April 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called people of Nepalese origin living in various countries across the globe to invest in Nepal by utilizing the present peaceful and favourable atmosphere.…
April 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called people of Nepalese origin living in various countries across the globe to invest in Nepal by utilizing the present peaceful and favourable atmosphere.…
April 14: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is preparing to announce budget by including economic revival programmes and the agendas championed by the ruling party during the…
April 14: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the year 2077 BS saw notable achievements in political, social and economic fronts.…
April 13: After contracting for the first time in 40 years in FY2020, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in…
April 13: Retailers have been found charging customers arbitrarily for vegetables.…
April 13: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the current fiscal…
April 12: The visa term of all the migrant workers, including Nepalis, working in South Korea is to be extended by one year.…
April 11: Lack of laws is preventing the operation of railway service on Kurtha-Jayanagar route despite all…
April 11: The poultry industry of Nepal has recorded a loss of Rs 35 billion in one year.…
April 11: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and lndustry (FNCCI) has prepared the ‘Vision Paper 2030’ under an ambitious ten-year plan with an objective to expand the country's economy to US$ 100 billon and create 2.2 million jobs.…
April 11: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said the government was preparing to avoid lockdown as far as possible for the containment of second wave of coronavirus.…
Four out of a total 40 internet service providers (ISPs) have captured more than a half of the internet service market share in Nepal.…
April 9: Stakeholders have said that the government's annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year should focus on economic revival post COVID-19.…
April 9: Software export from Nepal has declined sharply by mid-February of the current fiscal year (FY…
April 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the business community to focus on increasing production and productivity, and thereby employment generation.…
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called people of Nepalese origin living in various countries across the globe to invest in Nepal by utilizing the present peaceful and favourable atmosphere. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">PM Oli urged the non-resident Nepalis (NRN) to promote investment in Nepal while addressing them via Zoom platform from his official residence in Baluwatar on the occasion of the New Year 2078. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"There are no problems such as strike in industry at present. Joint venture is encouraged in the mega development projects. You can relay this message to the investors from across the globe," PM Oli said, reminding that the NRN enjoys the rights except the political ones in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">He made it clear that the government does not discriminate the Nepalis irrespective of the countries they stay in. "The current government is cordial and cooperative to the Nepali diaspora and wishes it retained the pride of being Nepali," he stressed. --RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-15', 'modified' => '2021-04-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13022', 'image' => '20210415111540_20200408103322_1586298786.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-15 11:14:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13276', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Pledges Balanced Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is preparing to announce budget by including economic revival programmes and the agendas championed by the ruling party during the election.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 14: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is preparing to announce budget by including economic revival programmes and the agendas championed by the ruling party during the election.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organised by the Finance Committee of House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 13), Minister Poudel said that the government has given due consideration to all the basic principles of budget preparation to bring a balanced budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">According to Minister Poudel, the upcoming budget will help the country cope with the adverse situation created by Covid-19. He said that the government has given special attention to economic revival packages. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Minister Poudel said that the upcoming budget will also help the country fulfill the required criteria to graduate from a least developed country to a developing country. It will also help in increasing production and make the economy self-reliant, according to the minister. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-14', 'modified' => '2021-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13021', 'image' => '20210414015337_20210110034934_1610265858.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-14 13:52:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13275', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Map, Peace Pact Major Success in 2077: President Bhandari ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the year 2077 BS saw notable achievements in political, social and economic fronts. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12px"><em><span style="font-family:Cambria">President Bidya Devi Bhandari with winners of Nubiz Business Women Summit and Awards 2021<span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> in this file photo.</span></span></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 14: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the year 2077 BS saw notable achievements in political, social and economic fronts. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In her message of best wishes on the occasion of the New Year 2078 BS on Wednesday (April 14), President Bhandari said consensus among all political parties in amending the constitution to change the coat of arms with political map incorporating Nepal's territory – Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura and entrance of some groups into peaceful politics shunning the politics of violence were crucial from political front. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Among other achievements are the UN recommendation for Nepal to graduate to the status of developing country from the Least Developed Country, Nepal becoming the happiest country in the South Asia as per the Global Happiness Report and government's effective response to Covid-19 –pandemic. </span> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"Yet coronavirus has posed a big challenge for us. Vaccine against the virus would be gradually made available to all the citizens. I would like to call upon one and all to adopt precautionary measures to remain safe from virus infection and also keep ones' daily life in a practical manner", the President said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to her, completion of the reconstruction of the Rani Pokhari and Durbar High School within 2077 BS were crucial for the government. Bhandari viewed that distribution of water from the much-awaited Melamchi Drinking Water Project could be taken as another notable social economic progress achieved in this Nepali year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the message reads, “Time, as a river, is ever flowing. Its current cannot be contained by anyone. Those countries optimizing the precious time have remained atop in terms of socio-economic developments. We should timely acknowledge the importance of the time and expedite the process of development of physical infrastructures.” -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-14', 'modified' => '2021-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13020', 'image' => '20210414093214_20210131083603__J4A1895 - Copy.JPG', 'article_date' => '2021-04-14 09:30:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13274', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Export Competitiveness Key to Nepal’s Recovery: World Bank Report ', 'sub_title' => 'Economy projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021 due to easing of social distancing and good monsoons ', 'summary' => 'April 13: After contracting for the first time in 40 years in FY2020, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 13: After contracting for the first time in 40 years in FY2020, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021, driven primarily by services as social distancing measures continue to be relaxed and vaccines rolled out for priority populations. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the World Bank, agriculture is also expected to perform well, on the back of recent favorable monsoons. Issuing a statement on Monday, April 12, the World Bank said citing its latest Nepal Development Update that exports could be a powerful platform to boost post-pandemic recovery and enable Nepal to transition towards green, resilient, and inclusive development. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The update notes that the tourism sector may not fully recover without reforms to readjust to a post-COVID-19 tourism market. The current account deficit is expected to widen marginally in FY2021 to 1.2 percent of GDP as imports and remittances recover modestly while exports remain tepid, the statement added. Revenue performance is also expected to remain weak. This coupled with additional spending on economic relief measures, vaccinations, and the resumption of project implementation should contribute to increase the fiscal deficit close to 7 percent of GDP in FY2021. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">While the government has outlined a program to address the impacts of COVID-19 to mitigate the attendant risks to the outlook, the Nepal Development Update highlights the importance of improving export competitiveness for a resilient economic recovery. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Nepal’s untapped export potential is estimated to be around US$9.2 billion, 12 times its actual annual merchandise exports,” said Dr Kene Ezemenari, World Bank’s Senior Economist and lead author of the update. “This export potential represents an opportunity to create an estimated 220,000 new jobs, with significant implications for productivity growth.” </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The report outlines six key priorities for Nepal to achieve its export potential. These include reforming the tourism sector for a quick and resilient recovery; simplifying and streamlining processes to attract more FDI; modernizing export promotion and upgrading exporters’ capabilities; reducing trade costs; investing in phytosantary and quality control-related infrastructure; and boosting digital trade and e-commerce for more opportunities linked to global value chains.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Nepal's economy is on the path to recovery amid the severe impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic which affected people lives and livelihoods, and businesses,” the statement quoted Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel as saying. “The recommendations that can help harness the potential of exports in supporting Nepal’s economic recovery are in line with the government’s policies and priorities. The Government of Nepal is working together with development partners and the private sector on a green, resilient and inclusive development agenda to help Nepal build back better and greener from the pandemic.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“We welcome the government’s planned reforms to support Nepal’s green, resilient, and inclusive development. This will be the foundation for Nepal to emerge stronger from the crisis,” stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13019', 'image' => '20210413033226_172695240_10157534865266467_80747360173969244_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 15:30:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13273', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Retailers set Vegetable Prices Arbitrarily ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Retailers have been found charging customers arbitrarily for vegetables. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 13: Retailers have been found charging customers arbitrarily for vegetables. The retailers in Kalimat and Balkhu areas have been allegedly selling vegetables at double the prices than that fixed by the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20201201041204_20200925113442_1600988958.Clipboard06.jpg" style="height:180px; width:320px" /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Stakeholders say that that the customers are being charged higher prices for vegetables due to the negligence shown by the government authorities in market monitoring. Traders are charging recklessly for almost all green vegetables such as cauliflower, cucumber, carrot, broccoli, lady’s finger, tomato among others. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to the price list fixed by the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market on April 12, cauliflower costs Rs 50 per kg but it cost Rs 80-Rs 90 in the retail market. Local cucumber costs Rs 90 per kg in the wholesale market while it cost Rs 110 in the retail market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Likewise, broccoli costs Rs 90 in the wholesale market and Rs 130 in the retail market. Carrot that costs Rs 50 per kg at the wholesale market is being sold for Rs 80 per kg in the retail market. Retailers are charging Rs 150 per kg for lady’s finger which is Rs 50 higher than the price set by the wholesale market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Retail markets located in Kirtipur, Kalanki, Kuleshwor, Kalimati, Lagankhel and other places are charging customers unreasonably. According to Gita Prasad Acharya, president of the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Entrepreneurs Committee, there has been no problem in importing vegetables from India and neighboring districts. So it is not justifiable to hike the prices of vegetables in the retail market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Mahav Timilsina, president of Consumer Rights Research Forum said they have sought attention of the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection in this regard. He said that the government authority has not taken any action in monitoring of the market so the retailers have got the opportunity to increase the prices arbitrarily. Stakeholders have demanded not only the department but also the local government to intervene in market monitoring in the days to come. </span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20200806125217_1595453904.Clipboard03.jpg" style="height:450px; width:800px" /></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13018', 'image' => '20210413013719_20191111010938_aaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 13:35:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13272', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Remittance Inflow up by 8.6 Percent in 8 Months of Current Fiscal Year ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the current fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 13: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the current fiscal year. Nepal received Rs 642.14 billion in remittance in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, according to Nepal Rastra Bank. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Issuing the current macroeconomic and financial situation of the country on Monday, the central bank said remittance inflows increased 8.6 percent to Rs 642.14 billion in the review period compared to 1.5 percent in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the US Dollar terms, remittance inflows increased 5.0 percent to 5.45 billion in the review period compared to 1.5 percent in the same period of the previous year, the report further said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to NRB, the current account remained at a deficit of Rs 148.68 billion compared to a deficit of Rs 119.70 billion in the same period of the previous year. In the US Dollar terms, the current account registered a deficit of Rs 1.27 billion in the review period compared to a deficit of Rs 1.05 billion in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the central bank said that number of Nepali workers taking approval for foreign employment decreased 74.8 percent in the review period. It had increased 24.2 percent in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The number of Nepali workers (renew entry) taking approval for foreign employment decreased 65.2 percent in the review period, according to the NRB. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the Balance of Payments (BOP) registered a surplus of Rs 68 billion as compared to a surplus of Rs 37.84 billion in the same period of the previous year, the central bank stated. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13017', 'image' => '20210413120722_20201223115642_20200930060036_1601420921.Clipboard24.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 12:06:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13271', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' South Korea Extends Visa Term of Nepali Migrant Workers ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 12: The visa term of all the migrant workers, including Nepalis, working in South Korea is to be extended by one year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 12: The visa term of all the migrant workers, including Nepalis, working in South Korea is to be extended by one year. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Ministry of Justice in South Korea stated that a rule has been endorsed allowing the workers, whose visa term had expired and who could not return to their home countries due to the Coronavirus pandemic, to get their visa term extended for one year from April 13. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Migrants Trade Union (MTU) president Udaya Rai said the visa term of workers would be extended by one year. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With this extension, the total stay of workers in South Korea would be of five years and 10 months. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to Rai no foreign migrant worker has entered South Korea for 13 months except some workers from Cambodia. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It is said the South Korean government brought this rule in order to fulfill the shortage of workers and to provide relief to those workers unable to return to their home country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. -- RSS </span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-12', 'modified' => '2021-04-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13016', 'image' => '20210412043708_Flag-Pins-Nep.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-12 16:36:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13270', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Lack of Laws Delaying Operation of Kurtha-Jayanagar Rail Service', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: Lack of laws is preventing the operation of railway service on Kurtha-Jayanagar route despite all preparations.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 11: Lack of laws is preventing the operation of railway service on Kurtha-Jayanagar route despite all preparations. The railway track constructed with the financial assistance of the Government of India had been completed last year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The train bought by the government for the railway service was brought six months back. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Guru Bhattarai, General Manager of Nepal Railway Company Pvt Ltd, said the entire human resources and other technicians required for operating the railway service were managed after the arrival of the train. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, the railway service will be operated soon after the required laws are formulated. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The company stated that an agreement has already been reached with the Government of India for the required technical and human resources and to bring the rail engine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"We have not been able to bring the engine due to the lack of related legislation. We will be in a position to bring the engine once the laws are passed," said General Manager Bhattarai, adding that an agreement has been signed with India for bringing some human resources required for operating the railway service. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"They (the Indian technicians and railway workers) are ready to come to Nepal. We can bring them immediately when required," said Bhattarai. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has already completed the technical preparations for the operation of the Kurtha-Jayanagar railway service. The train set was purchased from the Indian company, Konkon Company. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It has been reported that 26 technical and human resources are being brought from India in coordination with the company. They include pilot, station master, power manager, senior traffic manager, among others. General Manager Bhattarai said that Nepali staff and other technicians have been already managed for the operation of the railway service. Armed Police Force (APF) will be responsible for the security and safety of the rail and the company's equipment and goods. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Railway Department said 1,200 to 1,300 passengers, including those seated and standing, can travel by the train. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"Fixing a fare price rate for the tickets has already been decided," said Bhattarai. The company has proposed a fair rate in collaboration with the concerned ministry. Travelling 35 kilometers costs Rs 75, according to the fare price list. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"The company will soon provide a week-long training session to Nepali workers," said Bhattarai, adding that those workers having prior experience in the railway sector will be prioritized. "Regular operation will take place in two to three weeks," he said. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13015', 'image' => '20210411051156_20210120113335_1611012622.Clipboard09.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 17:11:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13269', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Poultry Industry Loses Rs 35 billion in a Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: The poultry industry of Nepal has recorded a loss of Rs 35 billion in one year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 11: The poultry industry of Nepal has recorded a loss of Rs 35 billion in one year. This sector reported such a heavy loss since the outbreak of coronavirus.<br /> According to the Federation of Nepalese Poultry Entrepreneurs, hotels, restaurants, party palaces, and other places which consume meat in large quantities were closed for a long time, causing heavy losses to the poultry industry.<br /> According to stakeholders, the poultry industry had to bear daily loss of Rs 219.5 million during the six-month-long lockdown.<br /> According to Guna Chandra Bista, president of the Federation of Poultry Entrepreneurs, the poultry business faced an estimated loss of around Rs 35 billion.<br /> According to him, the Hatchery Industry Association had to destroy around 600,000 chickens daily during the six-month-long lockdown. During that period, the poultry farmers had to bury 4 million chickens.<br /> The hatchery industry bore the maximum loss, followed by poultry and egg farmers. Likewise, cold storage centers also faced loss along with the farmers.<br /> Even though the losses have declined, the poultry sector is still suffering from the impact. Entrepreneurs say that the prices of chicken, grains, and meat have gone up.<br /> Entrepreneurs estimate that it will take another two years for the country’s poultry sector to return to its old rhythm. Nepal's overall poultry business contributes Rs 180 billion to the gross domestic product.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13014', 'image' => '20210411050124_20160613051853_20160613104208_Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 17:00:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13268', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'FNCCI presents ‘Vision Paper 2030’ with an Objective to create 2.2 Million Jobs', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and lndustry (FNCCI) has prepared the ‘Vision Paper 2030’ under an ambitious ten-year plan with an objective to expand the country's economy to US$ 100 billon and create 2.2 million jobs. ', 'content' => '<p><em>55th AGM of FNCCI. Photo Courtesy: FNCCI </em></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 11: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and lndustry (FNCCI) has prepared the ‘Vision Paper 2030’ under an ambitious ten-year plan with an objective to expand the country's economy to US$ 100 billon and create 2.2 million jobs. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The paper was presented at the 55th annual general meeting of FNCCI held on Saturday, April 10. It aims to increase the volume of the country's economy to US$ 100 billion from US$ 35 billion per year. The federation estimates an investment of US$ 150 billion is required to achieve this ambitious plan. The private sector will invest US$ 108 billion in accordance to the plan. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">To achieve this plan, FNCCI has put forward 100 projects which include growth of small and cottage industries, revival of tourism industry, digital economy, promotion of startups and innovative business, women entrepreneurship development project, rural economy, investment promotion and utilization of remittance. Likewise, the vision paper has been prepared with plans to increase the volume of export, promote urban development, agriculture, optical fiber network, energy, operation of railways and ships.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Shekhar Golchha, president of FNCCI, said before presenting the paper that the federation was working on this project by forming various committees. “Committees related to agriculture enterprise center, information and technology, foreign employment forum, energy have already started their respective work,” he said, adding, “The Innovation Committee is working to generate 50 new entrepreneurs in the next two years through 50 startups, 50 investors project.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">He stated that entrepreneurs are facing problems due to the government’s unrealistic monitoring and poor perspective towards them. Likewise, acts and regulations of the country aren’t private sector friendly, he said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The federation has provided suggestions to bring 14 policy-level reforms for the projects included in the vision paper. According to the federation, policies which need amendment are Black Market and Other Social Crimes and Proceedings Act 2032, Revenue Tribunal Act 2063, Public Procurement Act 2063, Consumer Protection Act 2075, Industrial Enterprise Act 2076, Land Act 2021, Money Laundering Act 2052, Environmental Protection Act 2076, Revenue Leakage Act 2052, Value Added Tax Act 2052, Contribution Based Social Security Act 2074, Patent Design and Trademark Act 2022 and Bank and Financial Institution Debt Recovery Act 2058.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">FNCCI President Golchha said that the government’s support is very essential to implement the 10-year plan prepared by the federation. He said that 40 projects will be completed in the next two years for which the government’s support is vital. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Speaking at the program, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli claimed that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country. Stating that the protest programmes have come to an end, there wouldn’t be any better environment for private sector than this, and the policies are being prepared accordingly. He expressed commitment to make private sector-friendly policies. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Claiming that significant works have been done during his tenure, projects with investment of Rs 500,000 are required to develop the country. PM Oli said that the government itself is working to amend the policies and expressed further commitment to fulfill the private sector’s demands in terms of policy reforms. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13013', 'image' => '20210412042352_170742340_4202933359740983_988237255672916884_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 13:54:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13267', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govt to Avoid Lockdown if Possible: Tourism Minister ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said the government was preparing to avoid lockdown as far as possible for the containment of second wave of coronavirus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 11: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said the government was preparing to avoid lockdown as far as possible for the containment of second wave of coronavirus. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Inaugurating the 30th annual general meeting of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in the capital on Saturday (April 10), Minister Dhakal said that the government was making utmost efforts to control the Covid-19 pandemic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The dreadful situation of the past is knocking on us again,” he said, adding that the government would skip the idea of imposing lockdown if possible. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">He said that the country's tourism sector that suffered worst from the Covid-19 pandemic has witnessed some signs of progress in the recent days but threat looms large from the resurrection of the coronavirus infection. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, Minister Dhakal expressed his readiness for policy facilitation to resolve the problems existing in the country's mountaineering sector. He also said the area of cooperation between the government and private sector should be made broader for the tourism sector's prosperity and development. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Ministry's Secretary Yadav Prasad Koirala, NMA President Santa Bir Lama and others expressed their opinions on country's tourism and mountaineering sector calling for the NMA to stress on innovation and infrastructure development. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13012', 'image' => '20210411115124_20210120021529_1611099847.7.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 11:50:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13266', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Four companies occupy more than half of total internet service market share in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Four out of a total 40 internet service providers (ISPs) have captured more than a half of the internet service market share in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p>April 10:<br /> Four out of a total 40 internet service providers (ISPs) have captured more than a half of the internet service market share in Nepal.<br /> According to the latest Management Information System report released by Nepal Telecommunications Authority, four ISP—WorldLink Communications Ltd, Subisu Cablenet Pvt. Ltd, Vianet Communications Pvt. Ltd and Classic Tech—occupy 63% share in the broadband service market that includes 1.4 million internet service subscribers.</p> <p>WorldLink Communications Ltd has the highest internet subscriptions with 451,766 subscribers. This company alone occupies 32.34% market share alone, shows the MIS Report of Magh (between mid January and mid February). <br /> This is followed by Subisu Cablenet Pvt. Ltd which has 184,529 subscribers to hold 13.17% of the internet market share.</p> <p>With 9.45 percent market share and 132,442 subscribers, Vianet Communications Pvt. Ltd stands at third in the list of top internet service providers. Classic Tech occupies 9.11% market share with 127,761 subscribers.<br /> According to the MIS report, fixed broadband penetration has reached 22.62 percent of the total population compared to 61.47 percent of mobile broadband penetration. <br /> The low penetration of fixed broadband is attributed to the concentration of ISPs in urban areas.<br /> Fixed-broadband refers to high speed internet service delivery to a fixed location using wire or without use of wires.</p> <p>“Higher cost of expansions, higher taxes has dissuaded internet service providers to take service to rural areas. Due to geographical complexities and lack of basic infrastructure, ISPs alone can’t extend service to rural areas so we have been urging with the regulatory body for the establishment of Infrastructure Company,” Sudhir Parajuli, President of Internet Service Providers’ Association of Nepal (ISPAN), told New Business Age.</p> <p>Broadband Policy 2071 has a target to connect all local units with wired/wireless broadband service by 2020.</p> <p>Though the government has missed its target, officials say that they have expedited works to bring all local units under broadband network coverage.</p> <p>To facilitate broadband network expansion, Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has taken an initiative to build broadband network infrastructures utilizing Rural Telecommunication Development Fund (RTDF).</p> <p>Nepal Doorsanchar Company Ltd, the government-owned telecommunication company popularly known as Nepal Telecom, has implemented 18 broadband packages to connect 702 local units, 5,933 ward offices, 5,225 secondary schools and 4,122 health institutions of the country.</p> <p>According to the NTA, Nepal Telecom has achieved 78.35 of progress so far, providing connections to 550 local units, 4,474 ward offices, 3,792 secondary schools and 3,153 health institutions.</p> <p>Similarly, NTA has also been implementing three packages to lay optical fiber along Mid Hill Highway. NTA officials say that only 35.19 percent of works related to optical fiber has been completed. <br /> <br /> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-10', 'modified' => '2021-04-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13011', 'image' => '20210410025841_Internet Service.JPG', 'article_date' => '2021-04-10 14:57:09', 'homepage' => true, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '35' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13264', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Stakeholders says Policies and Programmes should Focus on Economic Revival', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Stakeholders have said that the government's annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year should focus on economic revival post COVID-19. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 9: Stakeholders have said that the government's annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year should focus on economic revival post COVID-19. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">In a virtual interaction programme organized by the Nepal Management Association on Wednesday (April 7), experts suggested that the policies and programmes should give priority to minimize the impacts of coronavirus on the economy and lives of people.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Kiran Kumar Shrestha, chairman of NMA and Chief Executive Officer of Rastriya Banijya Bank, said the government’s policies and programmes should focus on recovery and uplifting the economic sector affected by COVID-19. Rajan Bikram Thapa, director of Nepal Rastra Bank, had presented a paper during the programme.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Dr Bimala Rai Poudyal, a member of the National Assembly and former vice chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr Shankar Sharma, Dr Min Bahadur Shretha, Dr Govinda Nepal and economist Dr Bishwo Poudel had attended the virtual programme. Speakers of the programme stressed on the need to introduce compensation package for individuals, families, infrastructure projects and affected sectors.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Experts suggested to bring government-funded banks together and to promote agriculture and tourism sectors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Experts shared similar opinion in development of road network, policy reform to increase capital expenditure and effective management of public transportation. They also suggested to bring programmes that encourage electricity consumption, good governance and their effective monitoring. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13010', 'image' => '20210409035508_20200409120151_1586383527.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 15:54:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13262', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Export of Software Products Declines by 89 Percent ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Software export from Nepal has declined sharply by mid-February of the current fiscal year (FY 2020/21).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Times">April 9: Software export from Nepal has declined sharply by mid-February of the current fiscal year (FY 2020/21). In terms of volume, software export declined by about 89 percent in the first eight months of the current fiscal year.<br /> The data received from the customs department up to February this year showed that the exports have declined significantly compared to the last fiscal year. Only four software products were exported during the review period. According to the department, software products worth Rs 942,000 were exported to Japan during the review period.<br /> However, 36 software products worth Rs 18.72 million were exported in the corresponding period of the previous year. During that time, six software products were sold to China and 30 to Japan, according to the Department of Customs. Based on the amount, software products worth Rs 45.96 million were exported to China and Rs 18.72 million to Japan.<br /> During the fiscal year 2018/19, 48 software products worth Rs 239.82 million were exported from Nepal. Statistics show that export of software declined since last year.<br /> During the coronavirus pandemic, the information technology (IT) sector in most countries of the world has leapfrogged to a great extent. However, this fact has made it clear that Nepal's IT sector has declined.<br /> Nawaraj Kunwar, president of the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), said that the decline in software production was due to the coronavirus crisis.<br /> He also said that exports declined due to low demand from foreign customers.<br /> "We make and export software as per the demand of foreign customers," he said. “But this time, the coronavirus affected foreign companies and industries. They have since cut down software purchases,” he added.<br /> Although the IT sector of most of the countries in the world progressed during the coronavirus crisis, Kunwar admits that the IT sector of Nepal has not been able catch up with the big economies. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Times">"The only sector that coronavirus has not affected is the IT industry. But, we have not been able to take advantage of that opportunity,” he said. On top of that, it has not been possible to work safely due to the infection. As a result, non-cooperation has curbed the development of the IT sector.<br /> Compared to other countries, the cost of Nepal’s IT manpower is less expensive. As a result, software products can be made in Nepal at a low cost. According to CAN president Kunwar, foreigners are trying to buy software from Nepal as it is cheaper than other countries. He said that the country can export a large amount of software with good promotion and marketing.<br /> Stating that Nepal can produce and export a large amount of software products with the support from the government, Kunwar said that the government should also use software made in Nepal and promote domestic IT companies. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13009', 'image' => '20210409114029_Dailysun-2019-08-16-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 11:39:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13263', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' PM Oli Calls for Increasing Production and Jobs ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the business community to focus on increasing production and productivity, and thereby employment generation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the business community to focus on increasing production and productivity, and thereby employment generation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Inaugurating the 70th annual general meeting of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) in the capital on Thursday (April 8), the Prime Minister said that resource mobilisation should be stressed for enhancing production and productivity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Asking the business persons and entrepreneurs to invest more for increasing production and productivity, the Prime Minister said that the government was working to clear policy and procedural hassles that could surface to that end. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The processes are supposed to be more simplified, the Prime Minister said, while promising to unveil one-stop service to facilitate the service delivery and end administrative burden. He also assured to further simplify the government policies and reform programmes to ensure investment-friendly environment in the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Suggesting that the business sector should import only consumer goods and increase the production of export-oriented goods, PM Oli said that the country's trade deficit could be narrowed down through import replacement and export promotion. "Move ahead with the commitment and self-confidence to build the nation. The government is ready to assist you," PM Oli added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Saying that the government has moved ahead with a clear vision for nation's industrial development, the PM expected the private sector's support to translate that vision into reality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, PM Oli expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of coronavirus infection of late and urged one and all to apply precautions. In view of rising cases of the COVID-19, the PM was of the view that all citizens should be aware not to create the situation that again brings the country to a halt. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Also speaking at the same programme, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekhraj Bhatta assured government support for the promotion of the private sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, Chairman of NCC Rajeshkaji Shrestha said that country's economy is severely affected due to COVID-19 crisis and billions of rupees invested in tourism and some other sectors were at risk. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13008', 'image' => '20210409115900_20200305102040_oli.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 11:58:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 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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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called people of Nepalese origin living in various countries across the globe to invest in Nepal by utilizing the present peaceful and favourable atmosphere. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">PM Oli urged the non-resident Nepalis (NRN) to promote investment in Nepal while addressing them via Zoom platform from his official residence in Baluwatar on the occasion of the New Year 2078. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"There are no problems such as strike in industry at present. Joint venture is encouraged in the mega development projects. You can relay this message to the investors from across the globe," PM Oli said, reminding that the NRN enjoys the rights except the political ones in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">He made it clear that the government does not discriminate the Nepalis irrespective of the countries they stay in. "The current government is cordial and cooperative to the Nepali diaspora and wishes it retained the pride of being Nepali," he stressed. --RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-15', 'modified' => '2021-04-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13022', 'image' => '20210415111540_20200408103322_1586298786.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-15 11:14:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13276', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Pledges Balanced Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is preparing to announce budget by including economic revival programmes and the agendas championed by the ruling party during the election.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 14: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is preparing to announce budget by including economic revival programmes and the agendas championed by the ruling party during the election.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organised by the Finance Committee of House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 13), Minister Poudel said that the government has given due consideration to all the basic principles of budget preparation to bring a balanced budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">According to Minister Poudel, the upcoming budget will help the country cope with the adverse situation created by Covid-19. He said that the government has given special attention to economic revival packages. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Minister Poudel said that the upcoming budget will also help the country fulfill the required criteria to graduate from a least developed country to a developing country. It will also help in increasing production and make the economy self-reliant, according to the minister. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-14', 'modified' => '2021-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13021', 'image' => '20210414015337_20210110034934_1610265858.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-14 13:52:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13275', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Map, Peace Pact Major Success in 2077: President Bhandari ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the year 2077 BS saw notable achievements in political, social and economic fronts. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12px"><em><span style="font-family:Cambria">President Bidya Devi Bhandari with winners of Nubiz Business Women Summit and Awards 2021<span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> in this file photo.</span></span></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 14: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the year 2077 BS saw notable achievements in political, social and economic fronts. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In her message of best wishes on the occasion of the New Year 2078 BS on Wednesday (April 14), President Bhandari said consensus among all political parties in amending the constitution to change the coat of arms with political map incorporating Nepal's territory – Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura and entrance of some groups into peaceful politics shunning the politics of violence were crucial from political front. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Among other achievements are the UN recommendation for Nepal to graduate to the status of developing country from the Least Developed Country, Nepal becoming the happiest country in the South Asia as per the Global Happiness Report and government's effective response to Covid-19 –pandemic. </span> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"Yet coronavirus has posed a big challenge for us. Vaccine against the virus would be gradually made available to all the citizens. I would like to call upon one and all to adopt precautionary measures to remain safe from virus infection and also keep ones' daily life in a practical manner", the President said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to her, completion of the reconstruction of the Rani Pokhari and Durbar High School within 2077 BS were crucial for the government. Bhandari viewed that distribution of water from the much-awaited Melamchi Drinking Water Project could be taken as another notable social economic progress achieved in this Nepali year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the message reads, “Time, as a river, is ever flowing. Its current cannot be contained by anyone. Those countries optimizing the precious time have remained atop in terms of socio-economic developments. We should timely acknowledge the importance of the time and expedite the process of development of physical infrastructures.” -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-14', 'modified' => '2021-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13020', 'image' => '20210414093214_20210131083603__J4A1895 - Copy.JPG', 'article_date' => '2021-04-14 09:30:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13274', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Export Competitiveness Key to Nepal’s Recovery: World Bank Report ', 'sub_title' => 'Economy projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021 due to easing of social distancing and good monsoons ', 'summary' => 'April 13: After contracting for the first time in 40 years in FY2020, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 13: After contracting for the first time in 40 years in FY2020, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021, driven primarily by services as social distancing measures continue to be relaxed and vaccines rolled out for priority populations. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the World Bank, agriculture is also expected to perform well, on the back of recent favorable monsoons. Issuing a statement on Monday, April 12, the World Bank said citing its latest Nepal Development Update that exports could be a powerful platform to boost post-pandemic recovery and enable Nepal to transition towards green, resilient, and inclusive development. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The update notes that the tourism sector may not fully recover without reforms to readjust to a post-COVID-19 tourism market. The current account deficit is expected to widen marginally in FY2021 to 1.2 percent of GDP as imports and remittances recover modestly while exports remain tepid, the statement added. Revenue performance is also expected to remain weak. This coupled with additional spending on economic relief measures, vaccinations, and the resumption of project implementation should contribute to increase the fiscal deficit close to 7 percent of GDP in FY2021. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">While the government has outlined a program to address the impacts of COVID-19 to mitigate the attendant risks to the outlook, the Nepal Development Update highlights the importance of improving export competitiveness for a resilient economic recovery. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Nepal’s untapped export potential is estimated to be around US$9.2 billion, 12 times its actual annual merchandise exports,” said Dr Kene Ezemenari, World Bank’s Senior Economist and lead author of the update. “This export potential represents an opportunity to create an estimated 220,000 new jobs, with significant implications for productivity growth.” </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The report outlines six key priorities for Nepal to achieve its export potential. These include reforming the tourism sector for a quick and resilient recovery; simplifying and streamlining processes to attract more FDI; modernizing export promotion and upgrading exporters’ capabilities; reducing trade costs; investing in phytosantary and quality control-related infrastructure; and boosting digital trade and e-commerce for more opportunities linked to global value chains.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Nepal's economy is on the path to recovery amid the severe impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic which affected people lives and livelihoods, and businesses,” the statement quoted Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel as saying. “The recommendations that can help harness the potential of exports in supporting Nepal’s economic recovery are in line with the government’s policies and priorities. The Government of Nepal is working together with development partners and the private sector on a green, resilient and inclusive development agenda to help Nepal build back better and greener from the pandemic.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“We welcome the government’s planned reforms to support Nepal’s green, resilient, and inclusive development. This will be the foundation for Nepal to emerge stronger from the crisis,” stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13019', 'image' => '20210413033226_172695240_10157534865266467_80747360173969244_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 15:30:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13273', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Retailers set Vegetable Prices Arbitrarily ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Retailers have been found charging customers arbitrarily for vegetables. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 13: Retailers have been found charging customers arbitrarily for vegetables. The retailers in Kalimat and Balkhu areas have been allegedly selling vegetables at double the prices than that fixed by the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20201201041204_20200925113442_1600988958.Clipboard06.jpg" style="height:180px; width:320px" /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Stakeholders say that that the customers are being charged higher prices for vegetables due to the negligence shown by the government authorities in market monitoring. Traders are charging recklessly for almost all green vegetables such as cauliflower, cucumber, carrot, broccoli, lady’s finger, tomato among others. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to the price list fixed by the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market on April 12, cauliflower costs Rs 50 per kg but it cost Rs 80-Rs 90 in the retail market. Local cucumber costs Rs 90 per kg in the wholesale market while it cost Rs 110 in the retail market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Likewise, broccoli costs Rs 90 in the wholesale market and Rs 130 in the retail market. Carrot that costs Rs 50 per kg at the wholesale market is being sold for Rs 80 per kg in the retail market. Retailers are charging Rs 150 per kg for lady’s finger which is Rs 50 higher than the price set by the wholesale market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Retail markets located in Kirtipur, Kalanki, Kuleshwor, Kalimati, Lagankhel and other places are charging customers unreasonably. According to Gita Prasad Acharya, president of the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Entrepreneurs Committee, there has been no problem in importing vegetables from India and neighboring districts. So it is not justifiable to hike the prices of vegetables in the retail market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Mahav Timilsina, president of Consumer Rights Research Forum said they have sought attention of the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection in this regard. He said that the government authority has not taken any action in monitoring of the market so the retailers have got the opportunity to increase the prices arbitrarily. Stakeholders have demanded not only the department but also the local government to intervene in market monitoring in the days to come. </span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20200806125217_1595453904.Clipboard03.jpg" style="height:450px; width:800px" /></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13018', 'image' => '20210413013719_20191111010938_aaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 13:35:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13272', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Remittance Inflow up by 8.6 Percent in 8 Months of Current Fiscal Year ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the current fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 13: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the current fiscal year. Nepal received Rs 642.14 billion in remittance in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, according to Nepal Rastra Bank. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Issuing the current macroeconomic and financial situation of the country on Monday, the central bank said remittance inflows increased 8.6 percent to Rs 642.14 billion in the review period compared to 1.5 percent in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the US Dollar terms, remittance inflows increased 5.0 percent to 5.45 billion in the review period compared to 1.5 percent in the same period of the previous year, the report further said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to NRB, the current account remained at a deficit of Rs 148.68 billion compared to a deficit of Rs 119.70 billion in the same period of the previous year. In the US Dollar terms, the current account registered a deficit of Rs 1.27 billion in the review period compared to a deficit of Rs 1.05 billion in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the central bank said that number of Nepali workers taking approval for foreign employment decreased 74.8 percent in the review period. It had increased 24.2 percent in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The number of Nepali workers (renew entry) taking approval for foreign employment decreased 65.2 percent in the review period, according to the NRB. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the Balance of Payments (BOP) registered a surplus of Rs 68 billion as compared to a surplus of Rs 37.84 billion in the same period of the previous year, the central bank stated. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13017', 'image' => '20210413120722_20201223115642_20200930060036_1601420921.Clipboard24.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 12:06:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13271', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' South Korea Extends Visa Term of Nepali Migrant Workers ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 12: The visa term of all the migrant workers, including Nepalis, working in South Korea is to be extended by one year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 12: The visa term of all the migrant workers, including Nepalis, working in South Korea is to be extended by one year. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Ministry of Justice in South Korea stated that a rule has been endorsed allowing the workers, whose visa term had expired and who could not return to their home countries due to the Coronavirus pandemic, to get their visa term extended for one year from April 13. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Migrants Trade Union (MTU) president Udaya Rai said the visa term of workers would be extended by one year. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With this extension, the total stay of workers in South Korea would be of five years and 10 months. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to Rai no foreign migrant worker has entered South Korea for 13 months except some workers from Cambodia. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It is said the South Korean government brought this rule in order to fulfill the shortage of workers and to provide relief to those workers unable to return to their home country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. -- RSS </span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-12', 'modified' => '2021-04-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13016', 'image' => '20210412043708_Flag-Pins-Nep.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-12 16:36:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13270', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Lack of Laws Delaying Operation of Kurtha-Jayanagar Rail Service', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: Lack of laws is preventing the operation of railway service on Kurtha-Jayanagar route despite all preparations.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 11: Lack of laws is preventing the operation of railway service on Kurtha-Jayanagar route despite all preparations. The railway track constructed with the financial assistance of the Government of India had been completed last year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The train bought by the government for the railway service was brought six months back. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Guru Bhattarai, General Manager of Nepal Railway Company Pvt Ltd, said the entire human resources and other technicians required for operating the railway service were managed after the arrival of the train. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, the railway service will be operated soon after the required laws are formulated. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The company stated that an agreement has already been reached with the Government of India for the required technical and human resources and to bring the rail engine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"We have not been able to bring the engine due to the lack of related legislation. We will be in a position to bring the engine once the laws are passed," said General Manager Bhattarai, adding that an agreement has been signed with India for bringing some human resources required for operating the railway service. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"They (the Indian technicians and railway workers) are ready to come to Nepal. We can bring them immediately when required," said Bhattarai. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has already completed the technical preparations for the operation of the Kurtha-Jayanagar railway service. The train set was purchased from the Indian company, Konkon Company. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It has been reported that 26 technical and human resources are being brought from India in coordination with the company. They include pilot, station master, power manager, senior traffic manager, among others. General Manager Bhattarai said that Nepali staff and other technicians have been already managed for the operation of the railway service. Armed Police Force (APF) will be responsible for the security and safety of the rail and the company's equipment and goods. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Railway Department said 1,200 to 1,300 passengers, including those seated and standing, can travel by the train. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"Fixing a fare price rate for the tickets has already been decided," said Bhattarai. The company has proposed a fair rate in collaboration with the concerned ministry. Travelling 35 kilometers costs Rs 75, according to the fare price list. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"The company will soon provide a week-long training session to Nepali workers," said Bhattarai, adding that those workers having prior experience in the railway sector will be prioritized. "Regular operation will take place in two to three weeks," he said. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13015', 'image' => '20210411051156_20210120113335_1611012622.Clipboard09.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 17:11:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13269', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Poultry Industry Loses Rs 35 billion in a Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: The poultry industry of Nepal has recorded a loss of Rs 35 billion in one year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 11: The poultry industry of Nepal has recorded a loss of Rs 35 billion in one year. This sector reported such a heavy loss since the outbreak of coronavirus.<br /> According to the Federation of Nepalese Poultry Entrepreneurs, hotels, restaurants, party palaces, and other places which consume meat in large quantities were closed for a long time, causing heavy losses to the poultry industry.<br /> According to stakeholders, the poultry industry had to bear daily loss of Rs 219.5 million during the six-month-long lockdown.<br /> According to Guna Chandra Bista, president of the Federation of Poultry Entrepreneurs, the poultry business faced an estimated loss of around Rs 35 billion.<br /> According to him, the Hatchery Industry Association had to destroy around 600,000 chickens daily during the six-month-long lockdown. During that period, the poultry farmers had to bury 4 million chickens.<br /> The hatchery industry bore the maximum loss, followed by poultry and egg farmers. Likewise, cold storage centers also faced loss along with the farmers.<br /> Even though the losses have declined, the poultry sector is still suffering from the impact. Entrepreneurs say that the prices of chicken, grains, and meat have gone up.<br /> Entrepreneurs estimate that it will take another two years for the country’s poultry sector to return to its old rhythm. Nepal's overall poultry business contributes Rs 180 billion to the gross domestic product.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13014', 'image' => '20210411050124_20160613051853_20160613104208_Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 17:00:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13268', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'FNCCI presents ‘Vision Paper 2030’ with an Objective to create 2.2 Million Jobs', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and lndustry (FNCCI) has prepared the ‘Vision Paper 2030’ under an ambitious ten-year plan with an objective to expand the country's economy to US$ 100 billon and create 2.2 million jobs. ', 'content' => '<p><em>55th AGM of FNCCI. Photo Courtesy: FNCCI </em></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 11: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and lndustry (FNCCI) has prepared the ‘Vision Paper 2030’ under an ambitious ten-year plan with an objective to expand the country's economy to US$ 100 billon and create 2.2 million jobs. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The paper was presented at the 55th annual general meeting of FNCCI held on Saturday, April 10. It aims to increase the volume of the country's economy to US$ 100 billion from US$ 35 billion per year. The federation estimates an investment of US$ 150 billion is required to achieve this ambitious plan. The private sector will invest US$ 108 billion in accordance to the plan. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">To achieve this plan, FNCCI has put forward 100 projects which include growth of small and cottage industries, revival of tourism industry, digital economy, promotion of startups and innovative business, women entrepreneurship development project, rural economy, investment promotion and utilization of remittance. Likewise, the vision paper has been prepared with plans to increase the volume of export, promote urban development, agriculture, optical fiber network, energy, operation of railways and ships.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Shekhar Golchha, president of FNCCI, said before presenting the paper that the federation was working on this project by forming various committees. “Committees related to agriculture enterprise center, information and technology, foreign employment forum, energy have already started their respective work,” he said, adding, “The Innovation Committee is working to generate 50 new entrepreneurs in the next two years through 50 startups, 50 investors project.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">He stated that entrepreneurs are facing problems due to the government’s unrealistic monitoring and poor perspective towards them. Likewise, acts and regulations of the country aren’t private sector friendly, he said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The federation has provided suggestions to bring 14 policy-level reforms for the projects included in the vision paper. According to the federation, policies which need amendment are Black Market and Other Social Crimes and Proceedings Act 2032, Revenue Tribunal Act 2063, Public Procurement Act 2063, Consumer Protection Act 2075, Industrial Enterprise Act 2076, Land Act 2021, Money Laundering Act 2052, Environmental Protection Act 2076, Revenue Leakage Act 2052, Value Added Tax Act 2052, Contribution Based Social Security Act 2074, Patent Design and Trademark Act 2022 and Bank and Financial Institution Debt Recovery Act 2058.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">FNCCI President Golchha said that the government’s support is very essential to implement the 10-year plan prepared by the federation. He said that 40 projects will be completed in the next two years for which the government’s support is vital. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Speaking at the program, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli claimed that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country. Stating that the protest programmes have come to an end, there wouldn’t be any better environment for private sector than this, and the policies are being prepared accordingly. He expressed commitment to make private sector-friendly policies. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Claiming that significant works have been done during his tenure, projects with investment of Rs 500,000 are required to develop the country. PM Oli said that the government itself is working to amend the policies and expressed further commitment to fulfill the private sector’s demands in terms of policy reforms. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13013', 'image' => '20210412042352_170742340_4202933359740983_988237255672916884_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 13:54:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13267', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govt to Avoid Lockdown if Possible: Tourism Minister ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said the government was preparing to avoid lockdown as far as possible for the containment of second wave of coronavirus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 11: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said the government was preparing to avoid lockdown as far as possible for the containment of second wave of coronavirus. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Inaugurating the 30th annual general meeting of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in the capital on Saturday (April 10), Minister Dhakal said that the government was making utmost efforts to control the Covid-19 pandemic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The dreadful situation of the past is knocking on us again,” he said, adding that the government would skip the idea of imposing lockdown if possible. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">He said that the country's tourism sector that suffered worst from the Covid-19 pandemic has witnessed some signs of progress in the recent days but threat looms large from the resurrection of the coronavirus infection. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, Minister Dhakal expressed his readiness for policy facilitation to resolve the problems existing in the country's mountaineering sector. He also said the area of cooperation between the government and private sector should be made broader for the tourism sector's prosperity and development. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Ministry's Secretary Yadav Prasad Koirala, NMA President Santa Bir Lama and others expressed their opinions on country's tourism and mountaineering sector calling for the NMA to stress on innovation and infrastructure development. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13012', 'image' => '20210411115124_20210120021529_1611099847.7.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 11:50:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13266', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Four companies occupy more than half of total internet service market share in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Four out of a total 40 internet service providers (ISPs) have captured more than a half of the internet service market share in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p>April 10:<br /> Four out of a total 40 internet service providers (ISPs) have captured more than a half of the internet service market share in Nepal.<br /> According to the latest Management Information System report released by Nepal Telecommunications Authority, four ISP—WorldLink Communications Ltd, Subisu Cablenet Pvt. Ltd, Vianet Communications Pvt. Ltd and Classic Tech—occupy 63% share in the broadband service market that includes 1.4 million internet service subscribers.</p> <p>WorldLink Communications Ltd has the highest internet subscriptions with 451,766 subscribers. This company alone occupies 32.34% market share alone, shows the MIS Report of Magh (between mid January and mid February). <br /> This is followed by Subisu Cablenet Pvt. Ltd which has 184,529 subscribers to hold 13.17% of the internet market share.</p> <p>With 9.45 percent market share and 132,442 subscribers, Vianet Communications Pvt. Ltd stands at third in the list of top internet service providers. Classic Tech occupies 9.11% market share with 127,761 subscribers.<br /> According to the MIS report, fixed broadband penetration has reached 22.62 percent of the total population compared to 61.47 percent of mobile broadband penetration. <br /> The low penetration of fixed broadband is attributed to the concentration of ISPs in urban areas.<br /> Fixed-broadband refers to high speed internet service delivery to a fixed location using wire or without use of wires.</p> <p>“Higher cost of expansions, higher taxes has dissuaded internet service providers to take service to rural areas. Due to geographical complexities and lack of basic infrastructure, ISPs alone can’t extend service to rural areas so we have been urging with the regulatory body for the establishment of Infrastructure Company,” Sudhir Parajuli, President of Internet Service Providers’ Association of Nepal (ISPAN), told New Business Age.</p> <p>Broadband Policy 2071 has a target to connect all local units with wired/wireless broadband service by 2020.</p> <p>Though the government has missed its target, officials say that they have expedited works to bring all local units under broadband network coverage.</p> <p>To facilitate broadband network expansion, Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has taken an initiative to build broadband network infrastructures utilizing Rural Telecommunication Development Fund (RTDF).</p> <p>Nepal Doorsanchar Company Ltd, the government-owned telecommunication company popularly known as Nepal Telecom, has implemented 18 broadband packages to connect 702 local units, 5,933 ward offices, 5,225 secondary schools and 4,122 health institutions of the country.</p> <p>According to the NTA, Nepal Telecom has achieved 78.35 of progress so far, providing connections to 550 local units, 4,474 ward offices, 3,792 secondary schools and 3,153 health institutions.</p> <p>Similarly, NTA has also been implementing three packages to lay optical fiber along Mid Hill Highway. NTA officials say that only 35.19 percent of works related to optical fiber has been completed. <br /> <br /> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-10', 'modified' => '2021-04-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13011', 'image' => '20210410025841_Internet Service.JPG', 'article_date' => '2021-04-10 14:57:09', 'homepage' => true, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '35' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13264', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Stakeholders says Policies and Programmes should Focus on Economic Revival', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Stakeholders have said that the government's annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year should focus on economic revival post COVID-19. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 9: Stakeholders have said that the government's annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year should focus on economic revival post COVID-19. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">In a virtual interaction programme organized by the Nepal Management Association on Wednesday (April 7), experts suggested that the policies and programmes should give priority to minimize the impacts of coronavirus on the economy and lives of people.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Kiran Kumar Shrestha, chairman of NMA and Chief Executive Officer of Rastriya Banijya Bank, said the government’s policies and programmes should focus on recovery and uplifting the economic sector affected by COVID-19. Rajan Bikram Thapa, director of Nepal Rastra Bank, had presented a paper during the programme.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Dr Bimala Rai Poudyal, a member of the National Assembly and former vice chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr Shankar Sharma, Dr Min Bahadur Shretha, Dr Govinda Nepal and economist Dr Bishwo Poudel had attended the virtual programme. Speakers of the programme stressed on the need to introduce compensation package for individuals, families, infrastructure projects and affected sectors.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Experts suggested to bring government-funded banks together and to promote agriculture and tourism sectors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Experts shared similar opinion in development of road network, policy reform to increase capital expenditure and effective management of public transportation. They also suggested to bring programmes that encourage electricity consumption, good governance and their effective monitoring. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13010', 'image' => '20210409035508_20200409120151_1586383527.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 15:54:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13262', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Export of Software Products Declines by 89 Percent ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Software export from Nepal has declined sharply by mid-February of the current fiscal year (FY 2020/21).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Times">April 9: Software export from Nepal has declined sharply by mid-February of the current fiscal year (FY 2020/21). In terms of volume, software export declined by about 89 percent in the first eight months of the current fiscal year.<br /> The data received from the customs department up to February this year showed that the exports have declined significantly compared to the last fiscal year. Only four software products were exported during the review period. According to the department, software products worth Rs 942,000 were exported to Japan during the review period.<br /> However, 36 software products worth Rs 18.72 million were exported in the corresponding period of the previous year. During that time, six software products were sold to China and 30 to Japan, according to the Department of Customs. Based on the amount, software products worth Rs 45.96 million were exported to China and Rs 18.72 million to Japan.<br /> During the fiscal year 2018/19, 48 software products worth Rs 239.82 million were exported from Nepal. Statistics show that export of software declined since last year.<br /> During the coronavirus pandemic, the information technology (IT) sector in most countries of the world has leapfrogged to a great extent. However, this fact has made it clear that Nepal's IT sector has declined.<br /> Nawaraj Kunwar, president of the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), said that the decline in software production was due to the coronavirus crisis.<br /> He also said that exports declined due to low demand from foreign customers.<br /> "We make and export software as per the demand of foreign customers," he said. “But this time, the coronavirus affected foreign companies and industries. They have since cut down software purchases,” he added.<br /> Although the IT sector of most of the countries in the world progressed during the coronavirus crisis, Kunwar admits that the IT sector of Nepal has not been able catch up with the big economies. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Times">"The only sector that coronavirus has not affected is the IT industry. But, we have not been able to take advantage of that opportunity,” he said. On top of that, it has not been possible to work safely due to the infection. As a result, non-cooperation has curbed the development of the IT sector.<br /> Compared to other countries, the cost of Nepal’s IT manpower is less expensive. As a result, software products can be made in Nepal at a low cost. According to CAN president Kunwar, foreigners are trying to buy software from Nepal as it is cheaper than other countries. He said that the country can export a large amount of software with good promotion and marketing.<br /> Stating that Nepal can produce and export a large amount of software products with the support from the government, Kunwar said that the government should also use software made in Nepal and promote domestic IT companies. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13009', 'image' => '20210409114029_Dailysun-2019-08-16-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 11:39:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13263', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' PM Oli Calls for Increasing Production and Jobs ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the business community to focus on increasing production and productivity, and thereby employment generation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the business community to focus on increasing production and productivity, and thereby employment generation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Inaugurating the 70th annual general meeting of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) in the capital on Thursday (April 8), the Prime Minister said that resource mobilisation should be stressed for enhancing production and productivity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Asking the business persons and entrepreneurs to invest more for increasing production and productivity, the Prime Minister said that the government was working to clear policy and procedural hassles that could surface to that end. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The processes are supposed to be more simplified, the Prime Minister said, while promising to unveil one-stop service to facilitate the service delivery and end administrative burden. He also assured to further simplify the government policies and reform programmes to ensure investment-friendly environment in the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Suggesting that the business sector should import only consumer goods and increase the production of export-oriented goods, PM Oli said that the country's trade deficit could be narrowed down through import replacement and export promotion. "Move ahead with the commitment and self-confidence to build the nation. The government is ready to assist you," PM Oli added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Saying that the government has moved ahead with a clear vision for nation's industrial development, the PM expected the private sector's support to translate that vision into reality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, PM Oli expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of coronavirus infection of late and urged one and all to apply precautions. In view of rising cases of the COVID-19, the PM was of the view that all citizens should be aware not to create the situation that again brings the country to a halt. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Also speaking at the same programme, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekhraj Bhatta assured government support for the promotion of the private sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, Chairman of NCC Rajeshkaji Shrestha said that country's economy is severely affected due to COVID-19 crisis and billions of rupees invested in tourism and some other sectors were at risk. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13008', 'image' => '20210409115900_20200305102040_oli.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 11:58:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 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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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called people of Nepalese origin living in various countries across the globe to invest in Nepal by utilizing the present peaceful and favourable atmosphere. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">PM Oli urged the non-resident Nepalis (NRN) to promote investment in Nepal while addressing them via Zoom platform from his official residence in Baluwatar on the occasion of the New Year 2078. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"There are no problems such as strike in industry at present. Joint venture is encouraged in the mega development projects. You can relay this message to the investors from across the globe," PM Oli said, reminding that the NRN enjoys the rights except the political ones in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">He made it clear that the government does not discriminate the Nepalis irrespective of the countries they stay in. "The current government is cordial and cooperative to the Nepali diaspora and wishes it retained the pride of being Nepali," he stressed. --RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-15', 'modified' => '2021-04-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13022', 'image' => '20210415111540_20200408103322_1586298786.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-15 11:14:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13276', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Pledges Balanced Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is preparing to announce budget by including economic revival programmes and the agendas championed by the ruling party during the election.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 14: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is preparing to announce budget by including economic revival programmes and the agendas championed by the ruling party during the election.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organised by the Finance Committee of House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 13), Minister Poudel said that the government has given due consideration to all the basic principles of budget preparation to bring a balanced budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">According to Minister Poudel, the upcoming budget will help the country cope with the adverse situation created by Covid-19. He said that the government has given special attention to economic revival packages. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Minister Poudel said that the upcoming budget will also help the country fulfill the required criteria to graduate from a least developed country to a developing country. It will also help in increasing production and make the economy self-reliant, according to the minister. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-14', 'modified' => '2021-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13021', 'image' => '20210414015337_20210110034934_1610265858.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-14 13:52:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13275', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Map, Peace Pact Major Success in 2077: President Bhandari ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the year 2077 BS saw notable achievements in political, social and economic fronts. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12px"><em><span style="font-family:Cambria">President Bidya Devi Bhandari with winners of Nubiz Business Women Summit and Awards 2021<span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> in this file photo.</span></span></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 14: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the year 2077 BS saw notable achievements in political, social and economic fronts. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In her message of best wishes on the occasion of the New Year 2078 BS on Wednesday (April 14), President Bhandari said consensus among all political parties in amending the constitution to change the coat of arms with political map incorporating Nepal's territory – Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura and entrance of some groups into peaceful politics shunning the politics of violence were crucial from political front. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Among other achievements are the UN recommendation for Nepal to graduate to the status of developing country from the Least Developed Country, Nepal becoming the happiest country in the South Asia as per the Global Happiness Report and government's effective response to Covid-19 –pandemic. </span> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"Yet coronavirus has posed a big challenge for us. Vaccine against the virus would be gradually made available to all the citizens. I would like to call upon one and all to adopt precautionary measures to remain safe from virus infection and also keep ones' daily life in a practical manner", the President said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to her, completion of the reconstruction of the Rani Pokhari and Durbar High School within 2077 BS were crucial for the government. Bhandari viewed that distribution of water from the much-awaited Melamchi Drinking Water Project could be taken as another notable social economic progress achieved in this Nepali year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the message reads, “Time, as a river, is ever flowing. Its current cannot be contained by anyone. Those countries optimizing the precious time have remained atop in terms of socio-economic developments. We should timely acknowledge the importance of the time and expedite the process of development of physical infrastructures.” -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-14', 'modified' => '2021-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13020', 'image' => '20210414093214_20210131083603__J4A1895 - Copy.JPG', 'article_date' => '2021-04-14 09:30:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13274', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Export Competitiveness Key to Nepal’s Recovery: World Bank Report ', 'sub_title' => 'Economy projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021 due to easing of social distancing and good monsoons ', 'summary' => 'April 13: After contracting for the first time in 40 years in FY2020, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 13: After contracting for the first time in 40 years in FY2020, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021, driven primarily by services as social distancing measures continue to be relaxed and vaccines rolled out for priority populations. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the World Bank, agriculture is also expected to perform well, on the back of recent favorable monsoons. Issuing a statement on Monday, April 12, the World Bank said citing its latest Nepal Development Update that exports could be a powerful platform to boost post-pandemic recovery and enable Nepal to transition towards green, resilient, and inclusive development. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The update notes that the tourism sector may not fully recover without reforms to readjust to a post-COVID-19 tourism market. The current account deficit is expected to widen marginally in FY2021 to 1.2 percent of GDP as imports and remittances recover modestly while exports remain tepid, the statement added. Revenue performance is also expected to remain weak. This coupled with additional spending on economic relief measures, vaccinations, and the resumption of project implementation should contribute to increase the fiscal deficit close to 7 percent of GDP in FY2021. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">While the government has outlined a program to address the impacts of COVID-19 to mitigate the attendant risks to the outlook, the Nepal Development Update highlights the importance of improving export competitiveness for a resilient economic recovery. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Nepal’s untapped export potential is estimated to be around US$9.2 billion, 12 times its actual annual merchandise exports,” said Dr Kene Ezemenari, World Bank’s Senior Economist and lead author of the update. “This export potential represents an opportunity to create an estimated 220,000 new jobs, with significant implications for productivity growth.” </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The report outlines six key priorities for Nepal to achieve its export potential. These include reforming the tourism sector for a quick and resilient recovery; simplifying and streamlining processes to attract more FDI; modernizing export promotion and upgrading exporters’ capabilities; reducing trade costs; investing in phytosantary and quality control-related infrastructure; and boosting digital trade and e-commerce for more opportunities linked to global value chains.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Nepal's economy is on the path to recovery amid the severe impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic which affected people lives and livelihoods, and businesses,” the statement quoted Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel as saying. “The recommendations that can help harness the potential of exports in supporting Nepal’s economic recovery are in line with the government’s policies and priorities. The Government of Nepal is working together with development partners and the private sector on a green, resilient and inclusive development agenda to help Nepal build back better and greener from the pandemic.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“We welcome the government’s planned reforms to support Nepal’s green, resilient, and inclusive development. This will be the foundation for Nepal to emerge stronger from the crisis,” stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13019', 'image' => '20210413033226_172695240_10157534865266467_80747360173969244_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 15:30:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13273', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Retailers set Vegetable Prices Arbitrarily ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Retailers have been found charging customers arbitrarily for vegetables. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 13: Retailers have been found charging customers arbitrarily for vegetables. The retailers in Kalimat and Balkhu areas have been allegedly selling vegetables at double the prices than that fixed by the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20201201041204_20200925113442_1600988958.Clipboard06.jpg" style="height:180px; width:320px" /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Stakeholders say that that the customers are being charged higher prices for vegetables due to the negligence shown by the government authorities in market monitoring. Traders are charging recklessly for almost all green vegetables such as cauliflower, cucumber, carrot, broccoli, lady’s finger, tomato among others. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to the price list fixed by the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market on April 12, cauliflower costs Rs 50 per kg but it cost Rs 80-Rs 90 in the retail market. Local cucumber costs Rs 90 per kg in the wholesale market while it cost Rs 110 in the retail market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Likewise, broccoli costs Rs 90 in the wholesale market and Rs 130 in the retail market. Carrot that costs Rs 50 per kg at the wholesale market is being sold for Rs 80 per kg in the retail market. Retailers are charging Rs 150 per kg for lady’s finger which is Rs 50 higher than the price set by the wholesale market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Retail markets located in Kirtipur, Kalanki, Kuleshwor, Kalimati, Lagankhel and other places are charging customers unreasonably. According to Gita Prasad Acharya, president of the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Entrepreneurs Committee, there has been no problem in importing vegetables from India and neighboring districts. So it is not justifiable to hike the prices of vegetables in the retail market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Mahav Timilsina, president of Consumer Rights Research Forum said they have sought attention of the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection in this regard. He said that the government authority has not taken any action in monitoring of the market so the retailers have got the opportunity to increase the prices arbitrarily. Stakeholders have demanded not only the department but also the local government to intervene in market monitoring in the days to come. </span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20200806125217_1595453904.Clipboard03.jpg" style="height:450px; width:800px" /></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13018', 'image' => '20210413013719_20191111010938_aaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 13:35:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13272', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Remittance Inflow up by 8.6 Percent in 8 Months of Current Fiscal Year ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the current fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 13: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the current fiscal year. Nepal received Rs 642.14 billion in remittance in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, according to Nepal Rastra Bank. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Issuing the current macroeconomic and financial situation of the country on Monday, the central bank said remittance inflows increased 8.6 percent to Rs 642.14 billion in the review period compared to 1.5 percent in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the US Dollar terms, remittance inflows increased 5.0 percent to 5.45 billion in the review period compared to 1.5 percent in the same period of the previous year, the report further said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to NRB, the current account remained at a deficit of Rs 148.68 billion compared to a deficit of Rs 119.70 billion in the same period of the previous year. In the US Dollar terms, the current account registered a deficit of Rs 1.27 billion in the review period compared to a deficit of Rs 1.05 billion in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the central bank said that number of Nepali workers taking approval for foreign employment decreased 74.8 percent in the review period. It had increased 24.2 percent in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The number of Nepali workers (renew entry) taking approval for foreign employment decreased 65.2 percent in the review period, according to the NRB. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the Balance of Payments (BOP) registered a surplus of Rs 68 billion as compared to a surplus of Rs 37.84 billion in the same period of the previous year, the central bank stated. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13017', 'image' => '20210413120722_20201223115642_20200930060036_1601420921.Clipboard24.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 12:06:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13271', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' South Korea Extends Visa Term of Nepali Migrant Workers ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 12: The visa term of all the migrant workers, including Nepalis, working in South Korea is to be extended by one year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 12: The visa term of all the migrant workers, including Nepalis, working in South Korea is to be extended by one year. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Ministry of Justice in South Korea stated that a rule has been endorsed allowing the workers, whose visa term had expired and who could not return to their home countries due to the Coronavirus pandemic, to get their visa term extended for one year from April 13. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Migrants Trade Union (MTU) president Udaya Rai said the visa term of workers would be extended by one year. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With this extension, the total stay of workers in South Korea would be of five years and 10 months. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to Rai no foreign migrant worker has entered South Korea for 13 months except some workers from Cambodia. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It is said the South Korean government brought this rule in order to fulfill the shortage of workers and to provide relief to those workers unable to return to their home country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. -- RSS </span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-12', 'modified' => '2021-04-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13016', 'image' => '20210412043708_Flag-Pins-Nep.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-12 16:36:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13270', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Lack of Laws Delaying Operation of Kurtha-Jayanagar Rail Service', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: Lack of laws is preventing the operation of railway service on Kurtha-Jayanagar route despite all preparations.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 11: Lack of laws is preventing the operation of railway service on Kurtha-Jayanagar route despite all preparations. The railway track constructed with the financial assistance of the Government of India had been completed last year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The train bought by the government for the railway service was brought six months back. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Guru Bhattarai, General Manager of Nepal Railway Company Pvt Ltd, said the entire human resources and other technicians required for operating the railway service were managed after the arrival of the train. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, the railway service will be operated soon after the required laws are formulated. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The company stated that an agreement has already been reached with the Government of India for the required technical and human resources and to bring the rail engine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"We have not been able to bring the engine due to the lack of related legislation. We will be in a position to bring the engine once the laws are passed," said General Manager Bhattarai, adding that an agreement has been signed with India for bringing some human resources required for operating the railway service. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"They (the Indian technicians and railway workers) are ready to come to Nepal. We can bring them immediately when required," said Bhattarai. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has already completed the technical preparations for the operation of the Kurtha-Jayanagar railway service. The train set was purchased from the Indian company, Konkon Company. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It has been reported that 26 technical and human resources are being brought from India in coordination with the company. They include pilot, station master, power manager, senior traffic manager, among others. General Manager Bhattarai said that Nepali staff and other technicians have been already managed for the operation of the railway service. Armed Police Force (APF) will be responsible for the security and safety of the rail and the company's equipment and goods. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Railway Department said 1,200 to 1,300 passengers, including those seated and standing, can travel by the train. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"Fixing a fare price rate for the tickets has already been decided," said Bhattarai. The company has proposed a fair rate in collaboration with the concerned ministry. Travelling 35 kilometers costs Rs 75, according to the fare price list. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"The company will soon provide a week-long training session to Nepali workers," said Bhattarai, adding that those workers having prior experience in the railway sector will be prioritized. "Regular operation will take place in two to three weeks," he said. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13015', 'image' => '20210411051156_20210120113335_1611012622.Clipboard09.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 17:11:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13269', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Poultry Industry Loses Rs 35 billion in a Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: The poultry industry of Nepal has recorded a loss of Rs 35 billion in one year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 11: The poultry industry of Nepal has recorded a loss of Rs 35 billion in one year. This sector reported such a heavy loss since the outbreak of coronavirus.<br /> According to the Federation of Nepalese Poultry Entrepreneurs, hotels, restaurants, party palaces, and other places which consume meat in large quantities were closed for a long time, causing heavy losses to the poultry industry.<br /> According to stakeholders, the poultry industry had to bear daily loss of Rs 219.5 million during the six-month-long lockdown.<br /> According to Guna Chandra Bista, president of the Federation of Poultry Entrepreneurs, the poultry business faced an estimated loss of around Rs 35 billion.<br /> According to him, the Hatchery Industry Association had to destroy around 600,000 chickens daily during the six-month-long lockdown. During that period, the poultry farmers had to bury 4 million chickens.<br /> The hatchery industry bore the maximum loss, followed by poultry and egg farmers. Likewise, cold storage centers also faced loss along with the farmers.<br /> Even though the losses have declined, the poultry sector is still suffering from the impact. Entrepreneurs say that the prices of chicken, grains, and meat have gone up.<br /> Entrepreneurs estimate that it will take another two years for the country’s poultry sector to return to its old rhythm. Nepal's overall poultry business contributes Rs 180 billion to the gross domestic product.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13014', 'image' => '20210411050124_20160613051853_20160613104208_Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 17:00:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13268', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'FNCCI presents ‘Vision Paper 2030’ with an Objective to create 2.2 Million Jobs', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and lndustry (FNCCI) has prepared the ‘Vision Paper 2030’ under an ambitious ten-year plan with an objective to expand the country's economy to US$ 100 billon and create 2.2 million jobs. ', 'content' => '<p><em>55th AGM of FNCCI. Photo Courtesy: FNCCI </em></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 11: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and lndustry (FNCCI) has prepared the ‘Vision Paper 2030’ under an ambitious ten-year plan with an objective to expand the country's economy to US$ 100 billon and create 2.2 million jobs. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The paper was presented at the 55th annual general meeting of FNCCI held on Saturday, April 10. It aims to increase the volume of the country's economy to US$ 100 billion from US$ 35 billion per year. The federation estimates an investment of US$ 150 billion is required to achieve this ambitious plan. The private sector will invest US$ 108 billion in accordance to the plan. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">To achieve this plan, FNCCI has put forward 100 projects which include growth of small and cottage industries, revival of tourism industry, digital economy, promotion of startups and innovative business, women entrepreneurship development project, rural economy, investment promotion and utilization of remittance. Likewise, the vision paper has been prepared with plans to increase the volume of export, promote urban development, agriculture, optical fiber network, energy, operation of railways and ships.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Shekhar Golchha, president of FNCCI, said before presenting the paper that the federation was working on this project by forming various committees. “Committees related to agriculture enterprise center, information and technology, foreign employment forum, energy have already started their respective work,” he said, adding, “The Innovation Committee is working to generate 50 new entrepreneurs in the next two years through 50 startups, 50 investors project.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">He stated that entrepreneurs are facing problems due to the government’s unrealistic monitoring and poor perspective towards them. Likewise, acts and regulations of the country aren’t private sector friendly, he said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The federation has provided suggestions to bring 14 policy-level reforms for the projects included in the vision paper. According to the federation, policies which need amendment are Black Market and Other Social Crimes and Proceedings Act 2032, Revenue Tribunal Act 2063, Public Procurement Act 2063, Consumer Protection Act 2075, Industrial Enterprise Act 2076, Land Act 2021, Money Laundering Act 2052, Environmental Protection Act 2076, Revenue Leakage Act 2052, Value Added Tax Act 2052, Contribution Based Social Security Act 2074, Patent Design and Trademark Act 2022 and Bank and Financial Institution Debt Recovery Act 2058.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">FNCCI President Golchha said that the government’s support is very essential to implement the 10-year plan prepared by the federation. He said that 40 projects will be completed in the next two years for which the government’s support is vital. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Speaking at the program, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli claimed that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country. Stating that the protest programmes have come to an end, there wouldn’t be any better environment for private sector than this, and the policies are being prepared accordingly. He expressed commitment to make private sector-friendly policies. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Claiming that significant works have been done during his tenure, projects with investment of Rs 500,000 are required to develop the country. PM Oli said that the government itself is working to amend the policies and expressed further commitment to fulfill the private sector’s demands in terms of policy reforms. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13013', 'image' => '20210412042352_170742340_4202933359740983_988237255672916884_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 13:54:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13267', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govt to Avoid Lockdown if Possible: Tourism Minister ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said the government was preparing to avoid lockdown as far as possible for the containment of second wave of coronavirus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 11: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said the government was preparing to avoid lockdown as far as possible for the containment of second wave of coronavirus. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Inaugurating the 30th annual general meeting of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in the capital on Saturday (April 10), Minister Dhakal said that the government was making utmost efforts to control the Covid-19 pandemic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The dreadful situation of the past is knocking on us again,” he said, adding that the government would skip the idea of imposing lockdown if possible. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">He said that the country's tourism sector that suffered worst from the Covid-19 pandemic has witnessed some signs of progress in the recent days but threat looms large from the resurrection of the coronavirus infection. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, Minister Dhakal expressed his readiness for policy facilitation to resolve the problems existing in the country's mountaineering sector. He also said the area of cooperation between the government and private sector should be made broader for the tourism sector's prosperity and development. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Ministry's Secretary Yadav Prasad Koirala, NMA President Santa Bir Lama and others expressed their opinions on country's tourism and mountaineering sector calling for the NMA to stress on innovation and infrastructure development. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13012', 'image' => '20210411115124_20210120021529_1611099847.7.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 11:50:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13266', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Four companies occupy more than half of total internet service market share in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Four out of a total 40 internet service providers (ISPs) have captured more than a half of the internet service market share in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p>April 10:<br /> Four out of a total 40 internet service providers (ISPs) have captured more than a half of the internet service market share in Nepal.<br /> According to the latest Management Information System report released by Nepal Telecommunications Authority, four ISP—WorldLink Communications Ltd, Subisu Cablenet Pvt. Ltd, Vianet Communications Pvt. Ltd and Classic Tech—occupy 63% share in the broadband service market that includes 1.4 million internet service subscribers.</p> <p>WorldLink Communications Ltd has the highest internet subscriptions with 451,766 subscribers. This company alone occupies 32.34% market share alone, shows the MIS Report of Magh (between mid January and mid February). <br /> This is followed by Subisu Cablenet Pvt. Ltd which has 184,529 subscribers to hold 13.17% of the internet market share.</p> <p>With 9.45 percent market share and 132,442 subscribers, Vianet Communications Pvt. Ltd stands at third in the list of top internet service providers. Classic Tech occupies 9.11% market share with 127,761 subscribers.<br /> According to the MIS report, fixed broadband penetration has reached 22.62 percent of the total population compared to 61.47 percent of mobile broadband penetration. <br /> The low penetration of fixed broadband is attributed to the concentration of ISPs in urban areas.<br /> Fixed-broadband refers to high speed internet service delivery to a fixed location using wire or without use of wires.</p> <p>“Higher cost of expansions, higher taxes has dissuaded internet service providers to take service to rural areas. Due to geographical complexities and lack of basic infrastructure, ISPs alone can’t extend service to rural areas so we have been urging with the regulatory body for the establishment of Infrastructure Company,” Sudhir Parajuli, President of Internet Service Providers’ Association of Nepal (ISPAN), told New Business Age.</p> <p>Broadband Policy 2071 has a target to connect all local units with wired/wireless broadband service by 2020.</p> <p>Though the government has missed its target, officials say that they have expedited works to bring all local units under broadband network coverage.</p> <p>To facilitate broadband network expansion, Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has taken an initiative to build broadband network infrastructures utilizing Rural Telecommunication Development Fund (RTDF).</p> <p>Nepal Doorsanchar Company Ltd, the government-owned telecommunication company popularly known as Nepal Telecom, has implemented 18 broadband packages to connect 702 local units, 5,933 ward offices, 5,225 secondary schools and 4,122 health institutions of the country.</p> <p>According to the NTA, Nepal Telecom has achieved 78.35 of progress so far, providing connections to 550 local units, 4,474 ward offices, 3,792 secondary schools and 3,153 health institutions.</p> <p>Similarly, NTA has also been implementing three packages to lay optical fiber along Mid Hill Highway. NTA officials say that only 35.19 percent of works related to optical fiber has been completed. <br /> <br /> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-10', 'modified' => '2021-04-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13011', 'image' => '20210410025841_Internet Service.JPG', 'article_date' => '2021-04-10 14:57:09', 'homepage' => true, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '35' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13264', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Stakeholders says Policies and Programmes should Focus on Economic Revival', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Stakeholders have said that the government's annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year should focus on economic revival post COVID-19. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 9: Stakeholders have said that the government's annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year should focus on economic revival post COVID-19. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">In a virtual interaction programme organized by the Nepal Management Association on Wednesday (April 7), experts suggested that the policies and programmes should give priority to minimize the impacts of coronavirus on the economy and lives of people.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Kiran Kumar Shrestha, chairman of NMA and Chief Executive Officer of Rastriya Banijya Bank, said the government’s policies and programmes should focus on recovery and uplifting the economic sector affected by COVID-19. Rajan Bikram Thapa, director of Nepal Rastra Bank, had presented a paper during the programme.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Dr Bimala Rai Poudyal, a member of the National Assembly and former vice chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr Shankar Sharma, Dr Min Bahadur Shretha, Dr Govinda Nepal and economist Dr Bishwo Poudel had attended the virtual programme. Speakers of the programme stressed on the need to introduce compensation package for individuals, families, infrastructure projects and affected sectors.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Experts suggested to bring government-funded banks together and to promote agriculture and tourism sectors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Experts shared similar opinion in development of road network, policy reform to increase capital expenditure and effective management of public transportation. They also suggested to bring programmes that encourage electricity consumption, good governance and their effective monitoring. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13010', 'image' => '20210409035508_20200409120151_1586383527.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 15:54:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13262', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Export of Software Products Declines by 89 Percent ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Software export from Nepal has declined sharply by mid-February of the current fiscal year (FY 2020/21).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Times">April 9: Software export from Nepal has declined sharply by mid-February of the current fiscal year (FY 2020/21). In terms of volume, software export declined by about 89 percent in the first eight months of the current fiscal year.<br /> The data received from the customs department up to February this year showed that the exports have declined significantly compared to the last fiscal year. Only four software products were exported during the review period. According to the department, software products worth Rs 942,000 were exported to Japan during the review period.<br /> However, 36 software products worth Rs 18.72 million were exported in the corresponding period of the previous year. During that time, six software products were sold to China and 30 to Japan, according to the Department of Customs. Based on the amount, software products worth Rs 45.96 million were exported to China and Rs 18.72 million to Japan.<br /> During the fiscal year 2018/19, 48 software products worth Rs 239.82 million were exported from Nepal. Statistics show that export of software declined since last year.<br /> During the coronavirus pandemic, the information technology (IT) sector in most countries of the world has leapfrogged to a great extent. However, this fact has made it clear that Nepal's IT sector has declined.<br /> Nawaraj Kunwar, president of the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), said that the decline in software production was due to the coronavirus crisis.<br /> He also said that exports declined due to low demand from foreign customers.<br /> "We make and export software as per the demand of foreign customers," he said. “But this time, the coronavirus affected foreign companies and industries. They have since cut down software purchases,” he added.<br /> Although the IT sector of most of the countries in the world progressed during the coronavirus crisis, Kunwar admits that the IT sector of Nepal has not been able catch up with the big economies. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Times">"The only sector that coronavirus has not affected is the IT industry. But, we have not been able to take advantage of that opportunity,” he said. On top of that, it has not been possible to work safely due to the infection. As a result, non-cooperation has curbed the development of the IT sector.<br /> Compared to other countries, the cost of Nepal’s IT manpower is less expensive. As a result, software products can be made in Nepal at a low cost. According to CAN president Kunwar, foreigners are trying to buy software from Nepal as it is cheaper than other countries. He said that the country can export a large amount of software with good promotion and marketing.<br /> Stating that Nepal can produce and export a large amount of software products with the support from the government, Kunwar said that the government should also use software made in Nepal and promote domestic IT companies. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13009', 'image' => '20210409114029_Dailysun-2019-08-16-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 11:39:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13263', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' PM Oli Calls for Increasing Production and Jobs ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the business community to focus on increasing production and productivity, and thereby employment generation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the business community to focus on increasing production and productivity, and thereby employment generation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Inaugurating the 70th annual general meeting of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) in the capital on Thursday (April 8), the Prime Minister said that resource mobilisation should be stressed for enhancing production and productivity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Asking the business persons and entrepreneurs to invest more for increasing production and productivity, the Prime Minister said that the government was working to clear policy and procedural hassles that could surface to that end. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The processes are supposed to be more simplified, the Prime Minister said, while promising to unveil one-stop service to facilitate the service delivery and end administrative burden. He also assured to further simplify the government policies and reform programmes to ensure investment-friendly environment in the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Suggesting that the business sector should import only consumer goods and increase the production of export-oriented goods, PM Oli said that the country's trade deficit could be narrowed down through import replacement and export promotion. "Move ahead with the commitment and self-confidence to build the nation. The government is ready to assist you," PM Oli added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Saying that the government has moved ahead with a clear vision for nation's industrial development, the PM expected the private sector's support to translate that vision into reality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, PM Oli expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of coronavirus infection of late and urged one and all to apply precautions. In view of rising cases of the COVID-19, the PM was of the view that all citizens should be aware not to create the situation that again brings the country to a halt. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Also speaking at the same programme, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekhraj Bhatta assured government support for the promotion of the private sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, Chairman of NCC Rajeshkaji Shrestha said that country's economy is severely affected due to COVID-19 crisis and billions of rupees invested in tourism and some other sectors were at risk. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13008', 'image' => '20210409115900_20200305102040_oli.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 11:58:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - 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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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called people of Nepalese origin living in various countries across the globe to invest in Nepal by utilizing the present peaceful and favourable atmosphere. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">PM Oli urged the non-resident Nepalis (NRN) to promote investment in Nepal while addressing them via Zoom platform from his official residence in Baluwatar on the occasion of the New Year 2078. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"There are no problems such as strike in industry at present. Joint venture is encouraged in the mega development projects. You can relay this message to the investors from across the globe," PM Oli said, reminding that the NRN enjoys the rights except the political ones in Nepal. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">He made it clear that the government does not discriminate the Nepalis irrespective of the countries they stay in. "The current government is cordial and cooperative to the Nepali diaspora and wishes it retained the pride of being Nepali," he stressed. --RSS </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-15', 'modified' => '2021-04-15', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13022', 'image' => '20210415111540_20200408103322_1586298786.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-15 11:14:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13276', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Pledges Balanced Budget', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is preparing to announce budget by including economic revival programmes and the agendas championed by the ruling party during the election.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 14: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is preparing to announce budget by including economic revival programmes and the agendas championed by the ruling party during the election.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organised by the Finance Committee of House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 13), Minister Poudel said that the government has given due consideration to all the basic principles of budget preparation to bring a balanced budget.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">According to Minister Poudel, the upcoming budget will help the country cope with the adverse situation created by Covid-19. He said that the government has given special attention to economic revival packages. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Minister Poudel said that the upcoming budget will also help the country fulfill the required criteria to graduate from a least developed country to a developing country. It will also help in increasing production and make the economy self-reliant, according to the minister. </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-14', 'modified' => '2021-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13021', 'image' => '20210414015337_20210110034934_1610265858.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-14 13:52:38', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13275', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'New Map, Peace Pact Major Success in 2077: President Bhandari ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 14: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the year 2077 BS saw notable achievements in political, social and economic fronts. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12px"><em><span style="font-family:Cambria">President Bidya Devi Bhandari with winners of Nubiz Business Women Summit and Awards 2021<span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> in this file photo.</span></span></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 14: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the year 2077 BS saw notable achievements in political, social and economic fronts. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In her message of best wishes on the occasion of the New Year 2078 BS on Wednesday (April 14), President Bhandari said consensus among all political parties in amending the constitution to change the coat of arms with political map incorporating Nepal's territory – Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura and entrance of some groups into peaceful politics shunning the politics of violence were crucial from political front. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Among other achievements are the UN recommendation for Nepal to graduate to the status of developing country from the Least Developed Country, Nepal becoming the happiest country in the South Asia as per the Global Happiness Report and government's effective response to Covid-19 –pandemic. </span> <br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"Yet coronavirus has posed a big challenge for us. Vaccine against the virus would be gradually made available to all the citizens. I would like to call upon one and all to adopt precautionary measures to remain safe from virus infection and also keep ones' daily life in a practical manner", the President said. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to her, completion of the reconstruction of the Rani Pokhari and Durbar High School within 2077 BS were crucial for the government. Bhandari viewed that distribution of water from the much-awaited Melamchi Drinking Water Project could be taken as another notable social economic progress achieved in this Nepali year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the message reads, “Time, as a river, is ever flowing. Its current cannot be contained by anyone. Those countries optimizing the precious time have remained atop in terms of socio-economic developments. We should timely acknowledge the importance of the time and expedite the process of development of physical infrastructures.” -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-14', 'modified' => '2021-04-14', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13020', 'image' => '20210414093214_20210131083603__J4A1895 - Copy.JPG', 'article_date' => '2021-04-14 09:30:43', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13274', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Export Competitiveness Key to Nepal’s Recovery: World Bank Report ', 'sub_title' => 'Economy projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021 due to easing of social distancing and good monsoons ', 'summary' => 'April 13: After contracting for the first time in 40 years in FY2020, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">April 13: After contracting for the first time in 40 years in FY2020, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by 2.7 percent in FY2021, driven primarily by services as social distancing measures continue to be relaxed and vaccines rolled out for priority populations. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">According to the World Bank, agriculture is also expected to perform well, on the back of recent favorable monsoons. Issuing a statement on Monday, April 12, the World Bank said citing its latest Nepal Development Update that exports could be a powerful platform to boost post-pandemic recovery and enable Nepal to transition towards green, resilient, and inclusive development. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The update notes that the tourism sector may not fully recover without reforms to readjust to a post-COVID-19 tourism market. The current account deficit is expected to widen marginally in FY2021 to 1.2 percent of GDP as imports and remittances recover modestly while exports remain tepid, the statement added. Revenue performance is also expected to remain weak. This coupled with additional spending on economic relief measures, vaccinations, and the resumption of project implementation should contribute to increase the fiscal deficit close to 7 percent of GDP in FY2021. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">While the government has outlined a program to address the impacts of COVID-19 to mitigate the attendant risks to the outlook, the Nepal Development Update highlights the importance of improving export competitiveness for a resilient economic recovery. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Nepal’s untapped export potential is estimated to be around US$9.2 billion, 12 times its actual annual merchandise exports,” said Dr Kene Ezemenari, World Bank’s Senior Economist and lead author of the update. “This export potential represents an opportunity to create an estimated 220,000 new jobs, with significant implications for productivity growth.” </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The report outlines six key priorities for Nepal to achieve its export potential. These include reforming the tourism sector for a quick and resilient recovery; simplifying and streamlining processes to attract more FDI; modernizing export promotion and upgrading exporters’ capabilities; reducing trade costs; investing in phytosantary and quality control-related infrastructure; and boosting digital trade and e-commerce for more opportunities linked to global value chains.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“Nepal's economy is on the path to recovery amid the severe impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic which affected people lives and livelihoods, and businesses,” the statement quoted Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel as saying. “The recommendations that can help harness the potential of exports in supporting Nepal’s economic recovery are in line with the government’s policies and priorities. The Government of Nepal is working together with development partners and the private sector on a green, resilient and inclusive development agenda to help Nepal build back better and greener from the pandemic.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">“We welcome the government’s planned reforms to support Nepal’s green, resilient, and inclusive development. This will be the foundation for Nepal to emerge stronger from the crisis,” stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13019', 'image' => '20210413033226_172695240_10157534865266467_80747360173969244_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 15:30:59', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13273', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Retailers set Vegetable Prices Arbitrarily ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Retailers have been found charging customers arbitrarily for vegetables. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 13: Retailers have been found charging customers arbitrarily for vegetables. The retailers in Kalimat and Balkhu areas have been allegedly selling vegetables at double the prices than that fixed by the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20201201041204_20200925113442_1600988958.Clipboard06.jpg" style="height:180px; width:320px" /></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Stakeholders say that that the customers are being charged higher prices for vegetables due to the negligence shown by the government authorities in market monitoring. Traders are charging recklessly for almost all green vegetables such as cauliflower, cucumber, carrot, broccoli, lady’s finger, tomato among others. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">According to the price list fixed by the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market on April 12, cauliflower costs Rs 50 per kg but it cost Rs 80-Rs 90 in the retail market. Local cucumber costs Rs 90 per kg in the wholesale market while it cost Rs 110 in the retail market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Likewise, broccoli costs Rs 90 in the wholesale market and Rs 130 in the retail market. Carrot that costs Rs 50 per kg at the wholesale market is being sold for Rs 80 per kg in the retail market. Retailers are charging Rs 150 per kg for lady’s finger which is Rs 50 higher than the price set by the wholesale market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Retail markets located in Kirtipur, Kalanki, Kuleshwor, Kalimati, Lagankhel and other places are charging customers unreasonably. According to Gita Prasad Acharya, president of the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Entrepreneurs Committee, there has been no problem in importing vegetables from India and neighboring districts. So it is not justifiable to hike the prices of vegetables in the retail market. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Mahav Timilsina, president of Consumer Rights Research Forum said they have sought attention of the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection in this regard. He said that the government authority has not taken any action in monitoring of the market so the retailers have got the opportunity to increase the prices arbitrarily. Stakeholders have demanded not only the department but also the local government to intervene in market monitoring in the days to come. </span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/20200806125217_1595453904.Clipboard03.jpg" style="height:450px; width:800px" /></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13018', 'image' => '20210413013719_20191111010938_aaaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 13:35:56', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13272', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Remittance Inflow up by 8.6 Percent in 8 Months of Current Fiscal Year ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 13: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the current fiscal year.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 13: Inflow of remittance to Nepal has increased in the current fiscal year. Nepal received Rs 642.14 billion in remittance in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, according to Nepal Rastra Bank. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Issuing the current macroeconomic and financial situation of the country on Monday, the central bank said remittance inflows increased 8.6 percent to Rs 642.14 billion in the review period compared to 1.5 percent in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the US Dollar terms, remittance inflows increased 5.0 percent to 5.45 billion in the review period compared to 1.5 percent in the same period of the previous year, the report further said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to NRB, the current account remained at a deficit of Rs 148.68 billion compared to a deficit of Rs 119.70 billion in the same period of the previous year. In the US Dollar terms, the current account registered a deficit of Rs 1.27 billion in the review period compared to a deficit of Rs 1.05 billion in the same period of the previous year. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the central bank said that number of Nepali workers taking approval for foreign employment decreased 74.8 percent in the review period. It had increased 24.2 percent in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The number of Nepali workers (renew entry) taking approval for foreign employment decreased 65.2 percent in the review period, according to the NRB. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, the Balance of Payments (BOP) registered a surplus of Rs 68 billion as compared to a surplus of Rs 37.84 billion in the same period of the previous year, the central bank stated. </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-13', 'modified' => '2021-04-13', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13017', 'image' => '20210413120722_20201223115642_20200930060036_1601420921.Clipboard24.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-13 12:06:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13271', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' South Korea Extends Visa Term of Nepali Migrant Workers ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 12: The visa term of all the migrant workers, including Nepalis, working in South Korea is to be extended by one year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 12: The visa term of all the migrant workers, including Nepalis, working in South Korea is to be extended by one year. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Ministry of Justice in South Korea stated that a rule has been endorsed allowing the workers, whose visa term had expired and who could not return to their home countries due to the Coronavirus pandemic, to get their visa term extended for one year from April 13. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Migrants Trade Union (MTU) president Udaya Rai said the visa term of workers would be extended by one year. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">With this extension, the total stay of workers in South Korea would be of five years and 10 months. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to Rai no foreign migrant worker has entered South Korea for 13 months except some workers from Cambodia. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It is said the South Korean government brought this rule in order to fulfill the shortage of workers and to provide relief to those workers unable to return to their home country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. -- RSS </span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-12', 'modified' => '2021-04-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13016', 'image' => '20210412043708_Flag-Pins-Nep.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-12 16:36:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13270', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Lack of Laws Delaying Operation of Kurtha-Jayanagar Rail Service', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: Lack of laws is preventing the operation of railway service on Kurtha-Jayanagar route despite all preparations.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 11: Lack of laws is preventing the operation of railway service on Kurtha-Jayanagar route despite all preparations. The railway track constructed with the financial assistance of the Government of India had been completed last year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The train bought by the government for the railway service was brought six months back. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Guru Bhattarai, General Manager of Nepal Railway Company Pvt Ltd, said the entire human resources and other technicians required for operating the railway service were managed after the arrival of the train. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to him, the railway service will be operated soon after the required laws are formulated. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The company stated that an agreement has already been reached with the Government of India for the required technical and human resources and to bring the rail engine. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"We have not been able to bring the engine due to the lack of related legislation. We will be in a position to bring the engine once the laws are passed," said General Manager Bhattarai, adding that an agreement has been signed with India for bringing some human resources required for operating the railway service. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"They (the Indian technicians and railway workers) are ready to come to Nepal. We can bring them immediately when required," said Bhattarai. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government has already completed the technical preparations for the operation of the Kurtha-Jayanagar railway service. The train set was purchased from the Indian company, Konkon Company. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It has been reported that 26 technical and human resources are being brought from India in coordination with the company. They include pilot, station master, power manager, senior traffic manager, among others. General Manager Bhattarai said that Nepali staff and other technicians have been already managed for the operation of the railway service. Armed Police Force (APF) will be responsible for the security and safety of the rail and the company's equipment and goods. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Railway Department said 1,200 to 1,300 passengers, including those seated and standing, can travel by the train. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"Fixing a fare price rate for the tickets has already been decided," said Bhattarai. The company has proposed a fair rate in collaboration with the concerned ministry. Travelling 35 kilometers costs Rs 75, according to the fare price list. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">"The company will soon provide a week-long training session to Nepali workers," said Bhattarai, adding that those workers having prior experience in the railway sector will be prioritized. "Regular operation will take place in two to three weeks," he said. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13015', 'image' => '20210411051156_20210120113335_1611012622.Clipboard09.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 17:11:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13269', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Poultry Industry Loses Rs 35 billion in a Year', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: The poultry industry of Nepal has recorded a loss of Rs 35 billion in one year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 11: The poultry industry of Nepal has recorded a loss of Rs 35 billion in one year. This sector reported such a heavy loss since the outbreak of coronavirus.<br /> According to the Federation of Nepalese Poultry Entrepreneurs, hotels, restaurants, party palaces, and other places which consume meat in large quantities were closed for a long time, causing heavy losses to the poultry industry.<br /> According to stakeholders, the poultry industry had to bear daily loss of Rs 219.5 million during the six-month-long lockdown.<br /> According to Guna Chandra Bista, president of the Federation of Poultry Entrepreneurs, the poultry business faced an estimated loss of around Rs 35 billion.<br /> According to him, the Hatchery Industry Association had to destroy around 600,000 chickens daily during the six-month-long lockdown. During that period, the poultry farmers had to bury 4 million chickens.<br /> The hatchery industry bore the maximum loss, followed by poultry and egg farmers. Likewise, cold storage centers also faced loss along with the farmers.<br /> Even though the losses have declined, the poultry sector is still suffering from the impact. Entrepreneurs say that the prices of chicken, grains, and meat have gone up.<br /> Entrepreneurs estimate that it will take another two years for the country’s poultry sector to return to its old rhythm. Nepal's overall poultry business contributes Rs 180 billion to the gross domestic product.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13014', 'image' => '20210411050124_20160613051853_20160613104208_Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 17:00:29', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13268', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'FNCCI presents ‘Vision Paper 2030’ with an Objective to create 2.2 Million Jobs', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and lndustry (FNCCI) has prepared the ‘Vision Paper 2030’ under an ambitious ten-year plan with an objective to expand the country's economy to US$ 100 billon and create 2.2 million jobs. ', 'content' => '<p><em>55th AGM of FNCCI. Photo Courtesy: FNCCI </em></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">April 11: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and lndustry (FNCCI) has prepared the ‘Vision Paper 2030’ under an ambitious ten-year plan with an objective to expand the country's economy to US$ 100 billon and create 2.2 million jobs. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The paper was presented at the 55th annual general meeting of FNCCI held on Saturday, April 10. It aims to increase the volume of the country's economy to US$ 100 billion from US$ 35 billion per year. The federation estimates an investment of US$ 150 billion is required to achieve this ambitious plan. The private sector will invest US$ 108 billion in accordance to the plan. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">To achieve this plan, FNCCI has put forward 100 projects which include growth of small and cottage industries, revival of tourism industry, digital economy, promotion of startups and innovative business, women entrepreneurship development project, rural economy, investment promotion and utilization of remittance. Likewise, the vision paper has been prepared with plans to increase the volume of export, promote urban development, agriculture, optical fiber network, energy, operation of railways and ships.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Shekhar Golchha, president of FNCCI, said before presenting the paper that the federation was working on this project by forming various committees. “Committees related to agriculture enterprise center, information and technology, foreign employment forum, energy have already started their respective work,” he said, adding, “The Innovation Committee is working to generate 50 new entrepreneurs in the next two years through 50 startups, 50 investors project.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">He stated that entrepreneurs are facing problems due to the government’s unrealistic monitoring and poor perspective towards them. Likewise, acts and regulations of the country aren’t private sector friendly, he said. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The federation has provided suggestions to bring 14 policy-level reforms for the projects included in the vision paper. According to the federation, policies which need amendment are Black Market and Other Social Crimes and Proceedings Act 2032, Revenue Tribunal Act 2063, Public Procurement Act 2063, Consumer Protection Act 2075, Industrial Enterprise Act 2076, Land Act 2021, Money Laundering Act 2052, Environmental Protection Act 2076, Revenue Leakage Act 2052, Value Added Tax Act 2052, Contribution Based Social Security Act 2074, Patent Design and Trademark Act 2022 and Bank and Financial Institution Debt Recovery Act 2058.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">FNCCI President Golchha said that the government’s support is very essential to implement the 10-year plan prepared by the federation. He said that 40 projects will be completed in the next two years for which the government’s support is vital. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Speaking at the program, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli claimed that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country. Stating that the protest programmes have come to an end, there wouldn’t be any better environment for private sector than this, and the policies are being prepared accordingly. He expressed commitment to make private sector-friendly policies. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Claiming that significant works have been done during his tenure, projects with investment of Rs 500,000 are required to develop the country. PM Oli said that the government itself is working to amend the policies and expressed further commitment to fulfill the private sector’s demands in terms of policy reforms. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-12', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13013', 'image' => '20210412042352_170742340_4202933359740983_988237255672916884_n.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 13:54:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13267', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Govt to Avoid Lockdown if Possible: Tourism Minister ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 11: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said the government was preparing to avoid lockdown as far as possible for the containment of second wave of coronavirus. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 11: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said the government was preparing to avoid lockdown as far as possible for the containment of second wave of coronavirus. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Inaugurating the 30th annual general meeting of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in the capital on Saturday (April 10), Minister Dhakal said that the government was making utmost efforts to control the Covid-19 pandemic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The dreadful situation of the past is knocking on us again,” he said, adding that the government would skip the idea of imposing lockdown if possible. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">He said that the country's tourism sector that suffered worst from the Covid-19 pandemic has witnessed some signs of progress in the recent days but threat looms large from the resurrection of the coronavirus infection. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, Minister Dhakal expressed his readiness for policy facilitation to resolve the problems existing in the country's mountaineering sector. He also said the area of cooperation between the government and private sector should be made broader for the tourism sector's prosperity and development. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Ministry's Secretary Yadav Prasad Koirala, NMA President Santa Bir Lama and others expressed their opinions on country's tourism and mountaineering sector calling for the NMA to stress on innovation and infrastructure development. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-11', 'modified' => '2021-04-11', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13012', 'image' => '20210411115124_20210120021529_1611099847.7.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-11 11:50:42', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13266', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Four companies occupy more than half of total internet service market share in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'Four out of a total 40 internet service providers (ISPs) have captured more than a half of the internet service market share in Nepal. ', 'content' => '<p>April 10:<br /> Four out of a total 40 internet service providers (ISPs) have captured more than a half of the internet service market share in Nepal.<br /> According to the latest Management Information System report released by Nepal Telecommunications Authority, four ISP—WorldLink Communications Ltd, Subisu Cablenet Pvt. Ltd, Vianet Communications Pvt. Ltd and Classic Tech—occupy 63% share in the broadband service market that includes 1.4 million internet service subscribers.</p> <p>WorldLink Communications Ltd has the highest internet subscriptions with 451,766 subscribers. This company alone occupies 32.34% market share alone, shows the MIS Report of Magh (between mid January and mid February). <br /> This is followed by Subisu Cablenet Pvt. Ltd which has 184,529 subscribers to hold 13.17% of the internet market share.</p> <p>With 9.45 percent market share and 132,442 subscribers, Vianet Communications Pvt. Ltd stands at third in the list of top internet service providers. Classic Tech occupies 9.11% market share with 127,761 subscribers.<br /> According to the MIS report, fixed broadband penetration has reached 22.62 percent of the total population compared to 61.47 percent of mobile broadband penetration. <br /> The low penetration of fixed broadband is attributed to the concentration of ISPs in urban areas.<br /> Fixed-broadband refers to high speed internet service delivery to a fixed location using wire or without use of wires.</p> <p>“Higher cost of expansions, higher taxes has dissuaded internet service providers to take service to rural areas. Due to geographical complexities and lack of basic infrastructure, ISPs alone can’t extend service to rural areas so we have been urging with the regulatory body for the establishment of Infrastructure Company,” Sudhir Parajuli, President of Internet Service Providers’ Association of Nepal (ISPAN), told New Business Age.</p> <p>Broadband Policy 2071 has a target to connect all local units with wired/wireless broadband service by 2020.</p> <p>Though the government has missed its target, officials say that they have expedited works to bring all local units under broadband network coverage.</p> <p>To facilitate broadband network expansion, Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has taken an initiative to build broadband network infrastructures utilizing Rural Telecommunication Development Fund (RTDF).</p> <p>Nepal Doorsanchar Company Ltd, the government-owned telecommunication company popularly known as Nepal Telecom, has implemented 18 broadband packages to connect 702 local units, 5,933 ward offices, 5,225 secondary schools and 4,122 health institutions of the country.</p> <p>According to the NTA, Nepal Telecom has achieved 78.35 of progress so far, providing connections to 550 local units, 4,474 ward offices, 3,792 secondary schools and 3,153 health institutions.</p> <p>Similarly, NTA has also been implementing three packages to lay optical fiber along Mid Hill Highway. NTA officials say that only 35.19 percent of works related to optical fiber has been completed. <br /> <br /> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-10', 'modified' => '2021-04-10', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13011', 'image' => '20210410025841_Internet Service.JPG', 'article_date' => '2021-04-10 14:57:09', 'homepage' => true, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '35' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13264', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Stakeholders says Policies and Programmes should Focus on Economic Revival', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Stakeholders have said that the government's annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year should focus on economic revival post COVID-19. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">April 9: Stakeholders have said that the government's annual policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year should focus on economic revival post COVID-19. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">In a virtual interaction programme organized by the Nepal Management Association on Wednesday (April 7), experts suggested that the policies and programmes should give priority to minimize the impacts of coronavirus on the economy and lives of people.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Kiran Kumar Shrestha, chairman of NMA and Chief Executive Officer of Rastriya Banijya Bank, said the government’s policies and programmes should focus on recovery and uplifting the economic sector affected by COVID-19. Rajan Bikram Thapa, director of Nepal Rastra Bank, had presented a paper during the programme.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Dr Bimala Rai Poudyal, a member of the National Assembly and former vice chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr Shankar Sharma, Dr Min Bahadur Shretha, Dr Govinda Nepal and economist Dr Bishwo Poudel had attended the virtual programme. Speakers of the programme stressed on the need to introduce compensation package for individuals, families, infrastructure projects and affected sectors.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Experts suggested to bring government-funded banks together and to promote agriculture and tourism sectors. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Experts shared similar opinion in development of road network, policy reform to increase capital expenditure and effective management of public transportation. They also suggested to bring programmes that encourage electricity consumption, good governance and their effective monitoring. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13010', 'image' => '20210409035508_20200409120151_1586383527.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 15:54:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13262', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Export of Software Products Declines by 89 Percent ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Software export from Nepal has declined sharply by mid-February of the current fiscal year (FY 2020/21).', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Times">April 9: Software export from Nepal has declined sharply by mid-February of the current fiscal year (FY 2020/21). In terms of volume, software export declined by about 89 percent in the first eight months of the current fiscal year.<br /> The data received from the customs department up to February this year showed that the exports have declined significantly compared to the last fiscal year. Only four software products were exported during the review period. According to the department, software products worth Rs 942,000 were exported to Japan during the review period.<br /> However, 36 software products worth Rs 18.72 million were exported in the corresponding period of the previous year. During that time, six software products were sold to China and 30 to Japan, according to the Department of Customs. Based on the amount, software products worth Rs 45.96 million were exported to China and Rs 18.72 million to Japan.<br /> During the fiscal year 2018/19, 48 software products worth Rs 239.82 million were exported from Nepal. Statistics show that export of software declined since last year.<br /> During the coronavirus pandemic, the information technology (IT) sector in most countries of the world has leapfrogged to a great extent. However, this fact has made it clear that Nepal's IT sector has declined.<br /> Nawaraj Kunwar, president of the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), said that the decline in software production was due to the coronavirus crisis.<br /> He also said that exports declined due to low demand from foreign customers.<br /> "We make and export software as per the demand of foreign customers," he said. “But this time, the coronavirus affected foreign companies and industries. They have since cut down software purchases,” he added.<br /> Although the IT sector of most of the countries in the world progressed during the coronavirus crisis, Kunwar admits that the IT sector of Nepal has not been able catch up with the big economies. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:Times">"The only sector that coronavirus has not affected is the IT industry. But, we have not been able to take advantage of that opportunity,” he said. On top of that, it has not been possible to work safely due to the infection. As a result, non-cooperation has curbed the development of the IT sector.<br /> Compared to other countries, the cost of Nepal’s IT manpower is less expensive. As a result, software products can be made in Nepal at a low cost. According to CAN president Kunwar, foreigners are trying to buy software from Nepal as it is cheaper than other countries. He said that the country can export a large amount of software with good promotion and marketing.<br /> Stating that Nepal can produce and export a large amount of software products with the support from the government, Kunwar said that the government should also use software made in Nepal and promote domestic IT companies. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13009', 'image' => '20210409114029_Dailysun-2019-08-16-1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 11:39:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13263', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' PM Oli Calls for Increasing Production and Jobs ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'April 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the business community to focus on increasing production and productivity, and thereby employment generation. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">April 9: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the business community to focus on increasing production and productivity, and thereby employment generation. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Inaugurating the 70th annual general meeting of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) in the capital on Thursday (April 8), the Prime Minister said that resource mobilisation should be stressed for enhancing production and productivity. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Asking the business persons and entrepreneurs to invest more for increasing production and productivity, the Prime Minister said that the government was working to clear policy and procedural hassles that could surface to that end. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The processes are supposed to be more simplified, the Prime Minister said, while promising to unveil one-stop service to facilitate the service delivery and end administrative burden. He also assured to further simplify the government policies and reform programmes to ensure investment-friendly environment in the country. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Suggesting that the business sector should import only consumer goods and increase the production of export-oriented goods, PM Oli said that the country's trade deficit could be narrowed down through import replacement and export promotion. "Move ahead with the commitment and self-confidence to build the nation. The government is ready to assist you," PM Oli added. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Saying that the government has moved ahead with a clear vision for nation's industrial development, the PM expected the private sector's support to translate that vision into reality. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">On the occasion, PM Oli expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of coronavirus infection of late and urged one and all to apply precautions. In view of rising cases of the COVID-19, the PM was of the view that all citizens should be aware not to create the situation that again brings the country to a halt. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Also speaking at the same programme, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekhraj Bhatta assured government support for the promotion of the private sector. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Likewise, Chairman of NCC Rajeshkaji Shrestha said that country's economy is severely affected due to COVID-19 crisis and billions of rupees invested in tourism and some other sectors were at risk. -- RSS</span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-04-09', 'modified' => '2021-04-09', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13008', 'image' => '20210409115900_20200305102040_oli.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-04-09 11:58:25', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, 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
