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Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2731', 'article_category_id' => '100', 'title' => 'Sandwich And Pastries Promotion At Hyatt Regency', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> The Lounge at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has introduced a range of croissant sandwiches with a variety of fillings, doughnuts and muffin promotions for the month of March as part of its planned food promotions throughout the year. Guests can either enjoy a combination platter of caramelized banana and dark chocolate muffin, vanilla chocolate doughnut and chocolate ice cream at Rs 750 plus taxes or alternatively try each individually with the condiments at Rs 200 plus taxes.</div> <div> </div> <div> The choices for the muffins include caramelised Banana and Dark Chocolate and Kahlua Drunken Apricot and Nougatine. Dark chocolate doughnut and vanilla chocolate doughnut are some of the doughnuts varieties offered. Other pastries like strawberry pastry slice, dark and white truffles, strawberry chocolate parfaits and seasonal fruit tart are also on the menu. </div> <div> </div> <div> Croissant sandwich is available at Rs 775 plus taxes, and there are many the choices for fillings. Tuna flakes marinated with onion, coriander, tomato and lemon juice is an option, along with shredded chicken, organic lettuce and mayonnaise. Sauté cottage cheese, green bell pepper with mint chutney could also be the perfect pick. </div> <div> </div> <div> All this can be savoured at The Lounge that offers a nice view of Boudhanath Stupa from its spacious terrace overlooking the pool. Along with tempting pastries, sandwiches and light meals, it also serves a wide selection of teas, freshly brewed coffee, local and imported beers, and a variety of fine wines.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-10', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Lounge at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has introduced a range of croissant sandwiches with a variety of fillings, doughnuts and muffin promotions for the month of March as part of its planned food promotions throughout the year. Guests can either enjoy a combination platter of caramelized banana and dark chocolate muffin, vanilla chocolate doughnut and chocolate ice cream at Rs 750 plus taxes or alternatively try each individually with the condiments at Rs 200 plus taxes.', 'sortorder' => '2572', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2685', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Contradictory Budget Review', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div> <div> </div> <table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat" src="/userfiles/images/rsm.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 217px;" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <div align="center"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div> <strong>Dr Ram Sharan Mahat</strong></div> <div> Finance Minister</div> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div> The government has made a Mid-term Review of the Budget public with an ambitious hope of achieving the targeted 5.5 percent growth rate. Revealing contradictory figures, newly appointed Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has claimed that the targeted growth rate of 5.5 per cent will be realized this year despite extremely low (19 percent of what was budgeted) capital expenditure.</div> <div> </div> <div> The government’s projection is based on favourable weather for agricultural products, thanks to timely monsoon and winter rains. Though the weather might prove our finance minister lucky, it is not time to rejoice. There are myriad problems ahead for Dr Mahat to bring the economy back on track. </div> <div> </div> <div> A huge amount has remained idle in the government treasury and low credit off-take from the private sector has resulted in excess liquidity in banks. Similarly, there’s no tangible progress in investment in the productive sector. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government has Rs 65 billion lying unspent in its treasury at the moment, while banks have excess liquidity of Rs 50 billion, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). As of Feb 27, capital expenditure has reached only 19.72 per cent of the budget. </div> <div> </div> <div> The Mid-term Review of the Budget also revealed that the food prices jumped 13 percent despite increase in the production of agricultural products. Dr Mahat blamed middlemen (intermediaries) as those mainly responsible for the sharp price rise. Though this indicates that the finance minister will be tightening the middlemen that indulge in cartels and syndicates, the power to do so lies mostly with the Home Minister who is from CPN-UML that has a quite different political ideology</div> <div> </div> <div> Food prices are expected to stabilize or go lower when there is increase in agriculture products, said former commerce secretary Purushottam Ojha. “Food prices go up if there are frequent obstacles in transportation, but that too cannot be an excuse this year as there were not such obstacles sice the last year.”</div> <div> </div> <div> Another reason for increment in food prices is export of food items. “Export increases demand of products resulting in price hike in the domestic market,” Ojha opined. But the data shows there has not been much export of agro-products this year. The government should study whether there is really increased export of agro products from Nepal, he suggested. </div> <div> </div> <div> The report has estimated that paddy and maize production grew 12 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. “As livestock production also grew and winter crops are also expected to perform well, the agriculture sector’s overall performance will be much better,” the </div> <div> report stated. </div> <div> </div> <div> Leaving the price rise in food items apart, the overall economic indicators are positive in the first half of the current fiscal year.</div> <div> </div> <div> The Mid-Term Review document of the Budget for the current fiscal year 2013-14 states that positive political developments and their possible positive impact on investment in industry and service sectors will help achieve the targeted growth rate. </div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile, the service sector is expected to post a six percent growth this year, according to the Finance Ministry. Services account for more than 50 per cent of the economy while the farm sector contributes 35 per cent and industry 15 percent, according to the Economic Survey 2012-13.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-02', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The government has made a Mid-term Review of the Budget public with an ambitious hope of achieving the targeted 5.5 percent growth rate. Revealing contradictory figures, newly appointed Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has claimed that the targeted growth rate of 5.5 per cent will be realized this year despite extremely low (19 percent of what was budgeted) capital expenditure.', 'sortorder' => '2571', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2687', 'article_category_id' => '137', 'title' => 'Nepal Climbs Four Spots Up In GRI', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Retirement security of Nepali workers is seen improving as retired public and private sector employees are receiving more benefits, a latest global report shows. The 2014 Global Retirement Index (GRI), ranked Nepal 114th, up four spots from 118th in 2013. The report published by Paris-based Natixis Global Asset Management, the world’s 13th largest asset management company with USD 392.96 in assets, finds Nepal’s performance improving, though slowly, over the past year. The report ranks 150 countries based on four broad factors such as health care, finances, economic well-being and quality of life. Nepal’s achieved an overall score of 40 per cent in the index, which was 39 per cent last year. </div> <div> </div> <div> The country scored 35 per cent and 39 per cent in sub-indices of health and finances in retirement respectively. In the finances in retirement sub-index, Nepal scored 39 per cent falling eight spots to 148th from 140 in 2013. Similarly, the country also poorly performed in quality of life sub-index where it scored 39 per cent and ranked 132nd, down 5 spots from last year’s 127th. However, Nepal comparatively fared well in material well-being sub-index with a score of 47 per cent. </div> <div> </div> <div> The country’s southern and northern neighbours, India and China, meanwhile ranked 104th and 69th respectively. India’s position declined three spots in the index, whereas, China climbed upfour spots. The report pointed India as the worst performing nation among BRIC nationthis year. “The main upset being its performance in the finances in retirement sub-index where it dropped from 20th to 128th place,” Natixis said in the report. “In addition it continues its mediocre performance in the health and quality of life sub-indices.” </div> <div> </div> <div> Sri Lanka was the highest ranking South Asian nation with 86th position in 2014 GRI, climbing 5 spots from 91th in 2013. Bangladesh and Pakistan also climbed higher in the index with 105th and 102nd spots respectively. Last year, Bangladesh ranked 112th, whereas, Pakistan was placed at 107th. </div> <div> </div> <div> European countries took eight of the top 10 spots, buoyed by strong social programs for older citizens. Switzerland claimed the top spot pushing Norway to second place in 2014 GRI. Austria, Sweden, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Finland, New Zealand and Luxembourg occupied the remaining top 10 spots. United States, meanwhile, remained unchanged from last year’s 19th position. United Kingdom climbed to 18th spot from 20 in 2013. Japan was seen as the worst performer among developed nations. The country dropped 12 spots to 27th in the index. Despite the domination of European countries, the report warns that the long-term financial security of retirees in developed economies is under pressure. “Ageing populations and increasing high old-age dependency ratios, a historically prolonged period of low interest rates and high levels of sovereign debt are testing the resilience of retirement systems and fuelling uncertainty,” it said. African countries Togo, Burindi, Niger, Comoros and Zimbabwe occupied the bottom five spots in the index.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Retirement security of Nepali workers is seen improving as retired public and private sector employees are receiving more benefits, a latest global report shows. The 2014 Global Retirement Index (GRI), ranked Nepal 114th, up four spots from 118th in 2013.', 'sortorder' => '2570', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2688', 'article_category_id' => '151', 'title' => 'SSRP Expiring Without Any Significant Progress', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Gopal Sangroula</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> The School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP), which aimed to reform the school education system, is trailing out without making any significant progress. The five-year ambitious project aimed at reforming curriculum, management and examination system in order to bring about structural changes in the education system. Fifteen donor agencies including World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNESCO, UNDP and USAID have been supporting the SSRP. </div> <div> </div> <div> SSRP has been the next big thing in Nepal’s education reformation since the new education system was introduced in 1971. Launched in September, 2009 the project aimed to fulfil the state’s objective of ensuring ‘Education for All’ but fell short. Of other factors behind its failure, failure of the government to get the SSRP bill endorsed through parliament has been pointed by some as the major one. </div> <div> </div> <div> Ministry officials, however, are pushing to buy another two years for this Rs 256.82 billion budget programme, according to Mahashram Sharma, spokesperson for the education ministry. </div> <div> </div> <div> The project aimed at improving the status of public schools along with the general education status of the nation. However, most of the plan has only been limited to paper. Educationist Bidhan Koirala points lack of realisation and recognition by the government, policy makers and political leaders about the outcome of SSRP as the major factor behind its failure. </div> <div> </div> <div> “If it was a politically originated document, it would have been endorsed. But as it’s an academically originated document, the political leaders have taken it in their own way. Though efforts are being made to endorse the bill through parliament, political leaders are not giving it the importance that it deserves,” he said. </div> <div> </div> <div> While the donor agencies contribute 22 per cent of the total Rs 256.82 billion budget, the government has been contributing the remaining78 per cent. If the Ministry succeeds in buying two years time for the plan, it will require an additional Rs 117 billion for implementing the remaining projects. While informing that necessary documentation in this regard has been presented to the donor agencies, Sharma said that the ministry is planning to table the bill at the parliament at the earliest. </div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile donors are requesting to increase the budget of the education sector to 20 per cent of the total budget. Though this year the education sector received the largest pie of the budget, donor agencies have pointed out that this is due to the salary of staff. </div> <div> </div> <div> If SSRP gets another lease of life, it aims to amend the current education Act. In other changes, the current four-tier education system (i.e. primary, lower secondary, secondary and higher secondary levels) will be brought down to two: class 1-8 would be made basic level and 9-12 secondary level.</div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile, former president of Nepal Teachers’ Association, Mohan Gyawali says SSRP should not be implemented till the demands of teachers are fulfilled. He says that the government is trying to move out of its educational responsibility by handing over the school management to community. </div> <div> </div> <div> The education ministry has declared Rasuwa, Kapilvastu and Dadeldhura as model districts for SSRP programme. However, the progress reports of these districts are yet to come out. The ministry had earlier committed to achieve the millennium development goal by 2015. Decreasing the dropout rates and bringing to the schools those children who are out of schools were some of the programmes under SSRP.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP), which aimed to reform the school education system, is trailing out without making any significant progress. The five-year ambitious project aimed at reforming curriculum, management and examination system in order to bring about structural changes in the education system. Fifteen donor agencies including World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNESCO, UNDP and USAID have been supporting the SSRP.', 'sortorder' => '2569', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2686', 'article_category_id' => '109', 'title' => 'Nepse Up 3 Points Last Week Most Of The Stocks Traded Range Bound', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Nepse index went up 3.3 points last week (23rd to 26th February) marking a continuous gain for a straight third week. The benchmark index which opened its weekly trading at 822.67 points on the first day (Sunday) closed at 826.40 points on the last day (Wednesday). The impetus, though weaker than previous week, continued following a bull run after the appointment of new prime minister and formation of a new cabinet. </div> <div> </div> <div> As the country’s secondary market opened for only four days for trading last week saw relatively high volatility even in intra-day trading. The Nepse index remained range bound for the last week except for the first day. On Sunday, the benchmark index rallied to 840 points before closing at 831.86 points. For other days Nepse index traded within the range of 840 and 820 before to close at 826.40 points on Wednesday, the last trading day of the week. Analysts say that the range bound trading of any stock market pose difficulty in predicting the future movement of the marked. Same principle is applicable for individual scripts as well. </div> <div> </div> <div> A total of 3.58 million units of shares worth Rs 1.47 billion were traded in the domestic stock market through 10,900 transactions. Compared to the previous week, the turnover increased 32.96 per cent whereas, number of transactions went up 16.49 per cent. Similarly, unit of shares traded rose by 25.55 per cent. </div> <div> </div> <div> In terms of weekly turnover, Chilime Hydropower Company Limited climbed to the top spot. Similarly, Citizens Bank International Limited claimed the top position in terms of number of share units being transacted for the week. In terms of market capitalization, Nepal Telecom maintained its top spot as earlier weeks. </div> <div> </div> <div> Last week marked declining trend in most of the trading sub-indices compared to the previous week. ‘Others’ sub-index was the biggest weekly gainer with 34.06 points. Likewise, Hydropower was seen as the second biggest gainer (10.26 points), followed by Hotels (7.85 points) and Trading (0.41 points).</div> <div> </div> <div> Insurance was the biggest loser for the week as the sub-index went down 163.04 points. Finance sub-index followed the suit with 25.57 points which was accompanied by Banking (5.95 points) and Development Banks (2.86 points). Manufacturing and processing sub-index, meanwhile, remained unchanged as previous week. For the week, the Sensitive Index representing the share trading of blue chip stocks belonging to class ‘A’ listed companies went down 0.3 points. </div> <div> Last week, shares of 148 companies were transacted in the domestic stock market. Out of them 48 companies saw increase in their share prices, 77 companies logged decline in their share prices and share prices of 23 companies remained unchanged over the period.</div> <div> </div> <div> <img alt="Weekly Indices" src="/userfiles/images/weekly1.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 360px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-02', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Nepse index went up 3.3 points last week (23rd to 26th February) marking a continuous gain for a straight third week. The benchmark index which opened its weekly trading at 822.67 points on the first day (Sunday) closed at 826.40 points on the last day (Wednesday). The impetus, though weaker than previous week, continued following a bull run after the appointment of new prime minister and formation of a new cabinet.', 'sortorder' => '2568', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2689', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'The Fifth Nepal Pharma Expo Concludes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> The three days fifth Nepal Pharma Expo concluded today. The three day expo was organized by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers’ of Nepal (APPON). The expo was organized to create awareness about the present condition of the pharmaceutical industry and the latest technology in the domestic industry. The Pharma expo had a participation of around 46 national and 45 foreign medicine industries. This year during the trade fair there were around 106 stalls from the national and international medicine industries. The main objective of the expo was to showcase the national and international science and technology in the medicine production. According to the organizers the expo was successful to attract quality number of people who were related to the medicine industry. The fifth Nepal Pharma Expo was organized from February 28 – March 2. The expo is organized in every two years interval since 2005, said the organizers. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The three days fifth Nepal Pharma Expo concluded today. The three day expo was organized by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers’ of Nepal (APPON). The expo was organized to create awareness about the present condition of the pharmaceutical industry and the latest technology in the domestic industry.', 'sortorder' => '2567', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2722', 'article_category_id' => '199', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Japan Researchers Testing Tiny Ear Computer</strong></span></div> <div> A tiny personal computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue is being tested in Japan. The 17-gram (0.59-ounce) wireless device has bluetooth capability and is equipped with a GPS, compass, gyro-sensor, battery, barometer, speaker and microphone. The device, known at the moment as the “Earclip-type Wearable PC” has a microchip and data storage, enabling users to load software, said engineer Kazuhiro Taniguchi ofHiroshima City University. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New software Helps Improve Your Web Search</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="AIDA" src="/userfiles/images/b1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 75px;" />Researchers have developed a new software that makes your web search easier by resolving the ambiguity of names within texts automatically. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics in Germany have developed a software that enables accurate disambiguation of named entities by analysing them with the help of Wikipedia. Their software, named AIDA, establishes connections between the mentions in the text and potential persons or places. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Soon, Free Wi-Fi from Space</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Free Wi-Fi from Space" src="/userfiles/images/b2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 100px;" />A US company is planning to build an ‘Outernet’ — a global network of cube satellites broadcasting internet data to all the people on the planet — for free. The idea is to offer free internet access to all people, regardless of location, bypassing filtering or other means of censorship, according to the New York based non-profit organization, Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF). MDIF proposes that hundreds of cube satellites be built and launched to create a constellation of sorts in the sky, allowing anyone with a phone or computer to access Internet data sent to the satellites by several hundred ground stations.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Now, Smartphone-Controlled Hearing Aid!</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Smartphone-Controlled Hearing Aid" src="/userfiles/images/b3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 56px;" />A tiny new hearing aid that is controlled by a smartphone app has been developed, eliminating the need for wearers to carry a pendant-like device. Hearing aid wearers need to carry a cumbersome pendant or other wireless device to change settings on their hearing aid, but the new app allows users to make those changes directly on the smartphone. The ReSound LiNX hearing aids can also be used to stream music, listen to GPS directions and talk on the phone through Bluetooth. There is also a ‘Find My Hearing Aid’ feature that helps the user locate their device if it has been misplaced. The batteries on the hearing aid will last about five days, a local newspaper reported. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New App can Give You ‘Superhero’ Vision</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt=" ‘Superhero’ Vision" src="/userfiles/images/b4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 67px;" />Suffering from bad eyesight? This app could give you ‘superhero’ vision! US Scientists have developed a revolutionary new app that can improve users’ eyesight by sharpening their vision and boosting ability to see in dim light. The new UltimEye app improves the users’ vision by training their brain to process patterns better. UltimEye asks users to complete tasks such as clicking on hard-to-see targets and can help them perform everyday work, ‘Mashable’ reported. The app is designed to help rewire the brain to process the information it receives from the eyes while keeping the user engaged with positive reinforcement such as a point system. California-based Carrot Neurotechnology, a company that creates tools that can improve vision, developed the app. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Wolf of Wall Street Most ‘Googled’ Movie Among Oscar Nominees</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Wolf of Wall Street" src="/userfiles/images/b5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 100px;" />‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, directed by noted filmmaker Martin Scorsese, has topped search trends on Google among the films nominated for this year’s Oscar awards to be announced next month. Golden Globe winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who played male lead in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, was the most searched actor among filmstars nominated for the Best Actor category in the 86th Academy Awards. Among the Best Movie category, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ topped the search trends followed by ‘American Hustle’, ‘Gravity’, ‘12 Year a Slave and Captain Philips’. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-09', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'A tiny personal computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue is being tested in Japan.', 'sortorder' => '2566', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2712', 'article_category_id' => '153', 'title' => 'Silver Lining On Silver Jewellery', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>History of Silver jewellery</strong></span></div> <div> Nepal has a long tradition of craftsmanship in many forms like wood carving, metal craft, stone carving and, working silver and gold into exquisite pieces of jewellery. The manufacture of jewellery in Nepal is wide spread throughout the country since time immemorial. The production of jewellery is labour intensive industry that was based on caste and cultural heritage. It was traditionally confined only to the Newari Shakya and Sunar families, but nowadays, other castes are also equally involved in this occupation. The local demand of jewellery has traditionally confined to social and religious occasions and other ritual ceremonies. The arrival of foreign tourist has led to the mingling of the traditional heritage with modern foreign market taste. The filigree cuttings have made Nepali silver jewelleries peerless. The handmade production process has made it possible to spread over rural areas benefiting the rural mass. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Present scenario</strong></span></div> <div> Once the poor second cousin of gold, silver jewellery has become a cool, contemporary style icon in its own right. “The skyrocketing price of the yellow metal people from various walks of life are getting more attracted to the cheaper yet stylish silver jewelleries,” said former president of Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association Tej Ratna Shakya. According to him, on an average around 100-150 kilos of silver is traded daily in the local market. Apart from the jewellery, the silver utensils are also on high demand due to the influence of Indian culture,” Shakya said. He also added that the trading of silver products is increasing remarkably in the local market and the situation is improving in the international market too. Silver is used mainly in household and industrial purpose. However the trend of silver jewellery is also catching among youths here who are more attracted to silver bracelets, rings, earrings, bangles and pendants as their fashion statements.</div> <div> </div> <table align="center" width="100"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="Customers purchasing silver ornaments at Silver Palace, New Road." src="/userfiles/images/f.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 374px;" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#DDDDDD"> <div align="center"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Customers purchasing silver ornaments at Silver Palace, New Road.</strong></div> <div style="text-align: right;"> <em>Photos: Rukesh Shrestha/TC</em></div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>International Market Trend</strong></span></div> <div> Following the laboratory certification system for the silver articles, the export of silver article is gradually moving ahead in the international market. “Now we do not have problems while exporting silver products in the European market which is the major buyer of the product,” said Shakya. However the government must actively look for upgrading the existing certification method. Nepali Silver Jewellery is one of the major overseas export products next to other handicraft products of the country. The number of the export markets of this product has crossed 30 out of which, USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, France, Italy and Australia are the </div> <div> leading ones.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Now Certified </strong></span></div> <div> Introduction of quality testing certification for Nepali silver jewellery has averted possible ban for the products in European market on charges of having traces of restricted chemical ‘Cadmium’ in them. The certification system that tests any silver product for this chemical and certifies it as quality product of the country has once again brought charm to silver products in the local and the international market. </div> <div> </div> <div> “The export of silver jewellery that was about to get ban in the European country has finally received a relief as now we have a proper certification system, which certifies the purity of the product,” said Shakya. Earlier the European Union was mulling on banning the import of Nepali silver jewellery if the exporters failed to certify that the products were free of cadmium. Cadmium is a known carcinogenic substance and various studies have concluded that it is toxic. Long-term contact of it can cause kidney and bone damage. According to the silver exporters now only 0.01 per cent cadmium is allowed in the exportable silver products. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="NTIS" src="/userfiles/images/F1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 525px;" />Initiative of Government</strong></span></div> <div> The Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2010, put in place by the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies has prioritised 19 goods and services (7 agro-food products, 5 craft and industrial goods and 7 services) for export promotion in the next three to five years. Silver jewellery is one of the five craft and industrial goods on this priority list. German International Cooperation (GIZ) is one of those development partners, which have been supporting the government in implementing NTIS 2010. In consultation with MoCS, it has chosen two of the 19 products and services prioritized by NTIS 2010, namely medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPS)/essential oils and silver jewellery, to help enhance their exports. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Facts about Silver jewellery</strong></span></div> <div> Nepal’s world market share of silver jewellery exports is about 0.2 percent. In the past few years, exports have been fairly stable and prospect for future export is generally seen as very good. Production costs are competitive and workers are readily available. Most major markets grant duty-free access to Nepali silver jewellery. There are also no any non-tariff barriers (NTBs) hindering exports of silver jewellery from Nepal, except that use of cadmium has resulted in ban of some items entering European markets. </div> <div> </div> <div> Firms and companies involved in jewellery production and export are owned by private entrepreneurs and operate as small-scale/cottage producers. Firms normally outsource jewellery production to individual craftsmen who have in-house workshops. Annual production of silver jewellery in Nepal is 15 to 20 metric tons (MT) while the annual production capacity is estimated at 50 M. Silver jewellery is fully handmade in Nepal. Productivity and quality can be improved if production were further mechanized. </div> <div> </div> <div> Monthly salaries of skilled workers in the silver jewellery sector is around US$100, which is less than that in competing countries such as India and Thailand. Almost all silver and 95 percent of gemstones and semiprecious stones required for jewellery are imported from India, Brazil, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and distributed by local importers. </div> <div> </div> <div> According to the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy 2010 almost half of the total production of silver jewellery produced in Nepal is supplied to the domestic market and the rest is exported. However, even those supplied to the domestic market are usually exported later either through resale to tourists or through informal exports. Poor business environment in the country has encouraged informal trade in substantial quantity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Following the laboratory certification system the export of silver article is gradually moving ahead in the international market.', 'sortorder' => '2565', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2691', 'article_category_id' => '122', 'title' => 'ChaChaWhee FunPark: A Resort For Children', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Surendra Paudyal</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort, a resort especially for children has been established in Pokhara, a tourism town of Nepal. The one of its kind resort came into being about a month ago with an investment of Rs 20 million, informed its Director Pratikshya Chhetri. </div> <div> </div> <div> The resort is located at Gharipatan of Pokhara and spreads over 20 ropanis of land. It has 15 rooms from where the beautiful Annapurna range in the north can be enjoyed. As the resort is established with children in mind, first priority is given to those who come along with their children. Chhetri says, “ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is the only exclusive resort of its kind for families with kids.”</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/s3%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 363px;" />Getting Popularity</strong></span></div> <div> Chhetri says that the resort has gained popularity within a short time of its opening. One of the most popular packages offered by the resort is ‘Family Fun Package with Dinner and Breakfast’ for two adults and two kids in a room. This package, which costs Rs10,000 per night, also offers unlimited rides for children and some facilities for adults along with breakfast and dinner for all. Children can enjoy unlimited rides such as Joy Train, Battery Cars, Flying Chair, Merry-Go-Round, Ferris Wheel among others. Chhetri says that if the family purchasing this package has only three members, 15 per cent discount is given while if there are only two clients, 30 per cent concession is provided. She says that another Family Room and Fun Package is also much loved by the families visiting the resort.</div> <div> </div> <div> A room at the resort costs Rs 2500 without any package. The popularity of the resort is increasing and its Managing Director Dinesh Prasain credits the quality of services and the unique family environment provided by the resort for it. “Fun Park is becoming centre of attraction for those visiting Pokhara along with </div> <div> their children.” </div> <div> </div> <div> Chhetri says that schools in the surrounding areas bring school children to the fun park. Along with domestic tourists, the resort is getting popular among foreign visitors especially Indian families </div> <div> with children. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Caring for Safety</strong></span></div> <div> Prasain explains that when adults go for sightseeing, the resort has facilities to entertain their children at the resort. The resort has installed safety and security measures for all the rides and games for children. “We realize that kids and families need to feel secure. A team of full time technicians monitor and supervise the rides as safety comes first for us,” Chhetri said. A mechanical engineer led team of technicians constantly supervise the games and rides to ensure the security and smoothness of the rides. Likewise, the fun park has first-aid facilities on site as well as vehicles on standby in case of any emergency. “We have invested in technologies and professional security companies that ensure security but in the friendliest ways,” says Chhetri.</div> <div> </div> <div> <img alt="FunPark Pokhara" src="/userfiles/images/s2%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 432px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Building theResort</strong></span></div> <div> As of now, Rs 70 million has been invested in the resort. According to Chhetri, Global IME Bank has provided loan for developing the project. The resort houses various amenities for children such as revolving wheel, swimming pool, garden, joy train, video game parlour among others. The resort also organises birthday parties, family gathering and </div> <div> other events.</div> <div> </div> <div> Chhetri explains, “ChaChaWhee is the Nepali expression of fun, thrill and joy. Kids usually ChaChaWhee! in the ping-swings, especially during Dashain. Now you need not wait for Dashain and Melas. Nor is the traditional ping-swing the only thing that can ChaChaWhee the kids.”</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Location</strong></span></div> <div> ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is located in the prime location of Pokhara. It is situated within five minutes driving distance from the Airport, Bus Park and Fewa Dam Site towards the International Mountain Museum at Himal Tole of Gharipatan. The upfront view of some of the most beautiful Himalayas – Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Annapurna South and Lamjung Himal makes the resort special, say its promoters. Similarly, the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the garden within the resort premises make the stay at the resort more pleasurable. The garden was set up with the help of the gardener who also helped set popular Garden of Dreams at KesharMahal, Kathmandu. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Pokhara, a tourism hub of Nepal has been offering different tastes to travellers. ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is a latest addition to its deliverables and this one offers unique experience to junior travellers.', 'sortorder' => '2564', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2717', 'article_category_id' => '202', 'title' => 'Pharma, Hockey And Poetry', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Umesh Lal Shrestha, president of Association of Pharmaceuticals Producers of Nepal (APPON) regards himself as a very simple person. Very humble person by nature, Shrestha is hardly found annoyed or angry. Highly inspired by his own father, he walks on his path. ‘Treating Everybody Equally’ is the principle around which Shrestha’s life revolves. “Hierarchy in our society and discriminations in any form frustrates me a lot”, he shares adding, “I don’t believe in the caste system.”</div> <div> </div> <div> This scenario of the society makes Shrestha write too. He shares that he has wrote number of poems based on the contemporary social issues. However, only one of his poems is published so far. He has limitedhis writings within his own diary.</div> <div> </div> <div> Besides writing hobby, Shrestha loves reading too in his spare time. He particularly loves reading biographies. Akio Morita’s biography remains his all time favourite. Apart from that Shrestha loves listening to music too. Old Hindi songs, and songs of Narayan Gopal are his preferred taste in music.He shares that he also likes to sing, but that is also his personal pleasure.</div> <div> </div> <div> Shrestha has been sporty person in his times. He shares that was an active cricket and hockey player in the past but stopped playing them as his age grew gradually. However, hestill updates himself with the events. This interest in sports has made him the Vice-President of Nepal Olympic Committee and president of Nepal Hockey Association. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of being loaded with a host of responsibilities, Shrestha doesn’t find it difficult to manage his personal and professional life. He hates having to attend unnecessary calls when he is on holidays and believes in keeping office and home separate. “I keep it very simple”, he shares, “Don’t take your work home;don’t bring your home to office.” This way he manages well to carry his family and office together. </div> <div> </div> <div> Along with his office responsibilities, he says that he has been successful in managing time for his family. He shares that he often goes on vacation with his family, which consists of his mother, wife and two daughters. Pokhara has always been his favourite within the country, when it comes for vacation or refreshment and spending time with family. Likewise, Europe is his favourite destination overseas. “The scenery and the natural beauty is amazing in Europe”, he shares, “America is good too, but we don’t get to see history and human cultures there as in Europe,” he shares.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Umesh Lal Shrestha, president of Association of Pharmaceuticals Producers of Nepal (APPON) regards himself as a very simple person. Very humble person by nature, Shrestha is hardly found annoyed or angry. Highly inspired by his own father, he walks on his path. ‘Treating Everybody Equally’ is the principle around which Shrestha’s life revolves. “Hierarchy in our society and discriminations in any form frustrates me a lot”, he shares adding, “I don’t believe in the caste system.”', 'sortorder' => '2563', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2721', 'article_category_id' => '212', 'title' => 'Wearable Tech At Mobile World Congress 2014', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Samsung Gear Fit" src="/userfiles/images/w1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 73px;" />Samsung Gear Fit</strong></span></div> <div> Samsung’s most interesting was the Gear Fit: from its curved AMOLED display to its Fitbit-like wristband design, the Gear Fit falls right in between smartwatches like fitness bands. It's less advanced than the new Gear 2, but it's still feature-packed: there's a heart rate monitor, message notifications, and remote music controls are onboard. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Samsung Gear 2" src="/userfiles/images/w2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 77px;" />Samsung Gear 2</strong></span></div> <div> The original Samsung Galaxy Gear came out just last fall, but there's already a Gear 2 arriving April 11. The new version is thinner, lighter, has a better dual-core processor, comes with a heart rate monitor, can store and play music offline, acts as an IR TV remote, and comes with a whole new Tizen operating system under the hood instead of being Android-based. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Huawei TalkBand B1" src="/userfiles/images/w3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 69px;" />Huawei TalkBand B1</strong></span></div> <div> Combine a fitness tracker and a smartwatch...sound familiar? Everyone's doing it. Huawei's wearable tech device at MWC has a pop-out module that fits in a band, and can be used to track your activity or to monitor phone calls. But wait, this is also a Bluetooth headset! Stick it in your ear, make a call, then stick it back in your band. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Sony SmartBand" src="/userfiles/images/w4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 74px;" />Sony SmartBand</strong></span></div> <div> Sony's new SmartBand looks like a spin on fitness bands like those from Jawbone and Fitbit, with a twist: Sony's Life Log software rides along sidesaddle on your phone to extend beyond fitness tracking and keep track of everything else in your life, too...using the photos you've taken, and apps like Facebook. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Fujitsu Smart Glove" src="/userfiles/images/w5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 87px;" />Fujitsu Smart Glove</strong></span></div> <div> What is a smart glove? It's part of Fujitsu's next-wave vision for the future of factories and other industrial workplaces. The glove, targeted for 2015, lets you just point at what you're looking at, while paired augmented-reality glasses show you what you need to actually be doing instead.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Mio Link" src="/userfiles/images/w6.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 97px;" />Mio Link</strong></span></div> <div> What's $99, coming in April, and measures your heart rate? The Mio Link, a simple, screen-free heart-rate monitor that wirelessly syncs and has a pulsating LED. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Bionym Nymi" src="/userfiles/images/w7.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 66px;" />Bionym Nymi</strong></span></div> <div> A wristband that's just made for storing passwords, PIN codes, and maybe even open password-protected car doors. A recipe for disaster, or genius? The $79 Bionym Nymi prototype was seen at MWC.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Lumus Smartglasses " src="/userfiles/images/w8.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 77px;" />Lumus Smartglasses </strong></span></div> <div> One of many smartglasses companies at CES, Lumus has a design that fuses traditional glasses with a side-mounted heads-up display projector. A new partnership with EyeSight at Mobile World Congress brings gesture recognition as part of the baked-in software: a clever idea for a pair of glasses, and a great way to look really weird at parties.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Plantronics Voyager Edge" src="/userfiles/images/w9.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 70px;" />Plantronics Voyager Edge</strong></span></div> <div> Advanced noise-cancelling, voice commands, and NFC for quick smartphone pairing might make the $129.99 Plantronics Voyage Edge a better riff on the Bluetooth audio headset. (CNET)</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Samsung’s most interesting was the Gear Fit: from its curved AMOLED display to its Fitbit-like wristband design, the Gear Fit falls right in between smartwatches like fitness bands. It's less advanced than the new Gear 2, but it's still feature-packed: there's a heart rate monitor, message notifications, and remote music controls are onboard.', 'sortorder' => '2562', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2720', 'article_category_id' => '206', 'title' => 'Nokia Lumia 1520 A Luminous Comeback', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> After years of lackluster performance, Nokia (which is now owned by US tech giant Microsoft) is all set for a comeback into the global smartphone arena- dominated by Google's Android and Apple's IOS- with its Lumia Windows phone series. The latest Lumia 1520 is an excellent example of Nokia's endeavor which shows that the once no. 1 mobile manufacturer is again moving towards the right direction. </div> <div> </div> <div> The 6-inch Nano-SIM 1520 marks Nokia’s first entry into the increasingly popular "phablet" category. Powered by a Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 processor which uses Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset, the phablet runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8 Black operating system. The powerful processor coupled with Adreno 330 GPU and 2 GB RAM can handle any power-hungry application or video game very easily. The processing speed is blazing fast and users can also experience smooth multitasking. </div> <div> </div> <div> The handset's IPS LCD capacitive touch screen (with 16:9 aspect ratio) features full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 368 ppi pixel density. Images and videos come out vibrantly sharp and pleasantly bright as Lumia 1520 sports Nokia's ClearBlack multi-touch display. Due to this the screen's black levels are amazingly deep resulting in vibrant vivid colors, exceptional contrast and high brightness mode that gives above par outdoor visibility. Users need not to worry much about display's protection as the phablet's screen is well-covered by Corning Gorilla Glass 2 alkali-aluminosilicate sheet. The unibody polycarbonate shell of Lumia 1520 offers high grade protection to the device. </div> <div> </div> <div> However, the big dimensions (162.8 x 85.4 x 8.7 mm, 120.3 cc) make it uncomfortable to use the phablet with single hand. Similarly, on a less positive note, the weight of Lumia 1520 (209 grams) feels heavy to carry. Nevertheless, 1520 can be counted among the best in the business if it is considered as "bigger the better." </div> <div> </div> <div> On the camera front the phablet scores the highest. It is among the best in camera phone category with its 20 megapixel PureView snapper. Its camera is certainly incomparable to Nokia Lumia 1020 which sports an award-winning 40 MP camera. However, the dual-LED flash Carl Zeiss autofocus camera of Lumia 1520 captures amazingly high-quality images that come into life with superb colour combinations. When compared to other phones with high-end cameras, low-light images also look remarkable. The camera is operated through the “Nokia Camera” application. The app is quite notable as it has automatic mode which provides a simple interface for quick capturing of high-quality images. Accordingly, a "Pro" mode (for manually tuning basic camera-features such as ISO, white balance and shutter speed) and “Smart” mode (for snapping a series of 10 images in less than 3 seconds) are also present. </div> <div> </div> <div> Likewise, there is another camera app called the “Nokia Refocus” which uses a technology to create photos that mimic a Lytro camera (a light-field camera that uses a microlens array to capture 4D light field information about a scene). Lastly, the phablet has another new app called “Nokia Storyteller” which reads GPS location data from the photos and videos users have taken and puts them on Nokia’s HERE maps in a interactive interface. The rear camera can capture 1080p HD videos at 30 frames-per-second. The front-facing 1.2 MP snapper is also good for taking 720p videos @30fps. </div> <div> </div> <div> The sound quality of the phablet is amazing as it offers Dolby Headphone Sound Enhancement system. Be it for listening songs, FM radio or watching videos, the earbuds let users hear refined quality sounds along with active noise cancellation for the microphone. On the power backup front, the phablet is pretty strong with its 3,400 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. In terms of storage capacity, Lumia 1520 comes in two variants- 16 GB and 32 GB. There is a microSD card slot which can be used to further expand its storage up to 64 GB. </div> <div> </div> <div> Loaded with high-end internet and other latest connectivity options, Lumia 1520 is a premium handset which is the most impressive Windows Phone till date. Neoteric Nepal, the authorised distributor of Nokia mobiles for Nepal has priced the phablet at Rs 77,400. Lumia 1520 is available in yellow, black, white and red colours.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Loaded with high-end internet and other latest connectivity options, Lumia 1520 is a premium handset which is the most impressive Windows Phone till date.', 'sortorder' => '2561', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2719', 'article_category_id' => '213', 'title' => 'Business Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>ATC Launches Indian Tires with Bridgestone Co Logo </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="ATC Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 33px;" />ATC Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Bridgestone tires in Nepal launched tires imported from India. ATC has been providing tires ranging from radial tires for bus, truck, passenger car, light vehicle and construction vehicles. According to the company, it caters to Nepalis by delivering a wide variety of tires from from Himalayas to Terai through its 150 plus dealer network. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Hyundai Opens Showroom at Narayanghat</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 95px;" />Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Hyundai Motors for Nepal has provided its dealership to Pinnacle Trading Concern Pvt Ltd in Narayanghat. The new showroom was jointly inaugurated by Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd’s Executive Director Anjan Shrestha and Chairman of Chitwan Chamber and Commerce on 26th February. The showroom will deal in sales, service and spare parts facilities. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>TVS Offers Cash Discount </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="CG Moto Corp" src="/userfiles/images/l3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 83px;" />CG Moto Corp, the authorized distributor of TVS two-wheeler in Nepal has launched a new scheme titled ‘Harsha Ko Ranga, TVS Sanga’. With this scheme, the company is offering cash discount of up to Rs 9,000 on its product line. This scheme is available across all the dealerships of TVS two-wheelers under CG Motocorp. Currently, CG Motocorp has 38 TVS Dealerships under its network. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Karbonn Launches New Mobiles </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Karbonn" src="/userfiles/images/l4.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 100px; height: 137px;" />Allied Trade Link, the authorized distributor of Karbonn Mobile for Nepal has launched new mobile phones in the market. The newly launched models are Titanium S9, A 18+, A34 HD Star, A 37 HD and K54+. The top end phone in the series S9 has a 5.5 inch HD screen, runs on Android 4.1 and is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad core processor. Similarly, A18+ is powred by a 1.3 GHz dual core processor, has 512 MB of RAM and has a 5 inch touchscreen. The price of the phones range from Rs 2,645 to Rs 27,013. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Models of Run Shoes in the Market</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Run Shoes Industries Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 100px; height: 84px;" />Run Shoes Industries Pvt Ltd has introduced 13 new models of shoes in the market. According to the company, the new shoes are launched targeting the ongoing wedding season. The new series include five models of party shoes, four sports shoes and four casual shoes. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'ATC Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Bridgestone tires in Nepal launched tires imported from India.', 'sortorder' => '2560', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2718', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'Fashion Faux Pas In The Office', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> The three components that make up executive presence are communication, gravitas, and appearance according to fashion experts the power of executive presence is the force that shows people we are capable of being leaders. In the corporate offices appearance counts for 60 per cent of your corporate presence. Here are few tips and couple </div> <div> of ideas with a list of fashion sings that should never make it into the office. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Wet Hair</strong></span></div> <div> Long Wet hair first of all is a really great way to catch a cold. But more importantly no matter how rushed we are in the morning, not taking the time to dry your hair shows that you don’t care enough to do so. The bottom line is that wet hair is viewed by many as unprofessional because several people equate wet hair with unfinished hair. Going into work with wet hair might give off the impression that you are not ready for work, or that you did not have time in the morning to dry your hair. Employers, therefore, might assume that you put little effort into getting ready for work. However, most agreed that it is perfectly acceptable to go out with wet hair if you are going to class (if you’re a student) or if you are simply running errands.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Heavy Makeup</strong></span></div> <div> You absolutely have to wear makeup, even if you have the features of Snow White. Not wearing makeup to work says you don’t take it seriously but the trick is to look like you are not wearing a makeup. A study has found that wearing makeup at work can actually help you appear more confident, but the line between confident and looking like all you do is put on makeup is a very thin one. Researchers say it “may have to do with the negative stereotypes associated with an ‘overly groomed’ woman in the workplace.” Sparkles should never come into your place </div> <div> of work.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>High High Heels</strong></span></div> <div> If you are wearing the highest pair of heels in your office, then you’re wearing the wrong shoes. If you work in an industry like fashion, wearing three inch heels may be the norm. If you work in accounting, a kitten heel may be all you need.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Ill-fitting Clothing</strong></span></div> <div> Too-tight clothing is a major problem, but so is too-loose clothing. Investing in a good tailor is part of a professional wardrobe.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dressing Too Casually</strong></span></div> <div> Casual Fridays sound great. Friday is the day where you don’t have to don the suit or conservative dress and heels. But dressing casually and still conveying power can be tough for women. Experts say that Casual Fridays were designed by men for men but women can’t convey as much power as men when they dress casually. It seems that dressing casually, in certain industries, may be even trickier than dressing professionally. But unfortunately, your clothes are the first things people see when they meet you which can give a strong message. <em>(Agencies)</em></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In the corporate offices appearance counts for 60 per cent of your corporate presence.', 'sortorder' => '2559', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2716', 'article_category_id' => '100', 'title' => 'Tourism Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Tripadvisor Hits 150 Million User Reviews</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/T2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 102px;" />TripAdvisor has reached another content milestone, by becoming the first travel site to feature 150 million customer reviews. The landmark review, which was written about the Cameron House Inn in North Carolina, comes 14 years after the first review. But the amount of content being posted has accelerated significantly in recent years. TripAdvisor now collects more than 90 user contributions every minute from more than two billion unique worldwide visitors a year, for its collection of 3.7 million hotels, restaurants and attractions. <em>(Traveldailymedia.com)</em></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Google Takes Indian Heritage Online</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/T3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 65px;" />Google India and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have teamed up together to offer 360-degree online views of almost 100 national monuments. People across the globe will be able to explore the Taj Mahal and other national Indian monuments online through Street View. The project aimed to create a panoramic imagery of the “nationally important” monuments like Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb, Khajuraho, Red Fort and Agra Fort, etc. So far, Google has released the first set of 360 degree online images of 30 monuments and will slowly keep adding other heritage sites. <em>(Traveldailymedia.com) </em></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>World Committee on Tourism Ethics to Focus on the Exploitation of Children </strong></span></div> <div> The protection of children from all forms of exploitation, the fight against trafficking, anti-poaching and accessible tourism for all are among the work priorities defined by the newly formed World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE). Under the chairmanship of Pascal Lamy, former Director-General of World Trade Organization - WTO, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics met for the first time in its new constitution as appointed by the UNWTO General Assembly in August 2013. The Action Plan of the Committee for the coming four years will focus on the exploitation of children in all its forms, trafficking, poaching and the illegal trading of wildlife, accessible tourism for all and promotion of fair models of all inclusive holidays.<em> (Traveldailynews.com)</em></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'TripAdvisor has reached another content milestone, by becoming the first travel site to feature 150 million customer reviews. The landmark review, which was written about the Cameron House Inn in North Carolina, comes 14 years after the first review.', 'sortorder' => '2558', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $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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Guests can either enjoy a combination platter of caramelized banana and dark chocolate muffin, vanilla chocolate doughnut and chocolate ice cream at Rs 750 plus taxes or alternatively try each individually with the condiments at Rs 200 plus taxes.</div> <div> </div> <div> The choices for the muffins include caramelised Banana and Dark Chocolate and Kahlua Drunken Apricot and Nougatine. Dark chocolate doughnut and vanilla chocolate doughnut are some of the doughnuts varieties offered. Other pastries like strawberry pastry slice, dark and white truffles, strawberry chocolate parfaits and seasonal fruit tart are also on the menu. </div> <div> </div> <div> Croissant sandwich is available at Rs 775 plus taxes, and there are many the choices for fillings. Tuna flakes marinated with onion, coriander, tomato and lemon juice is an option, along with shredded chicken, organic lettuce and mayonnaise. Sauté cottage cheese, green bell pepper with mint chutney could also be the perfect pick. </div> <div> </div> <div> All this can be savoured at The Lounge that offers a nice view of Boudhanath Stupa from its spacious terrace overlooking the pool. Along with tempting pastries, sandwiches and light meals, it also serves a wide selection of teas, freshly brewed coffee, local and imported beers, and a variety of fine wines.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-10', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Lounge at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has introduced a range of croissant sandwiches with a variety of fillings, doughnuts and muffin promotions for the month of March as part of its planned food promotions throughout the year. Guests can either enjoy a combination platter of caramelized banana and dark chocolate muffin, vanilla chocolate doughnut and chocolate ice cream at Rs 750 plus taxes or alternatively try each individually with the condiments at Rs 200 plus taxes.', 'sortorder' => '2572', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2685', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Contradictory Budget Review', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div> <div> </div> <table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat" src="/userfiles/images/rsm.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 217px;" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <div align="center"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div> <strong>Dr Ram Sharan Mahat</strong></div> <div> Finance Minister</div> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div> The government has made a Mid-term Review of the Budget public with an ambitious hope of achieving the targeted 5.5 percent growth rate. Revealing contradictory figures, newly appointed Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has claimed that the targeted growth rate of 5.5 per cent will be realized this year despite extremely low (19 percent of what was budgeted) capital expenditure.</div> <div> </div> <div> The government’s projection is based on favourable weather for agricultural products, thanks to timely monsoon and winter rains. Though the weather might prove our finance minister lucky, it is not time to rejoice. There are myriad problems ahead for Dr Mahat to bring the economy back on track. </div> <div> </div> <div> A huge amount has remained idle in the government treasury and low credit off-take from the private sector has resulted in excess liquidity in banks. Similarly, there’s no tangible progress in investment in the productive sector. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government has Rs 65 billion lying unspent in its treasury at the moment, while banks have excess liquidity of Rs 50 billion, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). As of Feb 27, capital expenditure has reached only 19.72 per cent of the budget. </div> <div> </div> <div> The Mid-term Review of the Budget also revealed that the food prices jumped 13 percent despite increase in the production of agricultural products. Dr Mahat blamed middlemen (intermediaries) as those mainly responsible for the sharp price rise. Though this indicates that the finance minister will be tightening the middlemen that indulge in cartels and syndicates, the power to do so lies mostly with the Home Minister who is from CPN-UML that has a quite different political ideology</div> <div> </div> <div> Food prices are expected to stabilize or go lower when there is increase in agriculture products, said former commerce secretary Purushottam Ojha. “Food prices go up if there are frequent obstacles in transportation, but that too cannot be an excuse this year as there were not such obstacles sice the last year.”</div> <div> </div> <div> Another reason for increment in food prices is export of food items. “Export increases demand of products resulting in price hike in the domestic market,” Ojha opined. But the data shows there has not been much export of agro-products this year. The government should study whether there is really increased export of agro products from Nepal, he suggested. </div> <div> </div> <div> The report has estimated that paddy and maize production grew 12 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. “As livestock production also grew and winter crops are also expected to perform well, the agriculture sector’s overall performance will be much better,” the </div> <div> report stated. </div> <div> </div> <div> Leaving the price rise in food items apart, the overall economic indicators are positive in the first half of the current fiscal year.</div> <div> </div> <div> The Mid-Term Review document of the Budget for the current fiscal year 2013-14 states that positive political developments and their possible positive impact on investment in industry and service sectors will help achieve the targeted growth rate. </div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile, the service sector is expected to post a six percent growth this year, according to the Finance Ministry. Services account for more than 50 per cent of the economy while the farm sector contributes 35 per cent and industry 15 percent, according to the Economic Survey 2012-13.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-02', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The government has made a Mid-term Review of the Budget public with an ambitious hope of achieving the targeted 5.5 percent growth rate. Revealing contradictory figures, newly appointed Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has claimed that the targeted growth rate of 5.5 per cent will be realized this year despite extremely low (19 percent of what was budgeted) capital expenditure.', 'sortorder' => '2571', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2687', 'article_category_id' => '137', 'title' => 'Nepal Climbs Four Spots Up In GRI', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Retirement security of Nepali workers is seen improving as retired public and private sector employees are receiving more benefits, a latest global report shows. The 2014 Global Retirement Index (GRI), ranked Nepal 114th, up four spots from 118th in 2013. The report published by Paris-based Natixis Global Asset Management, the world’s 13th largest asset management company with USD 392.96 in assets, finds Nepal’s performance improving, though slowly, over the past year. The report ranks 150 countries based on four broad factors such as health care, finances, economic well-being and quality of life. Nepal’s achieved an overall score of 40 per cent in the index, which was 39 per cent last year. </div> <div> </div> <div> The country scored 35 per cent and 39 per cent in sub-indices of health and finances in retirement respectively. In the finances in retirement sub-index, Nepal scored 39 per cent falling eight spots to 148th from 140 in 2013. Similarly, the country also poorly performed in quality of life sub-index where it scored 39 per cent and ranked 132nd, down 5 spots from last year’s 127th. However, Nepal comparatively fared well in material well-being sub-index with a score of 47 per cent. </div> <div> </div> <div> The country’s southern and northern neighbours, India and China, meanwhile ranked 104th and 69th respectively. India’s position declined three spots in the index, whereas, China climbed upfour spots. The report pointed India as the worst performing nation among BRIC nationthis year. “The main upset being its performance in the finances in retirement sub-index where it dropped from 20th to 128th place,” Natixis said in the report. “In addition it continues its mediocre performance in the health and quality of life sub-indices.” </div> <div> </div> <div> Sri Lanka was the highest ranking South Asian nation with 86th position in 2014 GRI, climbing 5 spots from 91th in 2013. Bangladesh and Pakistan also climbed higher in the index with 105th and 102nd spots respectively. Last year, Bangladesh ranked 112th, whereas, Pakistan was placed at 107th. </div> <div> </div> <div> European countries took eight of the top 10 spots, buoyed by strong social programs for older citizens. Switzerland claimed the top spot pushing Norway to second place in 2014 GRI. Austria, Sweden, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Finland, New Zealand and Luxembourg occupied the remaining top 10 spots. United States, meanwhile, remained unchanged from last year’s 19th position. United Kingdom climbed to 18th spot from 20 in 2013. Japan was seen as the worst performer among developed nations. The country dropped 12 spots to 27th in the index. Despite the domination of European countries, the report warns that the long-term financial security of retirees in developed economies is under pressure. “Ageing populations and increasing high old-age dependency ratios, a historically prolonged period of low interest rates and high levels of sovereign debt are testing the resilience of retirement systems and fuelling uncertainty,” it said. African countries Togo, Burindi, Niger, Comoros and Zimbabwe occupied the bottom five spots in the index.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Retirement security of Nepali workers is seen improving as retired public and private sector employees are receiving more benefits, a latest global report shows. The 2014 Global Retirement Index (GRI), ranked Nepal 114th, up four spots from 118th in 2013.', 'sortorder' => '2570', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2688', 'article_category_id' => '151', 'title' => 'SSRP Expiring Without Any Significant Progress', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Gopal Sangroula</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> The School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP), which aimed to reform the school education system, is trailing out without making any significant progress. The five-year ambitious project aimed at reforming curriculum, management and examination system in order to bring about structural changes in the education system. Fifteen donor agencies including World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNESCO, UNDP and USAID have been supporting the SSRP. </div> <div> </div> <div> SSRP has been the next big thing in Nepal’s education reformation since the new education system was introduced in 1971. Launched in September, 2009 the project aimed to fulfil the state’s objective of ensuring ‘Education for All’ but fell short. Of other factors behind its failure, failure of the government to get the SSRP bill endorsed through parliament has been pointed by some as the major one. </div> <div> </div> <div> Ministry officials, however, are pushing to buy another two years for this Rs 256.82 billion budget programme, according to Mahashram Sharma, spokesperson for the education ministry. </div> <div> </div> <div> The project aimed at improving the status of public schools along with the general education status of the nation. However, most of the plan has only been limited to paper. Educationist Bidhan Koirala points lack of realisation and recognition by the government, policy makers and political leaders about the outcome of SSRP as the major factor behind its failure. </div> <div> </div> <div> “If it was a politically originated document, it would have been endorsed. But as it’s an academically originated document, the political leaders have taken it in their own way. Though efforts are being made to endorse the bill through parliament, political leaders are not giving it the importance that it deserves,” he said. </div> <div> </div> <div> While the donor agencies contribute 22 per cent of the total Rs 256.82 billion budget, the government has been contributing the remaining78 per cent. If the Ministry succeeds in buying two years time for the plan, it will require an additional Rs 117 billion for implementing the remaining projects. While informing that necessary documentation in this regard has been presented to the donor agencies, Sharma said that the ministry is planning to table the bill at the parliament at the earliest. </div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile donors are requesting to increase the budget of the education sector to 20 per cent of the total budget. Though this year the education sector received the largest pie of the budget, donor agencies have pointed out that this is due to the salary of staff. </div> <div> </div> <div> If SSRP gets another lease of life, it aims to amend the current education Act. In other changes, the current four-tier education system (i.e. primary, lower secondary, secondary and higher secondary levels) will be brought down to two: class 1-8 would be made basic level and 9-12 secondary level.</div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile, former president of Nepal Teachers’ Association, Mohan Gyawali says SSRP should not be implemented till the demands of teachers are fulfilled. He says that the government is trying to move out of its educational responsibility by handing over the school management to community. </div> <div> </div> <div> The education ministry has declared Rasuwa, Kapilvastu and Dadeldhura as model districts for SSRP programme. However, the progress reports of these districts are yet to come out. The ministry had earlier committed to achieve the millennium development goal by 2015. Decreasing the dropout rates and bringing to the schools those children who are out of schools were some of the programmes under SSRP.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP), which aimed to reform the school education system, is trailing out without making any significant progress. The five-year ambitious project aimed at reforming curriculum, management and examination system in order to bring about structural changes in the education system. Fifteen donor agencies including World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNESCO, UNDP and USAID have been supporting the SSRP.', 'sortorder' => '2569', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2686', 'article_category_id' => '109', 'title' => 'Nepse Up 3 Points Last Week Most Of The Stocks Traded Range Bound', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Nepse index went up 3.3 points last week (23rd to 26th February) marking a continuous gain for a straight third week. The benchmark index which opened its weekly trading at 822.67 points on the first day (Sunday) closed at 826.40 points on the last day (Wednesday). The impetus, though weaker than previous week, continued following a bull run after the appointment of new prime minister and formation of a new cabinet. </div> <div> </div> <div> As the country’s secondary market opened for only four days for trading last week saw relatively high volatility even in intra-day trading. The Nepse index remained range bound for the last week except for the first day. On Sunday, the benchmark index rallied to 840 points before closing at 831.86 points. For other days Nepse index traded within the range of 840 and 820 before to close at 826.40 points on Wednesday, the last trading day of the week. Analysts say that the range bound trading of any stock market pose difficulty in predicting the future movement of the marked. Same principle is applicable for individual scripts as well. </div> <div> </div> <div> A total of 3.58 million units of shares worth Rs 1.47 billion were traded in the domestic stock market through 10,900 transactions. Compared to the previous week, the turnover increased 32.96 per cent whereas, number of transactions went up 16.49 per cent. Similarly, unit of shares traded rose by 25.55 per cent. </div> <div> </div> <div> In terms of weekly turnover, Chilime Hydropower Company Limited climbed to the top spot. Similarly, Citizens Bank International Limited claimed the top position in terms of number of share units being transacted for the week. In terms of market capitalization, Nepal Telecom maintained its top spot as earlier weeks. </div> <div> </div> <div> Last week marked declining trend in most of the trading sub-indices compared to the previous week. ‘Others’ sub-index was the biggest weekly gainer with 34.06 points. Likewise, Hydropower was seen as the second biggest gainer (10.26 points), followed by Hotels (7.85 points) and Trading (0.41 points).</div> <div> </div> <div> Insurance was the biggest loser for the week as the sub-index went down 163.04 points. Finance sub-index followed the suit with 25.57 points which was accompanied by Banking (5.95 points) and Development Banks (2.86 points). Manufacturing and processing sub-index, meanwhile, remained unchanged as previous week. For the week, the Sensitive Index representing the share trading of blue chip stocks belonging to class ‘A’ listed companies went down 0.3 points. </div> <div> Last week, shares of 148 companies were transacted in the domestic stock market. Out of them 48 companies saw increase in their share prices, 77 companies logged decline in their share prices and share prices of 23 companies remained unchanged over the period.</div> <div> </div> <div> <img alt="Weekly Indices" src="/userfiles/images/weekly1.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 360px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-02', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Nepse index went up 3.3 points last week (23rd to 26th February) marking a continuous gain for a straight third week. The benchmark index which opened its weekly trading at 822.67 points on the first day (Sunday) closed at 826.40 points on the last day (Wednesday). The impetus, though weaker than previous week, continued following a bull run after the appointment of new prime minister and formation of a new cabinet.', 'sortorder' => '2568', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2689', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'The Fifth Nepal Pharma Expo Concludes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> The three days fifth Nepal Pharma Expo concluded today. The three day expo was organized by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers’ of Nepal (APPON). The expo was organized to create awareness about the present condition of the pharmaceutical industry and the latest technology in the domestic industry. The Pharma expo had a participation of around 46 national and 45 foreign medicine industries. This year during the trade fair there were around 106 stalls from the national and international medicine industries. The main objective of the expo was to showcase the national and international science and technology in the medicine production. According to the organizers the expo was successful to attract quality number of people who were related to the medicine industry. The fifth Nepal Pharma Expo was organized from February 28 – March 2. The expo is organized in every two years interval since 2005, said the organizers. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The three days fifth Nepal Pharma Expo concluded today. The three day expo was organized by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers’ of Nepal (APPON). The expo was organized to create awareness about the present condition of the pharmaceutical industry and the latest technology in the domestic industry.', 'sortorder' => '2567', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2722', 'article_category_id' => '199', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Japan Researchers Testing Tiny Ear Computer</strong></span></div> <div> A tiny personal computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue is being tested in Japan. The 17-gram (0.59-ounce) wireless device has bluetooth capability and is equipped with a GPS, compass, gyro-sensor, battery, barometer, speaker and microphone. The device, known at the moment as the “Earclip-type Wearable PC” has a microchip and data storage, enabling users to load software, said engineer Kazuhiro Taniguchi ofHiroshima City University. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New software Helps Improve Your Web Search</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="AIDA" src="/userfiles/images/b1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 75px;" />Researchers have developed a new software that makes your web search easier by resolving the ambiguity of names within texts automatically. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics in Germany have developed a software that enables accurate disambiguation of named entities by analysing them with the help of Wikipedia. Their software, named AIDA, establishes connections between the mentions in the text and potential persons or places. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Soon, Free Wi-Fi from Space</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Free Wi-Fi from Space" src="/userfiles/images/b2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 100px;" />A US company is planning to build an ‘Outernet’ — a global network of cube satellites broadcasting internet data to all the people on the planet — for free. The idea is to offer free internet access to all people, regardless of location, bypassing filtering or other means of censorship, according to the New York based non-profit organization, Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF). MDIF proposes that hundreds of cube satellites be built and launched to create a constellation of sorts in the sky, allowing anyone with a phone or computer to access Internet data sent to the satellites by several hundred ground stations.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Now, Smartphone-Controlled Hearing Aid!</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Smartphone-Controlled Hearing Aid" src="/userfiles/images/b3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 56px;" />A tiny new hearing aid that is controlled by a smartphone app has been developed, eliminating the need for wearers to carry a pendant-like device. Hearing aid wearers need to carry a cumbersome pendant or other wireless device to change settings on their hearing aid, but the new app allows users to make those changes directly on the smartphone. The ReSound LiNX hearing aids can also be used to stream music, listen to GPS directions and talk on the phone through Bluetooth. There is also a ‘Find My Hearing Aid’ feature that helps the user locate their device if it has been misplaced. The batteries on the hearing aid will last about five days, a local newspaper reported. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New App can Give You ‘Superhero’ Vision</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt=" ‘Superhero’ Vision" src="/userfiles/images/b4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 67px;" />Suffering from bad eyesight? This app could give you ‘superhero’ vision! US Scientists have developed a revolutionary new app that can improve users’ eyesight by sharpening their vision and boosting ability to see in dim light. The new UltimEye app improves the users’ vision by training their brain to process patterns better. UltimEye asks users to complete tasks such as clicking on hard-to-see targets and can help them perform everyday work, ‘Mashable’ reported. The app is designed to help rewire the brain to process the information it receives from the eyes while keeping the user engaged with positive reinforcement such as a point system. California-based Carrot Neurotechnology, a company that creates tools that can improve vision, developed the app. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Wolf of Wall Street Most ‘Googled’ Movie Among Oscar Nominees</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Wolf of Wall Street" src="/userfiles/images/b5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 100px;" />‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, directed by noted filmmaker Martin Scorsese, has topped search trends on Google among the films nominated for this year’s Oscar awards to be announced next month. Golden Globe winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who played male lead in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, was the most searched actor among filmstars nominated for the Best Actor category in the 86th Academy Awards. Among the Best Movie category, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ topped the search trends followed by ‘American Hustle’, ‘Gravity’, ‘12 Year a Slave and Captain Philips’. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-09', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'A tiny personal computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue is being tested in Japan.', 'sortorder' => '2566', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2712', 'article_category_id' => '153', 'title' => 'Silver Lining On Silver Jewellery', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>History of Silver jewellery</strong></span></div> <div> Nepal has a long tradition of craftsmanship in many forms like wood carving, metal craft, stone carving and, working silver and gold into exquisite pieces of jewellery. The manufacture of jewellery in Nepal is wide spread throughout the country since time immemorial. The production of jewellery is labour intensive industry that was based on caste and cultural heritage. It was traditionally confined only to the Newari Shakya and Sunar families, but nowadays, other castes are also equally involved in this occupation. The local demand of jewellery has traditionally confined to social and religious occasions and other ritual ceremonies. The arrival of foreign tourist has led to the mingling of the traditional heritage with modern foreign market taste. The filigree cuttings have made Nepali silver jewelleries peerless. The handmade production process has made it possible to spread over rural areas benefiting the rural mass. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Present scenario</strong></span></div> <div> Once the poor second cousin of gold, silver jewellery has become a cool, contemporary style icon in its own right. “The skyrocketing price of the yellow metal people from various walks of life are getting more attracted to the cheaper yet stylish silver jewelleries,” said former president of Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association Tej Ratna Shakya. According to him, on an average around 100-150 kilos of silver is traded daily in the local market. Apart from the jewellery, the silver utensils are also on high demand due to the influence of Indian culture,” Shakya said. He also added that the trading of silver products is increasing remarkably in the local market and the situation is improving in the international market too. Silver is used mainly in household and industrial purpose. However the trend of silver jewellery is also catching among youths here who are more attracted to silver bracelets, rings, earrings, bangles and pendants as their fashion statements.</div> <div> </div> <table align="center" width="100"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="Customers purchasing silver ornaments at Silver Palace, New Road." src="/userfiles/images/f.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 374px;" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#DDDDDD"> <div align="center"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Customers purchasing silver ornaments at Silver Palace, New Road.</strong></div> <div style="text-align: right;"> <em>Photos: Rukesh Shrestha/TC</em></div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>International Market Trend</strong></span></div> <div> Following the laboratory certification system for the silver articles, the export of silver article is gradually moving ahead in the international market. “Now we do not have problems while exporting silver products in the European market which is the major buyer of the product,” said Shakya. However the government must actively look for upgrading the existing certification method. Nepali Silver Jewellery is one of the major overseas export products next to other handicraft products of the country. The number of the export markets of this product has crossed 30 out of which, USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, France, Italy and Australia are the </div> <div> leading ones.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Now Certified </strong></span></div> <div> Introduction of quality testing certification for Nepali silver jewellery has averted possible ban for the products in European market on charges of having traces of restricted chemical ‘Cadmium’ in them. The certification system that tests any silver product for this chemical and certifies it as quality product of the country has once again brought charm to silver products in the local and the international market. </div> <div> </div> <div> “The export of silver jewellery that was about to get ban in the European country has finally received a relief as now we have a proper certification system, which certifies the purity of the product,” said Shakya. Earlier the European Union was mulling on banning the import of Nepali silver jewellery if the exporters failed to certify that the products were free of cadmium. Cadmium is a known carcinogenic substance and various studies have concluded that it is toxic. Long-term contact of it can cause kidney and bone damage. According to the silver exporters now only 0.01 per cent cadmium is allowed in the exportable silver products. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="NTIS" src="/userfiles/images/F1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 525px;" />Initiative of Government</strong></span></div> <div> The Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2010, put in place by the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies has prioritised 19 goods and services (7 agro-food products, 5 craft and industrial goods and 7 services) for export promotion in the next three to five years. Silver jewellery is one of the five craft and industrial goods on this priority list. German International Cooperation (GIZ) is one of those development partners, which have been supporting the government in implementing NTIS 2010. In consultation with MoCS, it has chosen two of the 19 products and services prioritized by NTIS 2010, namely medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPS)/essential oils and silver jewellery, to help enhance their exports. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Facts about Silver jewellery</strong></span></div> <div> Nepal’s world market share of silver jewellery exports is about 0.2 percent. In the past few years, exports have been fairly stable and prospect for future export is generally seen as very good. Production costs are competitive and workers are readily available. Most major markets grant duty-free access to Nepali silver jewellery. There are also no any non-tariff barriers (NTBs) hindering exports of silver jewellery from Nepal, except that use of cadmium has resulted in ban of some items entering European markets. </div> <div> </div> <div> Firms and companies involved in jewellery production and export are owned by private entrepreneurs and operate as small-scale/cottage producers. Firms normally outsource jewellery production to individual craftsmen who have in-house workshops. Annual production of silver jewellery in Nepal is 15 to 20 metric tons (MT) while the annual production capacity is estimated at 50 M. Silver jewellery is fully handmade in Nepal. Productivity and quality can be improved if production were further mechanized. </div> <div> </div> <div> Monthly salaries of skilled workers in the silver jewellery sector is around US$100, which is less than that in competing countries such as India and Thailand. Almost all silver and 95 percent of gemstones and semiprecious stones required for jewellery are imported from India, Brazil, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and distributed by local importers. </div> <div> </div> <div> According to the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy 2010 almost half of the total production of silver jewellery produced in Nepal is supplied to the domestic market and the rest is exported. However, even those supplied to the domestic market are usually exported later either through resale to tourists or through informal exports. Poor business environment in the country has encouraged informal trade in substantial quantity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Following the laboratory certification system the export of silver article is gradually moving ahead in the international market.', 'sortorder' => '2565', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2691', 'article_category_id' => '122', 'title' => 'ChaChaWhee FunPark: A Resort For Children', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Surendra Paudyal</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort, a resort especially for children has been established in Pokhara, a tourism town of Nepal. The one of its kind resort came into being about a month ago with an investment of Rs 20 million, informed its Director Pratikshya Chhetri. </div> <div> </div> <div> The resort is located at Gharipatan of Pokhara and spreads over 20 ropanis of land. It has 15 rooms from where the beautiful Annapurna range in the north can be enjoyed. As the resort is established with children in mind, first priority is given to those who come along with their children. Chhetri says, “ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is the only exclusive resort of its kind for families with kids.”</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/s3%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 363px;" />Getting Popularity</strong></span></div> <div> Chhetri says that the resort has gained popularity within a short time of its opening. One of the most popular packages offered by the resort is ‘Family Fun Package with Dinner and Breakfast’ for two adults and two kids in a room. This package, which costs Rs10,000 per night, also offers unlimited rides for children and some facilities for adults along with breakfast and dinner for all. Children can enjoy unlimited rides such as Joy Train, Battery Cars, Flying Chair, Merry-Go-Round, Ferris Wheel among others. Chhetri says that if the family purchasing this package has only three members, 15 per cent discount is given while if there are only two clients, 30 per cent concession is provided. She says that another Family Room and Fun Package is also much loved by the families visiting the resort.</div> <div> </div> <div> A room at the resort costs Rs 2500 without any package. The popularity of the resort is increasing and its Managing Director Dinesh Prasain credits the quality of services and the unique family environment provided by the resort for it. “Fun Park is becoming centre of attraction for those visiting Pokhara along with </div> <div> their children.” </div> <div> </div> <div> Chhetri says that schools in the surrounding areas bring school children to the fun park. Along with domestic tourists, the resort is getting popular among foreign visitors especially Indian families </div> <div> with children. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Caring for Safety</strong></span></div> <div> Prasain explains that when adults go for sightseeing, the resort has facilities to entertain their children at the resort. The resort has installed safety and security measures for all the rides and games for children. “We realize that kids and families need to feel secure. A team of full time technicians monitor and supervise the rides as safety comes first for us,” Chhetri said. A mechanical engineer led team of technicians constantly supervise the games and rides to ensure the security and smoothness of the rides. Likewise, the fun park has first-aid facilities on site as well as vehicles on standby in case of any emergency. “We have invested in technologies and professional security companies that ensure security but in the friendliest ways,” says Chhetri.</div> <div> </div> <div> <img alt="FunPark Pokhara" src="/userfiles/images/s2%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 432px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Building theResort</strong></span></div> <div> As of now, Rs 70 million has been invested in the resort. According to Chhetri, Global IME Bank has provided loan for developing the project. The resort houses various amenities for children such as revolving wheel, swimming pool, garden, joy train, video game parlour among others. The resort also organises birthday parties, family gathering and </div> <div> other events.</div> <div> </div> <div> Chhetri explains, “ChaChaWhee is the Nepali expression of fun, thrill and joy. Kids usually ChaChaWhee! in the ping-swings, especially during Dashain. Now you need not wait for Dashain and Melas. Nor is the traditional ping-swing the only thing that can ChaChaWhee the kids.”</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Location</strong></span></div> <div> ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is located in the prime location of Pokhara. It is situated within five minutes driving distance from the Airport, Bus Park and Fewa Dam Site towards the International Mountain Museum at Himal Tole of Gharipatan. The upfront view of some of the most beautiful Himalayas – Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Annapurna South and Lamjung Himal makes the resort special, say its promoters. Similarly, the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the garden within the resort premises make the stay at the resort more pleasurable. The garden was set up with the help of the gardener who also helped set popular Garden of Dreams at KesharMahal, Kathmandu. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Pokhara, a tourism hub of Nepal has been offering different tastes to travellers. ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is a latest addition to its deliverables and this one offers unique experience to junior travellers.', 'sortorder' => '2564', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2717', 'article_category_id' => '202', 'title' => 'Pharma, Hockey And Poetry', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Umesh Lal Shrestha, president of Association of Pharmaceuticals Producers of Nepal (APPON) regards himself as a very simple person. Very humble person by nature, Shrestha is hardly found annoyed or angry. Highly inspired by his own father, he walks on his path. ‘Treating Everybody Equally’ is the principle around which Shrestha’s life revolves. “Hierarchy in our society and discriminations in any form frustrates me a lot”, he shares adding, “I don’t believe in the caste system.”</div> <div> </div> <div> This scenario of the society makes Shrestha write too. He shares that he has wrote number of poems based on the contemporary social issues. However, only one of his poems is published so far. He has limitedhis writings within his own diary.</div> <div> </div> <div> Besides writing hobby, Shrestha loves reading too in his spare time. He particularly loves reading biographies. Akio Morita’s biography remains his all time favourite. Apart from that Shrestha loves listening to music too. Old Hindi songs, and songs of Narayan Gopal are his preferred taste in music.He shares that he also likes to sing, but that is also his personal pleasure.</div> <div> </div> <div> Shrestha has been sporty person in his times. He shares that was an active cricket and hockey player in the past but stopped playing them as his age grew gradually. However, hestill updates himself with the events. This interest in sports has made him the Vice-President of Nepal Olympic Committee and president of Nepal Hockey Association. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of being loaded with a host of responsibilities, Shrestha doesn’t find it difficult to manage his personal and professional life. He hates having to attend unnecessary calls when he is on holidays and believes in keeping office and home separate. “I keep it very simple”, he shares, “Don’t take your work home;don’t bring your home to office.” This way he manages well to carry his family and office together. </div> <div> </div> <div> Along with his office responsibilities, he says that he has been successful in managing time for his family. He shares that he often goes on vacation with his family, which consists of his mother, wife and two daughters. Pokhara has always been his favourite within the country, when it comes for vacation or refreshment and spending time with family. Likewise, Europe is his favourite destination overseas. “The scenery and the natural beauty is amazing in Europe”, he shares, “America is good too, but we don’t get to see history and human cultures there as in Europe,” he shares.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Umesh Lal Shrestha, president of Association of Pharmaceuticals Producers of Nepal (APPON) regards himself as a very simple person. Very humble person by nature, Shrestha is hardly found annoyed or angry. Highly inspired by his own father, he walks on his path. ‘Treating Everybody Equally’ is the principle around which Shrestha’s life revolves. “Hierarchy in our society and discriminations in any form frustrates me a lot”, he shares adding, “I don’t believe in the caste system.”', 'sortorder' => '2563', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2721', 'article_category_id' => '212', 'title' => 'Wearable Tech At Mobile World Congress 2014', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Samsung Gear Fit" src="/userfiles/images/w1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 73px;" />Samsung Gear Fit</strong></span></div> <div> Samsung’s most interesting was the Gear Fit: from its curved AMOLED display to its Fitbit-like wristband design, the Gear Fit falls right in between smartwatches like fitness bands. It's less advanced than the new Gear 2, but it's still feature-packed: there's a heart rate monitor, message notifications, and remote music controls are onboard. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Samsung Gear 2" src="/userfiles/images/w2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 77px;" />Samsung Gear 2</strong></span></div> <div> The original Samsung Galaxy Gear came out just last fall, but there's already a Gear 2 arriving April 11. The new version is thinner, lighter, has a better dual-core processor, comes with a heart rate monitor, can store and play music offline, acts as an IR TV remote, and comes with a whole new Tizen operating system under the hood instead of being Android-based. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Huawei TalkBand B1" src="/userfiles/images/w3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 69px;" />Huawei TalkBand B1</strong></span></div> <div> Combine a fitness tracker and a smartwatch...sound familiar? Everyone's doing it. Huawei's wearable tech device at MWC has a pop-out module that fits in a band, and can be used to track your activity or to monitor phone calls. But wait, this is also a Bluetooth headset! Stick it in your ear, make a call, then stick it back in your band. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Sony SmartBand" src="/userfiles/images/w4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 74px;" />Sony SmartBand</strong></span></div> <div> Sony's new SmartBand looks like a spin on fitness bands like those from Jawbone and Fitbit, with a twist: Sony's Life Log software rides along sidesaddle on your phone to extend beyond fitness tracking and keep track of everything else in your life, too...using the photos you've taken, and apps like Facebook. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Fujitsu Smart Glove" src="/userfiles/images/w5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 87px;" />Fujitsu Smart Glove</strong></span></div> <div> What is a smart glove? It's part of Fujitsu's next-wave vision for the future of factories and other industrial workplaces. The glove, targeted for 2015, lets you just point at what you're looking at, while paired augmented-reality glasses show you what you need to actually be doing instead.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Mio Link" src="/userfiles/images/w6.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 97px;" />Mio Link</strong></span></div> <div> What's $99, coming in April, and measures your heart rate? The Mio Link, a simple, screen-free heart-rate monitor that wirelessly syncs and has a pulsating LED. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Bionym Nymi" src="/userfiles/images/w7.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 66px;" />Bionym Nymi</strong></span></div> <div> A wristband that's just made for storing passwords, PIN codes, and maybe even open password-protected car doors. A recipe for disaster, or genius? The $79 Bionym Nymi prototype was seen at MWC.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Lumus Smartglasses " src="/userfiles/images/w8.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 77px;" />Lumus Smartglasses </strong></span></div> <div> One of many smartglasses companies at CES, Lumus has a design that fuses traditional glasses with a side-mounted heads-up display projector. A new partnership with EyeSight at Mobile World Congress brings gesture recognition as part of the baked-in software: a clever idea for a pair of glasses, and a great way to look really weird at parties.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Plantronics Voyager Edge" src="/userfiles/images/w9.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 70px;" />Plantronics Voyager Edge</strong></span></div> <div> Advanced noise-cancelling, voice commands, and NFC for quick smartphone pairing might make the $129.99 Plantronics Voyage Edge a better riff on the Bluetooth audio headset. (CNET)</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Samsung’s most interesting was the Gear Fit: from its curved AMOLED display to its Fitbit-like wristband design, the Gear Fit falls right in between smartwatches like fitness bands. It's less advanced than the new Gear 2, but it's still feature-packed: there's a heart rate monitor, message notifications, and remote music controls are onboard.', 'sortorder' => '2562', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2720', 'article_category_id' => '206', 'title' => 'Nokia Lumia 1520 A Luminous Comeback', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> After years of lackluster performance, Nokia (which is now owned by US tech giant Microsoft) is all set for a comeback into the global smartphone arena- dominated by Google's Android and Apple's IOS- with its Lumia Windows phone series. The latest Lumia 1520 is an excellent example of Nokia's endeavor which shows that the once no. 1 mobile manufacturer is again moving towards the right direction. </div> <div> </div> <div> The 6-inch Nano-SIM 1520 marks Nokia’s first entry into the increasingly popular "phablet" category. Powered by a Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 processor which uses Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset, the phablet runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8 Black operating system. The powerful processor coupled with Adreno 330 GPU and 2 GB RAM can handle any power-hungry application or video game very easily. The processing speed is blazing fast and users can also experience smooth multitasking. </div> <div> </div> <div> The handset's IPS LCD capacitive touch screen (with 16:9 aspect ratio) features full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 368 ppi pixel density. Images and videos come out vibrantly sharp and pleasantly bright as Lumia 1520 sports Nokia's ClearBlack multi-touch display. Due to this the screen's black levels are amazingly deep resulting in vibrant vivid colors, exceptional contrast and high brightness mode that gives above par outdoor visibility. Users need not to worry much about display's protection as the phablet's screen is well-covered by Corning Gorilla Glass 2 alkali-aluminosilicate sheet. The unibody polycarbonate shell of Lumia 1520 offers high grade protection to the device. </div> <div> </div> <div> However, the big dimensions (162.8 x 85.4 x 8.7 mm, 120.3 cc) make it uncomfortable to use the phablet with single hand. Similarly, on a less positive note, the weight of Lumia 1520 (209 grams) feels heavy to carry. Nevertheless, 1520 can be counted among the best in the business if it is considered as "bigger the better." </div> <div> </div> <div> On the camera front the phablet scores the highest. It is among the best in camera phone category with its 20 megapixel PureView snapper. Its camera is certainly incomparable to Nokia Lumia 1020 which sports an award-winning 40 MP camera. However, the dual-LED flash Carl Zeiss autofocus camera of Lumia 1520 captures amazingly high-quality images that come into life with superb colour combinations. When compared to other phones with high-end cameras, low-light images also look remarkable. The camera is operated through the “Nokia Camera” application. The app is quite notable as it has automatic mode which provides a simple interface for quick capturing of high-quality images. Accordingly, a "Pro" mode (for manually tuning basic camera-features such as ISO, white balance and shutter speed) and “Smart” mode (for snapping a series of 10 images in less than 3 seconds) are also present. </div> <div> </div> <div> Likewise, there is another camera app called the “Nokia Refocus” which uses a technology to create photos that mimic a Lytro camera (a light-field camera that uses a microlens array to capture 4D light field information about a scene). Lastly, the phablet has another new app called “Nokia Storyteller” which reads GPS location data from the photos and videos users have taken and puts them on Nokia’s HERE maps in a interactive interface. The rear camera can capture 1080p HD videos at 30 frames-per-second. The front-facing 1.2 MP snapper is also good for taking 720p videos @30fps. </div> <div> </div> <div> The sound quality of the phablet is amazing as it offers Dolby Headphone Sound Enhancement system. Be it for listening songs, FM radio or watching videos, the earbuds let users hear refined quality sounds along with active noise cancellation for the microphone. On the power backup front, the phablet is pretty strong with its 3,400 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. In terms of storage capacity, Lumia 1520 comes in two variants- 16 GB and 32 GB. There is a microSD card slot which can be used to further expand its storage up to 64 GB. </div> <div> </div> <div> Loaded with high-end internet and other latest connectivity options, Lumia 1520 is a premium handset which is the most impressive Windows Phone till date. Neoteric Nepal, the authorised distributor of Nokia mobiles for Nepal has priced the phablet at Rs 77,400. Lumia 1520 is available in yellow, black, white and red colours.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Loaded with high-end internet and other latest connectivity options, Lumia 1520 is a premium handset which is the most impressive Windows Phone till date.', 'sortorder' => '2561', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2719', 'article_category_id' => '213', 'title' => 'Business Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>ATC Launches Indian Tires with Bridgestone Co Logo </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="ATC Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 33px;" />ATC Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Bridgestone tires in Nepal launched tires imported from India. ATC has been providing tires ranging from radial tires for bus, truck, passenger car, light vehicle and construction vehicles. According to the company, it caters to Nepalis by delivering a wide variety of tires from from Himalayas to Terai through its 150 plus dealer network. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Hyundai Opens Showroom at Narayanghat</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 95px;" />Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Hyundai Motors for Nepal has provided its dealership to Pinnacle Trading Concern Pvt Ltd in Narayanghat. The new showroom was jointly inaugurated by Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd’s Executive Director Anjan Shrestha and Chairman of Chitwan Chamber and Commerce on 26th February. The showroom will deal in sales, service and spare parts facilities. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>TVS Offers Cash Discount </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="CG Moto Corp" src="/userfiles/images/l3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 83px;" />CG Moto Corp, the authorized distributor of TVS two-wheeler in Nepal has launched a new scheme titled ‘Harsha Ko Ranga, TVS Sanga’. With this scheme, the company is offering cash discount of up to Rs 9,000 on its product line. This scheme is available across all the dealerships of TVS two-wheelers under CG Motocorp. Currently, CG Motocorp has 38 TVS Dealerships under its network. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Karbonn Launches New Mobiles </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Karbonn" src="/userfiles/images/l4.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 100px; height: 137px;" />Allied Trade Link, the authorized distributor of Karbonn Mobile for Nepal has launched new mobile phones in the market. The newly launched models are Titanium S9, A 18+, A34 HD Star, A 37 HD and K54+. The top end phone in the series S9 has a 5.5 inch HD screen, runs on Android 4.1 and is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad core processor. Similarly, A18+ is powred by a 1.3 GHz dual core processor, has 512 MB of RAM and has a 5 inch touchscreen. The price of the phones range from Rs 2,645 to Rs 27,013. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Models of Run Shoes in the Market</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Run Shoes Industries Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 100px; height: 84px;" />Run Shoes Industries Pvt Ltd has introduced 13 new models of shoes in the market. According to the company, the new shoes are launched targeting the ongoing wedding season. The new series include five models of party shoes, four sports shoes and four casual shoes. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'ATC Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Bridgestone tires in Nepal launched tires imported from India.', 'sortorder' => '2560', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2718', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'Fashion Faux Pas In The Office', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> The three components that make up executive presence are communication, gravitas, and appearance according to fashion experts the power of executive presence is the force that shows people we are capable of being leaders. In the corporate offices appearance counts for 60 per cent of your corporate presence. Here are few tips and couple </div> <div> of ideas with a list of fashion sings that should never make it into the office. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Wet Hair</strong></span></div> <div> Long Wet hair first of all is a really great way to catch a cold. But more importantly no matter how rushed we are in the morning, not taking the time to dry your hair shows that you don’t care enough to do so. The bottom line is that wet hair is viewed by many as unprofessional because several people equate wet hair with unfinished hair. Going into work with wet hair might give off the impression that you are not ready for work, or that you did not have time in the morning to dry your hair. Employers, therefore, might assume that you put little effort into getting ready for work. However, most agreed that it is perfectly acceptable to go out with wet hair if you are going to class (if you’re a student) or if you are simply running errands.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Heavy Makeup</strong></span></div> <div> You absolutely have to wear makeup, even if you have the features of Snow White. Not wearing makeup to work says you don’t take it seriously but the trick is to look like you are not wearing a makeup. A study has found that wearing makeup at work can actually help you appear more confident, but the line between confident and looking like all you do is put on makeup is a very thin one. Researchers say it “may have to do with the negative stereotypes associated with an ‘overly groomed’ woman in the workplace.” Sparkles should never come into your place </div> <div> of work.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>High High Heels</strong></span></div> <div> If you are wearing the highest pair of heels in your office, then you’re wearing the wrong shoes. If you work in an industry like fashion, wearing three inch heels may be the norm. If you work in accounting, a kitten heel may be all you need.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Ill-fitting Clothing</strong></span></div> <div> Too-tight clothing is a major problem, but so is too-loose clothing. Investing in a good tailor is part of a professional wardrobe.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dressing Too Casually</strong></span></div> <div> Casual Fridays sound great. Friday is the day where you don’t have to don the suit or conservative dress and heels. But dressing casually and still conveying power can be tough for women. Experts say that Casual Fridays were designed by men for men but women can’t convey as much power as men when they dress casually. It seems that dressing casually, in certain industries, may be even trickier than dressing professionally. But unfortunately, your clothes are the first things people see when they meet you which can give a strong message. <em>(Agencies)</em></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In the corporate offices appearance counts for 60 per cent of your corporate presence.', 'sortorder' => '2559', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2716', 'article_category_id' => '100', 'title' => 'Tourism Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Tripadvisor Hits 150 Million User Reviews</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/T2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 102px;" />TripAdvisor has reached another content milestone, by becoming the first travel site to feature 150 million customer reviews. The landmark review, which was written about the Cameron House Inn in North Carolina, comes 14 years after the first review. But the amount of content being posted has accelerated significantly in recent years. TripAdvisor now collects more than 90 user contributions every minute from more than two billion unique worldwide visitors a year, for its collection of 3.7 million hotels, restaurants and attractions. <em>(Traveldailymedia.com)</em></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Google Takes Indian Heritage Online</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/T3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 65px;" />Google India and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have teamed up together to offer 360-degree online views of almost 100 national monuments. People across the globe will be able to explore the Taj Mahal and other national Indian monuments online through Street View. The project aimed to create a panoramic imagery of the “nationally important” monuments like Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb, Khajuraho, Red Fort and Agra Fort, etc. So far, Google has released the first set of 360 degree online images of 30 monuments and will slowly keep adding other heritage sites. <em>(Traveldailymedia.com) </em></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>World Committee on Tourism Ethics to Focus on the Exploitation of Children </strong></span></div> <div> The protection of children from all forms of exploitation, the fight against trafficking, anti-poaching and accessible tourism for all are among the work priorities defined by the newly formed World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE). Under the chairmanship of Pascal Lamy, former Director-General of World Trade Organization - WTO, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics met for the first time in its new constitution as appointed by the UNWTO General Assembly in August 2013. The Action Plan of the Committee for the coming four years will focus on the exploitation of children in all its forms, trafficking, poaching and the illegal trading of wildlife, accessible tourism for all and promotion of fair models of all inclusive holidays.<em> (Traveldailynews.com)</em></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'TripAdvisor has reached another content milestone, by becoming the first travel site to feature 150 million customer reviews. The landmark review, which was written about the Cameron House Inn in North Carolina, comes 14 years after the first review.', 'sortorder' => '2558', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $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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Guests can either enjoy a combination platter of caramelized banana and dark chocolate muffin, vanilla chocolate doughnut and chocolate ice cream at Rs 750 plus taxes or alternatively try each individually with the condiments at Rs 200 plus taxes.</div> <div> </div> <div> The choices for the muffins include caramelised Banana and Dark Chocolate and Kahlua Drunken Apricot and Nougatine. Dark chocolate doughnut and vanilla chocolate doughnut are some of the doughnuts varieties offered. Other pastries like strawberry pastry slice, dark and white truffles, strawberry chocolate parfaits and seasonal fruit tart are also on the menu. </div> <div> </div> <div> Croissant sandwich is available at Rs 775 plus taxes, and there are many the choices for fillings. Tuna flakes marinated with onion, coriander, tomato and lemon juice is an option, along with shredded chicken, organic lettuce and mayonnaise. Sauté cottage cheese, green bell pepper with mint chutney could also be the perfect pick. </div> <div> </div> <div> All this can be savoured at The Lounge that offers a nice view of Boudhanath Stupa from its spacious terrace overlooking the pool. Along with tempting pastries, sandwiches and light meals, it also serves a wide selection of teas, freshly brewed coffee, local and imported beers, and a variety of fine wines.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-10', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Lounge at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has introduced a range of croissant sandwiches with a variety of fillings, doughnuts and muffin promotions for the month of March as part of its planned food promotions throughout the year. Guests can either enjoy a combination platter of caramelized banana and dark chocolate muffin, vanilla chocolate doughnut and chocolate ice cream at Rs 750 plus taxes or alternatively try each individually with the condiments at Rs 200 plus taxes.', 'sortorder' => '2572', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2685', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Contradictory Budget Review', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div> <div> </div> <table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat" src="/userfiles/images/rsm.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 217px;" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <div align="center"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div> <strong>Dr Ram Sharan Mahat</strong></div> <div> Finance Minister</div> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div> The government has made a Mid-term Review of the Budget public with an ambitious hope of achieving the targeted 5.5 percent growth rate. Revealing contradictory figures, newly appointed Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has claimed that the targeted growth rate of 5.5 per cent will be realized this year despite extremely low (19 percent of what was budgeted) capital expenditure.</div> <div> </div> <div> The government’s projection is based on favourable weather for agricultural products, thanks to timely monsoon and winter rains. Though the weather might prove our finance minister lucky, it is not time to rejoice. There are myriad problems ahead for Dr Mahat to bring the economy back on track. </div> <div> </div> <div> A huge amount has remained idle in the government treasury and low credit off-take from the private sector has resulted in excess liquidity in banks. Similarly, there’s no tangible progress in investment in the productive sector. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government has Rs 65 billion lying unspent in its treasury at the moment, while banks have excess liquidity of Rs 50 billion, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). As of Feb 27, capital expenditure has reached only 19.72 per cent of the budget. </div> <div> </div> <div> The Mid-term Review of the Budget also revealed that the food prices jumped 13 percent despite increase in the production of agricultural products. Dr Mahat blamed middlemen (intermediaries) as those mainly responsible for the sharp price rise. Though this indicates that the finance minister will be tightening the middlemen that indulge in cartels and syndicates, the power to do so lies mostly with the Home Minister who is from CPN-UML that has a quite different political ideology</div> <div> </div> <div> Food prices are expected to stabilize or go lower when there is increase in agriculture products, said former commerce secretary Purushottam Ojha. “Food prices go up if there are frequent obstacles in transportation, but that too cannot be an excuse this year as there were not such obstacles sice the last year.”</div> <div> </div> <div> Another reason for increment in food prices is export of food items. “Export increases demand of products resulting in price hike in the domestic market,” Ojha opined. But the data shows there has not been much export of agro-products this year. The government should study whether there is really increased export of agro products from Nepal, he suggested. </div> <div> </div> <div> The report has estimated that paddy and maize production grew 12 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. “As livestock production also grew and winter crops are also expected to perform well, the agriculture sector’s overall performance will be much better,” the </div> <div> report stated. </div> <div> </div> <div> Leaving the price rise in food items apart, the overall economic indicators are positive in the first half of the current fiscal year.</div> <div> </div> <div> The Mid-Term Review document of the Budget for the current fiscal year 2013-14 states that positive political developments and their possible positive impact on investment in industry and service sectors will help achieve the targeted growth rate. </div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile, the service sector is expected to post a six percent growth this year, according to the Finance Ministry. Services account for more than 50 per cent of the economy while the farm sector contributes 35 per cent and industry 15 percent, according to the Economic Survey 2012-13.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-02', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The government has made a Mid-term Review of the Budget public with an ambitious hope of achieving the targeted 5.5 percent growth rate. Revealing contradictory figures, newly appointed Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has claimed that the targeted growth rate of 5.5 per cent will be realized this year despite extremely low (19 percent of what was budgeted) capital expenditure.', 'sortorder' => '2571', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2687', 'article_category_id' => '137', 'title' => 'Nepal Climbs Four Spots Up In GRI', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Retirement security of Nepali workers is seen improving as retired public and private sector employees are receiving more benefits, a latest global report shows. The 2014 Global Retirement Index (GRI), ranked Nepal 114th, up four spots from 118th in 2013. The report published by Paris-based Natixis Global Asset Management, the world’s 13th largest asset management company with USD 392.96 in assets, finds Nepal’s performance improving, though slowly, over the past year. The report ranks 150 countries based on four broad factors such as health care, finances, economic well-being and quality of life. Nepal’s achieved an overall score of 40 per cent in the index, which was 39 per cent last year. </div> <div> </div> <div> The country scored 35 per cent and 39 per cent in sub-indices of health and finances in retirement respectively. In the finances in retirement sub-index, Nepal scored 39 per cent falling eight spots to 148th from 140 in 2013. Similarly, the country also poorly performed in quality of life sub-index where it scored 39 per cent and ranked 132nd, down 5 spots from last year’s 127th. However, Nepal comparatively fared well in material well-being sub-index with a score of 47 per cent. </div> <div> </div> <div> The country’s southern and northern neighbours, India and China, meanwhile ranked 104th and 69th respectively. India’s position declined three spots in the index, whereas, China climbed upfour spots. The report pointed India as the worst performing nation among BRIC nationthis year. “The main upset being its performance in the finances in retirement sub-index where it dropped from 20th to 128th place,” Natixis said in the report. “In addition it continues its mediocre performance in the health and quality of life sub-indices.” </div> <div> </div> <div> Sri Lanka was the highest ranking South Asian nation with 86th position in 2014 GRI, climbing 5 spots from 91th in 2013. Bangladesh and Pakistan also climbed higher in the index with 105th and 102nd spots respectively. Last year, Bangladesh ranked 112th, whereas, Pakistan was placed at 107th. </div> <div> </div> <div> European countries took eight of the top 10 spots, buoyed by strong social programs for older citizens. Switzerland claimed the top spot pushing Norway to second place in 2014 GRI. Austria, Sweden, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Finland, New Zealand and Luxembourg occupied the remaining top 10 spots. United States, meanwhile, remained unchanged from last year’s 19th position. United Kingdom climbed to 18th spot from 20 in 2013. Japan was seen as the worst performer among developed nations. The country dropped 12 spots to 27th in the index. Despite the domination of European countries, the report warns that the long-term financial security of retirees in developed economies is under pressure. “Ageing populations and increasing high old-age dependency ratios, a historically prolonged period of low interest rates and high levels of sovereign debt are testing the resilience of retirement systems and fuelling uncertainty,” it said. African countries Togo, Burindi, Niger, Comoros and Zimbabwe occupied the bottom five spots in the index.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Retirement security of Nepali workers is seen improving as retired public and private sector employees are receiving more benefits, a latest global report shows. The 2014 Global Retirement Index (GRI), ranked Nepal 114th, up four spots from 118th in 2013.', 'sortorder' => '2570', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2688', 'article_category_id' => '151', 'title' => 'SSRP Expiring Without Any Significant Progress', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Gopal Sangroula</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> The School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP), which aimed to reform the school education system, is trailing out without making any significant progress. The five-year ambitious project aimed at reforming curriculum, management and examination system in order to bring about structural changes in the education system. Fifteen donor agencies including World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNESCO, UNDP and USAID have been supporting the SSRP. </div> <div> </div> <div> SSRP has been the next big thing in Nepal’s education reformation since the new education system was introduced in 1971. Launched in September, 2009 the project aimed to fulfil the state’s objective of ensuring ‘Education for All’ but fell short. Of other factors behind its failure, failure of the government to get the SSRP bill endorsed through parliament has been pointed by some as the major one. </div> <div> </div> <div> Ministry officials, however, are pushing to buy another two years for this Rs 256.82 billion budget programme, according to Mahashram Sharma, spokesperson for the education ministry. </div> <div> </div> <div> The project aimed at improving the status of public schools along with the general education status of the nation. However, most of the plan has only been limited to paper. Educationist Bidhan Koirala points lack of realisation and recognition by the government, policy makers and political leaders about the outcome of SSRP as the major factor behind its failure. </div> <div> </div> <div> “If it was a politically originated document, it would have been endorsed. But as it’s an academically originated document, the political leaders have taken it in their own way. Though efforts are being made to endorse the bill through parliament, political leaders are not giving it the importance that it deserves,” he said. </div> <div> </div> <div> While the donor agencies contribute 22 per cent of the total Rs 256.82 billion budget, the government has been contributing the remaining78 per cent. If the Ministry succeeds in buying two years time for the plan, it will require an additional Rs 117 billion for implementing the remaining projects. While informing that necessary documentation in this regard has been presented to the donor agencies, Sharma said that the ministry is planning to table the bill at the parliament at the earliest. </div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile donors are requesting to increase the budget of the education sector to 20 per cent of the total budget. Though this year the education sector received the largest pie of the budget, donor agencies have pointed out that this is due to the salary of staff. </div> <div> </div> <div> If SSRP gets another lease of life, it aims to amend the current education Act. In other changes, the current four-tier education system (i.e. primary, lower secondary, secondary and higher secondary levels) will be brought down to two: class 1-8 would be made basic level and 9-12 secondary level.</div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile, former president of Nepal Teachers’ Association, Mohan Gyawali says SSRP should not be implemented till the demands of teachers are fulfilled. He says that the government is trying to move out of its educational responsibility by handing over the school management to community. </div> <div> </div> <div> The education ministry has declared Rasuwa, Kapilvastu and Dadeldhura as model districts for SSRP programme. However, the progress reports of these districts are yet to come out. The ministry had earlier committed to achieve the millennium development goal by 2015. Decreasing the dropout rates and bringing to the schools those children who are out of schools were some of the programmes under SSRP.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP), which aimed to reform the school education system, is trailing out without making any significant progress. The five-year ambitious project aimed at reforming curriculum, management and examination system in order to bring about structural changes in the education system. Fifteen donor agencies including World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNESCO, UNDP and USAID have been supporting the SSRP.', 'sortorder' => '2569', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2686', 'article_category_id' => '109', 'title' => 'Nepse Up 3 Points Last Week Most Of The Stocks Traded Range Bound', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Nepse index went up 3.3 points last week (23rd to 26th February) marking a continuous gain for a straight third week. The benchmark index which opened its weekly trading at 822.67 points on the first day (Sunday) closed at 826.40 points on the last day (Wednesday). The impetus, though weaker than previous week, continued following a bull run after the appointment of new prime minister and formation of a new cabinet. </div> <div> </div> <div> As the country’s secondary market opened for only four days for trading last week saw relatively high volatility even in intra-day trading. The Nepse index remained range bound for the last week except for the first day. On Sunday, the benchmark index rallied to 840 points before closing at 831.86 points. For other days Nepse index traded within the range of 840 and 820 before to close at 826.40 points on Wednesday, the last trading day of the week. Analysts say that the range bound trading of any stock market pose difficulty in predicting the future movement of the marked. Same principle is applicable for individual scripts as well. </div> <div> </div> <div> A total of 3.58 million units of shares worth Rs 1.47 billion were traded in the domestic stock market through 10,900 transactions. Compared to the previous week, the turnover increased 32.96 per cent whereas, number of transactions went up 16.49 per cent. Similarly, unit of shares traded rose by 25.55 per cent. </div> <div> </div> <div> In terms of weekly turnover, Chilime Hydropower Company Limited climbed to the top spot. Similarly, Citizens Bank International Limited claimed the top position in terms of number of share units being transacted for the week. In terms of market capitalization, Nepal Telecom maintained its top spot as earlier weeks. </div> <div> </div> <div> Last week marked declining trend in most of the trading sub-indices compared to the previous week. ‘Others’ sub-index was the biggest weekly gainer with 34.06 points. Likewise, Hydropower was seen as the second biggest gainer (10.26 points), followed by Hotels (7.85 points) and Trading (0.41 points).</div> <div> </div> <div> Insurance was the biggest loser for the week as the sub-index went down 163.04 points. Finance sub-index followed the suit with 25.57 points which was accompanied by Banking (5.95 points) and Development Banks (2.86 points). Manufacturing and processing sub-index, meanwhile, remained unchanged as previous week. For the week, the Sensitive Index representing the share trading of blue chip stocks belonging to class ‘A’ listed companies went down 0.3 points. </div> <div> Last week, shares of 148 companies were transacted in the domestic stock market. Out of them 48 companies saw increase in their share prices, 77 companies logged decline in their share prices and share prices of 23 companies remained unchanged over the period.</div> <div> </div> <div> <img alt="Weekly Indices" src="/userfiles/images/weekly1.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 360px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-02', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Nepse index went up 3.3 points last week (23rd to 26th February) marking a continuous gain for a straight third week. The benchmark index which opened its weekly trading at 822.67 points on the first day (Sunday) closed at 826.40 points on the last day (Wednesday). The impetus, though weaker than previous week, continued following a bull run after the appointment of new prime minister and formation of a new cabinet.', 'sortorder' => '2568', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2689', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'The Fifth Nepal Pharma Expo Concludes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> The three days fifth Nepal Pharma Expo concluded today. The three day expo was organized by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers’ of Nepal (APPON). The expo was organized to create awareness about the present condition of the pharmaceutical industry and the latest technology in the domestic industry. The Pharma expo had a participation of around 46 national and 45 foreign medicine industries. This year during the trade fair there were around 106 stalls from the national and international medicine industries. The main objective of the expo was to showcase the national and international science and technology in the medicine production. According to the organizers the expo was successful to attract quality number of people who were related to the medicine industry. The fifth Nepal Pharma Expo was organized from February 28 – March 2. The expo is organized in every two years interval since 2005, said the organizers. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The three days fifth Nepal Pharma Expo concluded today. The three day expo was organized by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers’ of Nepal (APPON). The expo was organized to create awareness about the present condition of the pharmaceutical industry and the latest technology in the domestic industry.', 'sortorder' => '2567', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2722', 'article_category_id' => '199', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Japan Researchers Testing Tiny Ear Computer</strong></span></div> <div> A tiny personal computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue is being tested in Japan. The 17-gram (0.59-ounce) wireless device has bluetooth capability and is equipped with a GPS, compass, gyro-sensor, battery, barometer, speaker and microphone. The device, known at the moment as the “Earclip-type Wearable PC” has a microchip and data storage, enabling users to load software, said engineer Kazuhiro Taniguchi ofHiroshima City University. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New software Helps Improve Your Web Search</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="AIDA" src="/userfiles/images/b1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 75px;" />Researchers have developed a new software that makes your web search easier by resolving the ambiguity of names within texts automatically. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics in Germany have developed a software that enables accurate disambiguation of named entities by analysing them with the help of Wikipedia. Their software, named AIDA, establishes connections between the mentions in the text and potential persons or places. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Soon, Free Wi-Fi from Space</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Free Wi-Fi from Space" src="/userfiles/images/b2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 100px;" />A US company is planning to build an ‘Outernet’ — a global network of cube satellites broadcasting internet data to all the people on the planet — for free. The idea is to offer free internet access to all people, regardless of location, bypassing filtering or other means of censorship, according to the New York based non-profit organization, Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF). MDIF proposes that hundreds of cube satellites be built and launched to create a constellation of sorts in the sky, allowing anyone with a phone or computer to access Internet data sent to the satellites by several hundred ground stations.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Now, Smartphone-Controlled Hearing Aid!</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Smartphone-Controlled Hearing Aid" src="/userfiles/images/b3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 56px;" />A tiny new hearing aid that is controlled by a smartphone app has been developed, eliminating the need for wearers to carry a pendant-like device. Hearing aid wearers need to carry a cumbersome pendant or other wireless device to change settings on their hearing aid, but the new app allows users to make those changes directly on the smartphone. The ReSound LiNX hearing aids can also be used to stream music, listen to GPS directions and talk on the phone through Bluetooth. There is also a ‘Find My Hearing Aid’ feature that helps the user locate their device if it has been misplaced. The batteries on the hearing aid will last about five days, a local newspaper reported. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New App can Give You ‘Superhero’ Vision</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt=" ‘Superhero’ Vision" src="/userfiles/images/b4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 67px;" />Suffering from bad eyesight? This app could give you ‘superhero’ vision! US Scientists have developed a revolutionary new app that can improve users’ eyesight by sharpening their vision and boosting ability to see in dim light. The new UltimEye app improves the users’ vision by training their brain to process patterns better. UltimEye asks users to complete tasks such as clicking on hard-to-see targets and can help them perform everyday work, ‘Mashable’ reported. The app is designed to help rewire the brain to process the information it receives from the eyes while keeping the user engaged with positive reinforcement such as a point system. California-based Carrot Neurotechnology, a company that creates tools that can improve vision, developed the app. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Wolf of Wall Street Most ‘Googled’ Movie Among Oscar Nominees</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Wolf of Wall Street" src="/userfiles/images/b5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 100px;" />‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, directed by noted filmmaker Martin Scorsese, has topped search trends on Google among the films nominated for this year’s Oscar awards to be announced next month. Golden Globe winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who played male lead in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, was the most searched actor among filmstars nominated for the Best Actor category in the 86th Academy Awards. Among the Best Movie category, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ topped the search trends followed by ‘American Hustle’, ‘Gravity’, ‘12 Year a Slave and Captain Philips’. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-09', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'A tiny personal computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue is being tested in Japan.', 'sortorder' => '2566', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2712', 'article_category_id' => '153', 'title' => 'Silver Lining On Silver Jewellery', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>History of Silver jewellery</strong></span></div> <div> Nepal has a long tradition of craftsmanship in many forms like wood carving, metal craft, stone carving and, working silver and gold into exquisite pieces of jewellery. The manufacture of jewellery in Nepal is wide spread throughout the country since time immemorial. The production of jewellery is labour intensive industry that was based on caste and cultural heritage. It was traditionally confined only to the Newari Shakya and Sunar families, but nowadays, other castes are also equally involved in this occupation. The local demand of jewellery has traditionally confined to social and religious occasions and other ritual ceremonies. The arrival of foreign tourist has led to the mingling of the traditional heritage with modern foreign market taste. The filigree cuttings have made Nepali silver jewelleries peerless. The handmade production process has made it possible to spread over rural areas benefiting the rural mass. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Present scenario</strong></span></div> <div> Once the poor second cousin of gold, silver jewellery has become a cool, contemporary style icon in its own right. “The skyrocketing price of the yellow metal people from various walks of life are getting more attracted to the cheaper yet stylish silver jewelleries,” said former president of Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association Tej Ratna Shakya. According to him, on an average around 100-150 kilos of silver is traded daily in the local market. Apart from the jewellery, the silver utensils are also on high demand due to the influence of Indian culture,” Shakya said. He also added that the trading of silver products is increasing remarkably in the local market and the situation is improving in the international market too. Silver is used mainly in household and industrial purpose. However the trend of silver jewellery is also catching among youths here who are more attracted to silver bracelets, rings, earrings, bangles and pendants as their fashion statements.</div> <div> </div> <table align="center" width="100"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="Customers purchasing silver ornaments at Silver Palace, New Road." src="/userfiles/images/f.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 374px;" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#DDDDDD"> <div align="center"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Customers purchasing silver ornaments at Silver Palace, New Road.</strong></div> <div style="text-align: right;"> <em>Photos: Rukesh Shrestha/TC</em></div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>International Market Trend</strong></span></div> <div> Following the laboratory certification system for the silver articles, the export of silver article is gradually moving ahead in the international market. “Now we do not have problems while exporting silver products in the European market which is the major buyer of the product,” said Shakya. However the government must actively look for upgrading the existing certification method. Nepali Silver Jewellery is one of the major overseas export products next to other handicraft products of the country. The number of the export markets of this product has crossed 30 out of which, USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, France, Italy and Australia are the </div> <div> leading ones.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Now Certified </strong></span></div> <div> Introduction of quality testing certification for Nepali silver jewellery has averted possible ban for the products in European market on charges of having traces of restricted chemical ‘Cadmium’ in them. The certification system that tests any silver product for this chemical and certifies it as quality product of the country has once again brought charm to silver products in the local and the international market. </div> <div> </div> <div> “The export of silver jewellery that was about to get ban in the European country has finally received a relief as now we have a proper certification system, which certifies the purity of the product,” said Shakya. Earlier the European Union was mulling on banning the import of Nepali silver jewellery if the exporters failed to certify that the products were free of cadmium. Cadmium is a known carcinogenic substance and various studies have concluded that it is toxic. Long-term contact of it can cause kidney and bone damage. According to the silver exporters now only 0.01 per cent cadmium is allowed in the exportable silver products. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="NTIS" src="/userfiles/images/F1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 525px;" />Initiative of Government</strong></span></div> <div> The Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2010, put in place by the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies has prioritised 19 goods and services (7 agro-food products, 5 craft and industrial goods and 7 services) for export promotion in the next three to five years. Silver jewellery is one of the five craft and industrial goods on this priority list. German International Cooperation (GIZ) is one of those development partners, which have been supporting the government in implementing NTIS 2010. In consultation with MoCS, it has chosen two of the 19 products and services prioritized by NTIS 2010, namely medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPS)/essential oils and silver jewellery, to help enhance their exports. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Facts about Silver jewellery</strong></span></div> <div> Nepal’s world market share of silver jewellery exports is about 0.2 percent. In the past few years, exports have been fairly stable and prospect for future export is generally seen as very good. Production costs are competitive and workers are readily available. Most major markets grant duty-free access to Nepali silver jewellery. There are also no any non-tariff barriers (NTBs) hindering exports of silver jewellery from Nepal, except that use of cadmium has resulted in ban of some items entering European markets. </div> <div> </div> <div> Firms and companies involved in jewellery production and export are owned by private entrepreneurs and operate as small-scale/cottage producers. Firms normally outsource jewellery production to individual craftsmen who have in-house workshops. Annual production of silver jewellery in Nepal is 15 to 20 metric tons (MT) while the annual production capacity is estimated at 50 M. Silver jewellery is fully handmade in Nepal. Productivity and quality can be improved if production were further mechanized. </div> <div> </div> <div> Monthly salaries of skilled workers in the silver jewellery sector is around US$100, which is less than that in competing countries such as India and Thailand. Almost all silver and 95 percent of gemstones and semiprecious stones required for jewellery are imported from India, Brazil, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and distributed by local importers. </div> <div> </div> <div> According to the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy 2010 almost half of the total production of silver jewellery produced in Nepal is supplied to the domestic market and the rest is exported. However, even those supplied to the domestic market are usually exported later either through resale to tourists or through informal exports. Poor business environment in the country has encouraged informal trade in substantial quantity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Following the laboratory certification system the export of silver article is gradually moving ahead in the international market.', 'sortorder' => '2565', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2691', 'article_category_id' => '122', 'title' => 'ChaChaWhee FunPark: A Resort For Children', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Surendra Paudyal</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort, a resort especially for children has been established in Pokhara, a tourism town of Nepal. The one of its kind resort came into being about a month ago with an investment of Rs 20 million, informed its Director Pratikshya Chhetri. </div> <div> </div> <div> The resort is located at Gharipatan of Pokhara and spreads over 20 ropanis of land. It has 15 rooms from where the beautiful Annapurna range in the north can be enjoyed. As the resort is established with children in mind, first priority is given to those who come along with their children. Chhetri says, “ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is the only exclusive resort of its kind for families with kids.”</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/s3%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 363px;" />Getting Popularity</strong></span></div> <div> Chhetri says that the resort has gained popularity within a short time of its opening. One of the most popular packages offered by the resort is ‘Family Fun Package with Dinner and Breakfast’ for two adults and two kids in a room. This package, which costs Rs10,000 per night, also offers unlimited rides for children and some facilities for adults along with breakfast and dinner for all. Children can enjoy unlimited rides such as Joy Train, Battery Cars, Flying Chair, Merry-Go-Round, Ferris Wheel among others. Chhetri says that if the family purchasing this package has only three members, 15 per cent discount is given while if there are only two clients, 30 per cent concession is provided. She says that another Family Room and Fun Package is also much loved by the families visiting the resort.</div> <div> </div> <div> A room at the resort costs Rs 2500 without any package. The popularity of the resort is increasing and its Managing Director Dinesh Prasain credits the quality of services and the unique family environment provided by the resort for it. “Fun Park is becoming centre of attraction for those visiting Pokhara along with </div> <div> their children.” </div> <div> </div> <div> Chhetri says that schools in the surrounding areas bring school children to the fun park. Along with domestic tourists, the resort is getting popular among foreign visitors especially Indian families </div> <div> with children. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Caring for Safety</strong></span></div> <div> Prasain explains that when adults go for sightseeing, the resort has facilities to entertain their children at the resort. The resort has installed safety and security measures for all the rides and games for children. “We realize that kids and families need to feel secure. A team of full time technicians monitor and supervise the rides as safety comes first for us,” Chhetri said. A mechanical engineer led team of technicians constantly supervise the games and rides to ensure the security and smoothness of the rides. Likewise, the fun park has first-aid facilities on site as well as vehicles on standby in case of any emergency. “We have invested in technologies and professional security companies that ensure security but in the friendliest ways,” says Chhetri.</div> <div> </div> <div> <img alt="FunPark Pokhara" src="/userfiles/images/s2%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 432px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Building theResort</strong></span></div> <div> As of now, Rs 70 million has been invested in the resort. According to Chhetri, Global IME Bank has provided loan for developing the project. The resort houses various amenities for children such as revolving wheel, swimming pool, garden, joy train, video game parlour among others. The resort also organises birthday parties, family gathering and </div> <div> other events.</div> <div> </div> <div> Chhetri explains, “ChaChaWhee is the Nepali expression of fun, thrill and joy. Kids usually ChaChaWhee! in the ping-swings, especially during Dashain. Now you need not wait for Dashain and Melas. Nor is the traditional ping-swing the only thing that can ChaChaWhee the kids.”</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Location</strong></span></div> <div> ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is located in the prime location of Pokhara. It is situated within five minutes driving distance from the Airport, Bus Park and Fewa Dam Site towards the International Mountain Museum at Himal Tole of Gharipatan. The upfront view of some of the most beautiful Himalayas – Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Annapurna South and Lamjung Himal makes the resort special, say its promoters. Similarly, the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the garden within the resort premises make the stay at the resort more pleasurable. The garden was set up with the help of the gardener who also helped set popular Garden of Dreams at KesharMahal, Kathmandu. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Pokhara, a tourism hub of Nepal has been offering different tastes to travellers. ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is a latest addition to its deliverables and this one offers unique experience to junior travellers.', 'sortorder' => '2564', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2717', 'article_category_id' => '202', 'title' => 'Pharma, Hockey And Poetry', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Umesh Lal Shrestha, president of Association of Pharmaceuticals Producers of Nepal (APPON) regards himself as a very simple person. Very humble person by nature, Shrestha is hardly found annoyed or angry. Highly inspired by his own father, he walks on his path. ‘Treating Everybody Equally’ is the principle around which Shrestha’s life revolves. “Hierarchy in our society and discriminations in any form frustrates me a lot”, he shares adding, “I don’t believe in the caste system.”</div> <div> </div> <div> This scenario of the society makes Shrestha write too. He shares that he has wrote number of poems based on the contemporary social issues. However, only one of his poems is published so far. He has limitedhis writings within his own diary.</div> <div> </div> <div> Besides writing hobby, Shrestha loves reading too in his spare time. He particularly loves reading biographies. Akio Morita’s biography remains his all time favourite. Apart from that Shrestha loves listening to music too. Old Hindi songs, and songs of Narayan Gopal are his preferred taste in music.He shares that he also likes to sing, but that is also his personal pleasure.</div> <div> </div> <div> Shrestha has been sporty person in his times. He shares that was an active cricket and hockey player in the past but stopped playing them as his age grew gradually. However, hestill updates himself with the events. This interest in sports has made him the Vice-President of Nepal Olympic Committee and president of Nepal Hockey Association. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of being loaded with a host of responsibilities, Shrestha doesn’t find it difficult to manage his personal and professional life. He hates having to attend unnecessary calls when he is on holidays and believes in keeping office and home separate. “I keep it very simple”, he shares, “Don’t take your work home;don’t bring your home to office.” This way he manages well to carry his family and office together. </div> <div> </div> <div> Along with his office responsibilities, he says that he has been successful in managing time for his family. He shares that he often goes on vacation with his family, which consists of his mother, wife and two daughters. Pokhara has always been his favourite within the country, when it comes for vacation or refreshment and spending time with family. Likewise, Europe is his favourite destination overseas. “The scenery and the natural beauty is amazing in Europe”, he shares, “America is good too, but we don’t get to see history and human cultures there as in Europe,” he shares.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Umesh Lal Shrestha, president of Association of Pharmaceuticals Producers of Nepal (APPON) regards himself as a very simple person. Very humble person by nature, Shrestha is hardly found annoyed or angry. Highly inspired by his own father, he walks on his path. ‘Treating Everybody Equally’ is the principle around which Shrestha’s life revolves. “Hierarchy in our society and discriminations in any form frustrates me a lot”, he shares adding, “I don’t believe in the caste system.”', 'sortorder' => '2563', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2721', 'article_category_id' => '212', 'title' => 'Wearable Tech At Mobile World Congress 2014', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Samsung Gear Fit" src="/userfiles/images/w1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 73px;" />Samsung Gear Fit</strong></span></div> <div> Samsung’s most interesting was the Gear Fit: from its curved AMOLED display to its Fitbit-like wristband design, the Gear Fit falls right in between smartwatches like fitness bands. It's less advanced than the new Gear 2, but it's still feature-packed: there's a heart rate monitor, message notifications, and remote music controls are onboard. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Samsung Gear 2" src="/userfiles/images/w2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 77px;" />Samsung Gear 2</strong></span></div> <div> The original Samsung Galaxy Gear came out just last fall, but there's already a Gear 2 arriving April 11. The new version is thinner, lighter, has a better dual-core processor, comes with a heart rate monitor, can store and play music offline, acts as an IR TV remote, and comes with a whole new Tizen operating system under the hood instead of being Android-based. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Huawei TalkBand B1" src="/userfiles/images/w3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 69px;" />Huawei TalkBand B1</strong></span></div> <div> Combine a fitness tracker and a smartwatch...sound familiar? Everyone's doing it. Huawei's wearable tech device at MWC has a pop-out module that fits in a band, and can be used to track your activity or to monitor phone calls. But wait, this is also a Bluetooth headset! Stick it in your ear, make a call, then stick it back in your band. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Sony SmartBand" src="/userfiles/images/w4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 74px;" />Sony SmartBand</strong></span></div> <div> Sony's new SmartBand looks like a spin on fitness bands like those from Jawbone and Fitbit, with a twist: Sony's Life Log software rides along sidesaddle on your phone to extend beyond fitness tracking and keep track of everything else in your life, too...using the photos you've taken, and apps like Facebook. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Fujitsu Smart Glove" src="/userfiles/images/w5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 87px;" />Fujitsu Smart Glove</strong></span></div> <div> What is a smart glove? It's part of Fujitsu's next-wave vision for the future of factories and other industrial workplaces. The glove, targeted for 2015, lets you just point at what you're looking at, while paired augmented-reality glasses show you what you need to actually be doing instead.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Mio Link" src="/userfiles/images/w6.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 97px;" />Mio Link</strong></span></div> <div> What's $99, coming in April, and measures your heart rate? The Mio Link, a simple, screen-free heart-rate monitor that wirelessly syncs and has a pulsating LED. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Bionym Nymi" src="/userfiles/images/w7.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 66px;" />Bionym Nymi</strong></span></div> <div> A wristband that's just made for storing passwords, PIN codes, and maybe even open password-protected car doors. A recipe for disaster, or genius? The $79 Bionym Nymi prototype was seen at MWC.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Lumus Smartglasses " src="/userfiles/images/w8.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 77px;" />Lumus Smartglasses </strong></span></div> <div> One of many smartglasses companies at CES, Lumus has a design that fuses traditional glasses with a side-mounted heads-up display projector. A new partnership with EyeSight at Mobile World Congress brings gesture recognition as part of the baked-in software: a clever idea for a pair of glasses, and a great way to look really weird at parties.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Plantronics Voyager Edge" src="/userfiles/images/w9.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 70px;" />Plantronics Voyager Edge</strong></span></div> <div> Advanced noise-cancelling, voice commands, and NFC for quick smartphone pairing might make the $129.99 Plantronics Voyage Edge a better riff on the Bluetooth audio headset. (CNET)</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Samsung’s most interesting was the Gear Fit: from its curved AMOLED display to its Fitbit-like wristband design, the Gear Fit falls right in between smartwatches like fitness bands. It's less advanced than the new Gear 2, but it's still feature-packed: there's a heart rate monitor, message notifications, and remote music controls are onboard.', 'sortorder' => '2562', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2720', 'article_category_id' => '206', 'title' => 'Nokia Lumia 1520 A Luminous Comeback', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> After years of lackluster performance, Nokia (which is now owned by US tech giant Microsoft) is all set for a comeback into the global smartphone arena- dominated by Google's Android and Apple's IOS- with its Lumia Windows phone series. The latest Lumia 1520 is an excellent example of Nokia's endeavor which shows that the once no. 1 mobile manufacturer is again moving towards the right direction. </div> <div> </div> <div> The 6-inch Nano-SIM 1520 marks Nokia’s first entry into the increasingly popular "phablet" category. Powered by a Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 processor which uses Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset, the phablet runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8 Black operating system. The powerful processor coupled with Adreno 330 GPU and 2 GB RAM can handle any power-hungry application or video game very easily. The processing speed is blazing fast and users can also experience smooth multitasking. </div> <div> </div> <div> The handset's IPS LCD capacitive touch screen (with 16:9 aspect ratio) features full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 368 ppi pixel density. Images and videos come out vibrantly sharp and pleasantly bright as Lumia 1520 sports Nokia's ClearBlack multi-touch display. Due to this the screen's black levels are amazingly deep resulting in vibrant vivid colors, exceptional contrast and high brightness mode that gives above par outdoor visibility. Users need not to worry much about display's protection as the phablet's screen is well-covered by Corning Gorilla Glass 2 alkali-aluminosilicate sheet. The unibody polycarbonate shell of Lumia 1520 offers high grade protection to the device. </div> <div> </div> <div> However, the big dimensions (162.8 x 85.4 x 8.7 mm, 120.3 cc) make it uncomfortable to use the phablet with single hand. Similarly, on a less positive note, the weight of Lumia 1520 (209 grams) feels heavy to carry. Nevertheless, 1520 can be counted among the best in the business if it is considered as "bigger the better." </div> <div> </div> <div> On the camera front the phablet scores the highest. It is among the best in camera phone category with its 20 megapixel PureView snapper. Its camera is certainly incomparable to Nokia Lumia 1020 which sports an award-winning 40 MP camera. However, the dual-LED flash Carl Zeiss autofocus camera of Lumia 1520 captures amazingly high-quality images that come into life with superb colour combinations. When compared to other phones with high-end cameras, low-light images also look remarkable. The camera is operated through the “Nokia Camera” application. The app is quite notable as it has automatic mode which provides a simple interface for quick capturing of high-quality images. Accordingly, a "Pro" mode (for manually tuning basic camera-features such as ISO, white balance and shutter speed) and “Smart” mode (for snapping a series of 10 images in less than 3 seconds) are also present. </div> <div> </div> <div> Likewise, there is another camera app called the “Nokia Refocus” which uses a technology to create photos that mimic a Lytro camera (a light-field camera that uses a microlens array to capture 4D light field information about a scene). Lastly, the phablet has another new app called “Nokia Storyteller” which reads GPS location data from the photos and videos users have taken and puts them on Nokia’s HERE maps in a interactive interface. The rear camera can capture 1080p HD videos at 30 frames-per-second. The front-facing 1.2 MP snapper is also good for taking 720p videos @30fps. </div> <div> </div> <div> The sound quality of the phablet is amazing as it offers Dolby Headphone Sound Enhancement system. Be it for listening songs, FM radio or watching videos, the earbuds let users hear refined quality sounds along with active noise cancellation for the microphone. On the power backup front, the phablet is pretty strong with its 3,400 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. In terms of storage capacity, Lumia 1520 comes in two variants- 16 GB and 32 GB. There is a microSD card slot which can be used to further expand its storage up to 64 GB. </div> <div> </div> <div> Loaded with high-end internet and other latest connectivity options, Lumia 1520 is a premium handset which is the most impressive Windows Phone till date. Neoteric Nepal, the authorised distributor of Nokia mobiles for Nepal has priced the phablet at Rs 77,400. Lumia 1520 is available in yellow, black, white and red colours.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Loaded with high-end internet and other latest connectivity options, Lumia 1520 is a premium handset which is the most impressive Windows Phone till date.', 'sortorder' => '2561', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2719', 'article_category_id' => '213', 'title' => 'Business Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>ATC Launches Indian Tires with Bridgestone Co Logo </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="ATC Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 33px;" />ATC Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Bridgestone tires in Nepal launched tires imported from India. ATC has been providing tires ranging from radial tires for bus, truck, passenger car, light vehicle and construction vehicles. According to the company, it caters to Nepalis by delivering a wide variety of tires from from Himalayas to Terai through its 150 plus dealer network. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Hyundai Opens Showroom at Narayanghat</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 95px;" />Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Hyundai Motors for Nepal has provided its dealership to Pinnacle Trading Concern Pvt Ltd in Narayanghat. The new showroom was jointly inaugurated by Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd’s Executive Director Anjan Shrestha and Chairman of Chitwan Chamber and Commerce on 26th February. The showroom will deal in sales, service and spare parts facilities. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>TVS Offers Cash Discount </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="CG Moto Corp" src="/userfiles/images/l3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 83px;" />CG Moto Corp, the authorized distributor of TVS two-wheeler in Nepal has launched a new scheme titled ‘Harsha Ko Ranga, TVS Sanga’. With this scheme, the company is offering cash discount of up to Rs 9,000 on its product line. This scheme is available across all the dealerships of TVS two-wheelers under CG Motocorp. Currently, CG Motocorp has 38 TVS Dealerships under its network. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Karbonn Launches New Mobiles </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Karbonn" src="/userfiles/images/l4.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 100px; height: 137px;" />Allied Trade Link, the authorized distributor of Karbonn Mobile for Nepal has launched new mobile phones in the market. The newly launched models are Titanium S9, A 18+, A34 HD Star, A 37 HD and K54+. The top end phone in the series S9 has a 5.5 inch HD screen, runs on Android 4.1 and is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad core processor. Similarly, A18+ is powred by a 1.3 GHz dual core processor, has 512 MB of RAM and has a 5 inch touchscreen. The price of the phones range from Rs 2,645 to Rs 27,013. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Models of Run Shoes in the Market</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Run Shoes Industries Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 100px; height: 84px;" />Run Shoes Industries Pvt Ltd has introduced 13 new models of shoes in the market. According to the company, the new shoes are launched targeting the ongoing wedding season. The new series include five models of party shoes, four sports shoes and four casual shoes. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'ATC Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Bridgestone tires in Nepal launched tires imported from India.', 'sortorder' => '2560', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2718', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'Fashion Faux Pas In The Office', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> The three components that make up executive presence are communication, gravitas, and appearance according to fashion experts the power of executive presence is the force that shows people we are capable of being leaders. In the corporate offices appearance counts for 60 per cent of your corporate presence. Here are few tips and couple </div> <div> of ideas with a list of fashion sings that should never make it into the office. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Wet Hair</strong></span></div> <div> Long Wet hair first of all is a really great way to catch a cold. But more importantly no matter how rushed we are in the morning, not taking the time to dry your hair shows that you don’t care enough to do so. The bottom line is that wet hair is viewed by many as unprofessional because several people equate wet hair with unfinished hair. Going into work with wet hair might give off the impression that you are not ready for work, or that you did not have time in the morning to dry your hair. Employers, therefore, might assume that you put little effort into getting ready for work. However, most agreed that it is perfectly acceptable to go out with wet hair if you are going to class (if you’re a student) or if you are simply running errands.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Heavy Makeup</strong></span></div> <div> You absolutely have to wear makeup, even if you have the features of Snow White. Not wearing makeup to work says you don’t take it seriously but the trick is to look like you are not wearing a makeup. A study has found that wearing makeup at work can actually help you appear more confident, but the line between confident and looking like all you do is put on makeup is a very thin one. Researchers say it “may have to do with the negative stereotypes associated with an ‘overly groomed’ woman in the workplace.” Sparkles should never come into your place </div> <div> of work.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>High High Heels</strong></span></div> <div> If you are wearing the highest pair of heels in your office, then you’re wearing the wrong shoes. If you work in an industry like fashion, wearing three inch heels may be the norm. If you work in accounting, a kitten heel may be all you need.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Ill-fitting Clothing</strong></span></div> <div> Too-tight clothing is a major problem, but so is too-loose clothing. Investing in a good tailor is part of a professional wardrobe.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dressing Too Casually</strong></span></div> <div> Casual Fridays sound great. Friday is the day where you don’t have to don the suit or conservative dress and heels. But dressing casually and still conveying power can be tough for women. Experts say that Casual Fridays were designed by men for men but women can’t convey as much power as men when they dress casually. It seems that dressing casually, in certain industries, may be even trickier than dressing professionally. But unfortunately, your clothes are the first things people see when they meet you which can give a strong message. <em>(Agencies)</em></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In the corporate offices appearance counts for 60 per cent of your corporate presence.', 'sortorder' => '2559', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2716', 'article_category_id' => '100', 'title' => 'Tourism Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Tripadvisor Hits 150 Million User Reviews</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/T2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 102px;" />TripAdvisor has reached another content milestone, by becoming the first travel site to feature 150 million customer reviews. The landmark review, which was written about the Cameron House Inn in North Carolina, comes 14 years after the first review. But the amount of content being posted has accelerated significantly in recent years. TripAdvisor now collects more than 90 user contributions every minute from more than two billion unique worldwide visitors a year, for its collection of 3.7 million hotels, restaurants and attractions. <em>(Traveldailymedia.com)</em></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Google Takes Indian Heritage Online</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/T3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 65px;" />Google India and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have teamed up together to offer 360-degree online views of almost 100 national monuments. People across the globe will be able to explore the Taj Mahal and other national Indian monuments online through Street View. The project aimed to create a panoramic imagery of the “nationally important” monuments like Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb, Khajuraho, Red Fort and Agra Fort, etc. So far, Google has released the first set of 360 degree online images of 30 monuments and will slowly keep adding other heritage sites. <em>(Traveldailymedia.com) </em></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>World Committee on Tourism Ethics to Focus on the Exploitation of Children </strong></span></div> <div> The protection of children from all forms of exploitation, the fight against trafficking, anti-poaching and accessible tourism for all are among the work priorities defined by the newly formed World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE). Under the chairmanship of Pascal Lamy, former Director-General of World Trade Organization - WTO, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics met for the first time in its new constitution as appointed by the UNWTO General Assembly in August 2013. The Action Plan of the Committee for the coming four years will focus on the exploitation of children in all its forms, trafficking, poaching and the illegal trading of wildlife, accessible tourism for all and promotion of fair models of all inclusive holidays.<em> (Traveldailynews.com)</em></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'TripAdvisor has reached another content milestone, by becoming the first travel site to feature 150 million customer reviews. The landmark review, which was written about the Cameron House Inn in North Carolina, comes 14 years after the first review.', 'sortorder' => '2558', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $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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Guests can either enjoy a combination platter of caramelized banana and dark chocolate muffin, vanilla chocolate doughnut and chocolate ice cream at Rs 750 plus taxes or alternatively try each individually with the condiments at Rs 200 plus taxes.</div> <div> </div> <div> The choices for the muffins include caramelised Banana and Dark Chocolate and Kahlua Drunken Apricot and Nougatine. Dark chocolate doughnut and vanilla chocolate doughnut are some of the doughnuts varieties offered. Other pastries like strawberry pastry slice, dark and white truffles, strawberry chocolate parfaits and seasonal fruit tart are also on the menu. </div> <div> </div> <div> Croissant sandwich is available at Rs 775 plus taxes, and there are many the choices for fillings. Tuna flakes marinated with onion, coriander, tomato and lemon juice is an option, along with shredded chicken, organic lettuce and mayonnaise. Sauté cottage cheese, green bell pepper with mint chutney could also be the perfect pick. </div> <div> </div> <div> All this can be savoured at The Lounge that offers a nice view of Boudhanath Stupa from its spacious terrace overlooking the pool. Along with tempting pastries, sandwiches and light meals, it also serves a wide selection of teas, freshly brewed coffee, local and imported beers, and a variety of fine wines.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-10', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Lounge at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has introduced a range of croissant sandwiches with a variety of fillings, doughnuts and muffin promotions for the month of March as part of its planned food promotions throughout the year. Guests can either enjoy a combination platter of caramelized banana and dark chocolate muffin, vanilla chocolate doughnut and chocolate ice cream at Rs 750 plus taxes or alternatively try each individually with the condiments at Rs 200 plus taxes.', 'sortorder' => '2572', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2685', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Contradictory Budget Review', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div> <div> </div> <table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat" src="/userfiles/images/rsm.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 217px;" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <div align="center"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div> <strong>Dr Ram Sharan Mahat</strong></div> <div> Finance Minister</div> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div> The government has made a Mid-term Review of the Budget public with an ambitious hope of achieving the targeted 5.5 percent growth rate. Revealing contradictory figures, newly appointed Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has claimed that the targeted growth rate of 5.5 per cent will be realized this year despite extremely low (19 percent of what was budgeted) capital expenditure.</div> <div> </div> <div> The government’s projection is based on favourable weather for agricultural products, thanks to timely monsoon and winter rains. Though the weather might prove our finance minister lucky, it is not time to rejoice. There are myriad problems ahead for Dr Mahat to bring the economy back on track. </div> <div> </div> <div> A huge amount has remained idle in the government treasury and low credit off-take from the private sector has resulted in excess liquidity in banks. Similarly, there’s no tangible progress in investment in the productive sector. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government has Rs 65 billion lying unspent in its treasury at the moment, while banks have excess liquidity of Rs 50 billion, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). As of Feb 27, capital expenditure has reached only 19.72 per cent of the budget. </div> <div> </div> <div> The Mid-term Review of the Budget also revealed that the food prices jumped 13 percent despite increase in the production of agricultural products. Dr Mahat blamed middlemen (intermediaries) as those mainly responsible for the sharp price rise. Though this indicates that the finance minister will be tightening the middlemen that indulge in cartels and syndicates, the power to do so lies mostly with the Home Minister who is from CPN-UML that has a quite different political ideology</div> <div> </div> <div> Food prices are expected to stabilize or go lower when there is increase in agriculture products, said former commerce secretary Purushottam Ojha. “Food prices go up if there are frequent obstacles in transportation, but that too cannot be an excuse this year as there were not such obstacles sice the last year.”</div> <div> </div> <div> Another reason for increment in food prices is export of food items. “Export increases demand of products resulting in price hike in the domestic market,” Ojha opined. But the data shows there has not been much export of agro-products this year. The government should study whether there is really increased export of agro products from Nepal, he suggested. </div> <div> </div> <div> The report has estimated that paddy and maize production grew 12 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. “As livestock production also grew and winter crops are also expected to perform well, the agriculture sector’s overall performance will be much better,” the </div> <div> report stated. </div> <div> </div> <div> Leaving the price rise in food items apart, the overall economic indicators are positive in the first half of the current fiscal year.</div> <div> </div> <div> The Mid-Term Review document of the Budget for the current fiscal year 2013-14 states that positive political developments and their possible positive impact on investment in industry and service sectors will help achieve the targeted growth rate. </div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile, the service sector is expected to post a six percent growth this year, according to the Finance Ministry. Services account for more than 50 per cent of the economy while the farm sector contributes 35 per cent and industry 15 percent, according to the Economic Survey 2012-13.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-02', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The government has made a Mid-term Review of the Budget public with an ambitious hope of achieving the targeted 5.5 percent growth rate. Revealing contradictory figures, newly appointed Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat has claimed that the targeted growth rate of 5.5 per cent will be realized this year despite extremely low (19 percent of what was budgeted) capital expenditure.', 'sortorder' => '2571', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2687', 'article_category_id' => '137', 'title' => 'Nepal Climbs Four Spots Up In GRI', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Retirement security of Nepali workers is seen improving as retired public and private sector employees are receiving more benefits, a latest global report shows. The 2014 Global Retirement Index (GRI), ranked Nepal 114th, up four spots from 118th in 2013. The report published by Paris-based Natixis Global Asset Management, the world’s 13th largest asset management company with USD 392.96 in assets, finds Nepal’s performance improving, though slowly, over the past year. The report ranks 150 countries based on four broad factors such as health care, finances, economic well-being and quality of life. Nepal’s achieved an overall score of 40 per cent in the index, which was 39 per cent last year. </div> <div> </div> <div> The country scored 35 per cent and 39 per cent in sub-indices of health and finances in retirement respectively. In the finances in retirement sub-index, Nepal scored 39 per cent falling eight spots to 148th from 140 in 2013. Similarly, the country also poorly performed in quality of life sub-index where it scored 39 per cent and ranked 132nd, down 5 spots from last year’s 127th. However, Nepal comparatively fared well in material well-being sub-index with a score of 47 per cent. </div> <div> </div> <div> The country’s southern and northern neighbours, India and China, meanwhile ranked 104th and 69th respectively. India’s position declined three spots in the index, whereas, China climbed upfour spots. The report pointed India as the worst performing nation among BRIC nationthis year. “The main upset being its performance in the finances in retirement sub-index where it dropped from 20th to 128th place,” Natixis said in the report. “In addition it continues its mediocre performance in the health and quality of life sub-indices.” </div> <div> </div> <div> Sri Lanka was the highest ranking South Asian nation with 86th position in 2014 GRI, climbing 5 spots from 91th in 2013. Bangladesh and Pakistan also climbed higher in the index with 105th and 102nd spots respectively. Last year, Bangladesh ranked 112th, whereas, Pakistan was placed at 107th. </div> <div> </div> <div> European countries took eight of the top 10 spots, buoyed by strong social programs for older citizens. Switzerland claimed the top spot pushing Norway to second place in 2014 GRI. Austria, Sweden, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Finland, New Zealand and Luxembourg occupied the remaining top 10 spots. United States, meanwhile, remained unchanged from last year’s 19th position. United Kingdom climbed to 18th spot from 20 in 2013. Japan was seen as the worst performer among developed nations. The country dropped 12 spots to 27th in the index. Despite the domination of European countries, the report warns that the long-term financial security of retirees in developed economies is under pressure. “Ageing populations and increasing high old-age dependency ratios, a historically prolonged period of low interest rates and high levels of sovereign debt are testing the resilience of retirement systems and fuelling uncertainty,” it said. African countries Togo, Burindi, Niger, Comoros and Zimbabwe occupied the bottom five spots in the index.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Retirement security of Nepali workers is seen improving as retired public and private sector employees are receiving more benefits, a latest global report shows. The 2014 Global Retirement Index (GRI), ranked Nepal 114th, up four spots from 118th in 2013.', 'sortorder' => '2570', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2688', 'article_category_id' => '151', 'title' => 'SSRP Expiring Without Any Significant Progress', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Gopal Sangroula</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> The School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP), which aimed to reform the school education system, is trailing out without making any significant progress. The five-year ambitious project aimed at reforming curriculum, management and examination system in order to bring about structural changes in the education system. Fifteen donor agencies including World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNESCO, UNDP and USAID have been supporting the SSRP. </div> <div> </div> <div> SSRP has been the next big thing in Nepal’s education reformation since the new education system was introduced in 1971. Launched in September, 2009 the project aimed to fulfil the state’s objective of ensuring ‘Education for All’ but fell short. Of other factors behind its failure, failure of the government to get the SSRP bill endorsed through parliament has been pointed by some as the major one. </div> <div> </div> <div> Ministry officials, however, are pushing to buy another two years for this Rs 256.82 billion budget programme, according to Mahashram Sharma, spokesperson for the education ministry. </div> <div> </div> <div> The project aimed at improving the status of public schools along with the general education status of the nation. However, most of the plan has only been limited to paper. Educationist Bidhan Koirala points lack of realisation and recognition by the government, policy makers and political leaders about the outcome of SSRP as the major factor behind its failure. </div> <div> </div> <div> “If it was a politically originated document, it would have been endorsed. But as it’s an academically originated document, the political leaders have taken it in their own way. Though efforts are being made to endorse the bill through parliament, political leaders are not giving it the importance that it deserves,” he said. </div> <div> </div> <div> While the donor agencies contribute 22 per cent of the total Rs 256.82 billion budget, the government has been contributing the remaining78 per cent. If the Ministry succeeds in buying two years time for the plan, it will require an additional Rs 117 billion for implementing the remaining projects. While informing that necessary documentation in this regard has been presented to the donor agencies, Sharma said that the ministry is planning to table the bill at the parliament at the earliest. </div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile donors are requesting to increase the budget of the education sector to 20 per cent of the total budget. Though this year the education sector received the largest pie of the budget, donor agencies have pointed out that this is due to the salary of staff. </div> <div> </div> <div> If SSRP gets another lease of life, it aims to amend the current education Act. In other changes, the current four-tier education system (i.e. primary, lower secondary, secondary and higher secondary levels) will be brought down to two: class 1-8 would be made basic level and 9-12 secondary level.</div> <div> </div> <div> Meanwhile, former president of Nepal Teachers’ Association, Mohan Gyawali says SSRP should not be implemented till the demands of teachers are fulfilled. He says that the government is trying to move out of its educational responsibility by handing over the school management to community. </div> <div> </div> <div> The education ministry has declared Rasuwa, Kapilvastu and Dadeldhura as model districts for SSRP programme. However, the progress reports of these districts are yet to come out. The ministry had earlier committed to achieve the millennium development goal by 2015. Decreasing the dropout rates and bringing to the schools those children who are out of schools were some of the programmes under SSRP.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP), which aimed to reform the school education system, is trailing out without making any significant progress. The five-year ambitious project aimed at reforming curriculum, management and examination system in order to bring about structural changes in the education system. Fifteen donor agencies including World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNESCO, UNDP and USAID have been supporting the SSRP.', 'sortorder' => '2569', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2686', 'article_category_id' => '109', 'title' => 'Nepse Up 3 Points Last Week Most Of The Stocks Traded Range Bound', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Nepse index went up 3.3 points last week (23rd to 26th February) marking a continuous gain for a straight third week. The benchmark index which opened its weekly trading at 822.67 points on the first day (Sunday) closed at 826.40 points on the last day (Wednesday). The impetus, though weaker than previous week, continued following a bull run after the appointment of new prime minister and formation of a new cabinet. </div> <div> </div> <div> As the country’s secondary market opened for only four days for trading last week saw relatively high volatility even in intra-day trading. The Nepse index remained range bound for the last week except for the first day. On Sunday, the benchmark index rallied to 840 points before closing at 831.86 points. For other days Nepse index traded within the range of 840 and 820 before to close at 826.40 points on Wednesday, the last trading day of the week. Analysts say that the range bound trading of any stock market pose difficulty in predicting the future movement of the marked. Same principle is applicable for individual scripts as well. </div> <div> </div> <div> A total of 3.58 million units of shares worth Rs 1.47 billion were traded in the domestic stock market through 10,900 transactions. Compared to the previous week, the turnover increased 32.96 per cent whereas, number of transactions went up 16.49 per cent. Similarly, unit of shares traded rose by 25.55 per cent. </div> <div> </div> <div> In terms of weekly turnover, Chilime Hydropower Company Limited climbed to the top spot. Similarly, Citizens Bank International Limited claimed the top position in terms of number of share units being transacted for the week. In terms of market capitalization, Nepal Telecom maintained its top spot as earlier weeks. </div> <div> </div> <div> Last week marked declining trend in most of the trading sub-indices compared to the previous week. ‘Others’ sub-index was the biggest weekly gainer with 34.06 points. Likewise, Hydropower was seen as the second biggest gainer (10.26 points), followed by Hotels (7.85 points) and Trading (0.41 points).</div> <div> </div> <div> Insurance was the biggest loser for the week as the sub-index went down 163.04 points. Finance sub-index followed the suit with 25.57 points which was accompanied by Banking (5.95 points) and Development Banks (2.86 points). Manufacturing and processing sub-index, meanwhile, remained unchanged as previous week. For the week, the Sensitive Index representing the share trading of blue chip stocks belonging to class ‘A’ listed companies went down 0.3 points. </div> <div> Last week, shares of 148 companies were transacted in the domestic stock market. Out of them 48 companies saw increase in their share prices, 77 companies logged decline in their share prices and share prices of 23 companies remained unchanged over the period.</div> <div> </div> <div> <img alt="Weekly Indices" src="/userfiles/images/weekly1.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 360px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-02', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Nepse index went up 3.3 points last week (23rd to 26th February) marking a continuous gain for a straight third week. The benchmark index which opened its weekly trading at 822.67 points on the first day (Sunday) closed at 826.40 points on the last day (Wednesday). The impetus, though weaker than previous week, continued following a bull run after the appointment of new prime minister and formation of a new cabinet.', 'sortorder' => '2568', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2689', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'The Fifth Nepal Pharma Expo Concludes', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> The three days fifth Nepal Pharma Expo concluded today. The three day expo was organized by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers’ of Nepal (APPON). The expo was organized to create awareness about the present condition of the pharmaceutical industry and the latest technology in the domestic industry. The Pharma expo had a participation of around 46 national and 45 foreign medicine industries. This year during the trade fair there were around 106 stalls from the national and international medicine industries. The main objective of the expo was to showcase the national and international science and technology in the medicine production. According to the organizers the expo was successful to attract quality number of people who were related to the medicine industry. The fifth Nepal Pharma Expo was organized from February 28 – March 2. The expo is organized in every two years interval since 2005, said the organizers. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The three days fifth Nepal Pharma Expo concluded today. The three day expo was organized by the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers’ of Nepal (APPON). The expo was organized to create awareness about the present condition of the pharmaceutical industry and the latest technology in the domestic industry.', 'sortorder' => '2567', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2722', 'article_category_id' => '199', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Japan Researchers Testing Tiny Ear Computer</strong></span></div> <div> A tiny personal computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue is being tested in Japan. The 17-gram (0.59-ounce) wireless device has bluetooth capability and is equipped with a GPS, compass, gyro-sensor, battery, barometer, speaker and microphone. The device, known at the moment as the “Earclip-type Wearable PC” has a microchip and data storage, enabling users to load software, said engineer Kazuhiro Taniguchi ofHiroshima City University. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New software Helps Improve Your Web Search</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="AIDA" src="/userfiles/images/b1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 75px;" />Researchers have developed a new software that makes your web search easier by resolving the ambiguity of names within texts automatically. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics in Germany have developed a software that enables accurate disambiguation of named entities by analysing them with the help of Wikipedia. Their software, named AIDA, establishes connections between the mentions in the text and potential persons or places. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Soon, Free Wi-Fi from Space</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Free Wi-Fi from Space" src="/userfiles/images/b2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 100px;" />A US company is planning to build an ‘Outernet’ — a global network of cube satellites broadcasting internet data to all the people on the planet — for free. The idea is to offer free internet access to all people, regardless of location, bypassing filtering or other means of censorship, according to the New York based non-profit organization, Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF). MDIF proposes that hundreds of cube satellites be built and launched to create a constellation of sorts in the sky, allowing anyone with a phone or computer to access Internet data sent to the satellites by several hundred ground stations.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Now, Smartphone-Controlled Hearing Aid!</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Smartphone-Controlled Hearing Aid" src="/userfiles/images/b3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 56px;" />A tiny new hearing aid that is controlled by a smartphone app has been developed, eliminating the need for wearers to carry a pendant-like device. Hearing aid wearers need to carry a cumbersome pendant or other wireless device to change settings on their hearing aid, but the new app allows users to make those changes directly on the smartphone. The ReSound LiNX hearing aids can also be used to stream music, listen to GPS directions and talk on the phone through Bluetooth. There is also a ‘Find My Hearing Aid’ feature that helps the user locate their device if it has been misplaced. The batteries on the hearing aid will last about five days, a local newspaper reported. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New App can Give You ‘Superhero’ Vision</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt=" ‘Superhero’ Vision" src="/userfiles/images/b4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 67px;" />Suffering from bad eyesight? This app could give you ‘superhero’ vision! US Scientists have developed a revolutionary new app that can improve users’ eyesight by sharpening their vision and boosting ability to see in dim light. The new UltimEye app improves the users’ vision by training their brain to process patterns better. UltimEye asks users to complete tasks such as clicking on hard-to-see targets and can help them perform everyday work, ‘Mashable’ reported. The app is designed to help rewire the brain to process the information it receives from the eyes while keeping the user engaged with positive reinforcement such as a point system. California-based Carrot Neurotechnology, a company that creates tools that can improve vision, developed the app. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Wolf of Wall Street Most ‘Googled’ Movie Among Oscar Nominees</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Wolf of Wall Street" src="/userfiles/images/b5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 100px;" />‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, directed by noted filmmaker Martin Scorsese, has topped search trends on Google among the films nominated for this year’s Oscar awards to be announced next month. Golden Globe winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who played male lead in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, was the most searched actor among filmstars nominated for the Best Actor category in the 86th Academy Awards. Among the Best Movie category, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ topped the search trends followed by ‘American Hustle’, ‘Gravity’, ‘12 Year a Slave and Captain Philips’. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-09', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'A tiny personal computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue is being tested in Japan.', 'sortorder' => '2566', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2712', 'article_category_id' => '153', 'title' => 'Silver Lining On Silver Jewellery', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>History of Silver jewellery</strong></span></div> <div> Nepal has a long tradition of craftsmanship in many forms like wood carving, metal craft, stone carving and, working silver and gold into exquisite pieces of jewellery. The manufacture of jewellery in Nepal is wide spread throughout the country since time immemorial. The production of jewellery is labour intensive industry that was based on caste and cultural heritage. It was traditionally confined only to the Newari Shakya and Sunar families, but nowadays, other castes are also equally involved in this occupation. The local demand of jewellery has traditionally confined to social and religious occasions and other ritual ceremonies. The arrival of foreign tourist has led to the mingling of the traditional heritage with modern foreign market taste. The filigree cuttings have made Nepali silver jewelleries peerless. The handmade production process has made it possible to spread over rural areas benefiting the rural mass. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Present scenario</strong></span></div> <div> Once the poor second cousin of gold, silver jewellery has become a cool, contemporary style icon in its own right. “The skyrocketing price of the yellow metal people from various walks of life are getting more attracted to the cheaper yet stylish silver jewelleries,” said former president of Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association Tej Ratna Shakya. According to him, on an average around 100-150 kilos of silver is traded daily in the local market. Apart from the jewellery, the silver utensils are also on high demand due to the influence of Indian culture,” Shakya said. He also added that the trading of silver products is increasing remarkably in the local market and the situation is improving in the international market too. Silver is used mainly in household and industrial purpose. However the trend of silver jewellery is also catching among youths here who are more attracted to silver bracelets, rings, earrings, bangles and pendants as their fashion statements.</div> <div> </div> <table align="center" width="100"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <img alt="Customers purchasing silver ornaments at Silver Palace, New Road." src="/userfiles/images/f.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 550px; height: 374px;" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#DDDDDD"> <div align="center"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Customers purchasing silver ornaments at Silver Palace, New Road.</strong></div> <div style="text-align: right;"> <em>Photos: Rukesh Shrestha/TC</em></div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>International Market Trend</strong></span></div> <div> Following the laboratory certification system for the silver articles, the export of silver article is gradually moving ahead in the international market. “Now we do not have problems while exporting silver products in the European market which is the major buyer of the product,” said Shakya. However the government must actively look for upgrading the existing certification method. Nepali Silver Jewellery is one of the major overseas export products next to other handicraft products of the country. The number of the export markets of this product has crossed 30 out of which, USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, France, Italy and Australia are the </div> <div> leading ones.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Now Certified </strong></span></div> <div> Introduction of quality testing certification for Nepali silver jewellery has averted possible ban for the products in European market on charges of having traces of restricted chemical ‘Cadmium’ in them. The certification system that tests any silver product for this chemical and certifies it as quality product of the country has once again brought charm to silver products in the local and the international market. </div> <div> </div> <div> “The export of silver jewellery that was about to get ban in the European country has finally received a relief as now we have a proper certification system, which certifies the purity of the product,” said Shakya. Earlier the European Union was mulling on banning the import of Nepali silver jewellery if the exporters failed to certify that the products were free of cadmium. Cadmium is a known carcinogenic substance and various studies have concluded that it is toxic. Long-term contact of it can cause kidney and bone damage. According to the silver exporters now only 0.01 per cent cadmium is allowed in the exportable silver products. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="NTIS" src="/userfiles/images/F1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 525px;" />Initiative of Government</strong></span></div> <div> The Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2010, put in place by the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies has prioritised 19 goods and services (7 agro-food products, 5 craft and industrial goods and 7 services) for export promotion in the next three to five years. Silver jewellery is one of the five craft and industrial goods on this priority list. German International Cooperation (GIZ) is one of those development partners, which have been supporting the government in implementing NTIS 2010. In consultation with MoCS, it has chosen two of the 19 products and services prioritized by NTIS 2010, namely medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPS)/essential oils and silver jewellery, to help enhance their exports. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Facts about Silver jewellery</strong></span></div> <div> Nepal’s world market share of silver jewellery exports is about 0.2 percent. In the past few years, exports have been fairly stable and prospect for future export is generally seen as very good. Production costs are competitive and workers are readily available. Most major markets grant duty-free access to Nepali silver jewellery. There are also no any non-tariff barriers (NTBs) hindering exports of silver jewellery from Nepal, except that use of cadmium has resulted in ban of some items entering European markets. </div> <div> </div> <div> Firms and companies involved in jewellery production and export are owned by private entrepreneurs and operate as small-scale/cottage producers. Firms normally outsource jewellery production to individual craftsmen who have in-house workshops. Annual production of silver jewellery in Nepal is 15 to 20 metric tons (MT) while the annual production capacity is estimated at 50 M. Silver jewellery is fully handmade in Nepal. Productivity and quality can be improved if production were further mechanized. </div> <div> </div> <div> Monthly salaries of skilled workers in the silver jewellery sector is around US$100, which is less than that in competing countries such as India and Thailand. Almost all silver and 95 percent of gemstones and semiprecious stones required for jewellery are imported from India, Brazil, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and distributed by local importers. </div> <div> </div> <div> According to the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy 2010 almost half of the total production of silver jewellery produced in Nepal is supplied to the domestic market and the rest is exported. However, even those supplied to the domestic market are usually exported later either through resale to tourists or through informal exports. Poor business environment in the country has encouraged informal trade in substantial quantity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Following the laboratory certification system the export of silver article is gradually moving ahead in the international market.', 'sortorder' => '2565', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2691', 'article_category_id' => '122', 'title' => 'ChaChaWhee FunPark: A Resort For Children', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Surendra Paudyal</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort, a resort especially for children has been established in Pokhara, a tourism town of Nepal. The one of its kind resort came into being about a month ago with an investment of Rs 20 million, informed its Director Pratikshya Chhetri. </div> <div> </div> <div> The resort is located at Gharipatan of Pokhara and spreads over 20 ropanis of land. It has 15 rooms from where the beautiful Annapurna range in the north can be enjoyed. As the resort is established with children in mind, first priority is given to those who come along with their children. Chhetri says, “ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is the only exclusive resort of its kind for families with kids.”</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/s3%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 363px;" />Getting Popularity</strong></span></div> <div> Chhetri says that the resort has gained popularity within a short time of its opening. One of the most popular packages offered by the resort is ‘Family Fun Package with Dinner and Breakfast’ for two adults and two kids in a room. This package, which costs Rs10,000 per night, also offers unlimited rides for children and some facilities for adults along with breakfast and dinner for all. Children can enjoy unlimited rides such as Joy Train, Battery Cars, Flying Chair, Merry-Go-Round, Ferris Wheel among others. Chhetri says that if the family purchasing this package has only three members, 15 per cent discount is given while if there are only two clients, 30 per cent concession is provided. She says that another Family Room and Fun Package is also much loved by the families visiting the resort.</div> <div> </div> <div> A room at the resort costs Rs 2500 without any package. The popularity of the resort is increasing and its Managing Director Dinesh Prasain credits the quality of services and the unique family environment provided by the resort for it. “Fun Park is becoming centre of attraction for those visiting Pokhara along with </div> <div> their children.” </div> <div> </div> <div> Chhetri says that schools in the surrounding areas bring school children to the fun park. Along with domestic tourists, the resort is getting popular among foreign visitors especially Indian families </div> <div> with children. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Caring for Safety</strong></span></div> <div> Prasain explains that when adults go for sightseeing, the resort has facilities to entertain their children at the resort. The resort has installed safety and security measures for all the rides and games for children. “We realize that kids and families need to feel secure. A team of full time technicians monitor and supervise the rides as safety comes first for us,” Chhetri said. A mechanical engineer led team of technicians constantly supervise the games and rides to ensure the security and smoothness of the rides. Likewise, the fun park has first-aid facilities on site as well as vehicles on standby in case of any emergency. “We have invested in technologies and professional security companies that ensure security but in the friendliest ways,” says Chhetri.</div> <div> </div> <div> <img alt="FunPark Pokhara" src="/userfiles/images/s2%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 432px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Building theResort</strong></span></div> <div> As of now, Rs 70 million has been invested in the resort. According to Chhetri, Global IME Bank has provided loan for developing the project. The resort houses various amenities for children such as revolving wheel, swimming pool, garden, joy train, video game parlour among others. The resort also organises birthday parties, family gathering and </div> <div> other events.</div> <div> </div> <div> Chhetri explains, “ChaChaWhee is the Nepali expression of fun, thrill and joy. Kids usually ChaChaWhee! in the ping-swings, especially during Dashain. Now you need not wait for Dashain and Melas. Nor is the traditional ping-swing the only thing that can ChaChaWhee the kids.”</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Location</strong></span></div> <div> ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is located in the prime location of Pokhara. It is situated within five minutes driving distance from the Airport, Bus Park and Fewa Dam Site towards the International Mountain Museum at Himal Tole of Gharipatan. The upfront view of some of the most beautiful Himalayas – Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Annapurna South and Lamjung Himal makes the resort special, say its promoters. Similarly, the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the garden within the resort premises make the stay at the resort more pleasurable. The garden was set up with the help of the gardener who also helped set popular Garden of Dreams at KesharMahal, Kathmandu. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Pokhara, a tourism hub of Nepal has been offering different tastes to travellers. ChaChaWhee FunPark Resort is a latest addition to its deliverables and this one offers unique experience to junior travellers.', 'sortorder' => '2564', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2717', 'article_category_id' => '202', 'title' => 'Pharma, Hockey And Poetry', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Upashana Neupane</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Umesh Lal Shrestha, president of Association of Pharmaceuticals Producers of Nepal (APPON) regards himself as a very simple person. Very humble person by nature, Shrestha is hardly found annoyed or angry. Highly inspired by his own father, he walks on his path. ‘Treating Everybody Equally’ is the principle around which Shrestha’s life revolves. “Hierarchy in our society and discriminations in any form frustrates me a lot”, he shares adding, “I don’t believe in the caste system.”</div> <div> </div> <div> This scenario of the society makes Shrestha write too. He shares that he has wrote number of poems based on the contemporary social issues. However, only one of his poems is published so far. He has limitedhis writings within his own diary.</div> <div> </div> <div> Besides writing hobby, Shrestha loves reading too in his spare time. He particularly loves reading biographies. Akio Morita’s biography remains his all time favourite. Apart from that Shrestha loves listening to music too. Old Hindi songs, and songs of Narayan Gopal are his preferred taste in music.He shares that he also likes to sing, but that is also his personal pleasure.</div> <div> </div> <div> Shrestha has been sporty person in his times. He shares that was an active cricket and hockey player in the past but stopped playing them as his age grew gradually. However, hestill updates himself with the events. This interest in sports has made him the Vice-President of Nepal Olympic Committee and president of Nepal Hockey Association. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of being loaded with a host of responsibilities, Shrestha doesn’t find it difficult to manage his personal and professional life. He hates having to attend unnecessary calls when he is on holidays and believes in keeping office and home separate. “I keep it very simple”, he shares, “Don’t take your work home;don’t bring your home to office.” This way he manages well to carry his family and office together. </div> <div> </div> <div> Along with his office responsibilities, he says that he has been successful in managing time for his family. He shares that he often goes on vacation with his family, which consists of his mother, wife and two daughters. Pokhara has always been his favourite within the country, when it comes for vacation or refreshment and spending time with family. Likewise, Europe is his favourite destination overseas. “The scenery and the natural beauty is amazing in Europe”, he shares, “America is good too, but we don’t get to see history and human cultures there as in Europe,” he shares.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Umesh Lal Shrestha, president of Association of Pharmaceuticals Producers of Nepal (APPON) regards himself as a very simple person. Very humble person by nature, Shrestha is hardly found annoyed or angry. Highly inspired by his own father, he walks on his path. ‘Treating Everybody Equally’ is the principle around which Shrestha’s life revolves. “Hierarchy in our society and discriminations in any form frustrates me a lot”, he shares adding, “I don’t believe in the caste system.”', 'sortorder' => '2563', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2721', 'article_category_id' => '212', 'title' => 'Wearable Tech At Mobile World Congress 2014', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Samsung Gear Fit" src="/userfiles/images/w1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 73px;" />Samsung Gear Fit</strong></span></div> <div> Samsung’s most interesting was the Gear Fit: from its curved AMOLED display to its Fitbit-like wristband design, the Gear Fit falls right in between smartwatches like fitness bands. It's less advanced than the new Gear 2, but it's still feature-packed: there's a heart rate monitor, message notifications, and remote music controls are onboard. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Samsung Gear 2" src="/userfiles/images/w2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 77px;" />Samsung Gear 2</strong></span></div> <div> The original Samsung Galaxy Gear came out just last fall, but there's already a Gear 2 arriving April 11. The new version is thinner, lighter, has a better dual-core processor, comes with a heart rate monitor, can store and play music offline, acts as an IR TV remote, and comes with a whole new Tizen operating system under the hood instead of being Android-based. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Huawei TalkBand B1" src="/userfiles/images/w3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 69px;" />Huawei TalkBand B1</strong></span></div> <div> Combine a fitness tracker and a smartwatch...sound familiar? Everyone's doing it. Huawei's wearable tech device at MWC has a pop-out module that fits in a band, and can be used to track your activity or to monitor phone calls. But wait, this is also a Bluetooth headset! Stick it in your ear, make a call, then stick it back in your band. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Sony SmartBand" src="/userfiles/images/w4.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 74px;" />Sony SmartBand</strong></span></div> <div> Sony's new SmartBand looks like a spin on fitness bands like those from Jawbone and Fitbit, with a twist: Sony's Life Log software rides along sidesaddle on your phone to extend beyond fitness tracking and keep track of everything else in your life, too...using the photos you've taken, and apps like Facebook. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Fujitsu Smart Glove" src="/userfiles/images/w5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 87px;" />Fujitsu Smart Glove</strong></span></div> <div> What is a smart glove? It's part of Fujitsu's next-wave vision for the future of factories and other industrial workplaces. The glove, targeted for 2015, lets you just point at what you're looking at, while paired augmented-reality glasses show you what you need to actually be doing instead.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Mio Link" src="/userfiles/images/w6.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 97px;" />Mio Link</strong></span></div> <div> What's $99, coming in April, and measures your heart rate? The Mio Link, a simple, screen-free heart-rate monitor that wirelessly syncs and has a pulsating LED. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Bionym Nymi" src="/userfiles/images/w7.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 66px;" />Bionym Nymi</strong></span></div> <div> A wristband that's just made for storing passwords, PIN codes, and maybe even open password-protected car doors. A recipe for disaster, or genius? The $79 Bionym Nymi prototype was seen at MWC.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Lumus Smartglasses " src="/userfiles/images/w8.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 77px;" />Lumus Smartglasses </strong></span></div> <div> One of many smartglasses companies at CES, Lumus has a design that fuses traditional glasses with a side-mounted heads-up display projector. A new partnership with EyeSight at Mobile World Congress brings gesture recognition as part of the baked-in software: a clever idea for a pair of glasses, and a great way to look really weird at parties.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="Plantronics Voyager Edge" src="/userfiles/images/w9.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 70px;" />Plantronics Voyager Edge</strong></span></div> <div> Advanced noise-cancelling, voice commands, and NFC for quick smartphone pairing might make the $129.99 Plantronics Voyage Edge a better riff on the Bluetooth audio headset. (CNET)</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Samsung’s most interesting was the Gear Fit: from its curved AMOLED display to its Fitbit-like wristband design, the Gear Fit falls right in between smartwatches like fitness bands. It's less advanced than the new Gear 2, but it's still feature-packed: there's a heart rate monitor, message notifications, and remote music controls are onboard.', 'sortorder' => '2562', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2720', 'article_category_id' => '206', 'title' => 'Nokia Lumia 1520 A Luminous Comeback', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> After years of lackluster performance, Nokia (which is now owned by US tech giant Microsoft) is all set for a comeback into the global smartphone arena- dominated by Google's Android and Apple's IOS- with its Lumia Windows phone series. The latest Lumia 1520 is an excellent example of Nokia's endeavor which shows that the once no. 1 mobile manufacturer is again moving towards the right direction. </div> <div> </div> <div> The 6-inch Nano-SIM 1520 marks Nokia’s first entry into the increasingly popular "phablet" category. Powered by a Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 processor which uses Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset, the phablet runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8 Black operating system. The powerful processor coupled with Adreno 330 GPU and 2 GB RAM can handle any power-hungry application or video game very easily. The processing speed is blazing fast and users can also experience smooth multitasking. </div> <div> </div> <div> The handset's IPS LCD capacitive touch screen (with 16:9 aspect ratio) features full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 368 ppi pixel density. Images and videos come out vibrantly sharp and pleasantly bright as Lumia 1520 sports Nokia's ClearBlack multi-touch display. Due to this the screen's black levels are amazingly deep resulting in vibrant vivid colors, exceptional contrast and high brightness mode that gives above par outdoor visibility. Users need not to worry much about display's protection as the phablet's screen is well-covered by Corning Gorilla Glass 2 alkali-aluminosilicate sheet. The unibody polycarbonate shell of Lumia 1520 offers high grade protection to the device. </div> <div> </div> <div> However, the big dimensions (162.8 x 85.4 x 8.7 mm, 120.3 cc) make it uncomfortable to use the phablet with single hand. Similarly, on a less positive note, the weight of Lumia 1520 (209 grams) feels heavy to carry. Nevertheless, 1520 can be counted among the best in the business if it is considered as "bigger the better." </div> <div> </div> <div> On the camera front the phablet scores the highest. It is among the best in camera phone category with its 20 megapixel PureView snapper. Its camera is certainly incomparable to Nokia Lumia 1020 which sports an award-winning 40 MP camera. However, the dual-LED flash Carl Zeiss autofocus camera of Lumia 1520 captures amazingly high-quality images that come into life with superb colour combinations. When compared to other phones with high-end cameras, low-light images also look remarkable. The camera is operated through the “Nokia Camera” application. The app is quite notable as it has automatic mode which provides a simple interface for quick capturing of high-quality images. Accordingly, a "Pro" mode (for manually tuning basic camera-features such as ISO, white balance and shutter speed) and “Smart” mode (for snapping a series of 10 images in less than 3 seconds) are also present. </div> <div> </div> <div> Likewise, there is another camera app called the “Nokia Refocus” which uses a technology to create photos that mimic a Lytro camera (a light-field camera that uses a microlens array to capture 4D light field information about a scene). Lastly, the phablet has another new app called “Nokia Storyteller” which reads GPS location data from the photos and videos users have taken and puts them on Nokia’s HERE maps in a interactive interface. The rear camera can capture 1080p HD videos at 30 frames-per-second. The front-facing 1.2 MP snapper is also good for taking 720p videos @30fps. </div> <div> </div> <div> The sound quality of the phablet is amazing as it offers Dolby Headphone Sound Enhancement system. Be it for listening songs, FM radio or watching videos, the earbuds let users hear refined quality sounds along with active noise cancellation for the microphone. On the power backup front, the phablet is pretty strong with its 3,400 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. In terms of storage capacity, Lumia 1520 comes in two variants- 16 GB and 32 GB. There is a microSD card slot which can be used to further expand its storage up to 64 GB. </div> <div> </div> <div> Loaded with high-end internet and other latest connectivity options, Lumia 1520 is a premium handset which is the most impressive Windows Phone till date. Neoteric Nepal, the authorised distributor of Nokia mobiles for Nepal has priced the phablet at Rs 77,400. Lumia 1520 is available in yellow, black, white and red colours.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Loaded with high-end internet and other latest connectivity options, Lumia 1520 is a premium handset which is the most impressive Windows Phone till date.', 'sortorder' => '2561', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2719', 'article_category_id' => '213', 'title' => 'Business Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>ATC Launches Indian Tires with Bridgestone Co Logo </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="ATC Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 33px;" />ATC Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Bridgestone tires in Nepal launched tires imported from India. ATC has been providing tires ranging from radial tires for bus, truck, passenger car, light vehicle and construction vehicles. According to the company, it caters to Nepalis by delivering a wide variety of tires from from Himalayas to Terai through its 150 plus dealer network. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Hyundai Opens Showroom at Narayanghat</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 95px;" />Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Hyundai Motors for Nepal has provided its dealership to Pinnacle Trading Concern Pvt Ltd in Narayanghat. The new showroom was jointly inaugurated by Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd’s Executive Director Anjan Shrestha and Chairman of Chitwan Chamber and Commerce on 26th February. The showroom will deal in sales, service and spare parts facilities. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>TVS Offers Cash Discount </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="CG Moto Corp" src="/userfiles/images/l3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 83px;" />CG Moto Corp, the authorized distributor of TVS two-wheeler in Nepal has launched a new scheme titled ‘Harsha Ko Ranga, TVS Sanga’. With this scheme, the company is offering cash discount of up to Rs 9,000 on its product line. This scheme is available across all the dealerships of TVS two-wheelers under CG Motocorp. Currently, CG Motocorp has 38 TVS Dealerships under its network. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Karbonn Launches New Mobiles </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Karbonn" src="/userfiles/images/l4.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 100px; height: 137px;" />Allied Trade Link, the authorized distributor of Karbonn Mobile for Nepal has launched new mobile phones in the market. The newly launched models are Titanium S9, A 18+, A34 HD Star, A 37 HD and K54+. The top end phone in the series S9 has a 5.5 inch HD screen, runs on Android 4.1 and is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad core processor. Similarly, A18+ is powred by a 1.3 GHz dual core processor, has 512 MB of RAM and has a 5 inch touchscreen. The price of the phones range from Rs 2,645 to Rs 27,013. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Models of Run Shoes in the Market</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="Run Shoes Industries Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/l5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 100px; height: 84px;" />Run Shoes Industries Pvt Ltd has introduced 13 new models of shoes in the market. According to the company, the new shoes are launched targeting the ongoing wedding season. The new series include five models of party shoes, four sports shoes and four casual shoes. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'ATC Pvt Ltd, the sole distributor of Bridgestone tires in Nepal launched tires imported from India.', 'sortorder' => '2560', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2718', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'Fashion Faux Pas In The Office', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> The three components that make up executive presence are communication, gravitas, and appearance according to fashion experts the power of executive presence is the force that shows people we are capable of being leaders. In the corporate offices appearance counts for 60 per cent of your corporate presence. Here are few tips and couple </div> <div> of ideas with a list of fashion sings that should never make it into the office. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Wet Hair</strong></span></div> <div> Long Wet hair first of all is a really great way to catch a cold. But more importantly no matter how rushed we are in the morning, not taking the time to dry your hair shows that you don’t care enough to do so. The bottom line is that wet hair is viewed by many as unprofessional because several people equate wet hair with unfinished hair. Going into work with wet hair might give off the impression that you are not ready for work, or that you did not have time in the morning to dry your hair. Employers, therefore, might assume that you put little effort into getting ready for work. However, most agreed that it is perfectly acceptable to go out with wet hair if you are going to class (if you’re a student) or if you are simply running errands.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Heavy Makeup</strong></span></div> <div> You absolutely have to wear makeup, even if you have the features of Snow White. Not wearing makeup to work says you don’t take it seriously but the trick is to look like you are not wearing a makeup. A study has found that wearing makeup at work can actually help you appear more confident, but the line between confident and looking like all you do is put on makeup is a very thin one. Researchers say it “may have to do with the negative stereotypes associated with an ‘overly groomed’ woman in the workplace.” Sparkles should never come into your place </div> <div> of work.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>High High Heels</strong></span></div> <div> If you are wearing the highest pair of heels in your office, then you’re wearing the wrong shoes. If you work in an industry like fashion, wearing three inch heels may be the norm. If you work in accounting, a kitten heel may be all you need.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Ill-fitting Clothing</strong></span></div> <div> Too-tight clothing is a major problem, but so is too-loose clothing. Investing in a good tailor is part of a professional wardrobe.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dressing Too Casually</strong></span></div> <div> Casual Fridays sound great. Friday is the day where you don’t have to don the suit or conservative dress and heels. But dressing casually and still conveying power can be tough for women. Experts say that Casual Fridays were designed by men for men but women can’t convey as much power as men when they dress casually. It seems that dressing casually, in certain industries, may be even trickier than dressing professionally. But unfortunately, your clothes are the first things people see when they meet you which can give a strong message. <em>(Agencies)</em></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-10', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In the corporate offices appearance counts for 60 per cent of your corporate presence.', 'sortorder' => '2559', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2716', 'article_category_id' => '100', 'title' => 'Tourism Briefs (3 - 9 March 2014)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Tripadvisor Hits 150 Million User Reviews</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/T2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 102px;" />TripAdvisor has reached another content milestone, by becoming the first travel site to feature 150 million customer reviews. The landmark review, which was written about the Cameron House Inn in North Carolina, comes 14 years after the first review. But the amount of content being posted has accelerated significantly in recent years. TripAdvisor now collects more than 90 user contributions every minute from more than two billion unique worldwide visitors a year, for its collection of 3.7 million hotels, restaurants and attractions. <em>(Traveldailymedia.com)</em></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Google Takes Indian Heritage Online</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/T3.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 150px; height: 65px;" />Google India and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have teamed up together to offer 360-degree online views of almost 100 national monuments. People across the globe will be able to explore the Taj Mahal and other national Indian monuments online through Street View. The project aimed to create a panoramic imagery of the “nationally important” monuments like Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb, Khajuraho, Red Fort and Agra Fort, etc. So far, Google has released the first set of 360 degree online images of 30 monuments and will slowly keep adding other heritage sites. <em>(Traveldailymedia.com) </em></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>World Committee on Tourism Ethics to Focus on the Exploitation of Children </strong></span></div> <div> The protection of children from all forms of exploitation, the fight against trafficking, anti-poaching and accessible tourism for all are among the work priorities defined by the newly formed World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE). Under the chairmanship of Pascal Lamy, former Director-General of World Trade Organization - WTO, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics met for the first time in its new constitution as appointed by the UNWTO General Assembly in August 2013. The Action Plan of the Committee for the coming four years will focus on the exploitation of children in all its forms, trafficking, poaching and the illegal trading of wildlife, accessible tourism for all and promotion of fair models of all inclusive holidays.<em> (Traveldailynews.com)</em></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2014-03-03', 'modified' => '2014-03-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'TripAdvisor has reached another content milestone, by becoming the first travel site to feature 150 million customer reviews. The landmark review, which was written about the Cameron House Inn in North Carolina, comes 14 years after the first review.', 'sortorder' => '2558', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $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
