February 20: Nepal and the UK have signed two grants agreements related to business and green growth on…
February 20: Nepal and the UK have signed two grants agreements related to business and green growth on…
February 20: The upper belt of Bajura district witnessed snowfall along with rainfall on Tuesday bringing delight to the farmers who say rain and snowfall took place after six…
February 21: Light rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Madesh Province and Bagmati provinces today due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the…
Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a Diplomat's Conclave featuring Sepideh Keyvanshad, the US Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue among diplomatic communities, experts, analysts, policymakers, and various…
February 20: Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said…
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a minimal decline of 1.76 points or 0.08%, closing at 2033.06 on the second trading day of the week on…
February 20: India has lifted the ban on onion export to six countries including…
February 19: Stakeholders have demanded solution to the problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of cooperatives and…
February 19: Experts have said that the country’s economy is not yet vibrant despite the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, remittances and other external sector…
February 19: The preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year have commenced with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat starting discussions with stakeholders. …
February 19: Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority…
February 19: Four prominent associations linked to banks and financial institutions in Nepal have demanded legal action against individuals making misleading statements targeting the financial sector.…
February 19: The House of Representatives (HoR) approved the proposal for consideration of 'The Banking Offenses and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2080 with a majority vote on…
February 19: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday registered corruption cases at the Special Court against 15 peoples, including former secretaries for their alleged involvement in irregularities in the Melamchi Water Supply Project, a national pride…
February 19: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by the…
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According to the Ministry of Finance, the two countries signed the Nepal in Business (NIB) programme and the Green Growth Nepal (GGN) programme. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Joint-Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Shreekrishna Nepal, on the behalf of the Government of Nepal and Kathmandu-based British Embassy’s Development Director Pippa Bird, on the behalf of the British government, signed the agreements. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister for Finance, Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, and visiting British Minister for Development of Africa, Andrew Mitchell, were present during the signing ceremony, according to the Finance Ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the agreement, the government will implement the programmes worth over Pound Sterling 70 million (Rs 11.70 billion approx) for a period of seven years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The grant for NIB programme is expected to help unlock Nepal's economic prosperity by generating and addressing income poverty in Nepal. It will also support and finance small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to build organizations’ effectiveness through improved management and productivity to achieve business growth and create jobs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the grant for GGN programme will support the Government of Nepal to increase green, resilient and inclusive growth by expanding investment in green industries and services, improving climate-resilient infrastructures and strengthening sustainable economic policy and facilitating economic opportunities across Nepal, the ministry added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat, on the occasion, highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationships between Nepal and the UK and extended his gratitude towards the British government for its support in meeting Nepal's development priorities. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Mahat acknowledged, "The agreement is important for achieving Nepal's goals of fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability and reducing poverty. The grant programmes are also important for economic transformation, climate resilience, stronger social services and inclusion." </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He expressed his confidence that the implementation of NIB and GGN programmes would contribute to improving the foreign direct investment and developing climate-friendly investment projects in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, visiting British Minister Mitchell said, "There are plenty of issues for cooperation and collaboration between Nepal and the UK in the areas of economic transformation, climate actions and resilience, stronger social service and promotion of inclusion among others." -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20031', 'image' => '20240220071759_Flag-Pins-Nepal-Great-Britain.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 19:17:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20302', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Bajura Delights Farmers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: The upper belt of Bajura district witnessed snowfall along with rainfall on Tuesday bringing delight to the farmers who say rain and snowfall took place after six months. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 20: The upper belt of Bajura district witnessed snowfall along with rainfall on Tuesday bringing delight to the farmers who say rain and snowfall took place after six months. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snowfall occurred in high-hill areas of Budhinanda municipality, Gaumul rural municipality, Jagannath, Badimalika, Khaptad Chhededaha, Swamikartik Khapar municipality, and Tribeni municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Temperature has dropped in the areas due to the snow and rainfall. Normal life has been affected by the snowfall which began since Monday night. High-hill areas of Badimalika, Budhinanda municipalities and Himali rural municipalities have been covered with snow this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">With the sudden drop in temperature, teaching and learning activities have also been affected after students faced problems to commute to school. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Acting Chief of the District Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Bajura, Min Prasad Jaisi, said farmers are happy with the winter rainfall as it is expected to benefit different crops, fruits and vegetable cultivation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Transport service along the Martadi road section that connects four local units in the northern parts of Bajura district, some local units of Humla, Mugu and Kalikot has been affected due to snowfall. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20030', 'image' => '20240220070637_49f20f00f8e6242966796fe07d9382ec.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 19:06:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20305', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Westerly Low Pressure System likely to Cause Rain, Snowfall ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 21: Light rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Madesh Province and Bagmati provinces today due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the weather', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 21: Light rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Madesh Province and Bagmati provinces on Wednesday due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the weather, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather would remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today, meteorologist at the Division Sanjiv Adhikari said. "The temperature shall remain unchanged," he added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division stated that chances of light to moderate snowfall are likely at some places of the high hills and mountainous region of the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Adhikari, the impacts of the westerly low pressure system has gradually shifted to Gandaki Province, Bagmati Province and the eastern belt of the country from the Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division shared that chances of rain are more likely on Thursday compared to Wednesday and the weather shall be gradually clear from Friday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country on Wednesday night and light rain or thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places in Gandaki, Karnali and Sudur Pashchim provinces and hill regions of the country. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-21', 'modified' => '2024-02-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20029', 'image' => '20240221114449_rain.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-21 11:39:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20301', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' USAID's Strategic Shift Reflects Deeper Partnership for Nepal's Development ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a Diplomat's Conclave featuring Sepideh Keyvanshad, the US Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue among diplomatic communities, experts, analysts, policymakers, and various stakeholders.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">February 20: Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a Diplomat's Conclave featuring Sepideh Keyvanshad, the US Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue among diplomatic communities, experts, analysts, policymakers, and various stakeholders.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Speaking at the event themed “The US Government's Partnership with Nepal through USAID," Keyvanshad emphasized on longstanding collaboration between Nepal and USA spanning six decades. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">She stated that US partnership has evolved from traditional infrastructure projects to prioritizing vital sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. “USAID's strategy accords top priority to local empowerment and community-centric development,” she added. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Emphasizing a shift towards stronger partnerships with local entities and the Nepal government, Keyvanshad highlighted USAID's transition from capacity-building to system strengthening initiatives. “This approach signifies a departure from conventional aid models towards fostering genuine collaboration and amplifying the voices and priorities of local communities,” she stressed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Keyvanshad underscored USAID's confidence in local organizations, directing increased funding to them and channeling resources through the Nepal government. This signifies a paradigm shift towards authentic partnership, wherein Nepali people and government play pivotal roles in shaping their country's development trajectory.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Furthermore, Keyvanshad emphasized USAID's strategic focus on projects aligned with Nepal's development priorities, ensuring maximum impact and sustainability. She elucidated how USAID's refined approach complements the efforts of other donors, ensuring coherence and efficiency in development efforts. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20028', 'image' => '20240220041851_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 16:16:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20300', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'EU Probe Finds Ad in Disguise', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said recently.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">February 20: Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said recently.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">AFP reported that the European Union is concerned about the growing impact of social media content creators -- on everything from physical and mental health, to politics and the spread of disinformation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the French news agency, the European Commission launched a probe into the practice of influencer marketing believed to have a reaped a global total of around 20 billion euros ($21.5 billion) last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The results were unequivocal: it found that 97 percent of influencers published posts with commercial content but only 20 percent "systematically disclosed" it as advertising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The study looked at 576 influencers in 22 member states as well as Iceland and Norway as part of a "sweep" to check their compliance with EU consumer law -- which compels creators to disclose all advertising activity.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The platforms used by creators included Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, gamer streaming unit Twitch, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Influencers hold considerable sway over their followers, many of which are minors," the EU's justice commissioner, Didier Reynders, said in a statement published by AFP.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"I call on them to be much more transparent to their audience."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Of the influencers screened, 119 promoted "unhealthy or hazardous activities" including junk food and alcohol, cosmetic treatments, gambling or crypto trading.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The commission said 358 influencers face further action if they do not comply with the rules.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">- Need for 'ethical code'? -</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The 27-nation EU is weighing what action to take towards influencers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A discussion paper seen by AFP recommended that member states "consider developing an ethical code or ethical label for influencers".</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The paper dated January 31 said influencers can have a "positive impact" on young people -- for instance creating a sense of community for people underrepresented in traditional media -- but it also warned of potential "harmful" effects.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"The mis- and disinformation shared by some influencers can also have a negative impact at the societal level," it said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The issue is in the spotlight after a scandal last year involving Italy's Instagram star Chiara Ferragni, who is being investigated over a charity cake deal in which she wrongly suggested that sale proceeds would help children with bone cancer.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Italy responded with plans to increase supervision of influencers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">France last year passed a law targeting influencers, in a bid to prevent creators selling questionable products or promoting risky trends.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The EU has had the digital world increasingly in its sights in recent years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The bloc's milestone Digital Services Act (DSA) demands companies do more to protect users from hate speech and disinformation as well as consumers shopping online.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">While aimed largely at big tech, the DSA will also affect how influencers use platforms to share their content as it demands more transparency over advertising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All companies must comply with the DSA from Saturday. – AFP/RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20027', 'image' => '20240220034423_20230721025506_eu.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 15:43:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20299', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Dips Minimally, Closing at 2033.06', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a minimal decline of 1.76 points or 0.08%, closing at 2033.06 on the second trading day of the week on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">February 20: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a minimal decline of 1.76 points or 0.08%, closing at 2033.06 on the second trading day of the week on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, 314 scrips were traded through 76,803 transactions. A total of 9,342,546 shares changed their hands, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 3.11 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led the turnover with a total transaction worth Rs 31 crores. Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL) and Samaj Laghubitta Bittiya Santha Limited (SAMAJ) each gained 10% and hit the positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the contrary, Greenlife Hydropower Limited (GLH) incurred the highest loss of 10%, closing at a market price of Rs 218 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Analyzing the sector indices, all sectors closed in the red territory except for five sectors. The Others Index gained the highest at 1.10%, while the Investment Index saw a minimal gain of 0.18%. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Similarly, the Microfinance Index lost the most at 0.74%, while the Mutual Fund witnessed a minimal dip of 0.05%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20026', 'image' => '20240220034352_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 15:42:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20298', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'India Lifts Ban on Export of Onion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: India has lifted the ban on onion export to six countries including Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">February 20: India has lifted the ban on onion export to six countries including Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of India has set quota for the export of onion to the six countries. India decided to resume supply of onion to Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Bhutan and Mauritius. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of India has permitted the export of 300,000 metric tons of onions to these countries. The decision of the Indian government to lift the ban on onion exports has reopened the door for importing onions into Nepal. This is expected to lower the price of onion in the domestic market of Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, India media have warned that there will be a shortage of onion from upcoming March and the price of onion is likely to increase in India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In an effort to curb the escalating price of onion domestically, the Government of India had imposed an export ban on onions in December 2023. Following the ban, onion prices in India experienced a decline. However, it had an adverse effect in Nepal. The price of onion increased to as high as Rs 150 per kg.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gajendra Thakur informed New Business Age that India lifted the ban on export of onions because of the start of onion production season in India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“With the decision of India to lift the export ban, we will be able to import onions from the open market of India,” said Thakur, adding, “ Although onion was being imported from India through various means even during the ban, the consumers were forced to pay a high price. Now, the price of onion is expected to drop.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20025', 'image' => '20240220082535_20170411040236_onion.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 08:24:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20297', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Stakeholders Call for Resolving Problems of Victims of Cooperatives, Microfinances ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Stakeholders have demanded solution to the problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of cooperatives and micro-finances. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 19: Stakeholders have demanded solution to the problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of cooperatives and micro-finances. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Referring to the incidents of many people being displaced due to compound interest rates imposed by financial institutions, they have called on the government to intervene and seek a solution soon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">They were speaking at a press meet organised here by the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) marking its 29th annual general meeting coinciding with the World Social Forum 2024 that was held in Kathmandu on February 15-19. On the occasion, NFN issued a 31-point declaration. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Drawing the attention of the government to the activities of business houses enjoying tax exemption, evading taxes and seizing public lands, the declaration has demanded solution to the problems and action against the guilty. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It has also called for formulation and implementation of laws and regulations so as to ensure that all citizens realise the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Expressing serious concerns about the migration of youths, and brain drain for want of a favourable environment due to widespread corruption, mafia, brokering, inflation inequality, etc., the NFN demanded that the government seek ways for improving the situation to address the situation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, NFN President Ram Prasad Subedi requested the authorities concerned to immediately improve the approach of treating community-based organisations that are not legally recognised as income and profit earners and commercial establishments, and not to create trouble in the name of VAT and income tax. He also stressed on the need for restructuring and making the Social Welfare Council (SWC) keep up with federalism and become technology-friendly. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that the provision in the Association Registration Act 2034 BS allows social organisations to buy and sell movable and immovable property like individuals, he demanded that the assets of the organisations be released while not troubling them based on circulars that are against the law. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The federation expressed its serious objection to the fact that the SWC has created an uncomfortable environment by issuing policy guidelines contrary to the law, without consulting and discussing with the stakeholders. "We strongly demand that such provisions be corrected immediately." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Since it is against the law to force social organisations registered in the district administration office under the Ministry of Home Affairs to register at the local and provincial levels, the stakeholders have urged an end to the practice and the correction of the tendency of charging arbitrary fees in the name of registration. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In view of the bitter reality that Nepalis have been bearing the brunt of disasters caused by climate change, they demanded that the international community provides the Green Climate Fund to Nepal for climate justice and investment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"We strongly request an end to the act of curtailing the freedom of expression of the citizens in the name of regulating the social media network, and create an environment instead for them to operate in a lawful manner." -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20024', 'image' => '20240219093255_20230310040459_interest-rates-e1541025967190.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 21:32:27', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20296', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy Needs Reform: Expert', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Experts have said that the country’s economy is not yet vibrant despite the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, remittances and other external sector indicators.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">February 19: Experts have said that the country’s economy is not yet vibrant despite the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, remittances and other external sector indicators.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Speaking at a policy debate programme organized by Female Economic Journalists Association and co-organised by Nabil Bank, the experts questioned that despite the improvement in the external sector indicators of the country's economy, there are problems in the internal sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Economist Prof Dr Shivraj Adhikari said that we cannot be complacent just because the external sector indicators are good.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">“We say that the external sector indicators are fine, but is the economy not vibrant? The economy is now looking for reforms,” said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank Dr. Prakash Shrestha admitted that although the external sector is good, there are still problems in the internal sector. However, he said that it should not be forgotten that there has been some improvement compared to two years ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to Shrestha, the economy is not dynamic because there is a decline in internal demand. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">"There are weaknesses in the government's financial management. There are 761 fiscal policies and only one monetary policy,” he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the president of Nepal Bankers Association, Sunil KC, said that Nepali banks have overcome a situation which they cannot tackle. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Other speakers in the program also pointed out the need to improve the economy.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20023', 'image' => '20240219021536_ssss.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 14:14:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20295', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Mahat begins Discussion for Next FY Federal Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year have commenced with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat starting discussions with stakeholders. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: The preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year have commenced with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat starting discussions with stakeholders. On Sunday, discussions were held with former Finance Secretaries, former Vice Chairmen of the National Planning Commission, and representatives from the private sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Present at the discussion were former Finance Secretaries Rameshore Khanal, Shankar Adhikari, and Bhanu Prasad Acharya, former Vice Chairmen of the National Planning Commission Prithviraj Legal and Jagdish Pokharel, along with the current Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">While the private sector suggested an increase in the budget size, former finance secretaries emphasized the importance of drafting a realistic budget rather than creating unnecessary hype. They suggested that the government should determine the budget size based solely on revenue and spending capacity.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The National Planning Commission (NPC) has set a ceiling of 18 billion for the next fiscal year. Additionally, Finance Minister Mahat has established a revenue advisory committee, led by Revenue Secretary Ramprasad Ghimire, which has formed seven sub-committees. The revenue target for the upcoming fiscal year will be determined based on the report prepared by the Ghimire committee.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20022', 'image' => '20240219012017_20240118024334_budgetttttt.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 13:19:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20294', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhupendra Bhandari Appointed as Chairman of NTA', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA). The Cabinet meeting on Sunday decided to appoint Bhandari as the head of the telecom sector regulatory body.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhandari's selection as the chairman came on the recommendation of Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma. His prior role as an advisor to Minister Sharma positioned him as a leading candidate for the top position at the NTA.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Among a pool of 25 applicants, Bhandari emerged as the successful candidate for the Chairman's role after the resignation of Purushottam Khanal. Following Khanal's departure, a committee led by Secretary Ramakrishna Subedi was tasked with recommending a suitable candidate to lead the regulatory body.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhandari's professional background includes serving as an advisor to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology since July 2023. Hailing from the Dang district, Bhandari brings a wealth of experience, having previously held roles such as CEO of Smart Mobile Burundi for eight years, Intergroup Telecom Limited for 14 months, and chairman of Pay Nep Pvt Ltd for approximately six years.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20021', 'image' => '20240219105023_Untitled.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:49:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20292', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Financial Sector Associations Call for Action against Misleading Statements', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Four prominent associations linked to banks and financial institutions in Nepal have demanded legal action against individuals making misleading statements targeting the financial sector. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Four prominent associations linked to banks and financial institutions in Nepal have demanded legal action against individuals making misleading statements targeting the financial sector. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Nepal Bankers Association, Development Bankers Association Nepal, Nepal Financial Institutions Association, and Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association have urged for measures to address false claims.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The associations have alerted the government to the potential repercussions of disseminating misleading information, emphasizing its potential to disrupt the entire financial sector. Additionally, they have appealed to the public to refrain from adhering to deceptive narratives.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The statement specifically addresses recent remarks made by controversial figure Durga Prasai, advocating for loan non-payment and encouraging individuals to withdraw savings from specific banks and financial institutions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The joint statement emphasizes the importance of relying on official information from authorized sources and urges government agencies to take appropriate action against those spreading false information and causing societal disruption.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Furthermore, the statement highlights the adherence of Nepalese financial institutions to international banking principles and regulations set by the Nepal Rastra Bank, affirming their ability to manage risks effectively and ensuring the safety of deposits.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20019', 'image' => '20240219104547_Bankkk.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:45:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20290', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Approves Proposal to Consider the Bill on Banking Offenses and Punishment', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The House of Representatives (HoR) approved the proposal for consideration of 'The Banking Offenses and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2080 with a majority vote on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: The House of Representatives (HoR) approved the proposal for consideration of 'The Banking Offenses and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2080 with a majority vote on Sunday. Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat tabled the proposal during Sunday's meeting of the HoR. Members of Parliament wishing to propose amendments were instructed to submit their proposals to the House of Representatives Bill Unit within 72 hours.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The purpose of the Bill is to enhance the systematic and effective investigation, prosecution, and action against criminal offenses in the banking and financial sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">During the deliberation phase, lawmakers noted the growing prominence of digital payments over cheques. However, they pointed out that the regulation of digital transactions was not adequately addressed in the bill. Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Shyam Kumar Ghimire, Rajan KC, Asim Shah, Sumana Shrestha, and others emphasized the importance of not solely focusing on cheque dishonor but also considering digital transactions.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20018', 'image' => '20240219103816_banking-offence -800.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:37:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20289', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Big Fish in CIAA Net: Former Secretaries, Officials Sued over Huge Embezzlements in Melamchi Project', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday registered corruption cases at the Special Court against 15 peoples, including former secretaries for their alleged involvement in irregularities in the Melamchi Water Supply Project, a national pride project. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 19: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday registered corruption cases at the Special Court against 15 peoples, including former secretaries for their alleged involvement in irregularities in the Melamchi Water Supply Project, a national pride project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA said the graft cases were filed against consultants and construction company, CMC di Ravena of Italy, after finding that it was paid prior to carrying out construction works relating to the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The anti-graft body registered the case against former secretary Sanjay Sharma and Joint-Secretary Mukunda Prasad Poudel, demanding fine of Rs 60 million from both accused and demanding equal amount in recovery. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the CIAA has sought over Rs 40 million in penalty from erstwhile secretary at the Ministry of Water Supply, Bhim Prasad Upadhyay and over Rs 600 million from Gajendra Kumar Thakur, erstwhile secretary at the same ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 110 million has been claimed in fine from Rudra Singh Tamang, erstwhile board member of the Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA has demanded over Rs 710 million from Chandra Bahadur Thapa, the then board member of the committee, while it has demanded over Rs 220 million from Ghanashyam Bhattarai, erstwhile executive director of the committee in penalty. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the CIAA said a charge-sheet was filed at the Special Court against then Executive Director of Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee Ram Chandra Devkota, warranting Rs 323.5 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Furthermore, another then Executive Director of Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee, Surya Raj Kandel, is also an accused in the case and the charge-sheet warrants Rs 890.8 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The other accused are the then Under Secretary Mani Bhadra Neupane, Accounts Officer Ram Chandra Neupane, the then Under Secretary Beg Nath Poudel, the then Under Secretary Kedar Prasad Aryal and the committee's Deputy Executive Director Bhoj Bikram Thapa. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA has further wanted Rs 323.5 million in fine from Mani Bhadra Neupane, Ram Chandra Neupane, Poudel and Thapa while Rs 447.3 million in fine from Aryal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Sunday, CIAA Spokesperson Narahari Ghimire said that Deputy Team Leader Shiva Kumar Sharma of consulting firm Eptisa-BETS JV has also been sued, seeking Rs 483.6 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The case filed at the Special Court on Sunday sought Rs 875.8 million in fine from a consulting company named Eptisa Services De Ingenieris S.L and BETS Consulting Services Ltd JV. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, construction entrepreneur CMC di Ravena faced the charge-sheet, seeking Rs 651.4 million in fine. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20017', 'image' => '20240219100055_20240218084426_DevrajSubedi_Sindhupanchok_RSS_04_IMG-20240216-WA0002.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:00:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20291', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Chandika Prasad Bhatta Appointed as Executive Director of Nepal Oil Corporation', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by the government.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by the government. The decision was made during the Cabinet meeting held on Sunday, marking his second tenure as the chief of the state-owned petroleum monopoly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhatta previously served as the NOC Executive Director a decade ago, during which he successfully implemented an automatic price mechanism in the petroleum sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">A total of 13 candidates vied for the top position at NOC, each presenting their action plans to the committee chaired by Narayan Prasad Duwadi Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply. The committee recommended three names, including Chandika Prasad Bhatta, Dolprasad Chapagain, and Shatrudhana Prasad Pudasaini from Lalitpur, for the Executive Director position.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Industry Minister Ramesh Prasad Rijal presented a proposal to the Cabinet for Bhatta's appointment as Executive Director of NOC, based on the recommendation of the Sharma committee.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20016', 'image' => '20240219104415_Nepal-Oil-Corporation_NOC__20191203095420.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:43:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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According to the Ministry of Finance, the two countries signed the Nepal in Business (NIB) programme and the Green Growth Nepal (GGN) programme. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Joint-Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Shreekrishna Nepal, on the behalf of the Government of Nepal and Kathmandu-based British Embassy’s Development Director Pippa Bird, on the behalf of the British government, signed the agreements. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister for Finance, Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, and visiting British Minister for Development of Africa, Andrew Mitchell, were present during the signing ceremony, according to the Finance Ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the agreement, the government will implement the programmes worth over Pound Sterling 70 million (Rs 11.70 billion approx) for a period of seven years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The grant for NIB programme is expected to help unlock Nepal's economic prosperity by generating and addressing income poverty in Nepal. It will also support and finance small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to build organizations’ effectiveness through improved management and productivity to achieve business growth and create jobs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the grant for GGN programme will support the Government of Nepal to increase green, resilient and inclusive growth by expanding investment in green industries and services, improving climate-resilient infrastructures and strengthening sustainable economic policy and facilitating economic opportunities across Nepal, the ministry added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat, on the occasion, highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationships between Nepal and the UK and extended his gratitude towards the British government for its support in meeting Nepal's development priorities. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Mahat acknowledged, "The agreement is important for achieving Nepal's goals of fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability and reducing poverty. The grant programmes are also important for economic transformation, climate resilience, stronger social services and inclusion." </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He expressed his confidence that the implementation of NIB and GGN programmes would contribute to improving the foreign direct investment and developing climate-friendly investment projects in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, visiting British Minister Mitchell said, "There are plenty of issues for cooperation and collaboration between Nepal and the UK in the areas of economic transformation, climate actions and resilience, stronger social service and promotion of inclusion among others." -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20031', 'image' => '20240220071759_Flag-Pins-Nepal-Great-Britain.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 19:17:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20302', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Bajura Delights Farmers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: The upper belt of Bajura district witnessed snowfall along with rainfall on Tuesday bringing delight to the farmers who say rain and snowfall took place after six months. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 20: The upper belt of Bajura district witnessed snowfall along with rainfall on Tuesday bringing delight to the farmers who say rain and snowfall took place after six months. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snowfall occurred in high-hill areas of Budhinanda municipality, Gaumul rural municipality, Jagannath, Badimalika, Khaptad Chhededaha, Swamikartik Khapar municipality, and Tribeni municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Temperature has dropped in the areas due to the snow and rainfall. Normal life has been affected by the snowfall which began since Monday night. High-hill areas of Badimalika, Budhinanda municipalities and Himali rural municipalities have been covered with snow this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">With the sudden drop in temperature, teaching and learning activities have also been affected after students faced problems to commute to school. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Acting Chief of the District Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Bajura, Min Prasad Jaisi, said farmers are happy with the winter rainfall as it is expected to benefit different crops, fruits and vegetable cultivation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Transport service along the Martadi road section that connects four local units in the northern parts of Bajura district, some local units of Humla, Mugu and Kalikot has been affected due to snowfall. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20030', 'image' => '20240220070637_49f20f00f8e6242966796fe07d9382ec.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 19:06:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20305', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Westerly Low Pressure System likely to Cause Rain, Snowfall ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 21: Light rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Madesh Province and Bagmati provinces today due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the weather', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 21: Light rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Madesh Province and Bagmati provinces on Wednesday due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the weather, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather would remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today, meteorologist at the Division Sanjiv Adhikari said. "The temperature shall remain unchanged," he added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division stated that chances of light to moderate snowfall are likely at some places of the high hills and mountainous region of the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Adhikari, the impacts of the westerly low pressure system has gradually shifted to Gandaki Province, Bagmati Province and the eastern belt of the country from the Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division shared that chances of rain are more likely on Thursday compared to Wednesday and the weather shall be gradually clear from Friday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country on Wednesday night and light rain or thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places in Gandaki, Karnali and Sudur Pashchim provinces and hill regions of the country. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-21', 'modified' => '2024-02-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20029', 'image' => '20240221114449_rain.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-21 11:39:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20301', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' USAID's Strategic Shift Reflects Deeper Partnership for Nepal's Development ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a Diplomat's Conclave featuring Sepideh Keyvanshad, the US Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue among diplomatic communities, experts, analysts, policymakers, and various stakeholders.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">February 20: Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a Diplomat's Conclave featuring Sepideh Keyvanshad, the US Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue among diplomatic communities, experts, analysts, policymakers, and various stakeholders.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Speaking at the event themed “The US Government's Partnership with Nepal through USAID," Keyvanshad emphasized on longstanding collaboration between Nepal and USA spanning six decades. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">She stated that US partnership has evolved from traditional infrastructure projects to prioritizing vital sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. “USAID's strategy accords top priority to local empowerment and community-centric development,” she added. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Emphasizing a shift towards stronger partnerships with local entities and the Nepal government, Keyvanshad highlighted USAID's transition from capacity-building to system strengthening initiatives. “This approach signifies a departure from conventional aid models towards fostering genuine collaboration and amplifying the voices and priorities of local communities,” she stressed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Keyvanshad underscored USAID's confidence in local organizations, directing increased funding to them and channeling resources through the Nepal government. This signifies a paradigm shift towards authentic partnership, wherein Nepali people and government play pivotal roles in shaping their country's development trajectory.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Furthermore, Keyvanshad emphasized USAID's strategic focus on projects aligned with Nepal's development priorities, ensuring maximum impact and sustainability. She elucidated how USAID's refined approach complements the efforts of other donors, ensuring coherence and efficiency in development efforts. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20028', 'image' => '20240220041851_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 16:16:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20300', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'EU Probe Finds Ad in Disguise', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said recently.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">February 20: Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said recently.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">AFP reported that the European Union is concerned about the growing impact of social media content creators -- on everything from physical and mental health, to politics and the spread of disinformation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the French news agency, the European Commission launched a probe into the practice of influencer marketing believed to have a reaped a global total of around 20 billion euros ($21.5 billion) last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The results were unequivocal: it found that 97 percent of influencers published posts with commercial content but only 20 percent "systematically disclosed" it as advertising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The study looked at 576 influencers in 22 member states as well as Iceland and Norway as part of a "sweep" to check their compliance with EU consumer law -- which compels creators to disclose all advertising activity.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The platforms used by creators included Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, gamer streaming unit Twitch, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Influencers hold considerable sway over their followers, many of which are minors," the EU's justice commissioner, Didier Reynders, said in a statement published by AFP.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"I call on them to be much more transparent to their audience."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Of the influencers screened, 119 promoted "unhealthy or hazardous activities" including junk food and alcohol, cosmetic treatments, gambling or crypto trading.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The commission said 358 influencers face further action if they do not comply with the rules.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">- Need for 'ethical code'? -</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The 27-nation EU is weighing what action to take towards influencers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A discussion paper seen by AFP recommended that member states "consider developing an ethical code or ethical label for influencers".</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The paper dated January 31 said influencers can have a "positive impact" on young people -- for instance creating a sense of community for people underrepresented in traditional media -- but it also warned of potential "harmful" effects.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"The mis- and disinformation shared by some influencers can also have a negative impact at the societal level," it said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The issue is in the spotlight after a scandal last year involving Italy's Instagram star Chiara Ferragni, who is being investigated over a charity cake deal in which she wrongly suggested that sale proceeds would help children with bone cancer.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Italy responded with plans to increase supervision of influencers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">France last year passed a law targeting influencers, in a bid to prevent creators selling questionable products or promoting risky trends.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The EU has had the digital world increasingly in its sights in recent years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The bloc's milestone Digital Services Act (DSA) demands companies do more to protect users from hate speech and disinformation as well as consumers shopping online.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">While aimed largely at big tech, the DSA will also affect how influencers use platforms to share their content as it demands more transparency over advertising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All companies must comply with the DSA from Saturday. – AFP/RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20027', 'image' => '20240220034423_20230721025506_eu.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 15:43:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20299', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Dips Minimally, Closing at 2033.06', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a minimal decline of 1.76 points or 0.08%, closing at 2033.06 on the second trading day of the week on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">February 20: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a minimal decline of 1.76 points or 0.08%, closing at 2033.06 on the second trading day of the week on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, 314 scrips were traded through 76,803 transactions. A total of 9,342,546 shares changed their hands, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 3.11 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led the turnover with a total transaction worth Rs 31 crores. Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL) and Samaj Laghubitta Bittiya Santha Limited (SAMAJ) each gained 10% and hit the positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the contrary, Greenlife Hydropower Limited (GLH) incurred the highest loss of 10%, closing at a market price of Rs 218 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Analyzing the sector indices, all sectors closed in the red territory except for five sectors. The Others Index gained the highest at 1.10%, while the Investment Index saw a minimal gain of 0.18%. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Similarly, the Microfinance Index lost the most at 0.74%, while the Mutual Fund witnessed a minimal dip of 0.05%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20026', 'image' => '20240220034352_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 15:42:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20298', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'India Lifts Ban on Export of Onion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: India has lifted the ban on onion export to six countries including Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">February 20: India has lifted the ban on onion export to six countries including Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of India has set quota for the export of onion to the six countries. India decided to resume supply of onion to Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Bhutan and Mauritius. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of India has permitted the export of 300,000 metric tons of onions to these countries. The decision of the Indian government to lift the ban on onion exports has reopened the door for importing onions into Nepal. This is expected to lower the price of onion in the domestic market of Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, India media have warned that there will be a shortage of onion from upcoming March and the price of onion is likely to increase in India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In an effort to curb the escalating price of onion domestically, the Government of India had imposed an export ban on onions in December 2023. Following the ban, onion prices in India experienced a decline. However, it had an adverse effect in Nepal. The price of onion increased to as high as Rs 150 per kg.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gajendra Thakur informed New Business Age that India lifted the ban on export of onions because of the start of onion production season in India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“With the decision of India to lift the export ban, we will be able to import onions from the open market of India,” said Thakur, adding, “ Although onion was being imported from India through various means even during the ban, the consumers were forced to pay a high price. Now, the price of onion is expected to drop.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20025', 'image' => '20240220082535_20170411040236_onion.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 08:24:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20297', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Stakeholders Call for Resolving Problems of Victims of Cooperatives, Microfinances ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Stakeholders have demanded solution to the problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of cooperatives and micro-finances. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 19: Stakeholders have demanded solution to the problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of cooperatives and micro-finances. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Referring to the incidents of many people being displaced due to compound interest rates imposed by financial institutions, they have called on the government to intervene and seek a solution soon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">They were speaking at a press meet organised here by the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) marking its 29th annual general meeting coinciding with the World Social Forum 2024 that was held in Kathmandu on February 15-19. On the occasion, NFN issued a 31-point declaration. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Drawing the attention of the government to the activities of business houses enjoying tax exemption, evading taxes and seizing public lands, the declaration has demanded solution to the problems and action against the guilty. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It has also called for formulation and implementation of laws and regulations so as to ensure that all citizens realise the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Expressing serious concerns about the migration of youths, and brain drain for want of a favourable environment due to widespread corruption, mafia, brokering, inflation inequality, etc., the NFN demanded that the government seek ways for improving the situation to address the situation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, NFN President Ram Prasad Subedi requested the authorities concerned to immediately improve the approach of treating community-based organisations that are not legally recognised as income and profit earners and commercial establishments, and not to create trouble in the name of VAT and income tax. He also stressed on the need for restructuring and making the Social Welfare Council (SWC) keep up with federalism and become technology-friendly. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that the provision in the Association Registration Act 2034 BS allows social organisations to buy and sell movable and immovable property like individuals, he demanded that the assets of the organisations be released while not troubling them based on circulars that are against the law. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The federation expressed its serious objection to the fact that the SWC has created an uncomfortable environment by issuing policy guidelines contrary to the law, without consulting and discussing with the stakeholders. "We strongly demand that such provisions be corrected immediately." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Since it is against the law to force social organisations registered in the district administration office under the Ministry of Home Affairs to register at the local and provincial levels, the stakeholders have urged an end to the practice and the correction of the tendency of charging arbitrary fees in the name of registration. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In view of the bitter reality that Nepalis have been bearing the brunt of disasters caused by climate change, they demanded that the international community provides the Green Climate Fund to Nepal for climate justice and investment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"We strongly request an end to the act of curtailing the freedom of expression of the citizens in the name of regulating the social media network, and create an environment instead for them to operate in a lawful manner." -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20024', 'image' => '20240219093255_20230310040459_interest-rates-e1541025967190.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 21:32:27', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20296', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy Needs Reform: Expert', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Experts have said that the country’s economy is not yet vibrant despite the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, remittances and other external sector indicators.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">February 19: Experts have said that the country’s economy is not yet vibrant despite the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, remittances and other external sector indicators.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Speaking at a policy debate programme organized by Female Economic Journalists Association and co-organised by Nabil Bank, the experts questioned that despite the improvement in the external sector indicators of the country's economy, there are problems in the internal sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Economist Prof Dr Shivraj Adhikari said that we cannot be complacent just because the external sector indicators are good.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">“We say that the external sector indicators are fine, but is the economy not vibrant? The economy is now looking for reforms,” said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank Dr. Prakash Shrestha admitted that although the external sector is good, there are still problems in the internal sector. However, he said that it should not be forgotten that there has been some improvement compared to two years ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to Shrestha, the economy is not dynamic because there is a decline in internal demand. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">"There are weaknesses in the government's financial management. There are 761 fiscal policies and only one monetary policy,” he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the president of Nepal Bankers Association, Sunil KC, said that Nepali banks have overcome a situation which they cannot tackle. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Other speakers in the program also pointed out the need to improve the economy.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20023', 'image' => '20240219021536_ssss.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 14:14:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20295', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Mahat begins Discussion for Next FY Federal Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year have commenced with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat starting discussions with stakeholders. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: The preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year have commenced with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat starting discussions with stakeholders. On Sunday, discussions were held with former Finance Secretaries, former Vice Chairmen of the National Planning Commission, and representatives from the private sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Present at the discussion were former Finance Secretaries Rameshore Khanal, Shankar Adhikari, and Bhanu Prasad Acharya, former Vice Chairmen of the National Planning Commission Prithviraj Legal and Jagdish Pokharel, along with the current Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">While the private sector suggested an increase in the budget size, former finance secretaries emphasized the importance of drafting a realistic budget rather than creating unnecessary hype. They suggested that the government should determine the budget size based solely on revenue and spending capacity.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The National Planning Commission (NPC) has set a ceiling of 18 billion for the next fiscal year. Additionally, Finance Minister Mahat has established a revenue advisory committee, led by Revenue Secretary Ramprasad Ghimire, which has formed seven sub-committees. The revenue target for the upcoming fiscal year will be determined based on the report prepared by the Ghimire committee.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20022', 'image' => '20240219012017_20240118024334_budgetttttt.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 13:19:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20294', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhupendra Bhandari Appointed as Chairman of NTA', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA). The Cabinet meeting on Sunday decided to appoint Bhandari as the head of the telecom sector regulatory body.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhandari's selection as the chairman came on the recommendation of Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma. His prior role as an advisor to Minister Sharma positioned him as a leading candidate for the top position at the NTA.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Among a pool of 25 applicants, Bhandari emerged as the successful candidate for the Chairman's role after the resignation of Purushottam Khanal. Following Khanal's departure, a committee led by Secretary Ramakrishna Subedi was tasked with recommending a suitable candidate to lead the regulatory body.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhandari's professional background includes serving as an advisor to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology since July 2023. Hailing from the Dang district, Bhandari brings a wealth of experience, having previously held roles such as CEO of Smart Mobile Burundi for eight years, Intergroup Telecom Limited for 14 months, and chairman of Pay Nep Pvt Ltd for approximately six years.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20021', 'image' => '20240219105023_Untitled.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:49:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20292', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Financial Sector Associations Call for Action against Misleading Statements', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Four prominent associations linked to banks and financial institutions in Nepal have demanded legal action against individuals making misleading statements targeting the financial sector. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Four prominent associations linked to banks and financial institutions in Nepal have demanded legal action against individuals making misleading statements targeting the financial sector. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Nepal Bankers Association, Development Bankers Association Nepal, Nepal Financial Institutions Association, and Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association have urged for measures to address false claims.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The associations have alerted the government to the potential repercussions of disseminating misleading information, emphasizing its potential to disrupt the entire financial sector. Additionally, they have appealed to the public to refrain from adhering to deceptive narratives.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The statement specifically addresses recent remarks made by controversial figure Durga Prasai, advocating for loan non-payment and encouraging individuals to withdraw savings from specific banks and financial institutions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The joint statement emphasizes the importance of relying on official information from authorized sources and urges government agencies to take appropriate action against those spreading false information and causing societal disruption.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Furthermore, the statement highlights the adherence of Nepalese financial institutions to international banking principles and regulations set by the Nepal Rastra Bank, affirming their ability to manage risks effectively and ensuring the safety of deposits.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20019', 'image' => '20240219104547_Bankkk.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:45:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20290', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Approves Proposal to Consider the Bill on Banking Offenses and Punishment', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The House of Representatives (HoR) approved the proposal for consideration of 'The Banking Offenses and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2080 with a majority vote on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: The House of Representatives (HoR) approved the proposal for consideration of 'The Banking Offenses and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2080 with a majority vote on Sunday. Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat tabled the proposal during Sunday's meeting of the HoR. Members of Parliament wishing to propose amendments were instructed to submit their proposals to the House of Representatives Bill Unit within 72 hours.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The purpose of the Bill is to enhance the systematic and effective investigation, prosecution, and action against criminal offenses in the banking and financial sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">During the deliberation phase, lawmakers noted the growing prominence of digital payments over cheques. However, they pointed out that the regulation of digital transactions was not adequately addressed in the bill. Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Shyam Kumar Ghimire, Rajan KC, Asim Shah, Sumana Shrestha, and others emphasized the importance of not solely focusing on cheque dishonor but also considering digital transactions.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20018', 'image' => '20240219103816_banking-offence -800.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:37:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20289', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Big Fish in CIAA Net: Former Secretaries, Officials Sued over Huge Embezzlements in Melamchi Project', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday registered corruption cases at the Special Court against 15 peoples, including former secretaries for their alleged involvement in irregularities in the Melamchi Water Supply Project, a national pride project. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 19: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday registered corruption cases at the Special Court against 15 peoples, including former secretaries for their alleged involvement in irregularities in the Melamchi Water Supply Project, a national pride project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA said the graft cases were filed against consultants and construction company, CMC di Ravena of Italy, after finding that it was paid prior to carrying out construction works relating to the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The anti-graft body registered the case against former secretary Sanjay Sharma and Joint-Secretary Mukunda Prasad Poudel, demanding fine of Rs 60 million from both accused and demanding equal amount in recovery. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the CIAA has sought over Rs 40 million in penalty from erstwhile secretary at the Ministry of Water Supply, Bhim Prasad Upadhyay and over Rs 600 million from Gajendra Kumar Thakur, erstwhile secretary at the same ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 110 million has been claimed in fine from Rudra Singh Tamang, erstwhile board member of the Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA has demanded over Rs 710 million from Chandra Bahadur Thapa, the then board member of the committee, while it has demanded over Rs 220 million from Ghanashyam Bhattarai, erstwhile executive director of the committee in penalty. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the CIAA said a charge-sheet was filed at the Special Court against then Executive Director of Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee Ram Chandra Devkota, warranting Rs 323.5 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Furthermore, another then Executive Director of Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee, Surya Raj Kandel, is also an accused in the case and the charge-sheet warrants Rs 890.8 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The other accused are the then Under Secretary Mani Bhadra Neupane, Accounts Officer Ram Chandra Neupane, the then Under Secretary Beg Nath Poudel, the then Under Secretary Kedar Prasad Aryal and the committee's Deputy Executive Director Bhoj Bikram Thapa. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA has further wanted Rs 323.5 million in fine from Mani Bhadra Neupane, Ram Chandra Neupane, Poudel and Thapa while Rs 447.3 million in fine from Aryal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Sunday, CIAA Spokesperson Narahari Ghimire said that Deputy Team Leader Shiva Kumar Sharma of consulting firm Eptisa-BETS JV has also been sued, seeking Rs 483.6 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The case filed at the Special Court on Sunday sought Rs 875.8 million in fine from a consulting company named Eptisa Services De Ingenieris S.L and BETS Consulting Services Ltd JV. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, construction entrepreneur CMC di Ravena faced the charge-sheet, seeking Rs 651.4 million in fine. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20017', 'image' => '20240219100055_20240218084426_DevrajSubedi_Sindhupanchok_RSS_04_IMG-20240216-WA0002.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:00:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20291', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Chandika Prasad Bhatta Appointed as Executive Director of Nepal Oil Corporation', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by the government.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by the government. The decision was made during the Cabinet meeting held on Sunday, marking his second tenure as the chief of the state-owned petroleum monopoly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhatta previously served as the NOC Executive Director a decade ago, during which he successfully implemented an automatic price mechanism in the petroleum sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">A total of 13 candidates vied for the top position at NOC, each presenting their action plans to the committee chaired by Narayan Prasad Duwadi Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply. The committee recommended three names, including Chandika Prasad Bhatta, Dolprasad Chapagain, and Shatrudhana Prasad Pudasaini from Lalitpur, for the Executive Director position.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Industry Minister Ramesh Prasad Rijal presented a proposal to the Cabinet for Bhatta's appointment as Executive Director of NOC, based on the recommendation of the Sharma committee.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20016', 'image' => '20240219104415_Nepal-Oil-Corporation_NOC__20191203095420.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:43:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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According to the Ministry of Finance, the two countries signed the Nepal in Business (NIB) programme and the Green Growth Nepal (GGN) programme. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Joint-Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Shreekrishna Nepal, on the behalf of the Government of Nepal and Kathmandu-based British Embassy’s Development Director Pippa Bird, on the behalf of the British government, signed the agreements. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister for Finance, Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, and visiting British Minister for Development of Africa, Andrew Mitchell, were present during the signing ceremony, according to the Finance Ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the agreement, the government will implement the programmes worth over Pound Sterling 70 million (Rs 11.70 billion approx) for a period of seven years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The grant for NIB programme is expected to help unlock Nepal's economic prosperity by generating and addressing income poverty in Nepal. It will also support and finance small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to build organizations’ effectiveness through improved management and productivity to achieve business growth and create jobs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the grant for GGN programme will support the Government of Nepal to increase green, resilient and inclusive growth by expanding investment in green industries and services, improving climate-resilient infrastructures and strengthening sustainable economic policy and facilitating economic opportunities across Nepal, the ministry added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat, on the occasion, highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationships between Nepal and the UK and extended his gratitude towards the British government for its support in meeting Nepal's development priorities. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Mahat acknowledged, "The agreement is important for achieving Nepal's goals of fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability and reducing poverty. The grant programmes are also important for economic transformation, climate resilience, stronger social services and inclusion." </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He expressed his confidence that the implementation of NIB and GGN programmes would contribute to improving the foreign direct investment and developing climate-friendly investment projects in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, visiting British Minister Mitchell said, "There are plenty of issues for cooperation and collaboration between Nepal and the UK in the areas of economic transformation, climate actions and resilience, stronger social service and promotion of inclusion among others." -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20031', 'image' => '20240220071759_Flag-Pins-Nepal-Great-Britain.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 19:17:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20302', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Bajura Delights Farmers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: The upper belt of Bajura district witnessed snowfall along with rainfall on Tuesday bringing delight to the farmers who say rain and snowfall took place after six months. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 20: The upper belt of Bajura district witnessed snowfall along with rainfall on Tuesday bringing delight to the farmers who say rain and snowfall took place after six months. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snowfall occurred in high-hill areas of Budhinanda municipality, Gaumul rural municipality, Jagannath, Badimalika, Khaptad Chhededaha, Swamikartik Khapar municipality, and Tribeni municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Temperature has dropped in the areas due to the snow and rainfall. Normal life has been affected by the snowfall which began since Monday night. High-hill areas of Badimalika, Budhinanda municipalities and Himali rural municipalities have been covered with snow this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">With the sudden drop in temperature, teaching and learning activities have also been affected after students faced problems to commute to school. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Acting Chief of the District Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Bajura, Min Prasad Jaisi, said farmers are happy with the winter rainfall as it is expected to benefit different crops, fruits and vegetable cultivation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Transport service along the Martadi road section that connects four local units in the northern parts of Bajura district, some local units of Humla, Mugu and Kalikot has been affected due to snowfall. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20030', 'image' => '20240220070637_49f20f00f8e6242966796fe07d9382ec.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 19:06:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20305', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Westerly Low Pressure System likely to Cause Rain, Snowfall ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 21: Light rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Madesh Province and Bagmati provinces today due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the weather', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 21: Light rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Madesh Province and Bagmati provinces on Wednesday due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the weather, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather would remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today, meteorologist at the Division Sanjiv Adhikari said. "The temperature shall remain unchanged," he added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division stated that chances of light to moderate snowfall are likely at some places of the high hills and mountainous region of the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Adhikari, the impacts of the westerly low pressure system has gradually shifted to Gandaki Province, Bagmati Province and the eastern belt of the country from the Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division shared that chances of rain are more likely on Thursday compared to Wednesday and the weather shall be gradually clear from Friday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country on Wednesday night and light rain or thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places in Gandaki, Karnali and Sudur Pashchim provinces and hill regions of the country. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-21', 'modified' => '2024-02-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20029', 'image' => '20240221114449_rain.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-21 11:39:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20301', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' USAID's Strategic Shift Reflects Deeper Partnership for Nepal's Development ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a Diplomat's Conclave featuring Sepideh Keyvanshad, the US Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue among diplomatic communities, experts, analysts, policymakers, and various stakeholders.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">February 20: Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a Diplomat's Conclave featuring Sepideh Keyvanshad, the US Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue among diplomatic communities, experts, analysts, policymakers, and various stakeholders.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Speaking at the event themed “The US Government's Partnership with Nepal through USAID," Keyvanshad emphasized on longstanding collaboration between Nepal and USA spanning six decades. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">She stated that US partnership has evolved from traditional infrastructure projects to prioritizing vital sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. “USAID's strategy accords top priority to local empowerment and community-centric development,” she added. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Emphasizing a shift towards stronger partnerships with local entities and the Nepal government, Keyvanshad highlighted USAID's transition from capacity-building to system strengthening initiatives. “This approach signifies a departure from conventional aid models towards fostering genuine collaboration and amplifying the voices and priorities of local communities,” she stressed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Keyvanshad underscored USAID's confidence in local organizations, directing increased funding to them and channeling resources through the Nepal government. This signifies a paradigm shift towards authentic partnership, wherein Nepali people and government play pivotal roles in shaping their country's development trajectory.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Furthermore, Keyvanshad emphasized USAID's strategic focus on projects aligned with Nepal's development priorities, ensuring maximum impact and sustainability. She elucidated how USAID's refined approach complements the efforts of other donors, ensuring coherence and efficiency in development efforts. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20028', 'image' => '20240220041851_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 16:16:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20300', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'EU Probe Finds Ad in Disguise', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said recently.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">February 20: Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said recently.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">AFP reported that the European Union is concerned about the growing impact of social media content creators -- on everything from physical and mental health, to politics and the spread of disinformation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the French news agency, the European Commission launched a probe into the practice of influencer marketing believed to have a reaped a global total of around 20 billion euros ($21.5 billion) last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The results were unequivocal: it found that 97 percent of influencers published posts with commercial content but only 20 percent "systematically disclosed" it as advertising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The study looked at 576 influencers in 22 member states as well as Iceland and Norway as part of a "sweep" to check their compliance with EU consumer law -- which compels creators to disclose all advertising activity.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The platforms used by creators included Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, gamer streaming unit Twitch, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Influencers hold considerable sway over their followers, many of which are minors," the EU's justice commissioner, Didier Reynders, said in a statement published by AFP.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"I call on them to be much more transparent to their audience."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Of the influencers screened, 119 promoted "unhealthy or hazardous activities" including junk food and alcohol, cosmetic treatments, gambling or crypto trading.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The commission said 358 influencers face further action if they do not comply with the rules.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">- Need for 'ethical code'? -</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The 27-nation EU is weighing what action to take towards influencers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A discussion paper seen by AFP recommended that member states "consider developing an ethical code or ethical label for influencers".</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The paper dated January 31 said influencers can have a "positive impact" on young people -- for instance creating a sense of community for people underrepresented in traditional media -- but it also warned of potential "harmful" effects.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"The mis- and disinformation shared by some influencers can also have a negative impact at the societal level," it said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The issue is in the spotlight after a scandal last year involving Italy's Instagram star Chiara Ferragni, who is being investigated over a charity cake deal in which she wrongly suggested that sale proceeds would help children with bone cancer.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Italy responded with plans to increase supervision of influencers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">France last year passed a law targeting influencers, in a bid to prevent creators selling questionable products or promoting risky trends.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The EU has had the digital world increasingly in its sights in recent years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The bloc's milestone Digital Services Act (DSA) demands companies do more to protect users from hate speech and disinformation as well as consumers shopping online.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">While aimed largely at big tech, the DSA will also affect how influencers use platforms to share their content as it demands more transparency over advertising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All companies must comply with the DSA from Saturday. – AFP/RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20027', 'image' => '20240220034423_20230721025506_eu.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 15:43:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20299', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Dips Minimally, Closing at 2033.06', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a minimal decline of 1.76 points or 0.08%, closing at 2033.06 on the second trading day of the week on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">February 20: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a minimal decline of 1.76 points or 0.08%, closing at 2033.06 on the second trading day of the week on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, 314 scrips were traded through 76,803 transactions. A total of 9,342,546 shares changed their hands, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 3.11 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led the turnover with a total transaction worth Rs 31 crores. Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL) and Samaj Laghubitta Bittiya Santha Limited (SAMAJ) each gained 10% and hit the positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the contrary, Greenlife Hydropower Limited (GLH) incurred the highest loss of 10%, closing at a market price of Rs 218 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Analyzing the sector indices, all sectors closed in the red territory except for five sectors. The Others Index gained the highest at 1.10%, while the Investment Index saw a minimal gain of 0.18%. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Similarly, the Microfinance Index lost the most at 0.74%, while the Mutual Fund witnessed a minimal dip of 0.05%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20026', 'image' => '20240220034352_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 15:42:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20298', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'India Lifts Ban on Export of Onion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: India has lifted the ban on onion export to six countries including Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">February 20: India has lifted the ban on onion export to six countries including Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of India has set quota for the export of onion to the six countries. India decided to resume supply of onion to Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Bhutan and Mauritius. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of India has permitted the export of 300,000 metric tons of onions to these countries. The decision of the Indian government to lift the ban on onion exports has reopened the door for importing onions into Nepal. This is expected to lower the price of onion in the domestic market of Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, India media have warned that there will be a shortage of onion from upcoming March and the price of onion is likely to increase in India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In an effort to curb the escalating price of onion domestically, the Government of India had imposed an export ban on onions in December 2023. Following the ban, onion prices in India experienced a decline. However, it had an adverse effect in Nepal. The price of onion increased to as high as Rs 150 per kg.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gajendra Thakur informed New Business Age that India lifted the ban on export of onions because of the start of onion production season in India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“With the decision of India to lift the export ban, we will be able to import onions from the open market of India,” said Thakur, adding, “ Although onion was being imported from India through various means even during the ban, the consumers were forced to pay a high price. Now, the price of onion is expected to drop.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20025', 'image' => '20240220082535_20170411040236_onion.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 08:24:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20297', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Stakeholders Call for Resolving Problems of Victims of Cooperatives, Microfinances ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Stakeholders have demanded solution to the problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of cooperatives and micro-finances. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 19: Stakeholders have demanded solution to the problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of cooperatives and micro-finances. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Referring to the incidents of many people being displaced due to compound interest rates imposed by financial institutions, they have called on the government to intervene and seek a solution soon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">They were speaking at a press meet organised here by the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) marking its 29th annual general meeting coinciding with the World Social Forum 2024 that was held in Kathmandu on February 15-19. On the occasion, NFN issued a 31-point declaration. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Drawing the attention of the government to the activities of business houses enjoying tax exemption, evading taxes and seizing public lands, the declaration has demanded solution to the problems and action against the guilty. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It has also called for formulation and implementation of laws and regulations so as to ensure that all citizens realise the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Expressing serious concerns about the migration of youths, and brain drain for want of a favourable environment due to widespread corruption, mafia, brokering, inflation inequality, etc., the NFN demanded that the government seek ways for improving the situation to address the situation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, NFN President Ram Prasad Subedi requested the authorities concerned to immediately improve the approach of treating community-based organisations that are not legally recognised as income and profit earners and commercial establishments, and not to create trouble in the name of VAT and income tax. He also stressed on the need for restructuring and making the Social Welfare Council (SWC) keep up with federalism and become technology-friendly. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that the provision in the Association Registration Act 2034 BS allows social organisations to buy and sell movable and immovable property like individuals, he demanded that the assets of the organisations be released while not troubling them based on circulars that are against the law. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The federation expressed its serious objection to the fact that the SWC has created an uncomfortable environment by issuing policy guidelines contrary to the law, without consulting and discussing with the stakeholders. "We strongly demand that such provisions be corrected immediately." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Since it is against the law to force social organisations registered in the district administration office under the Ministry of Home Affairs to register at the local and provincial levels, the stakeholders have urged an end to the practice and the correction of the tendency of charging arbitrary fees in the name of registration. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In view of the bitter reality that Nepalis have been bearing the brunt of disasters caused by climate change, they demanded that the international community provides the Green Climate Fund to Nepal for climate justice and investment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"We strongly request an end to the act of curtailing the freedom of expression of the citizens in the name of regulating the social media network, and create an environment instead for them to operate in a lawful manner." -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20024', 'image' => '20240219093255_20230310040459_interest-rates-e1541025967190.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 21:32:27', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20296', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy Needs Reform: Expert', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Experts have said that the country’s economy is not yet vibrant despite the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, remittances and other external sector indicators.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">February 19: Experts have said that the country’s economy is not yet vibrant despite the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, remittances and other external sector indicators.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Speaking at a policy debate programme organized by Female Economic Journalists Association and co-organised by Nabil Bank, the experts questioned that despite the improvement in the external sector indicators of the country's economy, there are problems in the internal sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Economist Prof Dr Shivraj Adhikari said that we cannot be complacent just because the external sector indicators are good.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">“We say that the external sector indicators are fine, but is the economy not vibrant? The economy is now looking for reforms,” said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank Dr. Prakash Shrestha admitted that although the external sector is good, there are still problems in the internal sector. However, he said that it should not be forgotten that there has been some improvement compared to two years ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to Shrestha, the economy is not dynamic because there is a decline in internal demand. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">"There are weaknesses in the government's financial management. There are 761 fiscal policies and only one monetary policy,” he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the president of Nepal Bankers Association, Sunil KC, said that Nepali banks have overcome a situation which they cannot tackle. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Other speakers in the program also pointed out the need to improve the economy.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20023', 'image' => '20240219021536_ssss.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 14:14:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20295', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Mahat begins Discussion for Next FY Federal Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year have commenced with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat starting discussions with stakeholders. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: The preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year have commenced with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat starting discussions with stakeholders. On Sunday, discussions were held with former Finance Secretaries, former Vice Chairmen of the National Planning Commission, and representatives from the private sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Present at the discussion were former Finance Secretaries Rameshore Khanal, Shankar Adhikari, and Bhanu Prasad Acharya, former Vice Chairmen of the National Planning Commission Prithviraj Legal and Jagdish Pokharel, along with the current Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">While the private sector suggested an increase in the budget size, former finance secretaries emphasized the importance of drafting a realistic budget rather than creating unnecessary hype. They suggested that the government should determine the budget size based solely on revenue and spending capacity.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The National Planning Commission (NPC) has set a ceiling of 18 billion for the next fiscal year. Additionally, Finance Minister Mahat has established a revenue advisory committee, led by Revenue Secretary Ramprasad Ghimire, which has formed seven sub-committees. The revenue target for the upcoming fiscal year will be determined based on the report prepared by the Ghimire committee.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20022', 'image' => '20240219012017_20240118024334_budgetttttt.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 13:19:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20294', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhupendra Bhandari Appointed as Chairman of NTA', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA). The Cabinet meeting on Sunday decided to appoint Bhandari as the head of the telecom sector regulatory body.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhandari's selection as the chairman came on the recommendation of Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma. His prior role as an advisor to Minister Sharma positioned him as a leading candidate for the top position at the NTA.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Among a pool of 25 applicants, Bhandari emerged as the successful candidate for the Chairman's role after the resignation of Purushottam Khanal. Following Khanal's departure, a committee led by Secretary Ramakrishna Subedi was tasked with recommending a suitable candidate to lead the regulatory body.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhandari's professional background includes serving as an advisor to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology since July 2023. Hailing from the Dang district, Bhandari brings a wealth of experience, having previously held roles such as CEO of Smart Mobile Burundi for eight years, Intergroup Telecom Limited for 14 months, and chairman of Pay Nep Pvt Ltd for approximately six years.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20021', 'image' => '20240219105023_Untitled.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:49:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20292', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Financial Sector Associations Call for Action against Misleading Statements', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Four prominent associations linked to banks and financial institutions in Nepal have demanded legal action against individuals making misleading statements targeting the financial sector. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Four prominent associations linked to banks and financial institutions in Nepal have demanded legal action against individuals making misleading statements targeting the financial sector. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Nepal Bankers Association, Development Bankers Association Nepal, Nepal Financial Institutions Association, and Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association have urged for measures to address false claims.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The associations have alerted the government to the potential repercussions of disseminating misleading information, emphasizing its potential to disrupt the entire financial sector. Additionally, they have appealed to the public to refrain from adhering to deceptive narratives.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The statement specifically addresses recent remarks made by controversial figure Durga Prasai, advocating for loan non-payment and encouraging individuals to withdraw savings from specific banks and financial institutions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The joint statement emphasizes the importance of relying on official information from authorized sources and urges government agencies to take appropriate action against those spreading false information and causing societal disruption.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Furthermore, the statement highlights the adherence of Nepalese financial institutions to international banking principles and regulations set by the Nepal Rastra Bank, affirming their ability to manage risks effectively and ensuring the safety of deposits.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20019', 'image' => '20240219104547_Bankkk.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:45:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20290', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Approves Proposal to Consider the Bill on Banking Offenses and Punishment', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The House of Representatives (HoR) approved the proposal for consideration of 'The Banking Offenses and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2080 with a majority vote on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: The House of Representatives (HoR) approved the proposal for consideration of 'The Banking Offenses and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2080 with a majority vote on Sunday. Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat tabled the proposal during Sunday's meeting of the HoR. Members of Parliament wishing to propose amendments were instructed to submit their proposals to the House of Representatives Bill Unit within 72 hours.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The purpose of the Bill is to enhance the systematic and effective investigation, prosecution, and action against criminal offenses in the banking and financial sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">During the deliberation phase, lawmakers noted the growing prominence of digital payments over cheques. However, they pointed out that the regulation of digital transactions was not adequately addressed in the bill. Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Shyam Kumar Ghimire, Rajan KC, Asim Shah, Sumana Shrestha, and others emphasized the importance of not solely focusing on cheque dishonor but also considering digital transactions.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20018', 'image' => '20240219103816_banking-offence -800.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:37:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20289', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Big Fish in CIAA Net: Former Secretaries, Officials Sued over Huge Embezzlements in Melamchi Project', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday registered corruption cases at the Special Court against 15 peoples, including former secretaries for their alleged involvement in irregularities in the Melamchi Water Supply Project, a national pride project. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 19: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday registered corruption cases at the Special Court against 15 peoples, including former secretaries for their alleged involvement in irregularities in the Melamchi Water Supply Project, a national pride project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA said the graft cases were filed against consultants and construction company, CMC di Ravena of Italy, after finding that it was paid prior to carrying out construction works relating to the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The anti-graft body registered the case against former secretary Sanjay Sharma and Joint-Secretary Mukunda Prasad Poudel, demanding fine of Rs 60 million from both accused and demanding equal amount in recovery. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the CIAA has sought over Rs 40 million in penalty from erstwhile secretary at the Ministry of Water Supply, Bhim Prasad Upadhyay and over Rs 600 million from Gajendra Kumar Thakur, erstwhile secretary at the same ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 110 million has been claimed in fine from Rudra Singh Tamang, erstwhile board member of the Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA has demanded over Rs 710 million from Chandra Bahadur Thapa, the then board member of the committee, while it has demanded over Rs 220 million from Ghanashyam Bhattarai, erstwhile executive director of the committee in penalty. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the CIAA said a charge-sheet was filed at the Special Court against then Executive Director of Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee Ram Chandra Devkota, warranting Rs 323.5 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Furthermore, another then Executive Director of Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee, Surya Raj Kandel, is also an accused in the case and the charge-sheet warrants Rs 890.8 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The other accused are the then Under Secretary Mani Bhadra Neupane, Accounts Officer Ram Chandra Neupane, the then Under Secretary Beg Nath Poudel, the then Under Secretary Kedar Prasad Aryal and the committee's Deputy Executive Director Bhoj Bikram Thapa. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA has further wanted Rs 323.5 million in fine from Mani Bhadra Neupane, Ram Chandra Neupane, Poudel and Thapa while Rs 447.3 million in fine from Aryal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Sunday, CIAA Spokesperson Narahari Ghimire said that Deputy Team Leader Shiva Kumar Sharma of consulting firm Eptisa-BETS JV has also been sued, seeking Rs 483.6 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The case filed at the Special Court on Sunday sought Rs 875.8 million in fine from a consulting company named Eptisa Services De Ingenieris S.L and BETS Consulting Services Ltd JV. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, construction entrepreneur CMC di Ravena faced the charge-sheet, seeking Rs 651.4 million in fine. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20017', 'image' => '20240219100055_20240218084426_DevrajSubedi_Sindhupanchok_RSS_04_IMG-20240216-WA0002.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:00:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20291', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Chandika Prasad Bhatta Appointed as Executive Director of Nepal Oil Corporation', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by the government.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by the government. The decision was made during the Cabinet meeting held on Sunday, marking his second tenure as the chief of the state-owned petroleum monopoly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhatta previously served as the NOC Executive Director a decade ago, during which he successfully implemented an automatic price mechanism in the petroleum sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">A total of 13 candidates vied for the top position at NOC, each presenting their action plans to the committee chaired by Narayan Prasad Duwadi Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply. The committee recommended three names, including Chandika Prasad Bhatta, Dolprasad Chapagain, and Shatrudhana Prasad Pudasaini from Lalitpur, for the Executive Director position.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Industry Minister Ramesh Prasad Rijal presented a proposal to the Cabinet for Bhatta's appointment as Executive Director of NOC, based on the recommendation of the Sharma committee.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20016', 'image' => '20240219104415_Nepal-Oil-Corporation_NOC__20191203095420.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:43:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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According to the Ministry of Finance, the two countries signed the Nepal in Business (NIB) programme and the Green Growth Nepal (GGN) programme. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Joint-Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Shreekrishna Nepal, on the behalf of the Government of Nepal and Kathmandu-based British Embassy’s Development Director Pippa Bird, on the behalf of the British government, signed the agreements. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister for Finance, Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, and visiting British Minister for Development of Africa, Andrew Mitchell, were present during the signing ceremony, according to the Finance Ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the agreement, the government will implement the programmes worth over Pound Sterling 70 million (Rs 11.70 billion approx) for a period of seven years. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The grant for NIB programme is expected to help unlock Nepal's economic prosperity by generating and addressing income poverty in Nepal. It will also support and finance small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to build organizations’ effectiveness through improved management and productivity to achieve business growth and create jobs. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the grant for GGN programme will support the Government of Nepal to increase green, resilient and inclusive growth by expanding investment in green industries and services, improving climate-resilient infrastructures and strengthening sustainable economic policy and facilitating economic opportunities across Nepal, the ministry added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Minister Mahat, on the occasion, highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationships between Nepal and the UK and extended his gratitude towards the British government for its support in meeting Nepal's development priorities. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Mahat acknowledged, "The agreement is important for achieving Nepal's goals of fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability and reducing poverty. The grant programmes are also important for economic transformation, climate resilience, stronger social services and inclusion." </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He expressed his confidence that the implementation of NIB and GGN programmes would contribute to improving the foreign direct investment and developing climate-friendly investment projects in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, visiting British Minister Mitchell said, "There are plenty of issues for cooperation and collaboration between Nepal and the UK in the areas of economic transformation, climate actions and resilience, stronger social service and promotion of inclusion among others." -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20031', 'image' => '20240220071759_Flag-Pins-Nepal-Great-Britain.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 19:17:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20302', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Snowfall in Bajura Delights Farmers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: The upper belt of Bajura district witnessed snowfall along with rainfall on Tuesday bringing delight to the farmers who say rain and snowfall took place after six months. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 20: The upper belt of Bajura district witnessed snowfall along with rainfall on Tuesday bringing delight to the farmers who say rain and snowfall took place after six months. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The snowfall occurred in high-hill areas of Budhinanda municipality, Gaumul rural municipality, Jagannath, Badimalika, Khaptad Chhededaha, Swamikartik Khapar municipality, and Tribeni municipality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Temperature has dropped in the areas due to the snow and rainfall. Normal life has been affected by the snowfall which began since Monday night. High-hill areas of Badimalika, Budhinanda municipalities and Himali rural municipalities have been covered with snow this year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">With the sudden drop in temperature, teaching and learning activities have also been affected after students faced problems to commute to school. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Acting Chief of the District Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Bajura, Min Prasad Jaisi, said farmers are happy with the winter rainfall as it is expected to benefit different crops, fruits and vegetable cultivation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Transport service along the Martadi road section that connects four local units in the northern parts of Bajura district, some local units of Humla, Mugu and Kalikot has been affected due to snowfall. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20030', 'image' => '20240220070637_49f20f00f8e6242966796fe07d9382ec.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 19:06:04', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20305', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Westerly Low Pressure System likely to Cause Rain, Snowfall ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 21: Light rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Madesh Province and Bagmati provinces today due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the weather', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 21: Light rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Madesh Province and Bagmati provinces on Wednesday due to an impact of the westerly low pressure system in the weather, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather would remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country today, meteorologist at the Division Sanjiv Adhikari said. "The temperature shall remain unchanged," he added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division stated that chances of light to moderate snowfall are likely at some places of the high hills and mountainous region of the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to Adhikari, the impacts of the westerly low pressure system has gradually shifted to Gandaki Province, Bagmati Province and the eastern belt of the country from the Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The division shared that chances of rain are more likely on Thursday compared to Wednesday and the weather shall be gradually clear from Friday. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The weather is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country on Wednesday night and light rain or thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places in Gandaki, Karnali and Sudur Pashchim provinces and hill regions of the country. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-21', 'modified' => '2024-02-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20029', 'image' => '20240221114449_rain.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-21 11:39:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20301', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' USAID's Strategic Shift Reflects Deeper Partnership for Nepal's Development ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a Diplomat's Conclave featuring Sepideh Keyvanshad, the US Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue among diplomatic communities, experts, analysts, policymakers, and various stakeholders.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">February 20: Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a Diplomat's Conclave featuring Sepideh Keyvanshad, the US Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue among diplomatic communities, experts, analysts, policymakers, and various stakeholders.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Speaking at the event themed “The US Government's Partnership with Nepal through USAID," Keyvanshad emphasized on longstanding collaboration between Nepal and USA spanning six decades. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">She stated that US partnership has evolved from traditional infrastructure projects to prioritizing vital sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. “USAID's strategy accords top priority to local empowerment and community-centric development,” she added. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Emphasizing a shift towards stronger partnerships with local entities and the Nepal government, Keyvanshad highlighted USAID's transition from capacity-building to system strengthening initiatives. “This approach signifies a departure from conventional aid models towards fostering genuine collaboration and amplifying the voices and priorities of local communities,” she stressed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Keyvanshad underscored USAID's confidence in local organizations, directing increased funding to them and channeling resources through the Nepal government. This signifies a paradigm shift towards authentic partnership, wherein Nepali people and government play pivotal roles in shaping their country's development trajectory.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Furthermore, Keyvanshad emphasized USAID's strategic focus on projects aligned with Nepal's development priorities, ensuring maximum impact and sustainability. She elucidated how USAID's refined approach complements the efforts of other donors, ensuring coherence and efficiency in development efforts. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20028', 'image' => '20240220041851_collage (3).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 16:16:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20300', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'EU Probe Finds Ad in Disguise', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said recently.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">February 20: Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said recently.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">AFP reported that the European Union is concerned about the growing impact of social media content creators -- on everything from physical and mental health, to politics and the spread of disinformation.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the French news agency, the European Commission launched a probe into the practice of influencer marketing believed to have a reaped a global total of around 20 billion euros ($21.5 billion) last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The results were unequivocal: it found that 97 percent of influencers published posts with commercial content but only 20 percent "systematically disclosed" it as advertising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The study looked at 576 influencers in 22 member states as well as Iceland and Norway as part of a "sweep" to check their compliance with EU consumer law -- which compels creators to disclose all advertising activity.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The platforms used by creators included Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, gamer streaming unit Twitch, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"Influencers hold considerable sway over their followers, many of which are minors," the EU's justice commissioner, Didier Reynders, said in a statement published by AFP.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"I call on them to be much more transparent to their audience."</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Of the influencers screened, 119 promoted "unhealthy or hazardous activities" including junk food and alcohol, cosmetic treatments, gambling or crypto trading.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The commission said 358 influencers face further action if they do not comply with the rules.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">- Need for 'ethical code'? -</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The 27-nation EU is weighing what action to take towards influencers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">A discussion paper seen by AFP recommended that member states "consider developing an ethical code or ethical label for influencers".</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The paper dated January 31 said influencers can have a "positive impact" on young people -- for instance creating a sense of community for people underrepresented in traditional media -- but it also warned of potential "harmful" effects.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">"The mis- and disinformation shared by some influencers can also have a negative impact at the societal level," it said.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The issue is in the spotlight after a scandal last year involving Italy's Instagram star Chiara Ferragni, who is being investigated over a charity cake deal in which she wrongly suggested that sale proceeds would help children with bone cancer.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Italy responded with plans to increase supervision of influencers.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">France last year passed a law targeting influencers, in a bid to prevent creators selling questionable products or promoting risky trends.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The EU has had the digital world increasingly in its sights in recent years.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The bloc's milestone Digital Services Act (DSA) demands companies do more to protect users from hate speech and disinformation as well as consumers shopping online.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">While aimed largely at big tech, the DSA will also affect how influencers use platforms to share their content as it demands more transparency over advertising.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">All companies must comply with the DSA from Saturday. – AFP/RSS</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20027', 'image' => '20240220034423_20230721025506_eu.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 15:43:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20299', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Dips Minimally, Closing at 2033.06', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a minimal decline of 1.76 points or 0.08%, closing at 2033.06 on the second trading day of the week on Tuesday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">February 20: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a minimal decline of 1.76 points or 0.08%, closing at 2033.06 on the second trading day of the week on Tuesday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During today’s trading session, 314 scrips were traded through 76,803 transactions. A total of 9,342,546 shares changed their hands, resulting in a total turnover of Rs 3.11 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Himalayan Reinsurance Limited (HRL) led the turnover with a total transaction worth Rs 31 crores. Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL) and Samaj Laghubitta Bittiya Santha Limited (SAMAJ) each gained 10% and hit the positive circuit for the day.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the contrary, Greenlife Hydropower Limited (GLH) incurred the highest loss of 10%, closing at a market price of Rs 218 per share.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Analyzing the sector indices, all sectors closed in the red territory except for five sectors. The Others Index gained the highest at 1.10%, while the Investment Index saw a minimal gain of 0.18%. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Similarly, the Microfinance Index lost the most at 0.74%, while the Mutual Fund witnessed a minimal dip of 0.05%.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20026', 'image' => '20240220034352_collage (2).jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 15:42:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '42' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20298', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'India Lifts Ban on Export of Onion', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 20: India has lifted the ban on onion export to six countries including Nepal.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">February 20: India has lifted the ban on onion export to six countries including Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of India has set quota for the export of onion to the six countries. India decided to resume supply of onion to Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Bhutan and Mauritius. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Government of India has permitted the export of 300,000 metric tons of onions to these countries. The decision of the Indian government to lift the ban on onion exports has reopened the door for importing onions into Nepal. This is expected to lower the price of onion in the domestic market of Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, India media have warned that there will be a shortage of onion from upcoming March and the price of onion is likely to increase in India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In an effort to curb the escalating price of onion domestically, the Government of India had imposed an export ban on onions in December 2023. Following the ban, onion prices in India experienced a decline. However, it had an adverse effect in Nepal. The price of onion increased to as high as Rs 150 per kg.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gajendra Thakur informed New Business Age that India lifted the ban on export of onions because of the start of onion production season in India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">“With the decision of India to lift the export ban, we will be able to import onions from the open market of India,” said Thakur, adding, “ Although onion was being imported from India through various means even during the ban, the consumers were forced to pay a high price. Now, the price of onion is expected to drop.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-20', 'modified' => '2024-02-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20025', 'image' => '20240220082535_20170411040236_onion.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-20 08:24:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20297', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Stakeholders Call for Resolving Problems of Victims of Cooperatives, Microfinances ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Stakeholders have demanded solution to the problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of cooperatives and micro-finances. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 19: Stakeholders have demanded solution to the problems of the people who have suffered at the hands of cooperatives and micro-finances. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Referring to the incidents of many people being displaced due to compound interest rates imposed by financial institutions, they have called on the government to intervene and seek a solution soon. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">They were speaking at a press meet organised here by the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) marking its 29th annual general meeting coinciding with the World Social Forum 2024 that was held in Kathmandu on February 15-19. On the occasion, NFN issued a 31-point declaration. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Drawing the attention of the government to the activities of business houses enjoying tax exemption, evading taxes and seizing public lands, the declaration has demanded solution to the problems and action against the guilty. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">It has also called for formulation and implementation of laws and regulations so as to ensure that all citizens realise the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Expressing serious concerns about the migration of youths, and brain drain for want of a favourable environment due to widespread corruption, mafia, brokering, inflation inequality, etc., the NFN demanded that the government seek ways for improving the situation to address the situation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On the occasion, NFN President Ram Prasad Subedi requested the authorities concerned to immediately improve the approach of treating community-based organisations that are not legally recognised as income and profit earners and commercial establishments, and not to create trouble in the name of VAT and income tax. He also stressed on the need for restructuring and making the Social Welfare Council (SWC) keep up with federalism and become technology-friendly. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Stating that the provision in the Association Registration Act 2034 BS allows social organisations to buy and sell movable and immovable property like individuals, he demanded that the assets of the organisations be released while not troubling them based on circulars that are against the law. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The federation expressed its serious objection to the fact that the SWC has created an uncomfortable environment by issuing policy guidelines contrary to the law, without consulting and discussing with the stakeholders. "We strongly demand that such provisions be corrected immediately." </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Since it is against the law to force social organisations registered in the district administration office under the Ministry of Home Affairs to register at the local and provincial levels, the stakeholders have urged an end to the practice and the correction of the tendency of charging arbitrary fees in the name of registration. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In view of the bitter reality that Nepalis have been bearing the brunt of disasters caused by climate change, they demanded that the international community provides the Green Climate Fund to Nepal for climate justice and investment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"We strongly request an end to the act of curtailing the freedom of expression of the citizens in the name of regulating the social media network, and create an environment instead for them to operate in a lawful manner." -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20024', 'image' => '20240219093255_20230310040459_interest-rates-e1541025967190.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 21:32:27', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20296', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Economy Needs Reform: Expert', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Experts have said that the country’s economy is not yet vibrant despite the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, remittances and other external sector indicators.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">February 19: Experts have said that the country’s economy is not yet vibrant despite the improvement in foreign exchange reserves, remittances and other external sector indicators.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Speaking at a policy debate programme organized by Female Economic Journalists Association and co-organised by Nabil Bank, the experts questioned that despite the improvement in the external sector indicators of the country's economy, there are problems in the internal sector.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Economist Prof Dr Shivraj Adhikari said that we cannot be complacent just because the external sector indicators are good.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">“We say that the external sector indicators are fine, but is the economy not vibrant? The economy is now looking for reforms,” said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank Dr. Prakash Shrestha admitted that although the external sector is good, there are still problems in the internal sector. However, he said that it should not be forgotten that there has been some improvement compared to two years ago.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">According to Shrestha, the economy is not dynamic because there is a decline in internal demand. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">"There are weaknesses in the government's financial management. There are 761 fiscal policies and only one monetary policy,” he said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the president of Nepal Bankers Association, Sunil KC, said that Nepali banks have overcome a situation which they cannot tackle. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Nirmala UI","sans-serif"">Other speakers in the program also pointed out the need to improve the economy.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20023', 'image' => '20240219021536_ssss.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 14:14:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20295', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Mahat begins Discussion for Next FY Federal Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year have commenced with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat starting discussions with stakeholders. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: The preparations for the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year have commenced with Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat starting discussions with stakeholders. On Sunday, discussions were held with former Finance Secretaries, former Vice Chairmen of the National Planning Commission, and representatives from the private sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Present at the discussion were former Finance Secretaries Rameshore Khanal, Shankar Adhikari, and Bhanu Prasad Acharya, former Vice Chairmen of the National Planning Commission Prithviraj Legal and Jagdish Pokharel, along with the current Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">While the private sector suggested an increase in the budget size, former finance secretaries emphasized the importance of drafting a realistic budget rather than creating unnecessary hype. They suggested that the government should determine the budget size based solely on revenue and spending capacity.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The National Planning Commission (NPC) has set a ceiling of 18 billion for the next fiscal year. Additionally, Finance Minister Mahat has established a revenue advisory committee, led by Revenue Secretary Ramprasad Ghimire, which has formed seven sub-committees. The revenue target for the upcoming fiscal year will be determined based on the report prepared by the Ghimire committee.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20022', 'image' => '20240219012017_20240118024334_budgetttttt.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 13:19:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20294', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Bhupendra Bhandari Appointed as Chairman of NTA', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed as the Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA). The Cabinet meeting on Sunday decided to appoint Bhandari as the head of the telecom sector regulatory body.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhandari's selection as the chairman came on the recommendation of Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma. His prior role as an advisor to Minister Sharma positioned him as a leading candidate for the top position at the NTA.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Among a pool of 25 applicants, Bhandari emerged as the successful candidate for the Chairman's role after the resignation of Purushottam Khanal. Following Khanal's departure, a committee led by Secretary Ramakrishna Subedi was tasked with recommending a suitable candidate to lead the regulatory body.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhandari's professional background includes serving as an advisor to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology since July 2023. Hailing from the Dang district, Bhandari brings a wealth of experience, having previously held roles such as CEO of Smart Mobile Burundi for eight years, Intergroup Telecom Limited for 14 months, and chairman of Pay Nep Pvt Ltd for approximately six years.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20021', 'image' => '20240219105023_Untitled.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:49:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20292', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Financial Sector Associations Call for Action against Misleading Statements', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Four prominent associations linked to banks and financial institutions in Nepal have demanded legal action against individuals making misleading statements targeting the financial sector. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Four prominent associations linked to banks and financial institutions in Nepal have demanded legal action against individuals making misleading statements targeting the financial sector. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Nepal Bankers Association, Development Bankers Association Nepal, Nepal Financial Institutions Association, and Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association have urged for measures to address false claims.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The associations have alerted the government to the potential repercussions of disseminating misleading information, emphasizing its potential to disrupt the entire financial sector. Additionally, they have appealed to the public to refrain from adhering to deceptive narratives.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The statement specifically addresses recent remarks made by controversial figure Durga Prasai, advocating for loan non-payment and encouraging individuals to withdraw savings from specific banks and financial institutions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The joint statement emphasizes the importance of relying on official information from authorized sources and urges government agencies to take appropriate action against those spreading false information and causing societal disruption.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Furthermore, the statement highlights the adherence of Nepalese financial institutions to international banking principles and regulations set by the Nepal Rastra Bank, affirming their ability to manage risks effectively and ensuring the safety of deposits.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20019', 'image' => '20240219104547_Bankkk.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:45:11', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20290', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'HoR Approves Proposal to Consider the Bill on Banking Offenses and Punishment', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The House of Representatives (HoR) approved the proposal for consideration of 'The Banking Offenses and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2080 with a majority vote on Sunday.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: The House of Representatives (HoR) approved the proposal for consideration of 'The Banking Offenses and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2080 with a majority vote on Sunday. Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat tabled the proposal during Sunday's meeting of the HoR. Members of Parliament wishing to propose amendments were instructed to submit their proposals to the House of Representatives Bill Unit within 72 hours.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The purpose of the Bill is to enhance the systematic and effective investigation, prosecution, and action against criminal offenses in the banking and financial sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">During the deliberation phase, lawmakers noted the growing prominence of digital payments over cheques. However, they pointed out that the regulation of digital transactions was not adequately addressed in the bill. Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Shyam Kumar Ghimire, Rajan KC, Asim Shah, Sumana Shrestha, and others emphasized the importance of not solely focusing on cheque dishonor but also considering digital transactions.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20018', 'image' => '20240219103816_banking-offence -800.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:37:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20289', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Big Fish in CIAA Net: Former Secretaries, Officials Sued over Huge Embezzlements in Melamchi Project', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday registered corruption cases at the Special Court against 15 peoples, including former secretaries for their alleged involvement in irregularities in the Melamchi Water Supply Project, a national pride project. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">February 19: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday registered corruption cases at the Special Court against 15 peoples, including former secretaries for their alleged involvement in irregularities in the Melamchi Water Supply Project, a national pride project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA said the graft cases were filed against consultants and construction company, CMC di Ravena of Italy, after finding that it was paid prior to carrying out construction works relating to the project. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The anti-graft body registered the case against former secretary Sanjay Sharma and Joint-Secretary Mukunda Prasad Poudel, demanding fine of Rs 60 million from both accused and demanding equal amount in recovery. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the CIAA has sought over Rs 40 million in penalty from erstwhile secretary at the Ministry of Water Supply, Bhim Prasad Upadhyay and over Rs 600 million from Gajendra Kumar Thakur, erstwhile secretary at the same ministry. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Over 110 million has been claimed in fine from Rudra Singh Tamang, erstwhile board member of the Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA has demanded over Rs 710 million from Chandra Bahadur Thapa, the then board member of the committee, while it has demanded over Rs 220 million from Ghanashyam Bhattarai, erstwhile executive director of the committee in penalty. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the CIAA said a charge-sheet was filed at the Special Court against then Executive Director of Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee Ram Chandra Devkota, warranting Rs 323.5 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Furthermore, another then Executive Director of Melamchi Drinking Water Development Committee, Surya Raj Kandel, is also an accused in the case and the charge-sheet warrants Rs 890.8 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The other accused are the then Under Secretary Mani Bhadra Neupane, Accounts Officer Ram Chandra Neupane, the then Under Secretary Beg Nath Poudel, the then Under Secretary Kedar Prasad Aryal and the committee's Deputy Executive Director Bhoj Bikram Thapa. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The CIAA has further wanted Rs 323.5 million in fine from Mani Bhadra Neupane, Ram Chandra Neupane, Poudel and Thapa while Rs 447.3 million in fine from Aryal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Issuing a press statement on Sunday, CIAA Spokesperson Narahari Ghimire said that Deputy Team Leader Shiva Kumar Sharma of consulting firm Eptisa-BETS JV has also been sued, seeking Rs 483.6 million in fine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The case filed at the Special Court on Sunday sought Rs 875.8 million in fine from a consulting company named Eptisa Services De Ingenieris S.L and BETS Consulting Services Ltd JV. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, construction entrepreneur CMC di Ravena faced the charge-sheet, seeking Rs 651.4 million in fine. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20017', 'image' => '20240219100055_20240218084426_DevrajSubedi_Sindhupanchok_RSS_04_IMG-20240216-WA0002.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:00:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '20291', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Chandika Prasad Bhatta Appointed as Executive Director of Nepal Oil Corporation', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'February 19: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by the government.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 19: Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by the government. The decision was made during the Cabinet meeting held on Sunday, marking his second tenure as the chief of the state-owned petroleum monopoly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Bhatta previously served as the NOC Executive Director a decade ago, during which he successfully implemented an automatic price mechanism in the petroleum sector.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">A total of 13 candidates vied for the top position at NOC, each presenting their action plans to the committee chaired by Narayan Prasad Duwadi Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply. The committee recommended three names, including Chandika Prasad Bhatta, Dolprasad Chapagain, and Shatrudhana Prasad Pudasaini from Lalitpur, for the Executive Director position.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Industry Minister Ramesh Prasad Rijal presented a proposal to the Cabinet for Bhatta's appointment as Executive Director of NOC, based on the recommendation of the Sharma committee.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2024-02-19', 'modified' => '2024-02-19', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '20016', 'image' => '20240219104415_Nepal-Oil-Corporation_NOC__20191203095420.jpg', 'article_date' => '2024-02-19 10:43:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
