement in Bauddha. However, the plane did not reach the settlement because it hit a container inside the airport while flying from Koteshwar, he said, adding that the Gothatar area was spared from a major incident.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21435', 'image' => '20240801011257_20240724070148_unnamed.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 13:12:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21708', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Collects Rs 4 Million in FY 2023/24', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has reported revenue collection of Rs 4 million for the fiscal year 2023/24. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has reported revenue collection of Rs 4 million for the fiscal year 2023/24. Assistant Conservation Officer of the wildlife reserve, Binaya Kumar Mishra, said the revenue was collected from the royalty of jungle safari, eco-tourism, penalty, elephant riding and other headings.<br /> The highest amount of revenue was collected from the tickets sold for the visitors there. The eastern belt of the wildlife reserve has become a key destination for academic excursions.<br /> The wildlife reserve charges Rs 750 in fees to the tourists from SAARC member states while visitors from other countries should pay Rs 1,500 to visit the site for 12 hours. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => 'Kosh, Tappu, wildlife, reserve, tourists, ticket, safari, SAARC', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21434', 'image' => '20240801121518_koshi-tappu-wildli-life-reserve1505301650.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 12:14:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21707', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Monsoon-Induced Disaster Death Toll Rises to 145', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: A total of 145 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: A total of 145 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Nepal Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki, since the monsoon began on June 10, the casualties include two people in Kathmandu Valley, 24 in Koshi Province, six in Madhes, 29 in Bagmati, 42 in Gandaki, 24 in Lumbini, eight in Karnali, and 10 in Sudurpaschim Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">During this period, 10 people were injured in Kathmandu Valley, 37 in Koshi, 10 in Madhes, nine in Bagmati, 34 in Gandaki, nine in Lumbini, 51 in Karnali, and 14 in Sudurpaschim Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Furthermore, three people were rescued in Kathmandu Valley, 49 in Koshi, 14 in Gandaki, two in Karnali, and five in Sudurpaschim Province. Police also reported that 47 people are missing in Koshi, 42 in Bagmati, two in Gandaki, and one in Karnali Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 184 houses have been submerged due to floods, while 248 houses, 88 sheds, 43 bridges, two schools, and two government offices have been damaged. Additionally, 672 cattle have perished in the disaster, and a total of 4,063 households have been displaced, said DIG Karki. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21433', 'image' => '20240801114325_KDN_Dang-20240706_171042.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 11:42:09', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21706', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Night Rainfall to Continue till Friday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: The Weather Forecasting Division on Wednesday announced the possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country for the next three days, particularly during the night. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: The Weather Forecasting Division on Wednesday announced the possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country for the next three days, particularly during the night. However, unlike the past three days, the upcoming days are expected to see an improvement in the weather.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rojan Lamichhane, a meteorologist at the division, stated that nighttime rain is expected from Wednesday through Friday, after which the weather will likely improve. The influence of monsoon winds remains active across the country, he added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The division also reported that the weather will remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today, August 1.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Issuing a weather bulletin on Thursday morning, the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warned of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning expected in some areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as a few places in Madhes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Tonight, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy across the country, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in a few locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, and at one or two locations in Madhes and Lumbini provinces. The division indicated that there is a likelihood of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces tonight. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21432', 'image' => '20240801111319_rsain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 11:12:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21705', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NOC Slashes Prices of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petroleum products, effective from Thursday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">July 31: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petroleum products, effective from Thursday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to a press release issued by the NOC on Wednesday, the price of petrol has been decreased by Rs 1 per litre, while diesel and kerosene oil have been reduced by Rs 2 per litre. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The price of aviation fuel remains unchanged.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the new prices, petrol will cost Rs 167 per litre and diesel and kerosene oil Rs 155 per litre in Charali, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Amalekhgunj, Bhalbari, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Birgunj.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In Surkhet and Dang, the price of petrol will be Rs 169 per litre, with diesel and kerosene oil priced at Rs 157 per litre.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Petrol will be sold at Rs 170 per litre in Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Dipayal, while diesel and kerosene oil will cost Rs 158 per litre. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21431', 'image' => '20240801055143_collage (85).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 05:50:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21704', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MCA-Nepal Completes Signing of All Three 400kV Substations', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The MCA-Nepal on Wednesday announced the signing of a contract with Techno Electric and Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) of India to construct a 400 kV substation in Damauli, Tanahun district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The MCA-Nepal on Wednesday announced the signing of a contract with Techno Electric and Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) of India to construct a 400 kV substation in Damauli, Tanahun district. According to the MCA-Nepal, which is responsible for implementing the projects under the grant assistance of the USA government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the estimated cost of constructing the substation is US$38.89 million and the contract was signed accordingly.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With this, MCA-Nepal has completed awarding contracts for the construction of all three 400 kV substations as part of implementing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact, reads a statement issued by MCA-Nepal on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Once completed, the New Damauli Substation will have a capacity of 1000 Mega Volt Ampere, making it one of the largest substations in the country. The contract for the construction of the Ratmate Substation was signed with the same company in June 2024, the statement added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The MCA-Nepal further said that the New Damauli Substation will serve as a critical point of connection for power flow with the Ratmate, Lekhnath and New Butwal Substations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Khadga Bahadur Bisht, executive director of MCA-Nepal, and Rajiv Agarwal, director (commercial) at TEECL, India signed and exchanged the contract on Wednesday. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka, US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson, MCA-Nepal board members, TEECL Managing Director Padam Prakash Gupta and officials from NEA along with MCC and MCA-Nepal officials were present on the occasion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Addressing the event, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka expressed his belief that the substations would significantly contribute in strengthening the electricity distribution system in Nepal and pave the way for economic prosperity. He also urged all stakeholders to strengthen efforts for the timely completion of the project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, secretary at the Ministry of Finance, who is also the chair of the MCA-Nepal Board said, “The progress is a good indication of MCA-Nepal’s ongoing efforts to implement the MCC Nepal Compact. The three substations are essential to Nepal’s growing energy sector and will help ensure a reliable power sector to enhance industrial and commercial activities for the economic growth in Nepal.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Speaking at the event US Ambassador to Nepal, Thompson, acknowledged the important role each stakeholder played in the progress of this project and shaping a brighter future for Nepal. He further added, “The MCC Nepal Compact is going to be an important part of our shared success story, working with Nepal to power Nepali homes, power the Nepali economy, create jobs, and reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bisht termed it a remarkable milestone to sign all three substation contracts while approaching the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Compact.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“I would like to acknowledge the support of the Government of Nepal and our key stakeholders – Ministry of Finance, the MCA Nepal Board, NEA and MCC for their continued support,” he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Along with the three substations, the MCC Nepal Compact will fund the construction of up to 315 km of transmission line from Lapsiphedi, Kathmandu to the Nepal-India border in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) under the Electricity Transmission Project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">MCA Nepal said that the bids for the 18 km cross-border transmission line have been received for evaluation. MCA-Nepal aims to award the contract in August. Likewise, preparations are on track to ensure the bids for the remaining 297 km of transmission lines are relaunched at the earliest possible date this year. As far as the the Roads Maintenance Project under the MCC is concerned, MCA-Nepal is preparing to launch the Full Depth Reclamation procurement in August, the statement added.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21430', 'image' => '20240731081245_Minister for EWRI Dipak Khadka addressing the New Damauli Substation Contract Signing Ceremony on 31 July 2024.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 20:11:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21699', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Sugar Shortage Likely During Dashain and Tihar', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal faces a looming sugar shortage, exacerbated by India's ongoing export ban implemented in June 2022.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Prashant Khadka</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal faces a looming sugar shortage, exacerbated by India's ongoing export ban implemented in June 2022. The government has not yet started the process of importing sugar from India for this year's Dashain and Tihar festivals, which could lead to a significant price hike during the festive season.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Although the private sector supplies sugar to the market, the government's limited supply helps prevent price hikes. With domestic production declining and India's export ban still in place, the risk of a price surge is imminent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Salt Trading Corporation reports a demand of about 30,000 to 35,000 metric tons of sugar during Dashain and Tihar. Currently, it has only about 2,200 metric tons in stock, purchased from local traders. Last year, the government did not initiate the import process in time, leading to long lines and price hike up to Rs 130 per kilo during the festivals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">This year, the preparations appear similarly inadequate. The Salt Trading Corporation and Nepal Food Corporation have requested permission to import 20,000 metric tons of sugar each, but the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies has not received budget approval from the Ministry of Finance. Ten industries have permission to import 19,000 metric tons of from India, but the state-owned Salt Trading Corporation and the Nepal Food Corporation have yet to secure their quota.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Chandi Prasad Ghimire, indicated uncertainty about receiving additional quotas from India. Even if immediate approval is granted, the procurement process via international tenders will delay the arrival of sugar before Dashain.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Domestic sugarcane production has decreased in recent years, increasing reliance on imports from India. Last year, Nepal produced 165,000 metric tons of sugar, down from about 200,000 metric tons a decade ago. Annual sugar consumption is around 250,000 metric tons. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reports a decrease in sugarcane cultivation by 1,521 hectares and a production drop of 53,834 metric tons over the last three years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the decline in sugarcane and sugar production, Nepal's dependence on Indian imports has grown. Given India's continued export ban, a price increase during Dashain and Tihar is likely.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Kumar Rajbhandari, spokesperson for the Salt Trading Corporation, warns that a situation similar to last year might repeat if the process of importing sugar is delayed. The government sells sugar at concessional rates during festivals to curb black market activity and high prices. However, it takes about three months to import sugar via global tender, and Dashain is only two and a half months away. Thus, it is unlikely that subsidized sugar will arrive in time.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Amulkaji Tuladhar, general secretary of the Retail Trade Association, predicts that without timely arrival of concessional sugar, prices could spiral out of control, leading to increased black market activity and shortages. Currently, sugar costs Rs 110 per kilo, but this could rise significantly if the government fails to act soon.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21429', 'image' => '20240731020703_sugar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 14:06:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21702', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank Sanctions Rs 4 Billion for Prime Minister's Employment Program', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The government has announced that the World Bank has sanctioned Rs 4 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Program, which was at risk of losing its unspent budget after the project’s term expired in June.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The government has announced that the World Bank has sanctioned Rs 4 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Program, which was at risk of losing its unspent budget after the project’s term expired in June. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance had requested the World Bank to extend the project. Shobha Kumari Pokharel, under secretary of the Prime Minister's Employment Program Secretariat, confirmed that the World Bank has agreed to give continuity to the program for another year, extending it until July 15, 2025.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This program has been operational since the FY 2018/19, supported by a World Bank loan of $120 million (equivalent to Rs 16.11 billion at the current exchange rate). However, as the government was not able to utilize the entire budget in the initial 4-year timeframe, the government requested more time to spend the remaining funds.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel mentioned that the funds are now available for use in the current fiscal year. The budget will primarily be used as wages for job creation, facilitating training as per labor market demands, and providing workplace-based skill development training to registered individuals. The goal is to offer 50 days of work and 50 days of training to equip participants with skills for future employment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Approximately 796,000 individuals applied for jobs when the application process opened last February. However, the Prime Minister's Employment Program Secretariat indicated that only 52,000 people will be provided employment this year. Last year, 64,000 individuals were employed out of the targeted 60,000.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel pointed out that the reduced budget allocation of Rs 2.4 billion this year, down from Rs 2.38 billion last year, will make it challenging to create more jobs. The program, initiated by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in FY 2018/19, has faced criticism for utilizing substantial funds on petty tasks.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In its first year, the program was accused of spending billions of state funds on unproductive activities such as chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away. In response to these criticisms, the government announced plans to restructure the program in the previous year's budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Budget introduced by Former Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat emphasized the need for modifications to create productive employment and improve labor market outcomes. The plan included providing minimum employment with workplace-based training for labor-intensive work at the local level and upgrading employment service centers to offer comprehensive services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although a committee was formed to restructure the program and a report was submitted, it has yet to be implemented. The current budget has allocated funds to the Prime Minister's Employment Program to provide employment to approximately 200,000 people for a minimum of 100 days in public construction and maintenance projects. However, there is no mention of program restructuring in the budget statement, leading to increased confusion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel stated that while the task force has prepared a restructuring report, it is not feasible to implement the changes this year. The necessary preparations for restructuring should be completed this year and carried out from next year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The effectiveness of the Prime Minister's Employment Program has been repeatedly questioned, putting pressure on the government to restructure it. A recent report prepared by the Office of the Auditor General highlighted that the program's sustainability has not been effective, with a focus on small infrastructure projects like road and cleaning drains, school playgrounds, and off-roads. The report suggests that the program should be conducted in partnership with local levels to ensure cost-sharing and ownership.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21428', 'image' => '20240731042825_blank eight by six.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 16:27:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21703', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '31 YouTube Channels Face Action from Press Council Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of Conduct.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of Conduct.<br /> In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Council revealed it had targeted both registered and non-registered media channels. The actions were in response to content that instigated conflict, defamed individuals, or presented one-sided information.<br /> The Council has directed three specific YouTube channels—Hello TV Nepal Facebook Page, PNP Media, and Nagarik Patra—to edit or remove content that violates the code, suspend unfavorable material, and provide clarifications within 24 hours. Immediate removal of obscene content was also mandated.<br /> Additionally, the Council has requested Nepal Police's Cyber Bureau to investigate 28 YouTube channels, not officially recognized as media, that have been spreading obscene content styled as legitimate media.<br /> The Press Council Nepal had previously penalized a total of 43 YouTubers in the last fiscal year, 2023/24. According to the statement, the Council is actively monitoring social media content to prevent the spread of conflict-inducing, violent, and abusive material.<br /> Council President Bal Krishna Basnet emphasized that penalties were imposed based on new standards and guidelines. He urged for a constructive use of social media to enhance the media sector rather than exploit it. -- RSS</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21427', 'image' => '20240731074741_YouTube-Logo-.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 19:47:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21701', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Sets New Record with Rs 21.91 Billion Turnover', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) set the new record with highest turnover of Rs 21.91 billion ever recorded in its history on Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">July 31: The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) set the new record with highest daily turnover of Rs 21.91 billion ever recorded in its history on Wednesday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The secondary benchmark index saw a substantial gain of 64.25 points or 2.38%, closing at 2760.90 on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the trading session, 332 different securities were traded through 238,272 transactions, with a total of 50,967,951 shares exchanged.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Today’s highest turnover was led by Himalayan Reinsurance Company Limited (HRL), which saw transactions totaling Rs 840 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Remarkably, eight companies, including Gurkhas Finance Limited (GUFL), Reliance Finance Limited (RLFL), and Shree Investment Finance Limited (SIFC), experienced a 10% increase, hitting the upper circuit.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> On the other hand, Civil Bank Debenture 2088 (CBLD88) incurred the largest loss, dropping 7.92% to a market price of Rs 1070 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Sensitive Index rose by 2.19%, while the Float Index and Sensitive Float Index increased by 2.28% and 2.05%, respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">All sector indices ended the day in positive territory, with the Finance Index recording the highest gain at 8.08%. The Microfinance Index saw the smallest increase, growing by 0.63%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21425', 'image' => '20240731033033_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 15:29:09', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21698', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Main Tunnel of Rahughat Hydropower Project Achieves Breakthrough', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'MYAGDI, July 31: The Rahughat Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the breakthrough of its main tunnel.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">MYAGDI, July 31: The Rahughat Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the breakthrough of its main tunnel. The project, with a capacity to generate 40 megawatts of electricity, is a subsidiary of Nepal Electricity Authority, promoted by Raghuganga Hydropower.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The main tunnel, which is 6,270 meters long, starts from the dam at the base of Dagnam in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-4 and ends at Tilkenichaur in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-3, according to the project’s Managing Director, Ganesh KC.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The breakthrough was accomplished by dividing the tunnel into four segments (audits). Raghuganga Rural Municipality Chairman Bhawa Bahadur Bhandari and the project’s Managing Director KC jointly activated a switch for the breakthrough of the 2,332-meter-long section of the tunnel linking the dam to Audit No. 2 at Agherikhola.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The tunnel construction includes 875 meters dug from Audit 1 and 1,458 meters from Audit 2. Lining work is ongoing in the 3,836 meters of Audit 2 and 3 tunnels, which had breakthroughs last March.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Chairman Bhandari expressed his satisfaction with the tunnel's completion, highlighting that the tunnel construction is the project's primary task. He also noted that the rural municipality has facilitated and coordinated the project's efforts.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Rahughat Hydropower Project is being developed with a concessional loan of USD 67 million from the Indian EXIM (Export-Import) Bank, alongside joint investment from NEA and the Government of Nepal. The contract agreement for the project's construction was signed with civil contractors Jaiprakash Associates (JP) in 2074 BS. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21424', 'image' => '20240731013756_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 13:37:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21697', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Paddy Transplantation up by 14% this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 30: Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 14% more areas available for paddy cultivation this year in comparison to last year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report<br /> KATHMANDU, July 30: </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 14% more areas available for paddy cultivation this year in comparison to last year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Until July 28, the transplantation was completed in 92.41 percent of the available land across the country this year while 78.1 percent transplantation had completed in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Of the 1.398 million hectares designated for paddy cultivation, transplantation has been completed in 1.29 million hectares. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Government officials attributed the progress to sufficient rainfall and availability of chemical fertilisers.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">“Monsoon arrived earlier this year leading to consistent rainfall,” said Hari Bahadur KC, spokesperson at the ministry. “And the availability of chemical fertilisers led to timely transplantation.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Farmers could not prepare rice saplings on time last year due to delayed rainfall, which negatively impacted transplantation, KC added, estimating paddy transplantation to increase to 98% of the available area this year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">While the transplantation nears completion in Sudurpaschim Province, nearly 9 percent transplantation is yet to be completed in Koshi, according to the ministry. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Spokesperson KC said the transplantation may have been delayed due to less rain in the east compared to the west this season.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, paddy transplantation has completed in 96.9 percent of available land in Karnali.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">With the surge in transplantation, paddy harvest is projected to rise this year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Paddy harvest had increased last year as well, which the government attributed to the growing use of technology. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepali farmers had harvested 5.7 million tonnes of paddy in the last fiscal year, 2023/24, a 4.33% increase from the previous year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21423', 'image' => '20240731124638_SA_SURKHET_DJI_174520.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 12:45:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - 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Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21712', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gold Price Surges to Rs 149,400 Per Tola ', 'sub_title' => 'The Precious Yellow Metal becomes Dearer by Rs 1,600 per Tola on Thursday', 'summary' => 'The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The price of gold surged by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold, which was traded at Rs 147,800 per tola on Wednesday, is being traded at Rs 149,400 per tola on Thursday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, the price of worked gold has surged to Rs 148,700 per tola from Rs 147,100 on Wednesday.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The price of silver also went up in the domestic market by Rs 20 per tola on Thursday. Silver is currently being traded at Rs 1,800 per tola, up from Rs 1,780 per tola the previous day. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21438', 'image' => '20240801032633_cd5483b7.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 15:25:21', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21711', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tourists’ Arrivals to Nepal Surge in July', 'sub_title' => 'A total of 64,599 international visitors came to Nepal in July this year compared to 57,726 visitors in the same month last year', 'summary' => 'Arrival of tourists in Nepal surged by 11.9 percent in July this year compared to the corresponding month last year, data provided by the Department of Immigration show.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report<br /> KATHMANDU, August 1</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Arrival of tourists in Nepal surged by 11.9 percent in July this year compared to the corresponding month last year, data provided by the Department of Immigration show.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">A total of 64,599 international visitors came to Nepal in July this year compared to 57,726 visitors in the same month last year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Most of the visitors were from the SAARC countries. According to the Department of Immigration, 27,212 or 42.1% of the visitors were from SAARC region with 21,491 from India alone.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepal saw 11,901 visitors from other Asian countries including China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Myanmar and Thailand. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">While the European tourists remained at 9,280 this July, followed by 7,864 Americans and 1,901 Australians who visited Nepal this July.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">The data show that foreign visitors from SAARC countries, other Asian countries, and Europe surged by 5.8%, 16.9% and 3.5%, respectively, this July. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, 72.5% more Australians and 41.4% more Americans visited Nepal in the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => 'tourists, arrival, Nepal, American, Chinese, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, India, China', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21437', 'image' => '20240801022351_20211211082422_Clipboard18.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 14:22:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21710', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '59 Irrigation Projects Completed in Ilam with Investment of Rs 348.7 Million', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'ILAM, August 1: Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ILAM, August 1: Ilam district saw the completion of 59 irrigation projects, funded with an investment of Rs 348.7 million, in the fiscal year 2023/24. These projects, under the Small Irrigation Programme, have benefited over 2,100 households across the district.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The projects have improved irrigation facilities, bringing relief to local farmers. Ten projects were completed in Suryodaya Municipality, nine in Ilam Municipality, eight in Mangsebung Rural Municipality and seven in Mai Municipality, according to Keshav Lama, chief of the Small Irrigation Programme.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The construction of a canal with an investment of Rs 4 million in Gajurmukhi village of Mangsebung Rural Municipality has ended the compulsion to rely on rainwater for farming. Similarly, in Lapsibote of Maijogmai Rural Municipality, a project built with an investment of Rs 5 million is directly benefiting 58 households.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">These projects were developed through collaboration between the federal government, province government, local government, and the Swiss Government. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21436', 'image' => '20240801021518_breathtaking-view-of.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 14:14:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21709', 'article_category_id' => '228', 'title' => 'Saurya Airlines Crash Causes Fear Among Residents Near Airport', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: Manodhari Mainali, an 86-year-old resident of Kandaghari, witnessed the Saurya Airlines plane crash and burst into flames before her eyes as it tried to take off from the airport in Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: Manodhari Mainali, an 86-year-old resident of Kandaghari, witnessed the Saurya Airlines plane crash and burst into flames before her eyes as it tried to take off from the airport in Kathmandu. Since then, she has been afraid to stay at home. Mainali, who used to enjoy watching planes take off from the airport from her roof, no longer finds any pleasure in it after the crash at Tribhuvan International Airport on July 24.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"I won't live long, but because our home is near the airport, every day is fear for my son and grandson," Mainali said, adding, "We should have built a house far from the airport."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">On the fateful day on July 24, 18 out of 19 people on board the ill-fated aircraft died in the crash. The captain was the sole survivor as he was thrown from the aircraft due to the impact. Government officials have stated that if the crashed plane had not hit a parked container, it could have reached the nearby settlement and hit houses.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Seeing this potential danger, Govinda Pandey of Medical Chowk in Kandaghari is afraid to send his granddaughter to a school near the airport. "After the incident, I have considered changing my granddaughter's school," he told New Business Age.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Ajay Shrestha, a businessman in Ward No. 9, Khare of Kageshwari Manohara Municipality, has a petrol pump near Tribhuvan International Airport. "This incident has saddened us," he told New Business Age. "The business that has been operating for 12 years cannot be relocated immediately."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the past 12 years, there have been three major plane crashes in and near Tribhuvan International Airport. In September 2012, a Sita Air plane crashed near the airport, killing 19 people. On March 12, 2018, 51 people died in a US-Bangla plane crash inside the airport. On July 24, 2024, 18 people died in a Saurya Airlines plane crash.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to international standards, airports should be located away from settlements. In developed countries, there are examples of airports being relocated due to growing settlements around them.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Hong Kong moved its international airport in 1998 after the construction of high-rise buildings around the airport made it difficult for planes to take off and land. The international airport, previously located at Kai Tak, was moved to Chek Lap Kok, an island surrounded by the sea. Kansai International Airport in Japan is built in the sea.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"In developed countries, it is customary to build airports far from settlements to avoid crashes into human settlements," said Deputy Director General of the Civila Aviation Authority of Nepal, Hansraj Pandey.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> "At the international level, noise from flights and landings should not disturb residents. This is the first condition, so airports should be far from settlements. Secondly, airports have their standards."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Man-made structures grow as soon as settlements expand. Pandey said that the distance of such structures from the airport is determined by the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS). OLS is the imaginary airspace around the airport that describes the height and location of obstacles for safe landings. Once determined, the safety and operational efficiency of aircraft will increase.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"In the past, Tribhuvan International Airport was fine, but now, as settlements increase, the airport is in the middle of dense settlements," said Pandey. "Now there is a challenge to comply with OLS standards."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airport must follow the OLS height criteria, and the CAAN says there will be no compromise on this. However, in the case of houses and buildings, Pandey said that houses up to four floors do not affect aircraft landings, but higher buildings will cause problems.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">"According to our rules and international standards, the 4 km area around the airport is considered sensitive, and any accident within this area falls within the airport's rescue area," said Pandey. "It is estimated that an accident can happen anywhere within 4 km, and flight and landing routes are considered more risky."</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the authorities, the takeoff and landing of aircraft are very risky. On July 24, the Saurya Airlines plane had an accident soon after takeoff. The US-Bangla aircraft had an accident during landing.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The airport office has already made a plan for accidents and immediate rescue within this 4 km area and along flight and landing routes. As soon as an accident occurs within this area, the airport takes over the responsibility for rescue work, Pandey said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Civil Aviation Regulations, 2058 stipulate that no one shall open slaughterhouses within 3 km of the airport area and no one shall openly pile and throw garbage in a way that contaminates the environment. With slaughterhouses near the airport, there is a possibility of birds flying and hitting planes, causing accidents.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to Pandey, the Yeti Airlines plane crash also occurred in Pokhara on January 15, 2023 near the airport.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">That is why areas such as Bouddha and Imadol are considered very sensitive as the aircraft travel take this route when flying and landing at Tribhuvan International Airport. However, settlements have rapidly developed in those areas. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Pandey of Kandaghari said that the government needs to decide whether to evacuate the dangerous areas or move the airport to a safer location. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to CAAN Spokesperson Pandey, the Saurya Airlines flight could have ended up in the settlement in Bauddha. However, the plane did not reach the settlement because it hit a container inside the airport while flying from Koteshwar, he said, adding that the Gothatar area was spared from a major incident.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21435', 'image' => '20240801011257_20240724070148_unnamed.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 13:12:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21708', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Collects Rs 4 Million in FY 2023/24', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has reported revenue collection of Rs 4 million for the fiscal year 2023/24. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has reported revenue collection of Rs 4 million for the fiscal year 2023/24. Assistant Conservation Officer of the wildlife reserve, Binaya Kumar Mishra, said the revenue was collected from the royalty of jungle safari, eco-tourism, penalty, elephant riding and other headings.<br /> The highest amount of revenue was collected from the tickets sold for the visitors there. The eastern belt of the wildlife reserve has become a key destination for academic excursions.<br /> The wildlife reserve charges Rs 750 in fees to the tourists from SAARC member states while visitors from other countries should pay Rs 1,500 to visit the site for 12 hours. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => 'Kosh, Tappu, wildlife, reserve, tourists, ticket, safari, SAARC', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21434', 'image' => '20240801121518_koshi-tappu-wildli-life-reserve1505301650.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 12:14:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21707', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Monsoon-Induced Disaster Death Toll Rises to 145', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: A total of 145 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across the country.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: A total of 145 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains across the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to Nepal Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki, since the monsoon began on June 10, the casualties include two people in Kathmandu Valley, 24 in Koshi Province, six in Madhes, 29 in Bagmati, 42 in Gandaki, 24 in Lumbini, eight in Karnali, and 10 in Sudurpaschim Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">During this period, 10 people were injured in Kathmandu Valley, 37 in Koshi, 10 in Madhes, nine in Bagmati, 34 in Gandaki, nine in Lumbini, 51 in Karnali, and 14 in Sudurpaschim Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Furthermore, three people were rescued in Kathmandu Valley, 49 in Koshi, 14 in Gandaki, two in Karnali, and five in Sudurpaschim Province. Police also reported that 47 people are missing in Koshi, 42 in Bagmati, two in Gandaki, and one in Karnali Province.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A total of 184 houses have been submerged due to floods, while 248 houses, 88 sheds, 43 bridges, two schools, and two government offices have been damaged. Additionally, 672 cattle have perished in the disaster, and a total of 4,063 households have been displaced, said DIG Karki. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21433', 'image' => '20240801114325_KDN_Dang-20240706_171042.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 11:42:09', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21706', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Night Rainfall to Continue till Friday', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, August 1: The Weather Forecasting Division on Wednesday announced the possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country for the next three days, particularly during the night. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, August 1: The Weather Forecasting Division on Wednesday announced the possibility of rainfall in various parts of the country for the next three days, particularly during the night. However, unlike the past three days, the upcoming days are expected to see an improvement in the weather.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Rojan Lamichhane, a meteorologist at the division, stated that nighttime rain is expected from Wednesday through Friday, after which the weather will likely improve. The influence of monsoon winds remains active across the country, he added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The division also reported that the weather will remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today, August 1.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Issuing a weather bulletin on Thursday morning, the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warned of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning expected in some areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as a few places in Madhes.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Tonight, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy across the country, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in a few locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, and at one or two locations in Madhes and Lumbini provinces. The division indicated that there is a likelihood of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces tonight. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21432', 'image' => '20240801111319_rsain.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 11:12:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21705', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NOC Slashes Prices of Petroleum Products', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petroleum products, effective from Thursday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">July 31: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petroleum products, effective from Thursday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to a press release issued by the NOC on Wednesday, the price of petrol has been decreased by Rs 1 per litre, while diesel and kerosene oil have been reduced by Rs 2 per litre. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The price of aviation fuel remains unchanged.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the new prices, petrol will cost Rs 167 per litre and diesel and kerosene oil Rs 155 per litre in Charali, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Amalekhgunj, Bhalbari, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Birgunj.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In Surkhet and Dang, the price of petrol will be Rs 169 per litre, with diesel and kerosene oil priced at Rs 157 per litre.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Petrol will be sold at Rs 170 per litre in Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Dipayal, while diesel and kerosene oil will cost Rs 158 per litre. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-08-01', 'modified' => '2024-08-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21431', 'image' => '20240801055143_collage (85).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-08-01 05:50:12', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21704', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'MCA-Nepal Completes Signing of All Three 400kV Substations', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The MCA-Nepal on Wednesday announced the signing of a contract with Techno Electric and Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) of India to construct a 400 kV substation in Damauli, Tanahun district.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The MCA-Nepal on Wednesday announced the signing of a contract with Techno Electric and Engineering Company Ltd (TEECL) of India to construct a 400 kV substation in Damauli, Tanahun district. According to the MCA-Nepal, which is responsible for implementing the projects under the grant assistance of the USA government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the estimated cost of constructing the substation is US$38.89 million and the contract was signed accordingly.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With this, MCA-Nepal has completed awarding contracts for the construction of all three 400 kV substations as part of implementing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact, reads a statement issued by MCA-Nepal on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Once completed, the New Damauli Substation will have a capacity of 1000 Mega Volt Ampere, making it one of the largest substations in the country. The contract for the construction of the Ratmate Substation was signed with the same company in June 2024, the statement added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The MCA-Nepal further said that the New Damauli Substation will serve as a critical point of connection for power flow with the Ratmate, Lekhnath and New Butwal Substations.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Khadga Bahadur Bisht, executive director of MCA-Nepal, and Rajiv Agarwal, director (commercial) at TEECL, India signed and exchanged the contract on Wednesday. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka, US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson, MCA-Nepal board members, TEECL Managing Director Padam Prakash Gupta and officials from NEA along with MCC and MCA-Nepal officials were present on the occasion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Addressing the event, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka expressed his belief that the substations would significantly contribute in strengthening the electricity distribution system in Nepal and pave the way for economic prosperity. He also urged all stakeholders to strengthen efforts for the timely completion of the project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, secretary at the Ministry of Finance, who is also the chair of the MCA-Nepal Board said, “The progress is a good indication of MCA-Nepal’s ongoing efforts to implement the MCC Nepal Compact. The three substations are essential to Nepal’s growing energy sector and will help ensure a reliable power sector to enhance industrial and commercial activities for the economic growth in Nepal.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Speaking at the event US Ambassador to Nepal, Thompson, acknowledged the important role each stakeholder played in the progress of this project and shaping a brighter future for Nepal. He further added, “The MCC Nepal Compact is going to be an important part of our shared success story, working with Nepal to power Nepali homes, power the Nepali economy, create jobs, and reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bisht termed it a remarkable milestone to sign all three substation contracts while approaching the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Compact.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">“I would like to acknowledge the support of the Government of Nepal and our key stakeholders – Ministry of Finance, the MCA Nepal Board, NEA and MCC for their continued support,” he said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Along with the three substations, the MCC Nepal Compact will fund the construction of up to 315 km of transmission line from Lapsiphedi, Kathmandu to the Nepal-India border in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) under the Electricity Transmission Project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">MCA Nepal said that the bids for the 18 km cross-border transmission line have been received for evaluation. MCA-Nepal aims to award the contract in August. Likewise, preparations are on track to ensure the bids for the remaining 297 km of transmission lines are relaunched at the earliest possible date this year. As far as the the Roads Maintenance Project under the MCC is concerned, MCA-Nepal is preparing to launch the Full Depth Reclamation procurement in August, the statement added.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21430', 'image' => '20240731081245_Minister for EWRI Dipak Khadka addressing the New Damauli Substation Contract Signing Ceremony on 31 July 2024.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 20:11:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21699', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Sugar Shortage Likely During Dashain and Tihar', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal faces a looming sugar shortage, exacerbated by India's ongoing export ban implemented in June 2022.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Prashant Khadka</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal faces a looming sugar shortage, exacerbated by India's ongoing export ban implemented in June 2022. The government has not yet started the process of importing sugar from India for this year's Dashain and Tihar festivals, which could lead to a significant price hike during the festive season.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Although the private sector supplies sugar to the market, the government's limited supply helps prevent price hikes. With domestic production declining and India's export ban still in place, the risk of a price surge is imminent.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The Salt Trading Corporation reports a demand of about 30,000 to 35,000 metric tons of sugar during Dashain and Tihar. Currently, it has only about 2,200 metric tons in stock, purchased from local traders. Last year, the government did not initiate the import process in time, leading to long lines and price hike up to Rs 130 per kilo during the festivals.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">This year, the preparations appear similarly inadequate. The Salt Trading Corporation and Nepal Food Corporation have requested permission to import 20,000 metric tons of sugar each, but the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies has not received budget approval from the Ministry of Finance. Ten industries have permission to import 19,000 metric tons of from India, but the state-owned Salt Trading Corporation and the Nepal Food Corporation have yet to secure their quota.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Chandi Prasad Ghimire, indicated uncertainty about receiving additional quotas from India. Even if immediate approval is granted, the procurement process via international tenders will delay the arrival of sugar before Dashain.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Domestic sugarcane production has decreased in recent years, increasing reliance on imports from India. Last year, Nepal produced 165,000 metric tons of sugar, down from about 200,000 metric tons a decade ago. Annual sugar consumption is around 250,000 metric tons. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reports a decrease in sugarcane cultivation by 1,521 hectares and a production drop of 53,834 metric tons over the last three years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With the decline in sugarcane and sugar production, Nepal's dependence on Indian imports has grown. Given India's continued export ban, a price increase during Dashain and Tihar is likely.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Kumar Rajbhandari, spokesperson for the Salt Trading Corporation, warns that a situation similar to last year might repeat if the process of importing sugar is delayed. The government sells sugar at concessional rates during festivals to curb black market activity and high prices. However, it takes about three months to import sugar via global tender, and Dashain is only two and a half months away. Thus, it is unlikely that subsidized sugar will arrive in time.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Amulkaji Tuladhar, general secretary of the Retail Trade Association, predicts that without timely arrival of concessional sugar, prices could spiral out of control, leading to increased black market activity and shortages. Currently, sugar costs Rs 110 per kilo, but this could rise significantly if the government fails to act soon.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21429', 'image' => '20240731020703_sugar.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 14:06:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21702', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank Sanctions Rs 4 Billion for Prime Minister's Employment Program', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The government has announced that the World Bank has sanctioned Rs 4 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Program, which was at risk of losing its unspent budget after the project’s term expired in June.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The government has announced that the World Bank has sanctioned Rs 4 billion for the Prime Minister's Employment Program, which was at risk of losing its unspent budget after the project’s term expired in June. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance had requested the World Bank to extend the project. Shobha Kumari Pokharel, under secretary of the Prime Minister's Employment Program Secretariat, confirmed that the World Bank has agreed to give continuity to the program for another year, extending it until July 15, 2025.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This program has been operational since the FY 2018/19, supported by a World Bank loan of $120 million (equivalent to Rs 16.11 billion at the current exchange rate). However, as the government was not able to utilize the entire budget in the initial 4-year timeframe, the government requested more time to spend the remaining funds.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel mentioned that the funds are now available for use in the current fiscal year. The budget will primarily be used as wages for job creation, facilitating training as per labor market demands, and providing workplace-based skill development training to registered individuals. The goal is to offer 50 days of work and 50 days of training to equip participants with skills for future employment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Approximately 796,000 individuals applied for jobs when the application process opened last February. However, the Prime Minister's Employment Program Secretariat indicated that only 52,000 people will be provided employment this year. Last year, 64,000 individuals were employed out of the targeted 60,000.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel pointed out that the reduced budget allocation of Rs 2.4 billion this year, down from Rs 2.38 billion last year, will make it challenging to create more jobs. The program, initiated by the government led by KP Sharma Oli in FY 2018/19, has faced criticism for utilizing substantial funds on petty tasks.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In its first year, the program was accused of spending billions of state funds on unproductive activities such as chasing monkeys, uprooting weeds, and driving cattle away. In response to these criticisms, the government announced plans to restructure the program in the previous year's budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Budget introduced by Former Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat emphasized the need for modifications to create productive employment and improve labor market outcomes. The plan included providing minimum employment with workplace-based training for labor-intensive work at the local level and upgrading employment service centers to offer comprehensive services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although a committee was formed to restructure the program and a report was submitted, it has yet to be implemented. The current budget has allocated funds to the Prime Minister's Employment Program to provide employment to approximately 200,000 people for a minimum of 100 days in public construction and maintenance projects. However, there is no mention of program restructuring in the budget statement, leading to increased confusion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Under Secretary Pokharel stated that while the task force has prepared a restructuring report, it is not feasible to implement the changes this year. The necessary preparations for restructuring should be completed this year and carried out from next year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The effectiveness of the Prime Minister's Employment Program has been repeatedly questioned, putting pressure on the government to restructure it. A recent report prepared by the Office of the Auditor General highlighted that the program's sustainability has not been effective, with a focus on small infrastructure projects like road and cleaning drains, school playgrounds, and off-roads. The report suggests that the program should be conducted in partnership with local levels to ensure cost-sharing and ownership.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21428', 'image' => '20240731042825_blank eight by six.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 16:27:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21703', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => '31 YouTube Channels Face Action from Press Council Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of Conduct.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of Conduct.<br /> In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Council revealed it had targeted both registered and non-registered media channels. The actions were in response to content that instigated conflict, defamed individuals, or presented one-sided information.<br /> The Council has directed three specific YouTube channels—Hello TV Nepal Facebook Page, PNP Media, and Nagarik Patra—to edit or remove content that violates the code, suspend unfavorable material, and provide clarifications within 24 hours. Immediate removal of obscene content was also mandated.<br /> Additionally, the Council has requested Nepal Police's Cyber Bureau to investigate 28 YouTube channels, not officially recognized as media, that have been spreading obscene content styled as legitimate media.<br /> The Press Council Nepal had previously penalized a total of 43 YouTubers in the last fiscal year, 2023/24. According to the statement, the Council is actively monitoring social media content to prevent the spread of conflict-inducing, violent, and abusive material.<br /> Council President Bal Krishna Basnet emphasized that penalties were imposed based on new standards and guidelines. He urged for a constructive use of social media to enhance the media sector rather than exploit it. -- RSS</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21427', 'image' => '20240731074741_YouTube-Logo-.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 19:47:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21701', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Sets New Record with Rs 21.91 Billion Turnover', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) set the new record with highest turnover of Rs 21.91 billion ever recorded in its history on Wednesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">July 31: The Nepal Stock Exchange(NEPSE) set the new record with highest daily turnover of Rs 21.91 billion ever recorded in its history on Wednesday. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The secondary benchmark index saw a substantial gain of 64.25 points or 2.38%, closing at 2760.90 on the fourth trading day of the week on Wednesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the trading session, 332 different securities were traded through 238,272 transactions, with a total of 50,967,951 shares exchanged.</span></span><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Today’s highest turnover was led by Himalayan Reinsurance Company Limited (HRL), which saw transactions totaling Rs 840 million.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Remarkably, eight companies, including Gurkhas Finance Limited (GUFL), Reliance Finance Limited (RLFL), and Shree Investment Finance Limited (SIFC), experienced a 10% increase, hitting the upper circuit.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> On the other hand, Civil Bank Debenture 2088 (CBLD88) incurred the largest loss, dropping 7.92% to a market price of Rs 1070 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Sensitive Index rose by 2.19%, while the Float Index and Sensitive Float Index increased by 2.28% and 2.05%, respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">All sector indices ended the day in positive territory, with the Finance Index recording the highest gain at 8.08%. The Microfinance Index saw the smallest increase, growing by 0.63%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21425', 'image' => '20240731033033_collage (4).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 15:29:09', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21698', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Main Tunnel of Rahughat Hydropower Project Achieves Breakthrough', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'MYAGDI, July 31: The Rahughat Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the breakthrough of its main tunnel.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">MYAGDI, July 31: The Rahughat Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the breakthrough of its main tunnel. The project, with a capacity to generate 40 megawatts of electricity, is a subsidiary of Nepal Electricity Authority, promoted by Raghuganga Hydropower.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The main tunnel, which is 6,270 meters long, starts from the dam at the base of Dagnam in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-4 and ends at Tilkenichaur in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-3, according to the project’s Managing Director, Ganesh KC.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The breakthrough was accomplished by dividing the tunnel into four segments (audits). Raghuganga Rural Municipality Chairman Bhawa Bahadur Bhandari and the project’s Managing Director KC jointly activated a switch for the breakthrough of the 2,332-meter-long section of the tunnel linking the dam to Audit No. 2 at Agherikhola.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The tunnel construction includes 875 meters dug from Audit 1 and 1,458 meters from Audit 2. Lining work is ongoing in the 3,836 meters of Audit 2 and 3 tunnels, which had breakthroughs last March.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Chairman Bhandari expressed his satisfaction with the tunnel's completion, highlighting that the tunnel construction is the project's primary task. He also noted that the rural municipality has facilitated and coordinated the project's efforts.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The Rahughat Hydropower Project is being developed with a concessional loan of USD 67 million from the Indian EXIM (Export-Import) Bank, alongside joint investment from NEA and the Government of Nepal. The contract agreement for the project's construction was signed with civil contractors Jaiprakash Associates (JP) in 2074 BS. -- RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21424', 'image' => '20240731013756_hydro.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 13:37:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '21697', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Paddy Transplantation up by 14% this Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'KATHMANDU, July 30: Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 14% more areas available for paddy cultivation this year in comparison to last year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">NewBiz Report<br /> KATHMANDU, July 30: </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepali farmers have transplanted paddy in around 14% more areas available for paddy cultivation this year in comparison to last year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Until July 28, the transplantation was completed in 92.41 percent of the available land across the country this year while 78.1 percent transplantation had completed in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Of the 1.398 million hectares designated for paddy cultivation, transplantation has been completed in 1.29 million hectares. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Government officials attributed the progress to sufficient rainfall and availability of chemical fertilisers.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">“Monsoon arrived earlier this year leading to consistent rainfall,” said Hari Bahadur KC, spokesperson at the ministry. “And the availability of chemical fertilisers led to timely transplantation.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Farmers could not prepare rice saplings on time last year due to delayed rainfall, which negatively impacted transplantation, KC added, estimating paddy transplantation to increase to 98% of the available area this year. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">While the transplantation nears completion in Sudurpaschim Province, nearly 9 percent transplantation is yet to be completed in Koshi, according to the ministry. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Spokesperson KC said the transplantation may have been delayed due to less rain in the east compared to the west this season.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Similarly, paddy transplantation has completed in 96.9 percent of available land in Karnali.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">With the surge in transplantation, paddy harvest is projected to rise this year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Paddy harvest had increased last year as well, which the government attributed to the growing use of technology. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Nepali farmers had harvested 5.7 million tonnes of paddy in the last fiscal year, 2023/24, a 4.33% increase from the previous year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-07-31', 'modified' => '2024-07-31', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '21423', 'image' => '20240731124638_SA_SURKHET_DJI_174520.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-07-31 12:45:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, 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| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
