October 28: The demand for earthen pots has been growing with the approaching Chhath…
October 28: The demand for earthen pots has been growing with the approaching Chhath…
October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival.…
October 26: Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, in view of the Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals, informed the District Administration Office,…
October 26: The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the oxen.…
October 25: A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in…
October 25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new projection of economic growth rate of 4.2 percent for Nepal in…
October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs.…
October 23: The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association has revealed that gold and silver traders are facing trouble due to the ineffective gold supply system in the market.…
October 23: The average interest on loans of commercial banks has exceeded 12 percent amid protests from industrialists and businessmen.…
October 23: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 8.64 percent in the second month of the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23) compared to 3.49 percent a year ago, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank…
October 23: Merchandise exports of Nepal decreased by 34.9 percent in the first two months of the current fiscal year.…
October 23: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the second month of the current fiscal…
October 23: With growing access to technology, digital payment is on the rise in Nepal of…
October 23: The festival of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal, formally kicked off today.…
October 23: Hindus across the country observed the festival of Dhanteras on Saturday by purchasing new items made of gold, silver, copper, and other…
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Along with the domestic clay pots, various articles required for the festival manufactured in India are also making in-roads to the Nepali market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The earthen pots manufactured in India are doing brisk business in the bordering towns while the domestically produced ones are selling in greater numbers in the inner markets. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sale of clay pots has seen a rise in Janakpurdham, Mahendranagar Sakhuwa, Dhalkebar, Bateshwor, Dharapani, Birendrabazar, Sabaila, the main square at Sahidnagar and Hatiya, among the main markets of Dhanusha. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">With the increasing demand for clay pots in the market, the potters have become busy like the bees. The demand for earthen pots is high during the cultural festivals as Chhath due to the tradition of mostly using the clay pots for various cultural rituals. It is considered auspicious to conduct the rituals using fresh clay pots. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The sale of clay articles like lamp and images of elephants has increased at various places and the bordering towns for the imminent Chhath festival," said Bishnu Lal Pandit, a pottery trader of Haraiya, Kshireshwornath Municipality-4. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He said that making clay pots was their main means of subsistence in the past. But these days their traditional profession has been displaced with the increasing use of plastic and metal pots. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kamal Pandit, a potter at Sakhuwa, Kshireshwornath Municipality-6, complained that their traditional profession is under threat in recent years due to the growing use of plastic and metal pots. The festival period is the only time for local potters to earn whatever income for the whole year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A set of earthen pots for the Chhath festival costs between Rs 200 to Rs 300, said Kanhaiya Pandit from Janakpurdham. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A majority of the local communities whose traditional profession is pottery making are abandoning this profession as it is not profitable. So, the traditional pottery making business is under threat. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Chhath festival this year falls on coming Sunday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-28', 'modified' => '2022-10-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15950', 'image' => '20221028101104_CDS-Janakpur-Matakabhada.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-28 10:09:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16208', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Hindus Mark the Fifth day of Tihar Festival ', 'sub_title' => 'This day is Dedicated to the Bond between Brothers and Sisters', 'summary' => 'October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival. On this day, sisters put tika or a mark on the forehead of their brothers with seven different colours. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sisters pray for longevity and prosperity of their brothers on this auspicious day. There is a tradition of giving priority to younger brothers while following the ritual of putting the colour mark or tika from which this day derives its name of 'bhai-tika'.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee, the auspicious time for putting tika or the colourful marks on the forehead during this year’s Tihar festival is </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">11:37 am today (October 27).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Before the ritual, the siblings first worship the eight immortal beings including Markandeya, Bali, Parshuram, Vyas, Hanuman, Bivishan, Kripacharya and Ashwathma as per the tradition.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Yamaraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna are also worshipped to mark the bond between brothers and sisters. Legend has it that Yamuna started this tradition by putting tika on the forehead of Yamaraj, which is commemorated till this day.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sisters also pray for long life of their brothers with Yamaraj.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Globe Amaranth, a flower whose colour does not fade, holds a special significance during this festival. Other flowers extensively used during this day is the Godavari and Marigold flowers.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Those who do not have siblings celebrate this festival with their close relatives. It is believed that the foreheads should not remain blank on this day. People who do not have siblings visit the Yamaleshwar Mahadev Temple at Ranipokhari in the heart of Kathmandu on this day. This temple is opened only once a year on the day of bhai-tika. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After the ritual is over, brothers and sisters celebrate by feasting. There is also a tradition of playing swing on this day. It is believed that one must leave the ground once a year. After all this is over, families light lamps in the evening as the five-day festival draws to a close.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-27', 'modified' => '2022-10-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15949', 'image' => '20221027093650_20221019044902_bhaitika.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-27 09:35:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16207', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Security Beefed up in Kathmandu Valley for the Festive Season ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 26: Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, in view of the Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals, informed the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 26: Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, in view of the Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals, informed the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu District, Ghanshyam Upadhyay said that security has been strengthened to prevent any untoward incidents during the festivals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to him, all the three district administration offices within the valley have fully implemented the security strategy focusing on the festivals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CDO Upadhyay said that the Deusi-Bhailo cultural programme can be organized until 10:00 pm. Before this, the District Administration Office had stated through a public notice on October 21 that the Deusi-Bhailo cultural programme could be held only up to 9 pm during the Tihar festival. The time for this has been extended by an hour in response to the public demand and security arrangements have been made accordingly, CDO Upadhyay said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the prohibition on gambling, exploding fire crackers and drinking in a way likely to disturb social peace and law and order stands, the District Administration Office said. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-26', 'modified' => '2022-10-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15948', 'image' => '20221026024136_PRO_KTM_LAXMIOUJA_KTM.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-26 14:40:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16206', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govardhan Puja Observed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 26: The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the oxen. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 26: The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the oxen. This day is also called Govardan Puja, named after a hill mentioned in the Hindu mythology. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The oxen is historically used by the locals in the rural areas for helping with crop plantation. They are worshipped by offering prayers, good food and by decorating them with garlands. The Govardan Hill, mentioned in the Hindu mythology is worshipped by the people by making a large stack of cow dung.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The rituals are linked to the Hindu God Krishna who, according to the legend, lifted the Govardhan hill with his hand and protected the people of a place called Gokul from torrential rains caused by an enraged Indra, the God of rain. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu or the protector of the world.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A section of the Newar community also observes the Mha Puja today to welcomes the Newari New Year while others celebrated the Mha Puja or worshipping the self a day ago.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On this occasion, Newars prepare sweet dishes at homes and mandalas (sacred diagram as symbol of their soul) are drawn on the floor and worshipped. According to the state-owned RSS, family members sit in front of the mandalas and the eldest lady of the house presents each of them with a burning wick, sacred thread and fruits symbolising long life and good fortune. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Today, the Newari Community also welcomes the Newari New Year--Nepal Sambar 1143. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-26', 'modified' => '2022-10-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15947', 'image' => '20221026023044_Happy-Govardhan-Puja-Wishes.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-26 14:30:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16205', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Variant of Coronavirus Detected in Nepal', 'sub_title' => 'Government Urges Public to Follow Health Protocol During Festive Season', 'summary' => 'October 25: A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 25: A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to joint-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Sameer Kumar Adhikari, the sub-variant of Omicron 'XBB' has been identified in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sub-variant of omicron 'XBB' was identified in course of genomic sequencing of coronavirus infected people from different places of the country between August 21 to October 10. The sample tests were conducted at National Public Health Laboratory. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the ministry has urged all to follow the due health protocol as coronavirus infection may increase in festivals like Tihar and Chhath. It has also requested people to wear face mask, maintain physical distance and wash hands with soap regularly. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Around 50 new cases of COVID-19 are being detected daily on an average in Nepal. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-25', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15946', 'image' => '20221025101535_20220630115224_health-ministry.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-25 10:14:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16204', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'IMF Projects 4.2 Percent Economic Growth for Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new projection of economic growth rate of 4.2 percent for Nepal in 2022.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new projection of economic growth rate of 4.2 percent for Nepal in 2022. IMF revised its initial estimate of economic growth rate in the report entitled 'World Economic Outlook: Countering the Cost-of-Living Crisis' which it unveiled this week. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In January, IMF had projected Nepal's economic growth rate to be 4.1 percent. However, it has anticipated Nepal's economic growth rate to decline in 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the IMF's projection last January, Nepal's economic growth rate next year was estimated at 6.1 percent. But this projection has been dropped and confined to 5 percent. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the government has set the goal of achieving 8 percent economic growth rate for fiscal year 2022/23. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the IMF has revised the earlier estimates for inflation. It had initially estimated inflation to be at 6.3 percent in 2022 and at 7.7 percent in 2023. But it has revised it now to be at 8.1 percent in 2022 and at 7.2 percent in 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has however projected to limit the inflation within 7 percent through the budget for the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">IMF has stated in its report that the global economic activity is experiencing a broad-based and sharper-than-expected slowdown, with inflation higher than seen in several decades. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The cost-of-living crisis, tightening financial conditions in most regions, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic all weigh heavily on the outlook. Global growth is forecast to slow from 6.0 percent in 2021 to 3.2 percent in 2022 and 2.7 percent in 2023. This is the weakest growth profile since 2001 except for the global financial crisis and the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Global inflation is forecast to rise from 4.7 percent in 2021 to 8.8 percent in 2022 but to decline to 6.5 percent in 2023 and to 4.1 percent by 2024. Monetary policy should stay the course to restore price stability, and fiscal policy should aim to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures while maintaining a sufficiently tight stance aligned with monetary policy. Structural reforms can further support the fight against inflation by improving productivity and easing supply constraints, while multilateral cooperation is necessary for fast-tracking the green energy transition and preventing fragmentation. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-25', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15945', 'image' => '20221025100925_iiii.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-25 10:08:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16203', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Laxmi Puja Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs. This day is also called "Narak Chaturdashi" according to the Vedic Hindu tradition.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The celebration of Laxmi Puja or the worship of the goddess of wealth was observed in evening, according to the lunar calendar.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is believed that dog is the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the god of death and justice and worshipping dog on this day will please the god.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dog is also considered as the gate keeper of the God of Death, Yamaraj's palace. Today, the dog is worshipped and fed with delicious food as a sigh of gratitude.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dog is also the man's best friend and has been domesticated for over thousands of years.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the evening, Goddess Laxmi -- the goddess of wealth was worshipped with huge celebration among the Hindu devotees.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People clean their houses on this day to welcome the goddess. It is believed that the goddess will be pleased if people maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene. People also light candles and oil lamps to welcome the goddess. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Merrymakers visit the households in their neighbourhood singing songs and seeking charities on the occasion of Laxmi Puja and bless the charitable people. Legend has it that tradition was started by the Demon King Bali, who is said to be an ardent devotee of Goddess Laxmi. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Besides the traditional belief, the festival of Tihar is basically related to the interdependence of human beings with nature. This festival coincides with the harvesting season when there is abundance of food and delicacies to celebrate.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-24', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15944', 'image' => '20221024101409_Diwali-1-782x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-24 10:13:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16202', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gold Business Affected due to Supply Disruption', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association has revealed that gold and silver traders are facing trouble due to the ineffective gold supply system in the market. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">October 23: The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association has revealed that gold and silver traders are facing trouble due to the ineffective gold supply system in the market. A delegation of the federation, led by its president Manik Ratna Shakya, made such complaint to Mahesh Bhattarai, the director general of the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">During a programme organized by the department to discuss various issues of consumer concern, the representative of the federation said that the supply of gold and silver has been very low as compared to the demand in the market. The representatives of the federation argued that it is difficult to operate the business in such a situation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Director General Bhattarai said that the businessmen's complaints were reasonable and expressed his commitment to convey the message to the concerned authorities.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15943', 'image' => '20221023025655_gold.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:56:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16201', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Average Interest on Loan Exceeds 12 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The average interest on loans of commercial banks has exceeded 12 percent amid protests from industrialists and businessmen. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">October 23: The average interest on loans of commercial banks has exceeded 12 percent amid protests from industrialists and businessmen. Due to the tight monetary policy implemented by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and lack of liquidity in the market, the interest on loans has increased with the rise in operating cost of the banks.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to NRB, the average interest rate of bank loans has reached 12.06 percent in August which was 8.57 percent last year. A report published by NRB on Friday mentions that the base rate of banks reached 10.01 percent by mid-September this year, which was 6.89 percent last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The industrialists and businessmen have started street protests since last week stating that the banks increased the interest rate on loans excessively. The relationship between industrialists and banks has become tense regarding the issue of interest rates.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to NRB, the average interest rate of bank deposits in August also increased from 4.92 percent to 7.81 percent this year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Due to lack of liquidity, banks increased the interest on savings to increase deposit collection, which in turn increased the interest on loans.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Banks fix the loan interest rate by adding a certain percentage premium to the base rate. Due to this, when the base rate increases, the interest rate of loan also increases. Banks are allowed to adjust the interest rate based on the quarterly base rate.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Despite the increase in the interest rate, there has been no improvement in deposit collection. According to NRB, the total deposits of bank and financial institution decreased by 0.9 percent, while lending increased by 0.55 percent as of mid-September.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15942', 'image' => '20221023024826_Banks - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:47:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16200', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Consumer Price Inflation Rises to 8.64 Percent: NRB Report ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 8.64 percent in the second month of the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23) compared to 3.49 percent a year ago, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 8.64 percent in the second month of the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23) compared to 3.49 percent a year ago, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal released by the central bank on Friday stated that the food and beverage inflation stood at 8.17 percent whereas non-food and service inflation stood at 9.02 percent in the review month. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Under the food and beverage category, the prices of fruit, ghee and oil, restaurant and hotel, </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">alcoholic drinks and vegetable sub-categories increased by 17.29 percent, 14.53 percent, 12.30 percent, 10.24 and 9.94 percent respectively on y-o-y basis. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, under the non-food and services category, the prices of transportation, health, furnishing and household equipment, education, and housing and utilities sub-categories increased by 23.41 percent, 10.54 percent, 9.25 percent, 8.11 percent and 7.69 percent respectively on y-o-y basis in the review month. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, in the review month, consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu valley, terai, hill and mountain stood at 7.62 percent, 9.33 percent, 8.82 percent and 6.68 percent respectively. Inflation in these regions was 3.23 percent, 3.65 percent, 3.96 percent and 3.51 percent respectively a year ago. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The y-o-y consumer price inflation in Nepal as of mid-September of 2022/23 remained 8.64 percent. Such inflation in India stood at 7.41 percent in September 2022. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15941', 'image' => '20221023023656_Inflation.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:36:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16199', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Trade Deficit Declines due to Slump in Import and Export ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Merchandise exports of Nepal decreased by 34.9 percent in the first two months of the current fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">October 23: Merchandise exports of Nepal decreased by 34.9 percent in the first two months of the current fiscal year. According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal Rastra Bank, the total export of Nepal in the review period stood at Rs 28.68 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report states that the country’s exports had increased by 115.4 percent in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, exports to India and China decreased by 45.2 percent and 21.6 percent respectively whereas exports to other countries increased by 13.2 percent. Exports of zinc sheet, woolen carpets, readymade garments, medicine (ayurvedic), among others, increased whereas exports of soybean oil, palm oil, oil cakes, cardamom, toothpaste, among others, decreased in the review period, the report further said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Similarly, the central bank said that merchandise imports decreased by 13.0 percent to Rs 273.60 billion during the first two months of FY 2022/23 against an increase of 75.9 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, imports from India, China and other countries decreased by 9.5 percent, 13.3 percent, and 20.7 percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Imports of petroleum products, chemical fertilizer, sponge iron, medicine, aircraft and spareparts, among others, increased whereas imports of transport equipment and parts, silver, crude soybean oil, hot rolled sheet in coil, MS billet, among others, decreased in the review period. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, Nepal’s trade deficit decreased by 9.4 percent to Rs 244.92 billion during the first two months of FY 2022/23. Such a deficit had increased 70.8 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year. The export-import ratio decreased to 10.5 percent in the review period from 14.0 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15940', 'image' => '20221023013759_Trade - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 13:36:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16198', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Remittance Inflow Increases during Festive Season', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the second month of the current fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">October 23: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the second month of the current fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report released by Nepal Rastra Bank on Friday, remittance inflow increased by 19.8 percent to Rs 187.04 billion in the review period against a decrease of 5.8 percent in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Economists believed that the remittance inflow increased during this period due to the onset of the festive season. The country is currently celebrating the Tihar festival for which family members working in foreign countries send money back home.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the US Dollar terms, remittance inflow increased 11.3 percent to 1.47 billion in the review period against a decrease of 5.3 percent in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the NRB report, the number of Nepali workers (institutional and individual-new) taking approval for foreign employment increased 169.9 percent to 103,898 in the review period. Likewise, the number of Nepali workers (renew entry) taking approval for foreign employment increased 70.6 percent to 39,189 in the review period. It had increased 429.5 percent in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15939', 'image' => '20221023095025_Remittance.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:49:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16197', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Digital Payment on the Rise in Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: With growing access to technology, digital payment is on the rise in Nepal of late.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: With growing access to technology, digital payment is on the rise in Nepal of late. The digital transaction which gained pace during the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to rise till date. Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has also encouraged people for the electronic payment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The latest record shared by NRB shows that in the second month (mid-August to mid-September) of the current fiscal year alone, transaction of more than Rs 4900 billion was done via electronic medium. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the central bank, the transaction worth Rs 292 billion was made via Connect IPS. In the same period last year, the transaction of Rs 232 billion was done. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, transactions through mobile banking in the review month stood at Rs 146 billion. In the same period last year, it was Rs 74.32 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Digital wallet transaction amounts to Rs 17.63 billion, while it was Rs 14.42 billion in the corresponding period of last fiscal year. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15938', 'image' => '20221023094102_digital payment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:40:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16196', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tihar, the Festival of Lights, Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The festival of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal, formally kicked off today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: The festival of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal, formally kicked off today. Tihar is also called Deepawali or the Festival of Lights and Yama Panchak. According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, although Yama Panchak (five days dedicated to Lord Yamaraj) started on Saturday, Kaag Tihar or the first day of the five-day festival is being observed today.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The festival is celebrated for five full days during the Nepali month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The first day of Tihar is the day dedicated for worshipping the crows that are considered as the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As part of the Tihar festival, Kaag Tihar is being celebrated today by offering food to the crow. Today, every household offers prayers and leaves food on the top of terraces and walls for the crows to feed on. There is a general belief among the people that the crow accompanies Lord Yamaraj and is therefore immortal and worshipping it brings good fortune. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The religious scriptures talk about how the demon king Bali was given the opportunity by Lord Bishnu to rule all over the universe for these five days. To celebrate his ascension to the lordship of the entire universes, he ordered everyone to celebrate all five days with lights and flowers. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The belief among the people is that the celebration will please Goddess Laxmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Due to the change in date this year, Yama Panchak or Tihar festival which starts in the evening on the day of Kartik Krishna Trayodashi has started from Saturday evening, the state-owned RSS reported. Similarly, the Dhanteras festival of buying jewelry and copper utensils to keep Goddess Lakshmi happy was also celebrated on Saturday itself. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15937', 'image' => '20221023093327_tihar-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:32:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16195', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepalis Observe Dhanteras by Buying New Utensils ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Hindus across the country observed the festival of Dhanteras on Saturday by purchasing new items made of gold, silver, copper, and other metals. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: Hindus across the country observed the festival of Dhanteras on Saturday by purchasing new items made of gold, silver, copper, and other metals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As part of the Tihar festival celebrations, the items purchased on the day of Dhanteras are used during the Lakshmi Pooja held on the new moon day in the month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November). There is a traditional belief that worship performed in this way will please the goddess of wealth Lakshmi who will continue to bless the family. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There is also a tradition of buying gold and silver ornaments on the day of Dhanteras. Due to this religious belief there is usually a rush of people buying utensils and jewelry. Known by names like Deepawali, Tihar, Yamapanchak, this festival is the second biggest festival celebrated by Nepalis after the Dashain festival. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The celebration of the Tihar festival this year started on Saturday with the lighting of homes, commercial establishments and other places. According to Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, although Yamapanchak started on Saturday, Kaag Tihar falls on Sunday. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15936', 'image' => '20221023093239_dhanteras.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:32:08', '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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Along with the domestic clay pots, various articles required for the festival manufactured in India are also making in-roads to the Nepali market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The earthen pots manufactured in India are doing brisk business in the bordering towns while the domestically produced ones are selling in greater numbers in the inner markets. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sale of clay pots has seen a rise in Janakpurdham, Mahendranagar Sakhuwa, Dhalkebar, Bateshwor, Dharapani, Birendrabazar, Sabaila, the main square at Sahidnagar and Hatiya, among the main markets of Dhanusha. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">With the increasing demand for clay pots in the market, the potters have become busy like the bees. The demand for earthen pots is high during the cultural festivals as Chhath due to the tradition of mostly using the clay pots for various cultural rituals. It is considered auspicious to conduct the rituals using fresh clay pots. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The sale of clay articles like lamp and images of elephants has increased at various places and the bordering towns for the imminent Chhath festival," said Bishnu Lal Pandit, a pottery trader of Haraiya, Kshireshwornath Municipality-4. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He said that making clay pots was their main means of subsistence in the past. But these days their traditional profession has been displaced with the increasing use of plastic and metal pots. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kamal Pandit, a potter at Sakhuwa, Kshireshwornath Municipality-6, complained that their traditional profession is under threat in recent years due to the growing use of plastic and metal pots. The festival period is the only time for local potters to earn whatever income for the whole year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A set of earthen pots for the Chhath festival costs between Rs 200 to Rs 300, said Kanhaiya Pandit from Janakpurdham. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A majority of the local communities whose traditional profession is pottery making are abandoning this profession as it is not profitable. So, the traditional pottery making business is under threat. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Chhath festival this year falls on coming Sunday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-28', 'modified' => '2022-10-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15950', 'image' => '20221028101104_CDS-Janakpur-Matakabhada.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-28 10:09:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16208', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Hindus Mark the Fifth day of Tihar Festival ', 'sub_title' => 'This day is Dedicated to the Bond between Brothers and Sisters', 'summary' => 'October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival. On this day, sisters put tika or a mark on the forehead of their brothers with seven different colours. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sisters pray for longevity and prosperity of their brothers on this auspicious day. There is a tradition of giving priority to younger brothers while following the ritual of putting the colour mark or tika from which this day derives its name of 'bhai-tika'.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee, the auspicious time for putting tika or the colourful marks on the forehead during this year’s Tihar festival is </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">11:37 am today (October 27).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Before the ritual, the siblings first worship the eight immortal beings including Markandeya, Bali, Parshuram, Vyas, Hanuman, Bivishan, Kripacharya and Ashwathma as per the tradition.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Yamaraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna are also worshipped to mark the bond between brothers and sisters. Legend has it that Yamuna started this tradition by putting tika on the forehead of Yamaraj, which is commemorated till this day.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sisters also pray for long life of their brothers with Yamaraj.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Globe Amaranth, a flower whose colour does not fade, holds a special significance during this festival. Other flowers extensively used during this day is the Godavari and Marigold flowers.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Those who do not have siblings celebrate this festival with their close relatives. It is believed that the foreheads should not remain blank on this day. People who do not have siblings visit the Yamaleshwar Mahadev Temple at Ranipokhari in the heart of Kathmandu on this day. This temple is opened only once a year on the day of bhai-tika. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After the ritual is over, brothers and sisters celebrate by feasting. There is also a tradition of playing swing on this day. It is believed that one must leave the ground once a year. After all this is over, families light lamps in the evening as the five-day festival draws to a close.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-27', 'modified' => '2022-10-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15949', 'image' => '20221027093650_20221019044902_bhaitika.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-27 09:35:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16207', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Security Beefed up in Kathmandu Valley for the Festive Season ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 26: Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, in view of the Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals, informed the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 26: Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, in view of the Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals, informed the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu District, Ghanshyam Upadhyay said that security has been strengthened to prevent any untoward incidents during the festivals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to him, all the three district administration offices within the valley have fully implemented the security strategy focusing on the festivals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CDO Upadhyay said that the Deusi-Bhailo cultural programme can be organized until 10:00 pm. Before this, the District Administration Office had stated through a public notice on October 21 that the Deusi-Bhailo cultural programme could be held only up to 9 pm during the Tihar festival. The time for this has been extended by an hour in response to the public demand and security arrangements have been made accordingly, CDO Upadhyay said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the prohibition on gambling, exploding fire crackers and drinking in a way likely to disturb social peace and law and order stands, the District Administration Office said. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-26', 'modified' => '2022-10-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15948', 'image' => '20221026024136_PRO_KTM_LAXMIOUJA_KTM.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-26 14:40:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16206', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govardhan Puja Observed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 26: The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the oxen. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 26: The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the oxen. This day is also called Govardan Puja, named after a hill mentioned in the Hindu mythology. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The oxen is historically used by the locals in the rural areas for helping with crop plantation. They are worshipped by offering prayers, good food and by decorating them with garlands. The Govardan Hill, mentioned in the Hindu mythology is worshipped by the people by making a large stack of cow dung.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The rituals are linked to the Hindu God Krishna who, according to the legend, lifted the Govardhan hill with his hand and protected the people of a place called Gokul from torrential rains caused by an enraged Indra, the God of rain. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu or the protector of the world.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A section of the Newar community also observes the Mha Puja today to welcomes the Newari New Year while others celebrated the Mha Puja or worshipping the self a day ago.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On this occasion, Newars prepare sweet dishes at homes and mandalas (sacred diagram as symbol of their soul) are drawn on the floor and worshipped. According to the state-owned RSS, family members sit in front of the mandalas and the eldest lady of the house presents each of them with a burning wick, sacred thread and fruits symbolising long life and good fortune. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Today, the Newari Community also welcomes the Newari New Year--Nepal Sambar 1143. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-26', 'modified' => '2022-10-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15947', 'image' => '20221026023044_Happy-Govardhan-Puja-Wishes.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-26 14:30:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16205', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Variant of Coronavirus Detected in Nepal', 'sub_title' => 'Government Urges Public to Follow Health Protocol During Festive Season', 'summary' => 'October 25: A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 25: A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to joint-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Sameer Kumar Adhikari, the sub-variant of Omicron 'XBB' has been identified in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sub-variant of omicron 'XBB' was identified in course of genomic sequencing of coronavirus infected people from different places of the country between August 21 to October 10. The sample tests were conducted at National Public Health Laboratory. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the ministry has urged all to follow the due health protocol as coronavirus infection may increase in festivals like Tihar and Chhath. It has also requested people to wear face mask, maintain physical distance and wash hands with soap regularly. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Around 50 new cases of COVID-19 are being detected daily on an average in Nepal. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-25', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15946', 'image' => '20221025101535_20220630115224_health-ministry.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-25 10:14:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16204', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'IMF Projects 4.2 Percent Economic Growth for Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new projection of economic growth rate of 4.2 percent for Nepal in 2022.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new projection of economic growth rate of 4.2 percent for Nepal in 2022. IMF revised its initial estimate of economic growth rate in the report entitled 'World Economic Outlook: Countering the Cost-of-Living Crisis' which it unveiled this week. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In January, IMF had projected Nepal's economic growth rate to be 4.1 percent. However, it has anticipated Nepal's economic growth rate to decline in 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the IMF's projection last January, Nepal's economic growth rate next year was estimated at 6.1 percent. But this projection has been dropped and confined to 5 percent. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the government has set the goal of achieving 8 percent economic growth rate for fiscal year 2022/23. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the IMF has revised the earlier estimates for inflation. It had initially estimated inflation to be at 6.3 percent in 2022 and at 7.7 percent in 2023. But it has revised it now to be at 8.1 percent in 2022 and at 7.2 percent in 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has however projected to limit the inflation within 7 percent through the budget for the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">IMF has stated in its report that the global economic activity is experiencing a broad-based and sharper-than-expected slowdown, with inflation higher than seen in several decades. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The cost-of-living crisis, tightening financial conditions in most regions, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic all weigh heavily on the outlook. Global growth is forecast to slow from 6.0 percent in 2021 to 3.2 percent in 2022 and 2.7 percent in 2023. This is the weakest growth profile since 2001 except for the global financial crisis and the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Global inflation is forecast to rise from 4.7 percent in 2021 to 8.8 percent in 2022 but to decline to 6.5 percent in 2023 and to 4.1 percent by 2024. Monetary policy should stay the course to restore price stability, and fiscal policy should aim to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures while maintaining a sufficiently tight stance aligned with monetary policy. Structural reforms can further support the fight against inflation by improving productivity and easing supply constraints, while multilateral cooperation is necessary for fast-tracking the green energy transition and preventing fragmentation. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-25', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15945', 'image' => '20221025100925_iiii.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-25 10:08:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16203', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Laxmi Puja Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs. This day is also called "Narak Chaturdashi" according to the Vedic Hindu tradition.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The celebration of Laxmi Puja or the worship of the goddess of wealth was observed in evening, according to the lunar calendar.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is believed that dog is the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the god of death and justice and worshipping dog on this day will please the god.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dog is also considered as the gate keeper of the God of Death, Yamaraj's palace. Today, the dog is worshipped and fed with delicious food as a sigh of gratitude.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dog is also the man's best friend and has been domesticated for over thousands of years.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the evening, Goddess Laxmi -- the goddess of wealth was worshipped with huge celebration among the Hindu devotees.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People clean their houses on this day to welcome the goddess. It is believed that the goddess will be pleased if people maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene. People also light candles and oil lamps to welcome the goddess. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Merrymakers visit the households in their neighbourhood singing songs and seeking charities on the occasion of Laxmi Puja and bless the charitable people. Legend has it that tradition was started by the Demon King Bali, who is said to be an ardent devotee of Goddess Laxmi. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Besides the traditional belief, the festival of Tihar is basically related to the interdependence of human beings with nature. This festival coincides with the harvesting season when there is abundance of food and delicacies to celebrate.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-24', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15944', 'image' => '20221024101409_Diwali-1-782x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-24 10:13:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16202', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gold Business Affected due to Supply Disruption', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association has revealed that gold and silver traders are facing trouble due to the ineffective gold supply system in the market. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">October 23: The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association has revealed that gold and silver traders are facing trouble due to the ineffective gold supply system in the market. A delegation of the federation, led by its president Manik Ratna Shakya, made such complaint to Mahesh Bhattarai, the director general of the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">During a programme organized by the department to discuss various issues of consumer concern, the representative of the federation said that the supply of gold and silver has been very low as compared to the demand in the market. The representatives of the federation argued that it is difficult to operate the business in such a situation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Director General Bhattarai said that the businessmen's complaints were reasonable and expressed his commitment to convey the message to the concerned authorities.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15943', 'image' => '20221023025655_gold.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:56:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16201', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Average Interest on Loan Exceeds 12 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The average interest on loans of commercial banks has exceeded 12 percent amid protests from industrialists and businessmen. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">October 23: The average interest on loans of commercial banks has exceeded 12 percent amid protests from industrialists and businessmen. Due to the tight monetary policy implemented by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and lack of liquidity in the market, the interest on loans has increased with the rise in operating cost of the banks.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to NRB, the average interest rate of bank loans has reached 12.06 percent in August which was 8.57 percent last year. A report published by NRB on Friday mentions that the base rate of banks reached 10.01 percent by mid-September this year, which was 6.89 percent last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The industrialists and businessmen have started street protests since last week stating that the banks increased the interest rate on loans excessively. The relationship between industrialists and banks has become tense regarding the issue of interest rates.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to NRB, the average interest rate of bank deposits in August also increased from 4.92 percent to 7.81 percent this year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Due to lack of liquidity, banks increased the interest on savings to increase deposit collection, which in turn increased the interest on loans.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Banks fix the loan interest rate by adding a certain percentage premium to the base rate. Due to this, when the base rate increases, the interest rate of loan also increases. Banks are allowed to adjust the interest rate based on the quarterly base rate.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Despite the increase in the interest rate, there has been no improvement in deposit collection. According to NRB, the total deposits of bank and financial institution decreased by 0.9 percent, while lending increased by 0.55 percent as of mid-September.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15942', 'image' => '20221023024826_Banks - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:47:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16200', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Consumer Price Inflation Rises to 8.64 Percent: NRB Report ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 8.64 percent in the second month of the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23) compared to 3.49 percent a year ago, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 8.64 percent in the second month of the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23) compared to 3.49 percent a year ago, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal released by the central bank on Friday stated that the food and beverage inflation stood at 8.17 percent whereas non-food and service inflation stood at 9.02 percent in the review month. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Under the food and beverage category, the prices of fruit, ghee and oil, restaurant and hotel, </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">alcoholic drinks and vegetable sub-categories increased by 17.29 percent, 14.53 percent, 12.30 percent, 10.24 and 9.94 percent respectively on y-o-y basis. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, under the non-food and services category, the prices of transportation, health, furnishing and household equipment, education, and housing and utilities sub-categories increased by 23.41 percent, 10.54 percent, 9.25 percent, 8.11 percent and 7.69 percent respectively on y-o-y basis in the review month. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, in the review month, consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu valley, terai, hill and mountain stood at 7.62 percent, 9.33 percent, 8.82 percent and 6.68 percent respectively. Inflation in these regions was 3.23 percent, 3.65 percent, 3.96 percent and 3.51 percent respectively a year ago. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The y-o-y consumer price inflation in Nepal as of mid-September of 2022/23 remained 8.64 percent. Such inflation in India stood at 7.41 percent in September 2022. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15941', 'image' => '20221023023656_Inflation.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:36:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16199', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Trade Deficit Declines due to Slump in Import and Export ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Merchandise exports of Nepal decreased by 34.9 percent in the first two months of the current fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">October 23: Merchandise exports of Nepal decreased by 34.9 percent in the first two months of the current fiscal year. According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal Rastra Bank, the total export of Nepal in the review period stood at Rs 28.68 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report states that the country’s exports had increased by 115.4 percent in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, exports to India and China decreased by 45.2 percent and 21.6 percent respectively whereas exports to other countries increased by 13.2 percent. Exports of zinc sheet, woolen carpets, readymade garments, medicine (ayurvedic), among others, increased whereas exports of soybean oil, palm oil, oil cakes, cardamom, toothpaste, among others, decreased in the review period, the report further said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Similarly, the central bank said that merchandise imports decreased by 13.0 percent to Rs 273.60 billion during the first two months of FY 2022/23 against an increase of 75.9 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, imports from India, China and other countries decreased by 9.5 percent, 13.3 percent, and 20.7 percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Imports of petroleum products, chemical fertilizer, sponge iron, medicine, aircraft and spareparts, among others, increased whereas imports of transport equipment and parts, silver, crude soybean oil, hot rolled sheet in coil, MS billet, among others, decreased in the review period. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, Nepal’s trade deficit decreased by 9.4 percent to Rs 244.92 billion during the first two months of FY 2022/23. Such a deficit had increased 70.8 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year. The export-import ratio decreased to 10.5 percent in the review period from 14.0 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15940', 'image' => '20221023013759_Trade - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 13:36:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16198', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Remittance Inflow Increases during Festive Season', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the second month of the current fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">October 23: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the second month of the current fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report released by Nepal Rastra Bank on Friday, remittance inflow increased by 19.8 percent to Rs 187.04 billion in the review period against a decrease of 5.8 percent in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Economists believed that the remittance inflow increased during this period due to the onset of the festive season. The country is currently celebrating the Tihar festival for which family members working in foreign countries send money back home.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the US Dollar terms, remittance inflow increased 11.3 percent to 1.47 billion in the review period against a decrease of 5.3 percent in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the NRB report, the number of Nepali workers (institutional and individual-new) taking approval for foreign employment increased 169.9 percent to 103,898 in the review period. Likewise, the number of Nepali workers (renew entry) taking approval for foreign employment increased 70.6 percent to 39,189 in the review period. It had increased 429.5 percent in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15939', 'image' => '20221023095025_Remittance.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:49:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16197', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Digital Payment on the Rise in Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: With growing access to technology, digital payment is on the rise in Nepal of late.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: With growing access to technology, digital payment is on the rise in Nepal of late. The digital transaction which gained pace during the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to rise till date. Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has also encouraged people for the electronic payment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The latest record shared by NRB shows that in the second month (mid-August to mid-September) of the current fiscal year alone, transaction of more than Rs 4900 billion was done via electronic medium. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the central bank, the transaction worth Rs 292 billion was made via Connect IPS. In the same period last year, the transaction of Rs 232 billion was done. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, transactions through mobile banking in the review month stood at Rs 146 billion. In the same period last year, it was Rs 74.32 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Digital wallet transaction amounts to Rs 17.63 billion, while it was Rs 14.42 billion in the corresponding period of last fiscal year. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15938', 'image' => '20221023094102_digital payment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:40:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16196', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tihar, the Festival of Lights, Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The festival of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal, formally kicked off today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: The festival of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal, formally kicked off today. Tihar is also called Deepawali or the Festival of Lights and Yama Panchak. According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, although Yama Panchak (five days dedicated to Lord Yamaraj) started on Saturday, Kaag Tihar or the first day of the five-day festival is being observed today.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The festival is celebrated for five full days during the Nepali month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The first day of Tihar is the day dedicated for worshipping the crows that are considered as the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As part of the Tihar festival, Kaag Tihar is being celebrated today by offering food to the crow. Today, every household offers prayers and leaves food on the top of terraces and walls for the crows to feed on. There is a general belief among the people that the crow accompanies Lord Yamaraj and is therefore immortal and worshipping it brings good fortune. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The religious scriptures talk about how the demon king Bali was given the opportunity by Lord Bishnu to rule all over the universe for these five days. To celebrate his ascension to the lordship of the entire universes, he ordered everyone to celebrate all five days with lights and flowers. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The belief among the people is that the celebration will please Goddess Laxmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Due to the change in date this year, Yama Panchak or Tihar festival which starts in the evening on the day of Kartik Krishna Trayodashi has started from Saturday evening, the state-owned RSS reported. Similarly, the Dhanteras festival of buying jewelry and copper utensils to keep Goddess Lakshmi happy was also celebrated on Saturday itself. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15937', 'image' => '20221023093327_tihar-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:32:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16195', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepalis Observe Dhanteras by Buying New Utensils ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Hindus across the country observed the festival of Dhanteras on Saturday by purchasing new items made of gold, silver, copper, and other metals. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: Hindus across the country observed the festival of Dhanteras on Saturday by purchasing new items made of gold, silver, copper, and other metals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As part of the Tihar festival celebrations, the items purchased on the day of Dhanteras are used during the Lakshmi Pooja held on the new moon day in the month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November). There is a traditional belief that worship performed in this way will please the goddess of wealth Lakshmi who will continue to bless the family. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There is also a tradition of buying gold and silver ornaments on the day of Dhanteras. Due to this religious belief there is usually a rush of people buying utensils and jewelry. Known by names like Deepawali, Tihar, Yamapanchak, this festival is the second biggest festival celebrated by Nepalis after the Dashain festival. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The celebration of the Tihar festival this year started on Saturday with the lighting of homes, commercial establishments and other places. According to Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, although Yamapanchak started on Saturday, Kaag Tihar falls on Sunday. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15936', 'image' => '20221023093239_dhanteras.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:32:08', '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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Along with the domestic clay pots, various articles required for the festival manufactured in India are also making in-roads to the Nepali market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The earthen pots manufactured in India are doing brisk business in the bordering towns while the domestically produced ones are selling in greater numbers in the inner markets. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sale of clay pots has seen a rise in Janakpurdham, Mahendranagar Sakhuwa, Dhalkebar, Bateshwor, Dharapani, Birendrabazar, Sabaila, the main square at Sahidnagar and Hatiya, among the main markets of Dhanusha. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">With the increasing demand for clay pots in the market, the potters have become busy like the bees. The demand for earthen pots is high during the cultural festivals as Chhath due to the tradition of mostly using the clay pots for various cultural rituals. It is considered auspicious to conduct the rituals using fresh clay pots. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The sale of clay articles like lamp and images of elephants has increased at various places and the bordering towns for the imminent Chhath festival," said Bishnu Lal Pandit, a pottery trader of Haraiya, Kshireshwornath Municipality-4. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He said that making clay pots was their main means of subsistence in the past. But these days their traditional profession has been displaced with the increasing use of plastic and metal pots. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kamal Pandit, a potter at Sakhuwa, Kshireshwornath Municipality-6, complained that their traditional profession is under threat in recent years due to the growing use of plastic and metal pots. The festival period is the only time for local potters to earn whatever income for the whole year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A set of earthen pots for the Chhath festival costs between Rs 200 to Rs 300, said Kanhaiya Pandit from Janakpurdham. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A majority of the local communities whose traditional profession is pottery making are abandoning this profession as it is not profitable. So, the traditional pottery making business is under threat. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Chhath festival this year falls on coming Sunday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-28', 'modified' => '2022-10-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15950', 'image' => '20221028101104_CDS-Janakpur-Matakabhada.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-28 10:09:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16208', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Hindus Mark the Fifth day of Tihar Festival ', 'sub_title' => 'This day is Dedicated to the Bond between Brothers and Sisters', 'summary' => 'October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival. On this day, sisters put tika or a mark on the forehead of their brothers with seven different colours. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sisters pray for longevity and prosperity of their brothers on this auspicious day. There is a tradition of giving priority to younger brothers while following the ritual of putting the colour mark or tika from which this day derives its name of 'bhai-tika'.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee, the auspicious time for putting tika or the colourful marks on the forehead during this year’s Tihar festival is </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">11:37 am today (October 27).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Before the ritual, the siblings first worship the eight immortal beings including Markandeya, Bali, Parshuram, Vyas, Hanuman, Bivishan, Kripacharya and Ashwathma as per the tradition.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Yamaraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna are also worshipped to mark the bond between brothers and sisters. Legend has it that Yamuna started this tradition by putting tika on the forehead of Yamaraj, which is commemorated till this day.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sisters also pray for long life of their brothers with Yamaraj.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Globe Amaranth, a flower whose colour does not fade, holds a special significance during this festival. Other flowers extensively used during this day is the Godavari and Marigold flowers.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Those who do not have siblings celebrate this festival with their close relatives. It is believed that the foreheads should not remain blank on this day. People who do not have siblings visit the Yamaleshwar Mahadev Temple at Ranipokhari in the heart of Kathmandu on this day. This temple is opened only once a year on the day of bhai-tika. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After the ritual is over, brothers and sisters celebrate by feasting. There is also a tradition of playing swing on this day. It is believed that one must leave the ground once a year. After all this is over, families light lamps in the evening as the five-day festival draws to a close.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-27', 'modified' => '2022-10-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15949', 'image' => '20221027093650_20221019044902_bhaitika.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-27 09:35:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16207', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Security Beefed up in Kathmandu Valley for the Festive Season ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 26: Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, in view of the Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals, informed the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 26: Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, in view of the Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals, informed the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu District, Ghanshyam Upadhyay said that security has been strengthened to prevent any untoward incidents during the festivals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to him, all the three district administration offices within the valley have fully implemented the security strategy focusing on the festivals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CDO Upadhyay said that the Deusi-Bhailo cultural programme can be organized until 10:00 pm. Before this, the District Administration Office had stated through a public notice on October 21 that the Deusi-Bhailo cultural programme could be held only up to 9 pm during the Tihar festival. The time for this has been extended by an hour in response to the public demand and security arrangements have been made accordingly, CDO Upadhyay said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the prohibition on gambling, exploding fire crackers and drinking in a way likely to disturb social peace and law and order stands, the District Administration Office said. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-26', 'modified' => '2022-10-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15948', 'image' => '20221026024136_PRO_KTM_LAXMIOUJA_KTM.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-26 14:40:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16206', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govardhan Puja Observed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 26: The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the oxen. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 26: The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the oxen. This day is also called Govardan Puja, named after a hill mentioned in the Hindu mythology. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The oxen is historically used by the locals in the rural areas for helping with crop plantation. They are worshipped by offering prayers, good food and by decorating them with garlands. The Govardan Hill, mentioned in the Hindu mythology is worshipped by the people by making a large stack of cow dung.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The rituals are linked to the Hindu God Krishna who, according to the legend, lifted the Govardhan hill with his hand and protected the people of a place called Gokul from torrential rains caused by an enraged Indra, the God of rain. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu or the protector of the world.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A section of the Newar community also observes the Mha Puja today to welcomes the Newari New Year while others celebrated the Mha Puja or worshipping the self a day ago.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On this occasion, Newars prepare sweet dishes at homes and mandalas (sacred diagram as symbol of their soul) are drawn on the floor and worshipped. According to the state-owned RSS, family members sit in front of the mandalas and the eldest lady of the house presents each of them with a burning wick, sacred thread and fruits symbolising long life and good fortune. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Today, the Newari Community also welcomes the Newari New Year--Nepal Sambar 1143. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-26', 'modified' => '2022-10-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15947', 'image' => '20221026023044_Happy-Govardhan-Puja-Wishes.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-26 14:30:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16205', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Variant of Coronavirus Detected in Nepal', 'sub_title' => 'Government Urges Public to Follow Health Protocol During Festive Season', 'summary' => 'October 25: A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 25: A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to joint-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Sameer Kumar Adhikari, the sub-variant of Omicron 'XBB' has been identified in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sub-variant of omicron 'XBB' was identified in course of genomic sequencing of coronavirus infected people from different places of the country between August 21 to October 10. The sample tests were conducted at National Public Health Laboratory. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the ministry has urged all to follow the due health protocol as coronavirus infection may increase in festivals like Tihar and Chhath. It has also requested people to wear face mask, maintain physical distance and wash hands with soap regularly. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Around 50 new cases of COVID-19 are being detected daily on an average in Nepal. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-25', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15946', 'image' => '20221025101535_20220630115224_health-ministry.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-25 10:14:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16204', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'IMF Projects 4.2 Percent Economic Growth for Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new projection of economic growth rate of 4.2 percent for Nepal in 2022.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new projection of economic growth rate of 4.2 percent for Nepal in 2022. IMF revised its initial estimate of economic growth rate in the report entitled 'World Economic Outlook: Countering the Cost-of-Living Crisis' which it unveiled this week. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In January, IMF had projected Nepal's economic growth rate to be 4.1 percent. However, it has anticipated Nepal's economic growth rate to decline in 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the IMF's projection last January, Nepal's economic growth rate next year was estimated at 6.1 percent. But this projection has been dropped and confined to 5 percent. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the government has set the goal of achieving 8 percent economic growth rate for fiscal year 2022/23. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the IMF has revised the earlier estimates for inflation. It had initially estimated inflation to be at 6.3 percent in 2022 and at 7.7 percent in 2023. But it has revised it now to be at 8.1 percent in 2022 and at 7.2 percent in 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has however projected to limit the inflation within 7 percent through the budget for the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">IMF has stated in its report that the global economic activity is experiencing a broad-based and sharper-than-expected slowdown, with inflation higher than seen in several decades. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The cost-of-living crisis, tightening financial conditions in most regions, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic all weigh heavily on the outlook. Global growth is forecast to slow from 6.0 percent in 2021 to 3.2 percent in 2022 and 2.7 percent in 2023. This is the weakest growth profile since 2001 except for the global financial crisis and the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Global inflation is forecast to rise from 4.7 percent in 2021 to 8.8 percent in 2022 but to decline to 6.5 percent in 2023 and to 4.1 percent by 2024. Monetary policy should stay the course to restore price stability, and fiscal policy should aim to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures while maintaining a sufficiently tight stance aligned with monetary policy. Structural reforms can further support the fight against inflation by improving productivity and easing supply constraints, while multilateral cooperation is necessary for fast-tracking the green energy transition and preventing fragmentation. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-25', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15945', 'image' => '20221025100925_iiii.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-25 10:08:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16203', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Laxmi Puja Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs. This day is also called "Narak Chaturdashi" according to the Vedic Hindu tradition.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The celebration of Laxmi Puja or the worship of the goddess of wealth was observed in evening, according to the lunar calendar.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is believed that dog is the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the god of death and justice and worshipping dog on this day will please the god.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dog is also considered as the gate keeper of the God of Death, Yamaraj's palace. Today, the dog is worshipped and fed with delicious food as a sigh of gratitude.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dog is also the man's best friend and has been domesticated for over thousands of years.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the evening, Goddess Laxmi -- the goddess of wealth was worshipped with huge celebration among the Hindu devotees.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People clean their houses on this day to welcome the goddess. It is believed that the goddess will be pleased if people maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene. People also light candles and oil lamps to welcome the goddess. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Merrymakers visit the households in their neighbourhood singing songs and seeking charities on the occasion of Laxmi Puja and bless the charitable people. Legend has it that tradition was started by the Demon King Bali, who is said to be an ardent devotee of Goddess Laxmi. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Besides the traditional belief, the festival of Tihar is basically related to the interdependence of human beings with nature. This festival coincides with the harvesting season when there is abundance of food and delicacies to celebrate.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-24', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15944', 'image' => '20221024101409_Diwali-1-782x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-24 10:13:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16202', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gold Business Affected due to Supply Disruption', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association has revealed that gold and silver traders are facing trouble due to the ineffective gold supply system in the market. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">October 23: The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association has revealed that gold and silver traders are facing trouble due to the ineffective gold supply system in the market. A delegation of the federation, led by its president Manik Ratna Shakya, made such complaint to Mahesh Bhattarai, the director general of the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">During a programme organized by the department to discuss various issues of consumer concern, the representative of the federation said that the supply of gold and silver has been very low as compared to the demand in the market. The representatives of the federation argued that it is difficult to operate the business in such a situation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Director General Bhattarai said that the businessmen's complaints were reasonable and expressed his commitment to convey the message to the concerned authorities.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15943', 'image' => '20221023025655_gold.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:56:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16201', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Average Interest on Loan Exceeds 12 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The average interest on loans of commercial banks has exceeded 12 percent amid protests from industrialists and businessmen. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">October 23: The average interest on loans of commercial banks has exceeded 12 percent amid protests from industrialists and businessmen. Due to the tight monetary policy implemented by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and lack of liquidity in the market, the interest on loans has increased with the rise in operating cost of the banks.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to NRB, the average interest rate of bank loans has reached 12.06 percent in August which was 8.57 percent last year. A report published by NRB on Friday mentions that the base rate of banks reached 10.01 percent by mid-September this year, which was 6.89 percent last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The industrialists and businessmen have started street protests since last week stating that the banks increased the interest rate on loans excessively. The relationship between industrialists and banks has become tense regarding the issue of interest rates.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to NRB, the average interest rate of bank deposits in August also increased from 4.92 percent to 7.81 percent this year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Due to lack of liquidity, banks increased the interest on savings to increase deposit collection, which in turn increased the interest on loans.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Banks fix the loan interest rate by adding a certain percentage premium to the base rate. Due to this, when the base rate increases, the interest rate of loan also increases. Banks are allowed to adjust the interest rate based on the quarterly base rate.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Despite the increase in the interest rate, there has been no improvement in deposit collection. According to NRB, the total deposits of bank and financial institution decreased by 0.9 percent, while lending increased by 0.55 percent as of mid-September.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15942', 'image' => '20221023024826_Banks - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:47:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16200', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Consumer Price Inflation Rises to 8.64 Percent: NRB Report ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 8.64 percent in the second month of the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23) compared to 3.49 percent a year ago, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 8.64 percent in the second month of the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23) compared to 3.49 percent a year ago, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal released by the central bank on Friday stated that the food and beverage inflation stood at 8.17 percent whereas non-food and service inflation stood at 9.02 percent in the review month. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Under the food and beverage category, the prices of fruit, ghee and oil, restaurant and hotel, </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">alcoholic drinks and vegetable sub-categories increased by 17.29 percent, 14.53 percent, 12.30 percent, 10.24 and 9.94 percent respectively on y-o-y basis. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, under the non-food and services category, the prices of transportation, health, furnishing and household equipment, education, and housing and utilities sub-categories increased by 23.41 percent, 10.54 percent, 9.25 percent, 8.11 percent and 7.69 percent respectively on y-o-y basis in the review month. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, in the review month, consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu valley, terai, hill and mountain stood at 7.62 percent, 9.33 percent, 8.82 percent and 6.68 percent respectively. Inflation in these regions was 3.23 percent, 3.65 percent, 3.96 percent and 3.51 percent respectively a year ago. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The y-o-y consumer price inflation in Nepal as of mid-September of 2022/23 remained 8.64 percent. Such inflation in India stood at 7.41 percent in September 2022. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15941', 'image' => '20221023023656_Inflation.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:36:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16199', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Trade Deficit Declines due to Slump in Import and Export ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Merchandise exports of Nepal decreased by 34.9 percent in the first two months of the current fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">October 23: Merchandise exports of Nepal decreased by 34.9 percent in the first two months of the current fiscal year. According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal Rastra Bank, the total export of Nepal in the review period stood at Rs 28.68 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report states that the country’s exports had increased by 115.4 percent in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, exports to India and China decreased by 45.2 percent and 21.6 percent respectively whereas exports to other countries increased by 13.2 percent. Exports of zinc sheet, woolen carpets, readymade garments, medicine (ayurvedic), among others, increased whereas exports of soybean oil, palm oil, oil cakes, cardamom, toothpaste, among others, decreased in the review period, the report further said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Similarly, the central bank said that merchandise imports decreased by 13.0 percent to Rs 273.60 billion during the first two months of FY 2022/23 against an increase of 75.9 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, imports from India, China and other countries decreased by 9.5 percent, 13.3 percent, and 20.7 percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Imports of petroleum products, chemical fertilizer, sponge iron, medicine, aircraft and spareparts, among others, increased whereas imports of transport equipment and parts, silver, crude soybean oil, hot rolled sheet in coil, MS billet, among others, decreased in the review period. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, Nepal’s trade deficit decreased by 9.4 percent to Rs 244.92 billion during the first two months of FY 2022/23. Such a deficit had increased 70.8 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year. The export-import ratio decreased to 10.5 percent in the review period from 14.0 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15940', 'image' => '20221023013759_Trade - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 13:36:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16198', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Remittance Inflow Increases during Festive Season', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the second month of the current fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">October 23: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the second month of the current fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report released by Nepal Rastra Bank on Friday, remittance inflow increased by 19.8 percent to Rs 187.04 billion in the review period against a decrease of 5.8 percent in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Economists believed that the remittance inflow increased during this period due to the onset of the festive season. The country is currently celebrating the Tihar festival for which family members working in foreign countries send money back home.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the US Dollar terms, remittance inflow increased 11.3 percent to 1.47 billion in the review period against a decrease of 5.3 percent in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the NRB report, the number of Nepali workers (institutional and individual-new) taking approval for foreign employment increased 169.9 percent to 103,898 in the review period. Likewise, the number of Nepali workers (renew entry) taking approval for foreign employment increased 70.6 percent to 39,189 in the review period. It had increased 429.5 percent in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15939', 'image' => '20221023095025_Remittance.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:49:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16197', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Digital Payment on the Rise in Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: With growing access to technology, digital payment is on the rise in Nepal of late.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: With growing access to technology, digital payment is on the rise in Nepal of late. The digital transaction which gained pace during the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to rise till date. Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has also encouraged people for the electronic payment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The latest record shared by NRB shows that in the second month (mid-August to mid-September) of the current fiscal year alone, transaction of more than Rs 4900 billion was done via electronic medium. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the central bank, the transaction worth Rs 292 billion was made via Connect IPS. In the same period last year, the transaction of Rs 232 billion was done. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, transactions through mobile banking in the review month stood at Rs 146 billion. In the same period last year, it was Rs 74.32 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Digital wallet transaction amounts to Rs 17.63 billion, while it was Rs 14.42 billion in the corresponding period of last fiscal year. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15938', 'image' => '20221023094102_digital payment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:40:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16196', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tihar, the Festival of Lights, Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The festival of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal, formally kicked off today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: The festival of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal, formally kicked off today. Tihar is also called Deepawali or the Festival of Lights and Yama Panchak. According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, although Yama Panchak (five days dedicated to Lord Yamaraj) started on Saturday, Kaag Tihar or the first day of the five-day festival is being observed today.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The festival is celebrated for five full days during the Nepali month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The first day of Tihar is the day dedicated for worshipping the crows that are considered as the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As part of the Tihar festival, Kaag Tihar is being celebrated today by offering food to the crow. Today, every household offers prayers and leaves food on the top of terraces and walls for the crows to feed on. There is a general belief among the people that the crow accompanies Lord Yamaraj and is therefore immortal and worshipping it brings good fortune. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The religious scriptures talk about how the demon king Bali was given the opportunity by Lord Bishnu to rule all over the universe for these five days. To celebrate his ascension to the lordship of the entire universes, he ordered everyone to celebrate all five days with lights and flowers. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The belief among the people is that the celebration will please Goddess Laxmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Due to the change in date this year, Yama Panchak or Tihar festival which starts in the evening on the day of Kartik Krishna Trayodashi has started from Saturday evening, the state-owned RSS reported. Similarly, the Dhanteras festival of buying jewelry and copper utensils to keep Goddess Lakshmi happy was also celebrated on Saturday itself. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15937', 'image' => '20221023093327_tihar-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:32:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16195', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepalis Observe Dhanteras by Buying New Utensils ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Hindus across the country observed the festival of Dhanteras on Saturday by purchasing new items made of gold, silver, copper, and other metals. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: Hindus across the country observed the festival of Dhanteras on Saturday by purchasing new items made of gold, silver, copper, and other metals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As part of the Tihar festival celebrations, the items purchased on the day of Dhanteras are used during the Lakshmi Pooja held on the new moon day in the month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November). There is a traditional belief that worship performed in this way will please the goddess of wealth Lakshmi who will continue to bless the family. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There is also a tradition of buying gold and silver ornaments on the day of Dhanteras. Due to this religious belief there is usually a rush of people buying utensils and jewelry. Known by names like Deepawali, Tihar, Yamapanchak, this festival is the second biggest festival celebrated by Nepalis after the Dashain festival. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The celebration of the Tihar festival this year started on Saturday with the lighting of homes, commercial establishments and other places. According to Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, although Yamapanchak started on Saturday, Kaag Tihar falls on Sunday. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15936', 'image' => '20221023093239_dhanteras.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:32:08', '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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Along with the domestic clay pots, various articles required for the festival manufactured in India are also making in-roads to the Nepali market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The earthen pots manufactured in India are doing brisk business in the bordering towns while the domestically produced ones are selling in greater numbers in the inner markets. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sale of clay pots has seen a rise in Janakpurdham, Mahendranagar Sakhuwa, Dhalkebar, Bateshwor, Dharapani, Birendrabazar, Sabaila, the main square at Sahidnagar and Hatiya, among the main markets of Dhanusha. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">With the increasing demand for clay pots in the market, the potters have become busy like the bees. The demand for earthen pots is high during the cultural festivals as Chhath due to the tradition of mostly using the clay pots for various cultural rituals. It is considered auspicious to conduct the rituals using fresh clay pots. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"The sale of clay articles like lamp and images of elephants has increased at various places and the bordering towns for the imminent Chhath festival," said Bishnu Lal Pandit, a pottery trader of Haraiya, Kshireshwornath Municipality-4. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">He said that making clay pots was their main means of subsistence in the past. But these days their traditional profession has been displaced with the increasing use of plastic and metal pots. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Kamal Pandit, a potter at Sakhuwa, Kshireshwornath Municipality-6, complained that their traditional profession is under threat in recent years due to the growing use of plastic and metal pots. The festival period is the only time for local potters to earn whatever income for the whole year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A set of earthen pots for the Chhath festival costs between Rs 200 to Rs 300, said Kanhaiya Pandit from Janakpurdham. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A majority of the local communities whose traditional profession is pottery making are abandoning this profession as it is not profitable. So, the traditional pottery making business is under threat. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Chhath festival this year falls on coming Sunday. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-28', 'modified' => '2022-10-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15950', 'image' => '20221028101104_CDS-Janakpur-Matakabhada.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-28 10:09:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16208', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Hindus Mark the Fifth day of Tihar Festival ', 'sub_title' => 'This day is Dedicated to the Bond between Brothers and Sisters', 'summary' => 'October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 27: Today is the fifth and the final day of Tihar festival. On this day, sisters put tika or a mark on the forehead of their brothers with seven different colours. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sisters pray for longevity and prosperity of their brothers on this auspicious day. There is a tradition of giving priority to younger brothers while following the ritual of putting the colour mark or tika from which this day derives its name of 'bhai-tika'.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee, the auspicious time for putting tika or the colourful marks on the forehead during this year’s Tihar festival is </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">11:37 am today (October 27).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Before the ritual, the siblings first worship the eight immortal beings including Markandeya, Bali, Parshuram, Vyas, Hanuman, Bivishan, Kripacharya and Ashwathma as per the tradition.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Yamaraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna are also worshipped to mark the bond between brothers and sisters. Legend has it that Yamuna started this tradition by putting tika on the forehead of Yamaraj, which is commemorated till this day.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sisters also pray for long life of their brothers with Yamaraj.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Globe Amaranth, a flower whose colour does not fade, holds a special significance during this festival. Other flowers extensively used during this day is the Godavari and Marigold flowers.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Those who do not have siblings celebrate this festival with their close relatives. It is believed that the foreheads should not remain blank on this day. People who do not have siblings visit the Yamaleshwar Mahadev Temple at Ranipokhari in the heart of Kathmandu on this day. This temple is opened only once a year on the day of bhai-tika. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After the ritual is over, brothers and sisters celebrate by feasting. There is also a tradition of playing swing on this day. It is believed that one must leave the ground once a year. After all this is over, families light lamps in the evening as the five-day festival draws to a close.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-27', 'modified' => '2022-10-28', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15949', 'image' => '20221027093650_20221019044902_bhaitika.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-27 09:35:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16207', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Security Beefed up in Kathmandu Valley for the Festive Season ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 26: Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, in view of the Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals, informed the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 26: Security has been beefed up in Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, in view of the Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals, informed the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu District, Ghanshyam Upadhyay said that security has been strengthened to prevent any untoward incidents during the festivals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to him, all the three district administration offices within the valley have fully implemented the security strategy focusing on the festivals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">CDO Upadhyay said that the Deusi-Bhailo cultural programme can be organized until 10:00 pm. Before this, the District Administration Office had stated through a public notice on October 21 that the Deusi-Bhailo cultural programme could be held only up to 9 pm during the Tihar festival. The time for this has been extended by an hour in response to the public demand and security arrangements have been made accordingly, CDO Upadhyay said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the prohibition on gambling, exploding fire crackers and drinking in a way likely to disturb social peace and law and order stands, the District Administration Office said. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-26', 'modified' => '2022-10-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15948', 'image' => '20221026024136_PRO_KTM_LAXMIOUJA_KTM.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-26 14:40:55', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16206', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govardhan Puja Observed ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 26: The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the oxen. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 26: The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the oxen. This day is also called Govardan Puja, named after a hill mentioned in the Hindu mythology. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The oxen is historically used by the locals in the rural areas for helping with crop plantation. They are worshipped by offering prayers, good food and by decorating them with garlands. The Govardan Hill, mentioned in the Hindu mythology is worshipped by the people by making a large stack of cow dung.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The rituals are linked to the Hindu God Krishna who, according to the legend, lifted the Govardhan hill with his hand and protected the people of a place called Gokul from torrential rains caused by an enraged Indra, the God of rain. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu or the protector of the world.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">A section of the Newar community also observes the Mha Puja today to welcomes the Newari New Year while others celebrated the Mha Puja or worshipping the self a day ago.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">On this occasion, Newars prepare sweet dishes at homes and mandalas (sacred diagram as symbol of their soul) are drawn on the floor and worshipped. According to the state-owned RSS, family members sit in front of the mandalas and the eldest lady of the house presents each of them with a burning wick, sacred thread and fruits symbolising long life and good fortune. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Today, the Newari Community also welcomes the Newari New Year--Nepal Sambar 1143. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-26', 'modified' => '2022-10-27', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15947', 'image' => '20221026023044_Happy-Govardhan-Puja-Wishes.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-26 14:30:07', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16205', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Variant of Coronavirus Detected in Nepal', 'sub_title' => 'Government Urges Public to Follow Health Protocol During Festive Season', 'summary' => 'October 25: A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 25: A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to joint-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Sameer Kumar Adhikari, the sub-variant of Omicron 'XBB' has been identified in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sub-variant of omicron 'XBB' was identified in course of genomic sequencing of coronavirus infected people from different places of the country between August 21 to October 10. The sample tests were conducted at National Public Health Laboratory. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the ministry has urged all to follow the due health protocol as coronavirus infection may increase in festivals like Tihar and Chhath. It has also requested people to wear face mask, maintain physical distance and wash hands with soap regularly. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Around 50 new cases of COVID-19 are being detected daily on an average in Nepal. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-25', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15946', 'image' => '20221025101535_20220630115224_health-ministry.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-25 10:14:37', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16204', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'IMF Projects 4.2 Percent Economic Growth for Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new projection of economic growth rate of 4.2 percent for Nepal in 2022.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a new projection of economic growth rate of 4.2 percent for Nepal in 2022. IMF revised its initial estimate of economic growth rate in the report entitled 'World Economic Outlook: Countering the Cost-of-Living Crisis' which it unveiled this week. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In January, IMF had projected Nepal's economic growth rate to be 4.1 percent. However, it has anticipated Nepal's economic growth rate to decline in 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As per the IMF's projection last January, Nepal's economic growth rate next year was estimated at 6.1 percent. But this projection has been dropped and confined to 5 percent. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">However, the government has set the goal of achieving 8 percent economic growth rate for fiscal year 2022/23. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the IMF has revised the earlier estimates for inflation. It had initially estimated inflation to be at 6.3 percent in 2022 and at 7.7 percent in 2023. But it has revised it now to be at 8.1 percent in 2022 and at 7.2 percent in 2023. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The government has however projected to limit the inflation within 7 percent through the budget for the current fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">IMF has stated in its report that the global economic activity is experiencing a broad-based and sharper-than-expected slowdown, with inflation higher than seen in several decades. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The cost-of-living crisis, tightening financial conditions in most regions, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic all weigh heavily on the outlook. Global growth is forecast to slow from 6.0 percent in 2021 to 3.2 percent in 2022 and 2.7 percent in 2023. This is the weakest growth profile since 2001 except for the global financial crisis and the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Global inflation is forecast to rise from 4.7 percent in 2021 to 8.8 percent in 2022 but to decline to 6.5 percent in 2023 and to 4.1 percent by 2024. Monetary policy should stay the course to restore price stability, and fiscal policy should aim to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures while maintaining a sufficiently tight stance aligned with monetary policy. Structural reforms can further support the fight against inflation by improving productivity and easing supply constraints, while multilateral cooperation is necessary for fast-tracking the green energy transition and preventing fragmentation. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-25', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15945', 'image' => '20221025100925_iiii.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-25 10:08:50', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16203', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Laxmi Puja Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">October 24: The second day of Tihar festival is dedicated to the worship of dogs. This day is also called "Narak Chaturdashi" according to the Vedic Hindu tradition.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The celebration of Laxmi Puja or the worship of the goddess of wealth was observed in evening, according to the lunar calendar.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">It is believed that dog is the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the god of death and justice and worshipping dog on this day will please the god.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dog is also considered as the gate keeper of the God of Death, Yamaraj's palace. Today, the dog is worshipped and fed with delicious food as a sigh of gratitude.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dog is also the man's best friend and has been domesticated for over thousands of years.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the evening, Goddess Laxmi -- the goddess of wealth was worshipped with huge celebration among the Hindu devotees.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">People clean their houses on this day to welcome the goddess. It is believed that the goddess will be pleased if people maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene. People also light candles and oil lamps to welcome the goddess. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Merrymakers visit the households in their neighbourhood singing songs and seeking charities on the occasion of Laxmi Puja and bless the charitable people. Legend has it that tradition was started by the Demon King Bali, who is said to be an ardent devotee of Goddess Laxmi. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Besides the traditional belief, the festival of Tihar is basically related to the interdependence of human beings with nature. This festival coincides with the harvesting season when there is abundance of food and delicacies to celebrate.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-24', 'modified' => '2022-10-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15944', 'image' => '20221024101409_Diwali-1-782x440.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-24 10:13:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16202', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Gold Business Affected due to Supply Disruption', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association has revealed that gold and silver traders are facing trouble due to the ineffective gold supply system in the market. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">October 23: The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association has revealed that gold and silver traders are facing trouble due to the ineffective gold supply system in the market. A delegation of the federation, led by its president Manik Ratna Shakya, made such complaint to Mahesh Bhattarai, the director general of the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection on Friday.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">During a programme organized by the department to discuss various issues of consumer concern, the representative of the federation said that the supply of gold and silver has been very low as compared to the demand in the market. The representatives of the federation argued that it is difficult to operate the business in such a situation. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Director General Bhattarai said that the businessmen's complaints were reasonable and expressed his commitment to convey the message to the concerned authorities.</span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15943', 'image' => '20221023025655_gold.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:56:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16201', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Average Interest on Loan Exceeds 12 Percent', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The average interest on loans of commercial banks has exceeded 12 percent amid protests from industrialists and businessmen. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">October 23: The average interest on loans of commercial banks has exceeded 12 percent amid protests from industrialists and businessmen. Due to the tight monetary policy implemented by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and lack of liquidity in the market, the interest on loans has increased with the rise in operating cost of the banks.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to NRB, the average interest rate of bank loans has reached 12.06 percent in August which was 8.57 percent last year. A report published by NRB on Friday mentions that the base rate of banks reached 10.01 percent by mid-September this year, which was 6.89 percent last year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The industrialists and businessmen have started street protests since last week stating that the banks increased the interest rate on loans excessively. The relationship between industrialists and banks has become tense regarding the issue of interest rates.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to NRB, the average interest rate of bank deposits in August also increased from 4.92 percent to 7.81 percent this year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Due to lack of liquidity, banks increased the interest on savings to increase deposit collection, which in turn increased the interest on loans.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Banks fix the loan interest rate by adding a certain percentage premium to the base rate. Due to this, when the base rate increases, the interest rate of loan also increases. Banks are allowed to adjust the interest rate based on the quarterly base rate.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Despite the increase in the interest rate, there has been no improvement in deposit collection. According to NRB, the total deposits of bank and financial institution decreased by 0.9 percent, while lending increased by 0.55 percent as of mid-September.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15942', 'image' => '20221023024826_Banks - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:47:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16200', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Consumer Price Inflation Rises to 8.64 Percent: NRB Report ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 8.64 percent in the second month of the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23) compared to 3.49 percent a year ago, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: The year-on-year (y-o-y) consumer price inflation stood at 8.64 percent in the second month of the current fiscal year (FY 2022/23) compared to 3.49 percent a year ago, according to the latest report of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal released by the central bank on Friday stated that the food and beverage inflation stood at 8.17 percent whereas non-food and service inflation stood at 9.02 percent in the review month. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Under the food and beverage category, the prices of fruit, ghee and oil, restaurant and hotel, </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">alcoholic drinks and vegetable sub-categories increased by 17.29 percent, 14.53 percent, 12.30 percent, 10.24 and 9.94 percent respectively on y-o-y basis. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, under the non-food and services category, the prices of transportation, health, furnishing and household equipment, education, and housing and utilities sub-categories increased by 23.41 percent, 10.54 percent, 9.25 percent, 8.11 percent and 7.69 percent respectively on y-o-y basis in the review month. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, in the review month, consumer price inflation in the Kathmandu valley, terai, hill and mountain stood at 7.62 percent, 9.33 percent, 8.82 percent and 6.68 percent respectively. Inflation in these regions was 3.23 percent, 3.65 percent, 3.96 percent and 3.51 percent respectively a year ago. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The y-o-y consumer price inflation in Nepal as of mid-September of 2022/23 remained 8.64 percent. Such inflation in India stood at 7.41 percent in September 2022. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15941', 'image' => '20221023023656_Inflation.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 14:36:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16199', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Trade Deficit Declines due to Slump in Import and Export ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Merchandise exports of Nepal decreased by 34.9 percent in the first two months of the current fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">October 23: Merchandise exports of Nepal decreased by 34.9 percent in the first two months of the current fiscal year. According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report of Nepal Rastra Bank, the total export of Nepal in the review period stood at Rs 28.68 billion.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The report states that the country’s exports had increased by 115.4 percent in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, exports to India and China decreased by 45.2 percent and 21.6 percent respectively whereas exports to other countries increased by 13.2 percent. Exports of zinc sheet, woolen carpets, readymade garments, medicine (ayurvedic), among others, increased whereas exports of soybean oil, palm oil, oil cakes, cardamom, toothpaste, among others, decreased in the review period, the report further said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Similarly, the central bank said that merchandise imports decreased by 13.0 percent to Rs 273.60 billion during the first two months of FY 2022/23 against an increase of 75.9 percent a year ago. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Destination-wise, imports from India, China and other countries decreased by 9.5 percent, 13.3 percent, and 20.7 percent respectively. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Imports of petroleum products, chemical fertilizer, sponge iron, medicine, aircraft and spareparts, among others, increased whereas imports of transport equipment and parts, silver, crude soybean oil, hot rolled sheet in coil, MS billet, among others, decreased in the review period. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the report, Nepal’s trade deficit decreased by 9.4 percent to Rs 244.92 billion during the first two months of FY 2022/23. Such a deficit had increased 70.8 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year. The export-import ratio decreased to 10.5 percent in the review period from 14.0 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15940', 'image' => '20221023013759_Trade - Copy.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 13:36:57', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16198', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Remittance Inflow Increases during Festive Season', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the second month of the current fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">October 23: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the second month of the current fiscal year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Report released by Nepal Rastra Bank on Friday, remittance inflow increased by 19.8 percent to Rs 187.04 billion in the review period against a decrease of 5.8 percent in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">Economists believed that the remittance inflow increased during this period due to the onset of the festive season. The country is currently celebrating the Tihar festival for which family members working in foreign countries send money back home.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">In the US Dollar terms, remittance inflow increased 11.3 percent to 1.47 billion in the review period against a decrease of 5.3 percent in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">According to the NRB report, the number of Nepali workers (institutional and individual-new) taking approval for foreign employment increased 169.9 percent to 103,898 in the review period. Likewise, the number of Nepali workers (renew entry) taking approval for foreign employment increased 70.6 percent to 39,189 in the review period. It had increased 429.5 percent in the same period of the previous year.</span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15939', 'image' => '20221023095025_Remittance.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:49:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16197', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Digital Payment on the Rise in Nepal ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: With growing access to technology, digital payment is on the rise in Nepal of late.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: With growing access to technology, digital payment is on the rise in Nepal of late. The digital transaction which gained pace during the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to rise till date. Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has also encouraged people for the electronic payment. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The latest record shared by NRB shows that in the second month (mid-August to mid-September) of the current fiscal year alone, transaction of more than Rs 4900 billion was done via electronic medium. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the central bank, the transaction worth Rs 292 billion was made via Connect IPS. In the same period last year, the transaction of Rs 232 billion was done. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, transactions through mobile banking in the review month stood at Rs 146 billion. In the same period last year, it was Rs 74.32 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Digital wallet transaction amounts to Rs 17.63 billion, while it was Rs 14.42 billion in the corresponding period of last fiscal year. -- RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15938', 'image' => '20221023094102_digital payment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:40:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16196', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Tihar, the Festival of Lights, Begins', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: The festival of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal, formally kicked off today. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: The festival of Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepal, formally kicked off today. Tihar is also called Deepawali or the Festival of Lights and Yama Panchak. According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, although Yama Panchak (five days dedicated to Lord Yamaraj) started on Saturday, Kaag Tihar or the first day of the five-day festival is being observed today.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The festival is celebrated for five full days during the Nepali month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November).</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The first day of Tihar is the day dedicated for worshipping the crows that are considered as the messenger of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As part of the Tihar festival, Kaag Tihar is being celebrated today by offering food to the crow. Today, every household offers prayers and leaves food on the top of terraces and walls for the crows to feed on. There is a general belief among the people that the crow accompanies Lord Yamaraj and is therefore immortal and worshipping it brings good fortune. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The religious scriptures talk about how the demon king Bali was given the opportunity by Lord Bishnu to rule all over the universe for these five days. To celebrate his ascension to the lordship of the entire universes, he ordered everyone to celebrate all five days with lights and flowers. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The belief among the people is that the celebration will please Goddess Laxmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Due to the change in date this year, Yama Panchak or Tihar festival which starts in the evening on the day of Kartik Krishna Trayodashi has started from Saturday evening, the state-owned RSS reported. Similarly, the Dhanteras festival of buying jewelry and copper utensils to keep Goddess Lakshmi happy was also celebrated on Saturday itself. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15937', 'image' => '20221023093327_tihar-nepal.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:32:51', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '16195', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepalis Observe Dhanteras by Buying New Utensils ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'October 23: Hindus across the country observed the festival of Dhanteras on Saturday by purchasing new items made of gold, silver, copper, and other metals. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">October 23: Hindus across the country observed the festival of Dhanteras on Saturday by purchasing new items made of gold, silver, copper, and other metals. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">As part of the Tihar festival celebrations, the items purchased on the day of Dhanteras are used during the Lakshmi Pooja held on the new moon day in the month of Kartik (mid-October to mid-November). There is a traditional belief that worship performed in this way will please the goddess of wealth Lakshmi who will continue to bless the family. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">There is also a tradition of buying gold and silver ornaments on the day of Dhanteras. Due to this religious belief there is usually a rush of people buying utensils and jewelry. Known by names like Deepawali, Tihar, Yamapanchak, this festival is the second biggest festival celebrated by Nepalis after the Dashain festival. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The celebration of the Tihar festival this year started on Saturday with the lighting of homes, commercial establishments and other places. According to Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, although Yamapanchak started on Saturday, Kaag Tihar falls on Sunday. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2022-10-23', 'modified' => '2022-10-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '15936', 'image' => '20221023093239_dhanteras.jpg', 'article_date' => '2022-10-23 09:32:08', '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
