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			'id' => '2200',
			'article_category_id' => '155',
			'title' => 'Studying BSW At K & K',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;">Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) was introduced in Nepal by St. Xavier&rsquo;s College in 1994. Tribhuvan University launched the course 2005. K &amp; K &nbsp;adopted the course the very same year and since then it has been contributing in the production of skilled manpower that specialise in social work. As one of the most successful colleges to offer BSW, K &amp; K is proud of its contribution made to the institutionalisation of the course in Nepal.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the nature of BSW curriculum?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Social work is a multi disciplinary course comprising of theory and field work. Theoretical concepts are derived from social science keeping social works values and principles at the center. It is a course which focuses on practical implementation rather than theoretical concepts. The course aims to groom an individual responsible towards society. Social work education plays a crucial role in shaping up the overall outlook of an individual, preparing them for social change. Theories cover sixty percent of the course while field work fulfills remaining portion. Both go parallel.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How is field work incorporated in the course?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Field work is an essential part of social work program. The students should commit 2 days in a week for field work. Their performance is evaluated on the basis of their attendance, application of professional skills in the field and reflection. They are also provided with the field work supervisors, both from the institution and from collaborating agencies. As part of the course, students are supposed to do Report Writing, Individual Conference, Group Conference, Neighborhood Camp, Rural Camp, Urban Camp, Block Placement and so on.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How does the course bridge classroom learning and implementation of knowledge?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Purpose of any education can be divided into two parts. First, there should be market to consume the graduates produced. They should be sellable in the market. Second part is making a person responsible towards society. BSW works on both of these parts. It teaches a student moral value and ethics and with that makes a student sellable in the market too.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In Nepal&rsquo;s context, we are still discussing and fighting against social issues like poverty alleviation, untouchability, gender discrimination and so on. Thus, BSW graduates have more places to work on. They are employed in government and non-governmental social, economic and cultural development agencies. Besides that they are sellable in international market too and can also be a self employed entrepreneur.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Why don&rsquo;t you offer Masters programme for BSW?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Tribhuvan University recently started Masters Programme for Social Work but has not provided affiliation to run the programme to its affiliate colleges. We&rsquo;ll offer the programme, as soon as we get the affiliation. We are confident to make it successful as is BSW.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the eligibility to pursue the course?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	One should have passed +2 or equivalent in any faculty with at least 2nd division marks from any university recognised by Tribhuvan University. Similarly, students should have basic understanding of basic concept of BSW and should have genuine interest on it. College takes entrance exams before taking admissions. Student should qualify in entrance tests that include written exam and interview.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Why K &amp; K?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	There is only one thing that we are concerned about: &ldquo;Quality Education&rdquo;. We have always moved ahead stepping on norms and ethics of social works. Our students have always topped BSW program results till date. This year&rsquo;s gold medallist too is from K &amp; K. We teach students to be responsible towards society and similarly produce market friendly graduates. We feel proud to say that our biggest ornaments are our students. &nbsp;Our former students have reached to higher level post in big organisations and are part of national level programmes. They also provide various scholarship and internship opportunities to our students.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-12-03',
			'modified' => '2013-12-09',
			'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' => 'Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) was introduced in Nepal by St. Xavier’s College in 1994. Tribhuvan University launched the course 2005. K & K  adopted the course the very same year and since then it has been contributing in the production of skilled manpower that specialise in social work.',
			'sortorder' => '2043',
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			'id' => '2196',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Nepal Political News In Brief ( 2 - 8 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Chinese Envoy Congratulates Koirala</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, called on President of Nepali Congress, Sushil Koirala last Thursday. During the meeting held at Koirala&rsquo;s residence Maharajgunj, Ambassador Wu congratulated Koirala for his and his party Nepali Congress&rsquo; victory as the largest party in the Constituent Assembly (CA) election. NC President Koirala told Ambassador Wu that they were holding talks between the political parties regarding the formation of a consensus government and on current political developments.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Madhav Nepal Warns Congress</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Senior leader of CPN-UML Madhav Kumar Nepal has warned that Nepali Congress (NC) has to pay a price if his party CPN (UML) was minimized on power sharing. At a programme at Parsa last Wednesday, he said as people voted for NC and UML to go together, there is no alternative for them other than to move together. He pointed out the need to draft a constitution in one year by taking both the Maoist parties and the Madhes- based parties together. Stating that the Madhesi parties had no significance in Madhes, he urged UCPN-Maoist not to be humiliated upon being defeated in election. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nembang for Institutionalising Past Agreements</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Former CA Chairman Subash Nembang has said constitution can be promulgated in one year by institutionalising the agreements reached in the earlier CA. &nbsp;At a press meet organized by the Press Chautari Nepal at Damak in Jhapa district last Thursday, Nembang, also the leader of CPN-UML, said consensus can be forged by making some alterations in the contentious issues of the last CA. &nbsp;As the election was successful on the basis of consensus, the new constitution should also be issued on the basis of consensus among parties, he added.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>&ldquo;CA polls pave the way out for the nation&rdquo;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Education Minister Madhav Poudel has said the successful completion of the Constituent Assembly (CA) election has paved the way out for the nation from political crisis. Speaking at a programme in Myagdi last Saturday, Minister Poudel, also spokesperson of the government, said atmosphere for establishing political stability and drafting a new constitution has been created with the completion of the CA election. &ldquo;The incumbent government has successfully completed its task of holding the CA election no matter in which condition and context it was formed,&rdquo; he said, adding the election has given a way out to the nation from the prolonged political crisis.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dahal Back to Home from Delhi</strong></span></div>
<div>
	UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has returned home last Saturday visiting his ailing daughter in New Delhi, India. Dahal went to the Indian capital on November 28 to meet his ailing eldest daughter Gyanu Dahal KC who is undergoing treatment for cancer. Talking to media persons briefly at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival, leader Dahal said his Delhi visit was completely a personal trip and he neither met with any political figure nor held any formal meetings during his stay there. &ldquo;I met my daughter who is undergoing treatment in New Delhi, took information about her health condition and returned,&rdquo; he said.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-03',
			'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' => 'Former CA Chairman Subash Nembang has said constitution can be promulgated in one year by institutionalising the agreements reached in the earlier CA.',
			'sortorder' => '2042',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2198',
			'article_category_id' => '145',
			'title' => 'A Fresh Opportunity In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Th</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">e results of the elections to Nepal&rsquo;s second Constituent Assembly are yet to fully come out but there is little doubt that the Nepali Congress is set to become the single largest party, followed by the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist). The Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which won a majority of the seats in the 2008 election, has been routed and is expected to win fewer than a hundred places in the 601-seat House. The first Constituent Assembly had to be dissolved after it failed in its task of framing a Constitution even after its tenure was extended four times. Last week&rsquo;s election was originally scheduled for November 2012 but was postponed repeatedly. The instability in Nepal belied the promise of the peace process that ended the Maoist insurgency and brought the rebels into the political mainstream.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The challenge for Nepal&rsquo;s fractious political forces now is to make the fresh start provided by the election work. It is encouraging that after an initial threat to boycott the new Assembly, the Maoists have been more conciliatory; the victorious NC and the CPN (UML) have enough seats between them for government formation but they have expressed the readiness to consider the Maoist demand for a &ldquo;government of consensus&rdquo;. If Nepal is to go down this route again, the power sharing negotiations will hopefully avoid last time&rsquo;s pitfalls. A national unity government will certainly help the Assembly&rsquo;s main task of Constitution making, which Nepal&rsquo;s political forces have agreed must be based on consensus. &nbsp;<em>(The Hindu)</em></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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 results of the elections to Nepal’s second Constituent Assembly are yet to fully come out but there is little doubt that the Nepali Congress is set to become the single largest party, followed by the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist).',
			'sortorder' => '2041',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2180',
			'article_category_id' => '37',
			'title' => 'Current Road Expansion:  A Four Lane Road  To Unsustainability',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Bimal Rijal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	G<span style="font-size: 12px;">overnment authorities often throw around the word &ldquo;development&rdquo; while describing the recent trend inside Kathmandu. With the mushrooming high-rise apartment buildings, and of course, the ongoing road expansion project in the various parts of the city, the so called development seems to be rampant all of a sudden. However, before submitting to these claims and letting the government carry on with its &ldquo;development&rdquo; plans for Kathmandu, it is imperative that we as inhabitants of Kathmandu understand what it means to live in a more developed city.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In old school development studies, the word &ldquo;development&rdquo; was referred to an elevated level of economic activity. Tall buildings and wider roads most definitely spark an increase in the level of economic activity, but they do not define development. Yes, infrastructures such as wider roads that facilitate better mobility inside the city and high-rise buildings that provide crucial commercial and retail space are important to the process of development. But they alone cannot define development.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When improved infrastructures such as wider roads and taller buildings contribute in improving people&rsquo;s living standard, we can then say that they are contributing to the development of the city. The key here is not to emphasize only on developing physical infrastructure but also increasing their contribution in bringing positive effect in the lives of the people.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In other words, development projects are the ones which ameliorate people&rsquo;s living standard; not deteriorate existing one. This is why even the international community is increasingly accepting the Human Development Index (HDI) as a metric to measure development. To move up in the Human Development Index, a country not only needs to pay heed to economic growth (a component to which construction of new infrastructures such as roads, factories, etc., contribute to) but also genuinely improves people&rsquo;s living standard by ensuring quality health, education and environment for&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	its citizens.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu&rsquo;s development should not be evaluated on the basis of whether or not we have four lane roads. More important questions like are these roads going to increase traffic mobility by reducing jams, how beneficial will the wider roads be to pedestrian, what air quality will the people get to breath, and so on should be primarily asked and evaluated. The present implementation of the road widening projects and the way the notion of development is attached to it makes me skeptical about the understanding of the term among politicians and city planners.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	From development&rsquo;s perspective, the current road expansion is particularly concerning for a couple of reasons. Needless to say, in a few years time, much of Kathmandu&rsquo;s two lane roads will be transformed into four-lane. But does this justify its labeling as a &lsquo;development project&rsquo;? Is it really going to help the ailing transportation system inside Kathmandu on a sustainable scale? My answer is a resounding no.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Road Expansion in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/ep1%20(Copy)(3).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 391px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The current road expansion project undertaken by the government of Nepal to &ldquo;rescue&rdquo; Kathmandu&rsquo;s populace from the blight of traffic congestion is assuredly going to prove counterproductive in the future. Having wider roads is only a temporary solution for Kathmandu because wider roads invite more cars and eventually the roads are going to be even more congested leading to even more intense traffic jams. Much of the current expansion of roads for gas consuming vehicles has been at the expense of pedestrian footpath. By norm, sidewalks alongside the roads need to be at least 2 meters wide. The new pedestrian sidewalks are barely half of it. Additionally, availability of lesser space has nullified the possibility to carry out plantations alongside the roads.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To sum up the consequences of the road expansion: firstly, there are going to be more vehicles on the road emitting more harmful gases than ever and thereby further degrading air quality. Secondly, with no plans to improve mass transit in place, influx of more cars in the days ahead will reduce the mobility of vehicles further. Thirdly, lack of modest pedestrian sidewalk will affect mainly the working class, the senior citizens, and children walking back and forth from school. This will force the pedestrians to walk on the roads and presumably increase road accident frequency. Therefore, let alone the amelioration of living standard, wider roads are only going to degrade an average man&rsquo;s living standard in the next five years. So, can such a project that increases pollution, worsens traffic problem, and puts the lives of senior citizens, small children and the working class at risk be called a development project? The answer is for the planners and the politicians to think of.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Personally, even the economic prospect from this project does not make sense. I do not understand why we are so much inclined towards widening our roads when we already know that the new vehicles, that are going to fill them up, and the fuel that will consume, will be imported from foreign countries. A bicycle ride doesn&rsquo;t require importing or burning of fuels nor does a walk, for those who prefer it. In such a scenario, why don&rsquo;t we have pedestrian sidewalks and cycling tracks in our list of priorities? These would not only help in retaining currency from flowing out but also improve living and health standards of the general public as more and more people will take to cycling and walking.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Current road expansion seems to be worthy of pursuing to some extent only if the government personally takes the responsibility of managing the operation of public transport within the city, of planting trees on the sidewalks, and&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	of ensuring that public health won&rsquo;t be affected due to the project. Without these commitments and corresponding plans to implement them, the current endeavor is going to prove a wet blanket for the citizens.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu is remarkably Nepal&rsquo;s administrative and the financial capital. Legacy of centralized development, focused intensely within ring road, is at the heart of this city&rsquo;s problem of traffic congestion. The government confronted it&rsquo;s inadequacies in foreseeing the long term impacts of centralizing development, when severe traffic jams and immobility posited itself as a serious concern. In such a context, it could either reverse the trend of centralized development, opting to not expand the road, or it could carry on with the age old legacy of centralized development and expand the road eventually inviting more vehicles and people inside Kathmandu.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A much better alternative to the current expansion would have been to ocus on developing more efficient express highways that link Kathmandu with its peripheral hubs like Banepa, Dhulikhel and others, and simply pay heed to the maintenance of roads inside Kathmandu. Such an effort would not only create new financial centers and commercial hubs outside Kathmandu but also relieve Kathmandu from its population pressure and pressures on its roads and physical infrastructures. With an increase in the level of economic activity, the people living outside Kathmandu and its periphery would be better off; and with lesser cars, lesser congestion, lesser pollution and lesser people, Kathmandu would be better off. In the long run, people living inside and outside Kathmandu would both benefit leading to genuine realization of development rather the current unsustainable growth.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	While other nations across the world are stressing on promoting sustainability, we seem to be moving in the opposite direction. While governments in other nations stress on preserving and promoting greenery through green roofing or through the protection of public parks, our government at home chops off three hundred trees to construct a landmark dedicated to &ldquo;Ganatantra&rdquo;. While other nations stress on constructing artificial flood control systems to protect its citizenry from unexpected flooding. In Kathmandu, the government instead destroys natural flood control systems like Manohara, Dhobokhola, Tukucha and other stream systems to develop riverside road network.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu - once tagged as naturally air-conditioned city by tourists - has now turned into a concrete jungle that experiences extreme temperatures. Ongoing unmanaged and disproportional road expansion has tarnished the image of this city even further. Adding to it, reluctance of the government to resort to sustainable development initiatives brings into question the fate of the city itself. If the government is not planning a sustainable future for it, than who will?&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<em>(Senior urban planner Rijal is chief of Urban Development Department and also chief at city planning commission.)</em></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-28',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'keywords' => 'new business age economy & policy news & articles, economy & policy news & articles from new business age nepal, economy & policy headlines from nepal,  current and latest economy & policy news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali economy & policy economic news and events,  ongoing  economy',
			'description' => 'Government authorities often throw around the word “development” while describing the recent trend inside Kathmandu. With the mushrooming high-rise apartment buildings, and of course, the ongoing road expansion project in the various parts of the city, the so called development seems to be rampant all of a sudden.',
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	(int) 4 => array(
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			'id' => '2194',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'PR Election Result Made Public',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">E</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">lection Commission has made public the final result of the proportional representation (PR) system of the Constituent Assembly election from all 240 constituencies last Thursday.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As per the result, the Nepali Congress has stood first with 2.4 million votes while the CPN-UML is in the second position with 2.2 million votes. The UCPN-Maoist is the third one with 1.4 million votes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/pol%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 456px; height: 1200px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Election Commission has made public the final result of the proportional representation (PR) system of the Constituent Assembly election from all 240 constituencies last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2039',
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			'id' => '2195',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Weekly Round Up ( 25 November - 1 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant and concessional loan assistance of Rs 6.67 billion to acquire six aircrafts. &nbsp;Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi and ambassador of China to Nepal Wu Chuntai signed the agreement towards that end on behalf of the Nepali and Chinese governments, respectively, amid a function in the capital last Thursday. According to MoF, the concessional loan received from the Export-Import Bank of China will be handed to Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to use for aircraft. MoF said out of the total assistance, Rs 2,943 million will be used to acquire one MA60 and one Y12E aircraft on grant and up to Rs 3,728 million will be used to purchase one MA60 and three Y12E aircraft on loan. According to the tourism entrepreneurs, adding new aircraft to the existing fleet of the corporation would be important in catering the growing number of passengers thereby boosting the tourism industry.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>Stock market moved downwards after few weeks of gaining string as wary investors opted to book profits after recent gains. Nepse index fell 12.80 points last week to settle at 643.95. Though market observed a marginal correction last week, investors are upbeat about the market prospects due to the victory of &lsquo;democratic parties&rsquo; in the CA polls. According to stock analysts, the overall market is in the rising trend and big boost can be expected in coming weeks as soon as the government formation process kicks off. The political environment has become a major factor for the rise of the Nepse index.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>The banking system has observed excessive liquidity after banking and financial institutions (BFIs) failed to boost the investment. According to the latest data, in last four months (between Sep 6-Nov 8), commercial banks have accumulated the total deposit amount has increased by Rs 42 billion, while the total loan investment has increased only by the half of the amount of the total deposit. The excessive liquidity has led Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to issue the Reverse Repo several times during the period of four months. NRB issued a latest round of reverse repo last week to absorb excess liquidity from the market. As many as 21 commercial banks have bid for securities worth Rs 23 billion for the reverse repo held by the NRB worth Rs 10 billion. This is the sixth times that NRB has issued the reverse repo in the current fiscal year. According to NRB, the reverse repos were held in a bid to ensure financial stability and good governance by curbing inflation in the market due to the excess liquidity.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>At a time when Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) was defending allegations against it on aviation safety and clear International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) about the present scenario of the domestic aviation industry, a probe committee formed to investigate the May 16 accident of Nepal Airlines Corporation aircraft in Jomsom has attributed to the pilot&rsquo;s error as the factor behind the crash. &ldquo;The most probable cause of the accident is inappropriate short take-off and landing procedure carried out by the pilot-in-command during the landing phase and an attempt to take off again without sufficient airspeed, lifting force and runway length to roll,&rdquo; read the report released last week. Aviation specialists say that the air accidents or incidents are caused by the prevailing risk factors which could be eliminated if the associated hazards are identified and risks mitigated before they contribute to an accident or incident.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>The gold import has gone down to Rs 3.5 billion between mid-July and mid-October compared to Rs 7 billion worth of import a year ago, according to the data of &nbsp;Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). However, the silver import has surged to Rs 2.6 billion from Rs 847 million over the period. Gold traders attribute to the low demand even during festivals like Teej for the decline in the precious yellow metal.</div>',
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			'description' => 'China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant and concessional loan assistance of Rs 6.67 billion to acquire six aircrafts.  Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi and ambassador of China to Nepal Wu Chuntai signed the agreement towards that end on behalf of the Nepali and Chinese governments, respectively, amid a function in the capital last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2038',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2191',
			'article_category_id' => '137',
			'title' => 'South Asia Leads World In Suffering',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">S</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">uffering, on average, has increased worldwide in the past several years, and nowhere more than in South Asia, a latest Gallop worldwide poll shows. According to a report published by the US-based opinion poll agency on 26th November, Tuesday, &nbsp;one in seven adults worldwide rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering in 2012. &lsquo;South Asia led the world in suffering at 24%, followed by 21% in the Balkans and the Middle East and North Africa. South Asia clearly registers the biggest increase in suffering during this period and because of its large population, it is mostly responsible for the worldwide uptick. Suffering in the region has increased enormously since the beginning of the global financial and economic crisis, averaging 12% between 2006 and 2008, and 22% between 2010 and 2012.&rdquo; states the report. The agency said that comparing average suffering for 2006-2008 with the average for 2010-2012, suffering increased by three percentage points worldwide.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>India Mainly Drives Deterioration of Well-Being in South Asia</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to the Gallop report, the massive increase in suffering among South Asians is largely attributable to negative developments in India, the region&rsquo;s giant. Average suffering in India more than doubled between 2006 to 2008 and 2010 to 2012. In 2012, a full quarter of Indians were suffering. &ldquo;The significant deterioration in Indians&rsquo; well-being is likely to be rooted in the country&rsquo;s disappointing economic performance,&rdquo; says the report. India&rsquo;s growth rate has now sunk from 9.4% in the first quarter of 2010 to 4.4% in the second quarter of 2013, the worst quarterly rate since 2002.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<p>
		<strong style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Nepal no Better</span></strong></p>
</div>
<div>
	India&rsquo;s northern neighbor Nepal has fared no better, said the report adding that average suffering there increased by 17 percentage points between 2006-2008 and 2010-2012. &ldquo;Yet because of its relatively small population, the increase in suffering had a negligible effect on the regional average. Since Nepal abolished the monarchy five years ago, the country has been mired in a political crisis that has paralysed the economy,&rdquo; Gallop said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Other big increases in suffering in recent years have been registered in Armenia (+17 points) and Greece (+13 points). Greece&rsquo;s economic collapse, record unemployment, and drastic austerity measures contributed to suffering reaching 26% in 2012. Gallup&rsquo;s trend data clearly show Armenians souring in recent years on issues such as their standard of living, and rising frustration with their leaders.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Most countries with the biggest decreases in suffering, comparing the three-year average from 2006 to 2008 with that from 2010 to 2012, are from Sub-Saharan Africa. Suffering in Zimbabwe has decreased by as much as 38 percentage points. &ldquo;After years of hyperinflation, the Zimbabwean government finally abandoned the country&rsquo;s currency in 2009. As a result, the economy started growing again, improving the lives of many Zimbabweans,&rdquo; states the report. Similarly, Latin America and the Caribbean also defied the global trend. Between 2010 and 2012, residents of the region were on average less likely to be suffering than they were before the outbreak of the global economic crisis.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-12-02',
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			'description' => 'Suffering, on average, has increased worldwide in the past several years, and nowhere more than in South Asia, a latest Gallop worldwide poll shows. According to a report published by the US-based opinion poll agency on 26th November, Tuesday,  one in seven adults worldwide rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering in 2012.',
			'sortorder' => '2037',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2193',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Parties Intensify Power Sharing Parleys',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sagar Ghimire / Angila Sharma&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A<span style="font-size: 12px;">s the Election Commission has made public the final results of Constituent Assembly polls, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) - emerged as two largest parties- have also started negotiations on forming the new government. &nbsp;In a bid to form a national consensus government, NC president Sushil Koirala and CPN (UML) chairman Jhalanath Khanal held a meeting last Thursday. &nbsp;UML leader Raghuji Pant, who was also present in the meeting, informed that the leader duo exchanged congratulation for the victory in the polls. &nbsp;Issues of government formation and constitution drafting also transpired during the meeting, he said. It is learnt that Khanal also asked Koirala to take the initiative to form the new government and to try bringing the other parties on board as well.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, NC president Koirala has also met with the UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal last Monday (November 25) to seek latter&rsquo;s support for the formation of the government and drafting new constitution on the basis of consensus. &ldquo;No party can make any difference alone. So we should work together for government formation and constitution-drafting,&rdquo; Koirala told Dahal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, UCPN (Maoist) has demanded the provision for the mandatory consensus be reinstated in the interim constitution for forming the government. The meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) held on November 25 has concluded that the consensual provision was imperative to draft the new constitution and form the government. &ldquo;The Interim Constitution should be amended and a system of consensus established for constitution drafting and for other things as well,&rdquo; read the press statement of the UCPN (Maoist). NC and CPN (UML) have, however, rejected such demand. The Central Working Committee meeting of the NC held last Wednesday inferred that it would not accept any proposal that demands making consensus politics mandatory through constitutional amendment. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Though we are for consensus government, the demand to amend the constitution to include the provision of mandatory consensus is not acceptable to us,&rdquo; a CWC leader of the NC said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Disputes over Prez tenure</strong></span></div>
<div>
	With the new result of the CA polls, parties are also divided over the tenure of the incumbent President Dr Rambaran Yadav and Vice-president Paramananda Yadav. While NC is maintaining that the President Dr Yadav should remain in the office until new constitution is drafted, UML leaders are demanding new power sharing agreement in the changed scenario. UCPN (Maoist) has thrown its weight behind the reelection of the new President and the Vice-president in the post-poll scenario. Likewise, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) Chairman Kamal Thapa has called for the election for new president and vice-president as per the fresh mandate of the CA polls.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-12-02',
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			'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' => 'As the Election Commission has made public the final results of Constituent Assembly polls, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) - emerged as two largest parties- have also started negotiations on forming the new government.  In a bid to form a national consensus government, NC president Sushil Koirala and CPN (UML) chairman Jhalanath Khanal held a meeting last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2036',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2192',
			'article_category_id' => '139',
			'title' => 'Nepal And The World News In Brief (2 - 8 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>WTO Members Fail to Agree Free Trade Deal&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Negotiators have failed to fix a deal for a crunch summit next week, casting a shadow over efforts to revive stalled talks on slashing barriers to global commerce, the head of the WTO said on Tuesday. &ldquo;The reality is that we have proved that we can&rsquo;t cross the final yard here in Geneva. The process here is over,&rdquo; World Trade Organisation chief Roberto Azevedo told reporters.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>India Ahead of US, China in Investment Destination&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	India has spurted ahead of China and the US as the most attractive investment destination, a survey by global professional services firm Ernst &amp; Young (EY) says. EY&rsquo;s ninth bi-annual capital confidence barometer has ranked India as the most attractive investment destination followed by Brazil, while China is at third place.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>UK Moves to Cool Property Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The UK is ending cheap bank funding for new mortgages in a bid to control the growing risk of a property bubble. House prices have increased by about 7% in a year, raising concerns that borrowers may have trouble making repayments when interest rates start to rise from their record low levels.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Black Friday Shopping Marred by Violence</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Several outbreaks of violence have marred the US Black Friday shopping frenzy, as bargain-hunters besieged malls across the US. In Chicago police shot an alleged shoplifter; a robber shot a shopper in Las Vegas; and a California police officer was injured in a fight. Black Friday, the day following the Thanksgiving holiday, is the biggest shopping day of the year in the US.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Switzerland: Best Country for Top Talent</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Switzerland comes out on top, according to the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, launched Tuesday by European business school Insead. The new index rates 103 countries on 48 factors including education, government policy and quality of life. The US trailed in ninth place. First placed Switzerland excelled in all categories, and stood out for its long-standing commitment to high-quality education, according to the report. Singapore came second. The authors noted that the city-state was highly competitive because of a clear strategy to grow and attract the best and brightest employees.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-12-02',
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			'description' => 'Negotiators have failed to fix a deal for a crunch summit next week, casting a shadow over efforts to revive stalled talks on slashing barriers to global commerce, the head of the WTO said on Tuesday.',
			'sortorder' => '2035',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2190',
			'article_category_id' => '134',
			'title' => '“Godrej Might Have A Manufacturing Unit In Nepal Within A Few Years”',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Umashaknar Mukherjee</strong> is the Country Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited since 2009. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is a major player in the Indian FMCG market, with leading Household and Personal Care Products. Its brands, which include GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No. 1, Expert, Nupur, Hit, Fairglow, Ezee and Protekt are household names across South Asia. Four of its brands (GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No.1 and Godrej Expert Hair Colour) are ranked among the &lsquo;100 Most Trusted Brands&rsquo; in India by Economic Times - Brand Equity 2012. He has been looking after the entire Nepal country operation for the FMCG business and responsible for the growth and business development across channels &amp; categories. Mukherjee had been early working with Hindustan Unilever Ltd for 15 years. Along with his professional life, he also has been leading a spiritual life as a founder of Resurgence Mission where one is offered training in different forms of spiritual coaching and a true energy healing with psychic development which will lead you to personal growth. He spoke to <strong>Suraksha Adhikari</strong> of The Corporate about Godrej Consumer Products in Nepal. <strong>Excerpts:&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Godrej is one of the oldest and one of the most well known business houses from India which has spread its operation across the world. Could you speak a little bit about the history of Godrej, its philosophies, its ethos and its culture?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Godrej is a 130 years old company. It started with manufacturing Lux soap in a very small way. And then it became the conglomerate what you see today. There are various business that we expanded during this time but Godrej is essentially a manufacturing company. Most of the headquarters of Godrej exist in Mumbai.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">It started with Lux then it came with consumer durables. Now we manufacture microwave oven, refrigerator and many more. Fridge is very old phenomenas Godrej fridges are very much popular among people. Godrej almirah is still considered to be number 1 is many places of India and South Asia with it maintenance of legacy since its production time.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Godrej is a family run professional business. Adi Godrej has studied in the USA and after coming back he hired all the top management people from the topmost industries to the business so Godrej is totally a professionally managed family business. Though it is owned by a family it is completely run professionally.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the size of Godrej Empire globally by turnover, by spread across the countries and also couldbe the different sectors that Godrej is involved?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Internationally Godrej started doing business when it collaborated with Procter &amp; Gamble. This is the first time Godrej was exposed to the international business. Apart from that, till last year there was collaboration with Sawali Corporation which is one of the fortune 500 companies which was the collaboration with Godrej for household insecticides product. Godrej has brought the shares of 51 per cent of Sawali Corporations. Above that Godrej has started their venture in South Africa, Middle East, Indonesia, Britain, North America and in Argentina. In all these countries, Godrej has started its business after buying the companies and integrating that business with Godrej consumer product business. So now more than 50 per cent of Godrej business comes from the international market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How long has Godrej group been active in Nepal and what are the major sectors or the brand categories that are active here?&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Nepal is only the country where we don&rsquo;t have any manufacturing facility but among the SAARC countries we have the manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh, Srilanka and other places. Our Vice President had visited to Nepal five years back and he gave an indication that in next few years to come, Godrej might have a manufacturing unit in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	I look after the consumer products part of the business which is one of the oldest business that Godrej is having. It was named as Godrej soaps. Cinthol is 100 years old brand belonging to Godrej so Godrej soaps have become the consumer products. I have introduced this company to Nepal. It only used to be handled by the dealers group a business house called Kedia. They were exclusively doing only distribution part some four years back. The business was also around IC 40 million to 50 million which has increased to around IC 400 million under my management. We also have been able to maintain growth rate of more than 20 per cent per year.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What are the major problems you faced in Nepal in these years?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The business here used to happen as the training goes on. But as we are into the coverage and distribution business it happens to be the domain of the multinational business. I had the experience of 15 years with the Unilever company and I have been hired in this company to grow the expansion of distribution and coverage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What the condition of soaps and detergent market in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The market of soaps and detergent is very small in Nepal because the Unilever market is dominant here in Nepal but we are market leader in household and insecticides categories.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Well, we have competitions like AC Johnson and other multinational companies. And even we Indian multinational here have been continuously competing with these companies. And in all categories we are actually number one company in all household insecticides and Goodnight is the strongest brand of all the insecticides. Goodnight is the goodnight for every family in South Asia and HIT is the popular insecticide with the ladies of the house.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the market share of Godrej Business Company in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	We contribute about 70 per cent of total market of Nepal in our segment and by this way we become &nbsp;market leader in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Something very close to your heart is corporate meditation, holistic growth and evolution or internalization of cosmic energy are few things that you have been talking about. Could you throw some light on these areas now?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	I am definitely more interested to talk on these subjects as they are very close to my heart. It is a discovery that I made it in Nepal. When I came here, I came to know that here exist more number of Brahma temple that people of Nepal also don&rsquo;t know. So I was very surprised to know why people don&rsquo;t worship Brahma and this fact struck my mind. From here actually this started. Then I started researching on why people should actually worship God. God gives you some kind of energy which is called divine energy may be in all the religion that exist in the world today. As I went deep in this subject, I came to know how this divine energy can be defined. My study found out that there is a cosmos from the divine energy comes in the form of cosmic energy. Then going back to our Hindu mythology, I came to know that Brahmand is the name for the cosmos. Brahma is the creator of Brahmand. So my logicis, if you want to get the cosmic energy you should get connect with the originator itself i.e. Brahma.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>In business, how this cosmic energy can make a difference in their life and can actually enable them to do what they are doing more efficiently?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	This is a very good question indeed. In the corporate words, most of us work more than we can handle. For this we need more energy that God actually gives us. To get that kind of extra energy, one has to do mental exercise and free your mind. Then one should concentrate on meditation to reach into another world of abundant energy. Then they can be benefited with cosmic strength which gives additional energy to&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	the people.</div>',
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			'modified' => '2013-12-09',
			'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' => 'Umashaknar Mukherjee is the Country Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited since 2009. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is a major player in the Indian FMCG market, with leading Household and Personal Care Products. Its brands, which include GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No. 1, Expert, Nupur, Hit, Fairglow, Ezee',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2189',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Muktishree Group: Getting Ambitious',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Arun Raj Sumargi Founder, Muktishree Group of Companies" src="/userfiles/images/ars%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div style="text-align: center;">
						<div>
							<strong>Arun Raj Sumargi</strong></div>
						<div>
							Founder, Muktishree Group of Companies</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	M<span style="font-size: 12px;">uktishree Group of Companies, one of the emerging business houses of Nepal, has ambitious plans to grow as a successful enterprise that benefits the national economy and people at large. The group has a clear vision to create employment opportunity for 100,000 people in a decade. According to Arun Raj Sumargi, Founder of the group, this target is not only their vision but also a motto.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;We are not saying that we will employ 100,000 workers in one of our industries but we want to be the creator of employment to these many people through forward and backward linkages,&rdquo; Sumargi explains. To achieve this goal, the group is looking forward to explore sectors such as tourism, hydropower, telecommunication and manufacturing and take them to a new level. He believes that the group&rsquo;s investment in these sectors would be greatly contributing to create direct as well as indirect employment to people through both forward and backward linkages. Sumargi says, &ldquo;As entrepreneurs, we try to understand the need of the people as well as of the state, find a meeting point and work on that. Such projects are supported by people also.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Attractions</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Muktishree group sees huge business potentials in the biggest scarcity the nation is currently facing &ndash; energy crisis. For over a decade, the group has been consistently working on setting a foothold in the energy production industry. &ldquo;Energy crisis is the biggest headache for Nepal now. We are focused on how to find a solution to this problem and working with an aim to create large number of jobs in the country and help to increase domestic production,&rdquo; explains Sumargi.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has a number of hydropower projects ranging from small to megaprojects. According to Sumargi, a 32 MW hydropower project is currently under development in Dhading. He says that there are other megaprojects in the pipeline. &ldquo;We are in the process of finalising a 600 MW project in the near future,&rdquo; he reveals adding that the group is also eyeing large projects like Upper Karnali. He adds that the agreement with foreign investors is not yet finalised because of changing political scenario as large project cannot be completed without foreign investments. He believes that apart from foreign investment, large project also need technical and managerial resources from abroad.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with the hydropower generation, the group is coming up with a large scale cement factory in Surkhet. &nbsp;Sumargi says that the first phase work of the factory has been completed along with construction of the road leading to the factory site. The group has also been exploring potentialities of producing new varieties of cement that have been not produced earlier in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group is planning to establish a four to five star hotel in a prime location of Kathmandu. Sumargi says that land acquisition process for this venture has been completed and talks to find an international hotel chain for partnership are underway.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Corporate Philosophy</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Muktishree group is working to develop itself as a model business group. Sumargi says, &ldquo;Rather than just making money and enjoying the wealth, we are looking on how to create greater benefits for the people.&rdquo; He says that cooperation and understanding is the way of working and making business decisions. &ldquo;We discuss every major issue and if two among five of us give different suggestions we think over that from different angles. We cooperate with each other, have positive thinking and communal thoughts and it has always been working for us,&rdquo; says Sumargi. He adds that if someone raises question over the group&rsquo;s activities, they try to find the reasons and point out the weakness so that they can improve themselves.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has also kept its family values, culture and tradition intact. Sumargi shares his belief, &ldquo;Businesses guided solely on individual thinking and philosophies have vanished in the long run. We believe that the culture, tradition and belief must be kept intact. The name, culture and tradition we inherited from our father will be continued also in the future.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Specialisation Areas</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has always prioritised those industries that could utilise local resources and generate employment to local people. Sumargi says that the country can become self sustained only when local resources could be properly utilised within the country. &ldquo;Industries based on raw material imports would only be a short term business,&rdquo; he says giving examples of carpet and garment industries. He says that there are prospects of Nepal being self sustaining in tourism, hydropower and mining.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with usage of local resources, the group has always focused on local market. Though it exports some of its &nbsp;mining products and drinking, those exports have been a means to get international recognition for the group. Currently, mineral water under Himalayas&rsquo; ONTOP brand is being exported to Middle East, Hong Kong, Korea , Japan and next month the company is exporting it to Gulf countries too. The water plant in Rasuwa produces 120,000 bottles per shift and the company is planning to produce in three shifts every day to increase the supply to new markets. According to Sumargi, the brand was listed among one of the best water among 11 countries during an exhibition of water producers in China. Likewise, 90 per cent of water is being consumed in Nepal while 10 per cent is currently being exported.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group&rsquo;s current area of specialisation in manufacturing and service industry came after the group started looking into new areas of business after 1990&rsquo;s changing political environment. Young entrepreneurs from Hetauda came to Kathmandu with a vision to supply aggregates to Kathmandu via the ropeway but could not be realised for various reasons. Then the company ventured into the telecommunication sector and launched the then Mero Mobile brand of GSM telephony service that brought the group into limelight.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Growth and Development</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group started with a mineral based industry by Madhav Raj Sumargi in 1972. During that time, he also had timber and transportation business, but these were closed down later. However, the mining and mineral based industry is still intact with the group.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has now developed into a conglomerate of around 21 businesses. Sumargi says that talking about group&rsquo;s turnover is too early as the group is still in its growth phase. &ldquo;We are still investing and under development, so we are in loan,&rdquo; says Sumargi. The group has so far invested Rs 100 billion in various sectors. Sumargi says that the investment is made through both foreign and domestic partners.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has created 5000 direct employment and out of them, 1100 are in Makwanpur alone and in its companies based in Bhairahawa, Hetauda, Surkhet, Dang, Kathmandu and Rasuwa. Similarly, the group is coming up with a teaching hospital soon. And Sumargi says that the hospital will be based in Makwanpur. Though the group has numerous plans in its pipeline, Sumargi says that the national political situation would be the determining factor for new moves.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Group of Companies</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Telecom&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Energy</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Cement Industry</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Everest Minerals Products</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Hetauda Lime Industries</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Bindabasini Media</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Hetauda Education Foundation</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Nepal Satellite Telecom</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Projects of Muktishree Group</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								&bull;Karnali Chasipani Multipurpose Hydropower</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Puldumki River Hydro-power Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Lungri (1)River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Lungri (2) River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Malagad River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Luma River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Badigad River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Surkhet Cement Project</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Telecommunication</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								The group has seen prospects since its involvement with Spice Nepal Pvt Ltd. After the group withdrew its investment there, it has been involved with Hello Nepal. The group plans to aggressively penetrate its presence across the country. The company has met the requirement of the regulators to provide services in the rural areas. Along with GSM telephony services, the company is planning to aggressively promote PSTN services. The company has its presence in far western and mid western regions. The company has plans to expand its services to Kathmandu and eastern region within few months. Arun Raj Sumargi says, &ldquo;In two months we will be entering Chitwan and soon reaching all over the country along with major cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu.&rdquo;</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>CSR Activities</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								As a part of its corporate social responsibilities (CSR), Muktishree group within a few days, is planning to hand over a Bhojan Prasadi Griha at Pashupatinath to the government. The group has made an investment of Rs 70 million for the building. Similarly, the group has contributed for various schools, hospitals and other social causes. Madhav Raj Sumargi Trust donated Rs 10 million to construct 10.5 kilometres of road in Hetauda. Necessary equipment for the road was provided by the government. Sumargi said that the government has allocated budget for the road in the current fiscal year and black topping of the road is undergoing. He claims that the road has addressed various issues of Hetauda bazaar.</div>
						</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
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			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-09',
			'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' => 'Muktishree Group of Companies, one of the emerging business houses of Nepal, has ambitious plans to grow as a successful enterprise that benefits the national economy and people at large. The group has a clear vision to create employment opportunity for 100,000 people in a decade.',
			'sortorder' => '2033',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2188',
			'article_category_id' => '86',
			'title' => 'Parliamentary Language',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">The main leaders of four major parties viz Sushil, JN, Makune, Prachanda &amp; Baburam were discussing on how to form a new government. While discussion was going on they started to fight over some trivial issues like &lsquo;decision to be made on consensus or based on majority, how others should address UNCPM leaders publicly&rsquo;, etc.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But Sushil and JN, unable to tolerate the languages used by Prachanda &amp; Baburam &nbsp;and also their demand for recounting of the votes of last election, thrashed UNCPM leaders in the meeting.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On this Prachanda and Baburam got wild and said: &ldquo;You can do anything but we warn you, never use the Parliamentary language with us&rdquo; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-ML</strong></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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 main leaders of four major parties viz Sushil, JN, Makune, Prachanda & Baburam were discussing on how to form a new government. While discussion was going on they started to fight over some trivial issues like ‘decision to be made on consensus or based on majority, how others should address UNCPM leaders publicly’, etc.',
			'sortorder' => '2032',
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			'id' => '2185',
			'article_category_id' => '91',
			'title' => '43 Companies Preparing For Share Issuance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By TC Correspondent</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Within few months some companies are set to add their shares of 100 million units worth Rs 10.52 billion in the share market. 43 companies from different sectors have already submitted application for share issuance in Securities Board of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">Nepal (SEBON). According to a SEBON source, the companies will issue their shares only after the approval from the stock market regulator.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Among them 66.12 million are right shares whereas and 39 million units are to be allotted fromInitial Public offering (IPO) of the companies. The total number of listed shares in NEPSE till the end of September of the current fiscal year is around 1.37 billion. The shares have increased by 2.33 per cent than the previous fiscal year,according to NEPSE. The applicants of IPO include 14 companies among which &nbsp;one is commercial bank, four are development banks, three are hydro power companies, two are finance companies and four others are from other industries. Similarly 29 companies are issuing right share which include two hydro power companies, six insurance companies, eight development banks, eleven development banks and two others from other sectors.&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-01',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Within few months some companies are set to add their shares of 100 million units worth Rs 10.52 billion in the share market. 43 companies from different sectors have already submitted application for share issuance in Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON).',
			'sortorder' => '2031',
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			'id' => '2143',
			'article_category_id' => '91',
			'title' => 'BPCL To Increase Power Production Capacity',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By TC Correspondent &nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL) is gearing up to increase its power production capacity to 94 MW. According to Ratna Shakya, BPCL&rsquo;s Head of Corporate Division, the company is preparing to produce an additional 67.6 MW power from Kabeli &lsquo;A&rsquo; and Nyadi Hydropower projects. &ldquo;We have planned to start commercial production from these two projects within three years,&rdquo; he said. The company has already produced electricity from Jhimruk, Aandhikhola and Khudi hydropower projects. Kabeli Energy Limited is the developer of Kabeli &lsquo;A&rsquo; hydropower project. BPCL holds the majority shares of the company. The Run-of-the-river (ROR) 37.6 MW project is being constructed at the Kabeli River located at Taplejung and Panchthar.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The total cost of the project is estimated at USD 970 million. The project which is aimed to be completed by 2016 will be producing 201 Giga Watt (GW) of electricity. The project will be constructed in BOOT (Build, Operation, Own and Transfer) model. The government and the developers have already signed the Project Development Agreement (PDA). According to Shakya, national and international finance organizations including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of The World Bank Group are investing in the project. &ldquo;The World Bank and IFC are investing in the project as loan&rdquo;, he informed adding, &ldquo;We have already managed necessary financial close for the project&rsquo;s construction.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL has majority of shares investment in Nyadi Hydropower project too. The 30 MW project is also designed under the BOOT model.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the company, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the government for the construction of &nbsp;the project is underway. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL already has 12 MW Jhimruk, 9.4 MW Andhikhola and 4 MW Khudi project. &nbsp;The company has been producing 5.5 million units annually from Jhimruk Hydro Project. Similarly, Aandhikhola will be producing more power as it is being upgraded to 9.4 MW which previously was three million units. &ldquo;The project has been stopped for the power upgradation process&rdquo;, Shakya said, &ldquo;It will be resumed with the upgraded power (9.4 MW) within five months.&rdquo; &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL has been distributing power directly through transmission lines to districts in western region such as Pyuthan, Argakhanchi, Rolpa, Syangja and Palpa. The company is selling the remaining power to Nepal Electricity Authority.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-11-25',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL) is gearing up to increase its power production capacity to 94 MW. According to Ratna Shakya, BPCL’s Head of Corporate Division, the company is preparing to produce an additional 67.6 MW power from Kabeli ‘A’ and Nyadi Hydropower projects.',
			'sortorder' => '2030',
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			'article_category_id' => '52',
			'title' => 'Unmanifested Political Will',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A<span style="font-size: 12px;">ll major political parties have made their manifesto for the November 19th Constituent Assembly (CA) polls public. Most of the parties including the big &#39;gang of four&#39;- UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Madhesi Morcha have made a long list of promises to accelerate the economic growth of Nepal. The promises are tall and details read like a government&#39;s annual &#39;policies and programmes&#39; to &nbsp;be unveiled in a parliamentary session. Many of the propositions are just populist and not based on the grounds of resource availability and pragmatic possibility of implementation. However, unquestionably, the Nepali economy was for long in dire need of real policy boost and political commitment from the highest possible level. One positive thing, perhaps the only one, is that the country&#39;s political parties have, rather uniformly, shown concern towards the economic growth and development of the country.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But, one must remember here, it is the elections for the CA and not for a tenured parliament. In a sense it is more important opportunity to give a direction to the country&#39;s economic future. However, it is surely not the moment to make populist commitments enumerating number of &nbsp;projects and programmes. Therefore, these party manifestoes should better provide the basis for the economic system that the country would adopt for reasonably longer period of time. The focus of all these manifestoes were naturally expected to make the constitutional position of every political party about elements that would finally constitute &nbsp;the provisions for &#39;Directive Principles&#39; and &#39;Economic Rights&#39; in the new constitution. But, unfortunately, all the parties have spent a huge resource and time in listing what they would do programmatically, not constitutionally, to develop the country. This is to say that their prime focus is on &#39;what&#39; of they want to do, but completely devoid of the &#39;how&#39; of it.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	These manifestos have, almost uniformly, failed to address the issues that have constrained the growth prospects of Nepal for long. These constraints have come in three categorical forms -- the philosophical stand and identity of the powerful parties, the model of the economy the country would adopt in the longer run and rights of the citizen to own and generate legal wealth including their enforcement. But all these three issues are hardly addressed by the parties through their manifestoes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Needless to say, Nepali politics is dominated my the communist outfits of various degrees of radicalism. It is a doctrine that advocates and works against the private ownership of the property and firms. Even if these outfits claim that they are not opposed to private capital, the suspicion of their motives remain intact as long as they are identified as devout communists. The manifestoes were perhaps the best tools to assure the people that these parties unconditionally would adhere to the norms of uninfringed property rights of the people. They could have even made the extent of change in their philosophical stand public. But nothing of the sort happened. In fact, manifestoes of communist parties have deliberately skipped this crucial part of clarification. Even Congress continues to cling to &#39;socialism&#39;.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The model of the economy to be adopted is also equally important. Parties are saying many confusing things like developing national capitalism, socialism and self-sustained economy. They appear unwilling to open their cards. They have chosen an easy term &#39;mixed&#39;, without identifying the elements to be mixed together.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The most important is, whether the new constitution can ensure the private property rights and economic democracy or not. No manifesto has clearly mentioned that it was for the absolute property rights and rights for intellectual properties that encourages innovation.</div>',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2200',
			'article_category_id' => '155',
			'title' => 'Studying BSW At K & K',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;">Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) was introduced in Nepal by St. Xavier&rsquo;s College in 1994. Tribhuvan University launched the course 2005. K &amp; K &nbsp;adopted the course the very same year and since then it has been contributing in the production of skilled manpower that specialise in social work. As one of the most successful colleges to offer BSW, K &amp; K is proud of its contribution made to the institutionalisation of the course in Nepal.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the nature of BSW curriculum?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Social work is a multi disciplinary course comprising of theory and field work. Theoretical concepts are derived from social science keeping social works values and principles at the center. It is a course which focuses on practical implementation rather than theoretical concepts. The course aims to groom an individual responsible towards society. Social work education plays a crucial role in shaping up the overall outlook of an individual, preparing them for social change. Theories cover sixty percent of the course while field work fulfills remaining portion. Both go parallel.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How is field work incorporated in the course?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Field work is an essential part of social work program. The students should commit 2 days in a week for field work. Their performance is evaluated on the basis of their attendance, application of professional skills in the field and reflection. They are also provided with the field work supervisors, both from the institution and from collaborating agencies. As part of the course, students are supposed to do Report Writing, Individual Conference, Group Conference, Neighborhood Camp, Rural Camp, Urban Camp, Block Placement and so on.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How does the course bridge classroom learning and implementation of knowledge?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Purpose of any education can be divided into two parts. First, there should be market to consume the graduates produced. They should be sellable in the market. Second part is making a person responsible towards society. BSW works on both of these parts. It teaches a student moral value and ethics and with that makes a student sellable in the market too.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In Nepal&rsquo;s context, we are still discussing and fighting against social issues like poverty alleviation, untouchability, gender discrimination and so on. Thus, BSW graduates have more places to work on. They are employed in government and non-governmental social, economic and cultural development agencies. Besides that they are sellable in international market too and can also be a self employed entrepreneur.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Why don&rsquo;t you offer Masters programme for BSW?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Tribhuvan University recently started Masters Programme for Social Work but has not provided affiliation to run the programme to its affiliate colleges. We&rsquo;ll offer the programme, as soon as we get the affiliation. We are confident to make it successful as is BSW.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the eligibility to pursue the course?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	One should have passed +2 or equivalent in any faculty with at least 2nd division marks from any university recognised by Tribhuvan University. Similarly, students should have basic understanding of basic concept of BSW and should have genuine interest on it. College takes entrance exams before taking admissions. Student should qualify in entrance tests that include written exam and interview.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Why K &amp; K?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	There is only one thing that we are concerned about: &ldquo;Quality Education&rdquo;. We have always moved ahead stepping on norms and ethics of social works. Our students have always topped BSW program results till date. This year&rsquo;s gold medallist too is from K &amp; K. We teach students to be responsible towards society and similarly produce market friendly graduates. We feel proud to say that our biggest ornaments are our students. &nbsp;Our former students have reached to higher level post in big organisations and are part of national level programmes. They also provide various scholarship and internship opportunities to our students.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-03',
			'modified' => '2013-12-09',
			'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' => 'Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) was introduced in Nepal by St. Xavier’s College in 1994. Tribhuvan University launched the course 2005. K & K  adopted the course the very same year and since then it has been contributing in the production of skilled manpower that specialise in social work.',
			'sortorder' => '2043',
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	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2196',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Nepal Political News In Brief ( 2 - 8 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Chinese Envoy Congratulates Koirala</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, called on President of Nepali Congress, Sushil Koirala last Thursday. During the meeting held at Koirala&rsquo;s residence Maharajgunj, Ambassador Wu congratulated Koirala for his and his party Nepali Congress&rsquo; victory as the largest party in the Constituent Assembly (CA) election. NC President Koirala told Ambassador Wu that they were holding talks between the political parties regarding the formation of a consensus government and on current political developments.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Madhav Nepal Warns Congress</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Senior leader of CPN-UML Madhav Kumar Nepal has warned that Nepali Congress (NC) has to pay a price if his party CPN (UML) was minimized on power sharing. At a programme at Parsa last Wednesday, he said as people voted for NC and UML to go together, there is no alternative for them other than to move together. He pointed out the need to draft a constitution in one year by taking both the Maoist parties and the Madhes- based parties together. Stating that the Madhesi parties had no significance in Madhes, he urged UCPN-Maoist not to be humiliated upon being defeated in election. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nembang for Institutionalising Past Agreements</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Former CA Chairman Subash Nembang has said constitution can be promulgated in one year by institutionalising the agreements reached in the earlier CA. &nbsp;At a press meet organized by the Press Chautari Nepal at Damak in Jhapa district last Thursday, Nembang, also the leader of CPN-UML, said consensus can be forged by making some alterations in the contentious issues of the last CA. &nbsp;As the election was successful on the basis of consensus, the new constitution should also be issued on the basis of consensus among parties, he added.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>&ldquo;CA polls pave the way out for the nation&rdquo;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Education Minister Madhav Poudel has said the successful completion of the Constituent Assembly (CA) election has paved the way out for the nation from political crisis. Speaking at a programme in Myagdi last Saturday, Minister Poudel, also spokesperson of the government, said atmosphere for establishing political stability and drafting a new constitution has been created with the completion of the CA election. &ldquo;The incumbent government has successfully completed its task of holding the CA election no matter in which condition and context it was formed,&rdquo; he said, adding the election has given a way out to the nation from the prolonged political crisis.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dahal Back to Home from Delhi</strong></span></div>
<div>
	UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has returned home last Saturday visiting his ailing daughter in New Delhi, India. Dahal went to the Indian capital on November 28 to meet his ailing eldest daughter Gyanu Dahal KC who is undergoing treatment for cancer. Talking to media persons briefly at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival, leader Dahal said his Delhi visit was completely a personal trip and he neither met with any political figure nor held any formal meetings during his stay there. &ldquo;I met my daughter who is undergoing treatment in New Delhi, took information about her health condition and returned,&rdquo; he said.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-03',
			'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' => 'Former CA Chairman Subash Nembang has said constitution can be promulgated in one year by institutionalising the agreements reached in the earlier CA.',
			'sortorder' => '2042',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2198',
			'article_category_id' => '145',
			'title' => 'A Fresh Opportunity In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Th</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">e results of the elections to Nepal&rsquo;s second Constituent Assembly are yet to fully come out but there is little doubt that the Nepali Congress is set to become the single largest party, followed by the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist). The Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which won a majority of the seats in the 2008 election, has been routed and is expected to win fewer than a hundred places in the 601-seat House. The first Constituent Assembly had to be dissolved after it failed in its task of framing a Constitution even after its tenure was extended four times. Last week&rsquo;s election was originally scheduled for November 2012 but was postponed repeatedly. The instability in Nepal belied the promise of the peace process that ended the Maoist insurgency and brought the rebels into the political mainstream.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The challenge for Nepal&rsquo;s fractious political forces now is to make the fresh start provided by the election work. It is encouraging that after an initial threat to boycott the new Assembly, the Maoists have been more conciliatory; the victorious NC and the CPN (UML) have enough seats between them for government formation but they have expressed the readiness to consider the Maoist demand for a &ldquo;government of consensus&rdquo;. If Nepal is to go down this route again, the power sharing negotiations will hopefully avoid last time&rsquo;s pitfalls. A national unity government will certainly help the Assembly&rsquo;s main task of Constitution making, which Nepal&rsquo;s political forces have agreed must be based on consensus. &nbsp;<em>(The Hindu)</em></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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 results of the elections to Nepal’s second Constituent Assembly are yet to fully come out but there is little doubt that the Nepali Congress is set to become the single largest party, followed by the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist).',
			'sortorder' => '2041',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2180',
			'article_category_id' => '37',
			'title' => 'Current Road Expansion:  A Four Lane Road  To Unsustainability',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Bimal Rijal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	G<span style="font-size: 12px;">overnment authorities often throw around the word &ldquo;development&rdquo; while describing the recent trend inside Kathmandu. With the mushrooming high-rise apartment buildings, and of course, the ongoing road expansion project in the various parts of the city, the so called development seems to be rampant all of a sudden. However, before submitting to these claims and letting the government carry on with its &ldquo;development&rdquo; plans for Kathmandu, it is imperative that we as inhabitants of Kathmandu understand what it means to live in a more developed city.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In old school development studies, the word &ldquo;development&rdquo; was referred to an elevated level of economic activity. Tall buildings and wider roads most definitely spark an increase in the level of economic activity, but they do not define development. Yes, infrastructures such as wider roads that facilitate better mobility inside the city and high-rise buildings that provide crucial commercial and retail space are important to the process of development. But they alone cannot define development.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When improved infrastructures such as wider roads and taller buildings contribute in improving people&rsquo;s living standard, we can then say that they are contributing to the development of the city. The key here is not to emphasize only on developing physical infrastructure but also increasing their contribution in bringing positive effect in the lives of the people.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In other words, development projects are the ones which ameliorate people&rsquo;s living standard; not deteriorate existing one. This is why even the international community is increasingly accepting the Human Development Index (HDI) as a metric to measure development. To move up in the Human Development Index, a country not only needs to pay heed to economic growth (a component to which construction of new infrastructures such as roads, factories, etc., contribute to) but also genuinely improves people&rsquo;s living standard by ensuring quality health, education and environment for&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	its citizens.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu&rsquo;s development should not be evaluated on the basis of whether or not we have four lane roads. More important questions like are these roads going to increase traffic mobility by reducing jams, how beneficial will the wider roads be to pedestrian, what air quality will the people get to breath, and so on should be primarily asked and evaluated. The present implementation of the road widening projects and the way the notion of development is attached to it makes me skeptical about the understanding of the term among politicians and city planners.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	From development&rsquo;s perspective, the current road expansion is particularly concerning for a couple of reasons. Needless to say, in a few years time, much of Kathmandu&rsquo;s two lane roads will be transformed into four-lane. But does this justify its labeling as a &lsquo;development project&rsquo;? Is it really going to help the ailing transportation system inside Kathmandu on a sustainable scale? My answer is a resounding no.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Road Expansion in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/ep1%20(Copy)(3).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 391px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The current road expansion project undertaken by the government of Nepal to &ldquo;rescue&rdquo; Kathmandu&rsquo;s populace from the blight of traffic congestion is assuredly going to prove counterproductive in the future. Having wider roads is only a temporary solution for Kathmandu because wider roads invite more cars and eventually the roads are going to be even more congested leading to even more intense traffic jams. Much of the current expansion of roads for gas consuming vehicles has been at the expense of pedestrian footpath. By norm, sidewalks alongside the roads need to be at least 2 meters wide. The new pedestrian sidewalks are barely half of it. Additionally, availability of lesser space has nullified the possibility to carry out plantations alongside the roads.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To sum up the consequences of the road expansion: firstly, there are going to be more vehicles on the road emitting more harmful gases than ever and thereby further degrading air quality. Secondly, with no plans to improve mass transit in place, influx of more cars in the days ahead will reduce the mobility of vehicles further. Thirdly, lack of modest pedestrian sidewalk will affect mainly the working class, the senior citizens, and children walking back and forth from school. This will force the pedestrians to walk on the roads and presumably increase road accident frequency. Therefore, let alone the amelioration of living standard, wider roads are only going to degrade an average man&rsquo;s living standard in the next five years. So, can such a project that increases pollution, worsens traffic problem, and puts the lives of senior citizens, small children and the working class at risk be called a development project? The answer is for the planners and the politicians to think of.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Personally, even the economic prospect from this project does not make sense. I do not understand why we are so much inclined towards widening our roads when we already know that the new vehicles, that are going to fill them up, and the fuel that will consume, will be imported from foreign countries. A bicycle ride doesn&rsquo;t require importing or burning of fuels nor does a walk, for those who prefer it. In such a scenario, why don&rsquo;t we have pedestrian sidewalks and cycling tracks in our list of priorities? These would not only help in retaining currency from flowing out but also improve living and health standards of the general public as more and more people will take to cycling and walking.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Current road expansion seems to be worthy of pursuing to some extent only if the government personally takes the responsibility of managing the operation of public transport within the city, of planting trees on the sidewalks, and&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	of ensuring that public health won&rsquo;t be affected due to the project. Without these commitments and corresponding plans to implement them, the current endeavor is going to prove a wet blanket for the citizens.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu is remarkably Nepal&rsquo;s administrative and the financial capital. Legacy of centralized development, focused intensely within ring road, is at the heart of this city&rsquo;s problem of traffic congestion. The government confronted it&rsquo;s inadequacies in foreseeing the long term impacts of centralizing development, when severe traffic jams and immobility posited itself as a serious concern. In such a context, it could either reverse the trend of centralized development, opting to not expand the road, or it could carry on with the age old legacy of centralized development and expand the road eventually inviting more vehicles and people inside Kathmandu.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A much better alternative to the current expansion would have been to ocus on developing more efficient express highways that link Kathmandu with its peripheral hubs like Banepa, Dhulikhel and others, and simply pay heed to the maintenance of roads inside Kathmandu. Such an effort would not only create new financial centers and commercial hubs outside Kathmandu but also relieve Kathmandu from its population pressure and pressures on its roads and physical infrastructures. With an increase in the level of economic activity, the people living outside Kathmandu and its periphery would be better off; and with lesser cars, lesser congestion, lesser pollution and lesser people, Kathmandu would be better off. In the long run, people living inside and outside Kathmandu would both benefit leading to genuine realization of development rather the current unsustainable growth.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	While other nations across the world are stressing on promoting sustainability, we seem to be moving in the opposite direction. While governments in other nations stress on preserving and promoting greenery through green roofing or through the protection of public parks, our government at home chops off three hundred trees to construct a landmark dedicated to &ldquo;Ganatantra&rdquo;. While other nations stress on constructing artificial flood control systems to protect its citizenry from unexpected flooding. In Kathmandu, the government instead destroys natural flood control systems like Manohara, Dhobokhola, Tukucha and other stream systems to develop riverside road network.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu - once tagged as naturally air-conditioned city by tourists - has now turned into a concrete jungle that experiences extreme temperatures. Ongoing unmanaged and disproportional road expansion has tarnished the image of this city even further. Adding to it, reluctance of the government to resort to sustainable development initiatives brings into question the fate of the city itself. If the government is not planning a sustainable future for it, than who will?&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<em>(Senior urban planner Rijal is chief of Urban Development Department and also chief at city planning commission.)</em></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-28',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'keywords' => 'new business age economy & policy news & articles, economy & policy news & articles from new business age nepal, economy & policy headlines from nepal,  current and latest economy & policy news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali economy & policy economic news and events,  ongoing  economy',
			'description' => 'Government authorities often throw around the word “development” while describing the recent trend inside Kathmandu. With the mushrooming high-rise apartment buildings, and of course, the ongoing road expansion project in the various parts of the city, the so called development seems to be rampant all of a sudden.',
			'sortorder' => '2040',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2194',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'PR Election Result Made Public',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">E</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">lection Commission has made public the final result of the proportional representation (PR) system of the Constituent Assembly election from all 240 constituencies last Thursday.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As per the result, the Nepali Congress has stood first with 2.4 million votes while the CPN-UML is in the second position with 2.2 million votes. The UCPN-Maoist is the third one with 1.4 million votes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/pol%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 456px; height: 1200px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Election Commission has made public the final result of the proportional representation (PR) system of the Constituent Assembly election from all 240 constituencies last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2039',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2195',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Weekly Round Up ( 25 November - 1 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant and concessional loan assistance of Rs 6.67 billion to acquire six aircrafts. &nbsp;Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi and ambassador of China to Nepal Wu Chuntai signed the agreement towards that end on behalf of the Nepali and Chinese governments, respectively, amid a function in the capital last Thursday. According to MoF, the concessional loan received from the Export-Import Bank of China will be handed to Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to use for aircraft. MoF said out of the total assistance, Rs 2,943 million will be used to acquire one MA60 and one Y12E aircraft on grant and up to Rs 3,728 million will be used to purchase one MA60 and three Y12E aircraft on loan. According to the tourism entrepreneurs, adding new aircraft to the existing fleet of the corporation would be important in catering the growing number of passengers thereby boosting the tourism industry.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>Stock market moved downwards after few weeks of gaining string as wary investors opted to book profits after recent gains. Nepse index fell 12.80 points last week to settle at 643.95. Though market observed a marginal correction last week, investors are upbeat about the market prospects due to the victory of &lsquo;democratic parties&rsquo; in the CA polls. According to stock analysts, the overall market is in the rising trend and big boost can be expected in coming weeks as soon as the government formation process kicks off. The political environment has become a major factor for the rise of the Nepse index.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>The banking system has observed excessive liquidity after banking and financial institutions (BFIs) failed to boost the investment. According to the latest data, in last four months (between Sep 6-Nov 8), commercial banks have accumulated the total deposit amount has increased by Rs 42 billion, while the total loan investment has increased only by the half of the amount of the total deposit. The excessive liquidity has led Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to issue the Reverse Repo several times during the period of four months. NRB issued a latest round of reverse repo last week to absorb excess liquidity from the market. As many as 21 commercial banks have bid for securities worth Rs 23 billion for the reverse repo held by the NRB worth Rs 10 billion. This is the sixth times that NRB has issued the reverse repo in the current fiscal year. According to NRB, the reverse repos were held in a bid to ensure financial stability and good governance by curbing inflation in the market due to the excess liquidity.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>At a time when Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) was defending allegations against it on aviation safety and clear International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) about the present scenario of the domestic aviation industry, a probe committee formed to investigate the May 16 accident of Nepal Airlines Corporation aircraft in Jomsom has attributed to the pilot&rsquo;s error as the factor behind the crash. &ldquo;The most probable cause of the accident is inappropriate short take-off and landing procedure carried out by the pilot-in-command during the landing phase and an attempt to take off again without sufficient airspeed, lifting force and runway length to roll,&rdquo; read the report released last week. Aviation specialists say that the air accidents or incidents are caused by the prevailing risk factors which could be eliminated if the associated hazards are identified and risks mitigated before they contribute to an accident or incident.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>The gold import has gone down to Rs 3.5 billion between mid-July and mid-October compared to Rs 7 billion worth of import a year ago, according to the data of &nbsp;Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). However, the silver import has surged to Rs 2.6 billion from Rs 847 million over the period. Gold traders attribute to the low demand even during festivals like Teej for the decline in the precious yellow metal.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant and concessional loan assistance of Rs 6.67 billion to acquire six aircrafts.  Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi and ambassador of China to Nepal Wu Chuntai signed the agreement towards that end on behalf of the Nepali and Chinese governments, respectively, amid a function in the capital last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2038',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2191',
			'article_category_id' => '137',
			'title' => 'South Asia Leads World In Suffering',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">S</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">uffering, on average, has increased worldwide in the past several years, and nowhere more than in South Asia, a latest Gallop worldwide poll shows. According to a report published by the US-based opinion poll agency on 26th November, Tuesday, &nbsp;one in seven adults worldwide rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering in 2012. &lsquo;South Asia led the world in suffering at 24%, followed by 21% in the Balkans and the Middle East and North Africa. South Asia clearly registers the biggest increase in suffering during this period and because of its large population, it is mostly responsible for the worldwide uptick. Suffering in the region has increased enormously since the beginning of the global financial and economic crisis, averaging 12% between 2006 and 2008, and 22% between 2010 and 2012.&rdquo; states the report. The agency said that comparing average suffering for 2006-2008 with the average for 2010-2012, suffering increased by three percentage points worldwide.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>India Mainly Drives Deterioration of Well-Being in South Asia</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to the Gallop report, the massive increase in suffering among South Asians is largely attributable to negative developments in India, the region&rsquo;s giant. Average suffering in India more than doubled between 2006 to 2008 and 2010 to 2012. In 2012, a full quarter of Indians were suffering. &ldquo;The significant deterioration in Indians&rsquo; well-being is likely to be rooted in the country&rsquo;s disappointing economic performance,&rdquo; says the report. India&rsquo;s growth rate has now sunk from 9.4% in the first quarter of 2010 to 4.4% in the second quarter of 2013, the worst quarterly rate since 2002.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<p>
		<strong style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Nepal no Better</span></strong></p>
</div>
<div>
	India&rsquo;s northern neighbor Nepal has fared no better, said the report adding that average suffering there increased by 17 percentage points between 2006-2008 and 2010-2012. &ldquo;Yet because of its relatively small population, the increase in suffering had a negligible effect on the regional average. Since Nepal abolished the monarchy five years ago, the country has been mired in a political crisis that has paralysed the economy,&rdquo; Gallop said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Other big increases in suffering in recent years have been registered in Armenia (+17 points) and Greece (+13 points). Greece&rsquo;s economic collapse, record unemployment, and drastic austerity measures contributed to suffering reaching 26% in 2012. Gallup&rsquo;s trend data clearly show Armenians souring in recent years on issues such as their standard of living, and rising frustration with their leaders.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Most countries with the biggest decreases in suffering, comparing the three-year average from 2006 to 2008 with that from 2010 to 2012, are from Sub-Saharan Africa. Suffering in Zimbabwe has decreased by as much as 38 percentage points. &ldquo;After years of hyperinflation, the Zimbabwean government finally abandoned the country&rsquo;s currency in 2009. As a result, the economy started growing again, improving the lives of many Zimbabweans,&rdquo; states the report. Similarly, Latin America and the Caribbean also defied the global trend. Between 2010 and 2012, residents of the region were on average less likely to be suffering than they were before the outbreak of the global economic crisis.</div>',
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			'description' => 'Suffering, on average, has increased worldwide in the past several years, and nowhere more than in South Asia, a latest Gallop worldwide poll shows. According to a report published by the US-based opinion poll agency on 26th November, Tuesday,  one in seven adults worldwide rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering in 2012.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2193',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Parties Intensify Power Sharing Parleys',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sagar Ghimire / Angila Sharma&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A<span style="font-size: 12px;">s the Election Commission has made public the final results of Constituent Assembly polls, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) - emerged as two largest parties- have also started negotiations on forming the new government. &nbsp;In a bid to form a national consensus government, NC president Sushil Koirala and CPN (UML) chairman Jhalanath Khanal held a meeting last Thursday. &nbsp;UML leader Raghuji Pant, who was also present in the meeting, informed that the leader duo exchanged congratulation for the victory in the polls. &nbsp;Issues of government formation and constitution drafting also transpired during the meeting, he said. It is learnt that Khanal also asked Koirala to take the initiative to form the new government and to try bringing the other parties on board as well.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, NC president Koirala has also met with the UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal last Monday (November 25) to seek latter&rsquo;s support for the formation of the government and drafting new constitution on the basis of consensus. &ldquo;No party can make any difference alone. So we should work together for government formation and constitution-drafting,&rdquo; Koirala told Dahal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, UCPN (Maoist) has demanded the provision for the mandatory consensus be reinstated in the interim constitution for forming the government. The meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) held on November 25 has concluded that the consensual provision was imperative to draft the new constitution and form the government. &ldquo;The Interim Constitution should be amended and a system of consensus established for constitution drafting and for other things as well,&rdquo; read the press statement of the UCPN (Maoist). NC and CPN (UML) have, however, rejected such demand. The Central Working Committee meeting of the NC held last Wednesday inferred that it would not accept any proposal that demands making consensus politics mandatory through constitutional amendment. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Though we are for consensus government, the demand to amend the constitution to include the provision of mandatory consensus is not acceptable to us,&rdquo; a CWC leader of the NC said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Disputes over Prez tenure</strong></span></div>
<div>
	With the new result of the CA polls, parties are also divided over the tenure of the incumbent President Dr Rambaran Yadav and Vice-president Paramananda Yadav. While NC is maintaining that the President Dr Yadav should remain in the office until new constitution is drafted, UML leaders are demanding new power sharing agreement in the changed scenario. UCPN (Maoist) has thrown its weight behind the reelection of the new President and the Vice-president in the post-poll scenario. Likewise, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) Chairman Kamal Thapa has called for the election for new president and vice-president as per the fresh mandate of the CA polls.</div>',
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			'description' => 'As the Election Commission has made public the final results of Constituent Assembly polls, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) - emerged as two largest parties- have also started negotiations on forming the new government.  In a bid to form a national consensus government, NC president Sushil Koirala and CPN (UML) chairman Jhalanath Khanal held a meeting last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2036',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2192',
			'article_category_id' => '139',
			'title' => 'Nepal And The World News In Brief (2 - 8 December 2013)',
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			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>WTO Members Fail to Agree Free Trade Deal&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Negotiators have failed to fix a deal for a crunch summit next week, casting a shadow over efforts to revive stalled talks on slashing barriers to global commerce, the head of the WTO said on Tuesday. &ldquo;The reality is that we have proved that we can&rsquo;t cross the final yard here in Geneva. The process here is over,&rdquo; World Trade Organisation chief Roberto Azevedo told reporters.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>India Ahead of US, China in Investment Destination&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	India has spurted ahead of China and the US as the most attractive investment destination, a survey by global professional services firm Ernst &amp; Young (EY) says. EY&rsquo;s ninth bi-annual capital confidence barometer has ranked India as the most attractive investment destination followed by Brazil, while China is at third place.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>UK Moves to Cool Property Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The UK is ending cheap bank funding for new mortgages in a bid to control the growing risk of a property bubble. House prices have increased by about 7% in a year, raising concerns that borrowers may have trouble making repayments when interest rates start to rise from their record low levels.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Black Friday Shopping Marred by Violence</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Several outbreaks of violence have marred the US Black Friday shopping frenzy, as bargain-hunters besieged malls across the US. In Chicago police shot an alleged shoplifter; a robber shot a shopper in Las Vegas; and a California police officer was injured in a fight. Black Friday, the day following the Thanksgiving holiday, is the biggest shopping day of the year in the US.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Switzerland: Best Country for Top Talent</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Switzerland comes out on top, according to the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, launched Tuesday by European business school Insead. The new index rates 103 countries on 48 factors including education, government policy and quality of life. The US trailed in ninth place. First placed Switzerland excelled in all categories, and stood out for its long-standing commitment to high-quality education, according to the report. Singapore came second. The authors noted that the city-state was highly competitive because of a clear strategy to grow and attract the best and brightest employees.</div>',
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			'description' => 'Negotiators have failed to fix a deal for a crunch summit next week, casting a shadow over efforts to revive stalled talks on slashing barriers to global commerce, the head of the WTO said on Tuesday.',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2190',
			'article_category_id' => '134',
			'title' => '“Godrej Might Have A Manufacturing Unit In Nepal Within A Few Years”',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Umashaknar Mukherjee</strong> is the Country Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited since 2009. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is a major player in the Indian FMCG market, with leading Household and Personal Care Products. Its brands, which include GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No. 1, Expert, Nupur, Hit, Fairglow, Ezee and Protekt are household names across South Asia. Four of its brands (GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No.1 and Godrej Expert Hair Colour) are ranked among the &lsquo;100 Most Trusted Brands&rsquo; in India by Economic Times - Brand Equity 2012. He has been looking after the entire Nepal country operation for the FMCG business and responsible for the growth and business development across channels &amp; categories. Mukherjee had been early working with Hindustan Unilever Ltd for 15 years. Along with his professional life, he also has been leading a spiritual life as a founder of Resurgence Mission where one is offered training in different forms of spiritual coaching and a true energy healing with psychic development which will lead you to personal growth. He spoke to <strong>Suraksha Adhikari</strong> of The Corporate about Godrej Consumer Products in Nepal. <strong>Excerpts:&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Godrej is one of the oldest and one of the most well known business houses from India which has spread its operation across the world. Could you speak a little bit about the history of Godrej, its philosophies, its ethos and its culture?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Godrej is a 130 years old company. It started with manufacturing Lux soap in a very small way. And then it became the conglomerate what you see today. There are various business that we expanded during this time but Godrej is essentially a manufacturing company. Most of the headquarters of Godrej exist in Mumbai.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">It started with Lux then it came with consumer durables. Now we manufacture microwave oven, refrigerator and many more. Fridge is very old phenomenas Godrej fridges are very much popular among people. Godrej almirah is still considered to be number 1 is many places of India and South Asia with it maintenance of legacy since its production time.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Godrej is a family run professional business. Adi Godrej has studied in the USA and after coming back he hired all the top management people from the topmost industries to the business so Godrej is totally a professionally managed family business. Though it is owned by a family it is completely run professionally.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the size of Godrej Empire globally by turnover, by spread across the countries and also couldbe the different sectors that Godrej is involved?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Internationally Godrej started doing business when it collaborated with Procter &amp; Gamble. This is the first time Godrej was exposed to the international business. Apart from that, till last year there was collaboration with Sawali Corporation which is one of the fortune 500 companies which was the collaboration with Godrej for household insecticides product. Godrej has brought the shares of 51 per cent of Sawali Corporations. Above that Godrej has started their venture in South Africa, Middle East, Indonesia, Britain, North America and in Argentina. In all these countries, Godrej has started its business after buying the companies and integrating that business with Godrej consumer product business. So now more than 50 per cent of Godrej business comes from the international market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How long has Godrej group been active in Nepal and what are the major sectors or the brand categories that are active here?&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Nepal is only the country where we don&rsquo;t have any manufacturing facility but among the SAARC countries we have the manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh, Srilanka and other places. Our Vice President had visited to Nepal five years back and he gave an indication that in next few years to come, Godrej might have a manufacturing unit in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	I look after the consumer products part of the business which is one of the oldest business that Godrej is having. It was named as Godrej soaps. Cinthol is 100 years old brand belonging to Godrej so Godrej soaps have become the consumer products. I have introduced this company to Nepal. It only used to be handled by the dealers group a business house called Kedia. They were exclusively doing only distribution part some four years back. The business was also around IC 40 million to 50 million which has increased to around IC 400 million under my management. We also have been able to maintain growth rate of more than 20 per cent per year.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What are the major problems you faced in Nepal in these years?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The business here used to happen as the training goes on. But as we are into the coverage and distribution business it happens to be the domain of the multinational business. I had the experience of 15 years with the Unilever company and I have been hired in this company to grow the expansion of distribution and coverage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What the condition of soaps and detergent market in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The market of soaps and detergent is very small in Nepal because the Unilever market is dominant here in Nepal but we are market leader in household and insecticides categories.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Well, we have competitions like AC Johnson and other multinational companies. And even we Indian multinational here have been continuously competing with these companies. And in all categories we are actually number one company in all household insecticides and Goodnight is the strongest brand of all the insecticides. Goodnight is the goodnight for every family in South Asia and HIT is the popular insecticide with the ladies of the house.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the market share of Godrej Business Company in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	We contribute about 70 per cent of total market of Nepal in our segment and by this way we become &nbsp;market leader in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Something very close to your heart is corporate meditation, holistic growth and evolution or internalization of cosmic energy are few things that you have been talking about. Could you throw some light on these areas now?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	I am definitely more interested to talk on these subjects as they are very close to my heart. It is a discovery that I made it in Nepal. When I came here, I came to know that here exist more number of Brahma temple that people of Nepal also don&rsquo;t know. So I was very surprised to know why people don&rsquo;t worship Brahma and this fact struck my mind. From here actually this started. Then I started researching on why people should actually worship God. God gives you some kind of energy which is called divine energy may be in all the religion that exist in the world today. As I went deep in this subject, I came to know how this divine energy can be defined. My study found out that there is a cosmos from the divine energy comes in the form of cosmic energy. Then going back to our Hindu mythology, I came to know that Brahmand is the name for the cosmos. Brahma is the creator of Brahmand. So my logicis, if you want to get the cosmic energy you should get connect with the originator itself i.e. Brahma.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>In business, how this cosmic energy can make a difference in their life and can actually enable them to do what they are doing more efficiently?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	This is a very good question indeed. In the corporate words, most of us work more than we can handle. For this we need more energy that God actually gives us. To get that kind of extra energy, one has to do mental exercise and free your mind. Then one should concentrate on meditation to reach into another world of abundant energy. Then they can be benefited with cosmic strength which gives additional energy to&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	the people.</div>',
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			'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' => 'Umashaknar Mukherjee is the Country Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited since 2009. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is a major player in the Indian FMCG market, with leading Household and Personal Care Products. Its brands, which include GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No. 1, Expert, Nupur, Hit, Fairglow, Ezee',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2189',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Muktishree Group: Getting Ambitious',
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			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Arun Raj Sumargi Founder, Muktishree Group of Companies" src="/userfiles/images/ars%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div style="text-align: center;">
						<div>
							<strong>Arun Raj Sumargi</strong></div>
						<div>
							Founder, Muktishree Group of Companies</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	M<span style="font-size: 12px;">uktishree Group of Companies, one of the emerging business houses of Nepal, has ambitious plans to grow as a successful enterprise that benefits the national economy and people at large. The group has a clear vision to create employment opportunity for 100,000 people in a decade. According to Arun Raj Sumargi, Founder of the group, this target is not only their vision but also a motto.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;We are not saying that we will employ 100,000 workers in one of our industries but we want to be the creator of employment to these many people through forward and backward linkages,&rdquo; Sumargi explains. To achieve this goal, the group is looking forward to explore sectors such as tourism, hydropower, telecommunication and manufacturing and take them to a new level. He believes that the group&rsquo;s investment in these sectors would be greatly contributing to create direct as well as indirect employment to people through both forward and backward linkages. Sumargi says, &ldquo;As entrepreneurs, we try to understand the need of the people as well as of the state, find a meeting point and work on that. Such projects are supported by people also.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Attractions</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Muktishree group sees huge business potentials in the biggest scarcity the nation is currently facing &ndash; energy crisis. For over a decade, the group has been consistently working on setting a foothold in the energy production industry. &ldquo;Energy crisis is the biggest headache for Nepal now. We are focused on how to find a solution to this problem and working with an aim to create large number of jobs in the country and help to increase domestic production,&rdquo; explains Sumargi.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has a number of hydropower projects ranging from small to megaprojects. According to Sumargi, a 32 MW hydropower project is currently under development in Dhading. He says that there are other megaprojects in the pipeline. &ldquo;We are in the process of finalising a 600 MW project in the near future,&rdquo; he reveals adding that the group is also eyeing large projects like Upper Karnali. He adds that the agreement with foreign investors is not yet finalised because of changing political scenario as large project cannot be completed without foreign investments. He believes that apart from foreign investment, large project also need technical and managerial resources from abroad.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with the hydropower generation, the group is coming up with a large scale cement factory in Surkhet. &nbsp;Sumargi says that the first phase work of the factory has been completed along with construction of the road leading to the factory site. The group has also been exploring potentialities of producing new varieties of cement that have been not produced earlier in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group is planning to establish a four to five star hotel in a prime location of Kathmandu. Sumargi says that land acquisition process for this venture has been completed and talks to find an international hotel chain for partnership are underway.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Corporate Philosophy</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Muktishree group is working to develop itself as a model business group. Sumargi says, &ldquo;Rather than just making money and enjoying the wealth, we are looking on how to create greater benefits for the people.&rdquo; He says that cooperation and understanding is the way of working and making business decisions. &ldquo;We discuss every major issue and if two among five of us give different suggestions we think over that from different angles. We cooperate with each other, have positive thinking and communal thoughts and it has always been working for us,&rdquo; says Sumargi. He adds that if someone raises question over the group&rsquo;s activities, they try to find the reasons and point out the weakness so that they can improve themselves.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has also kept its family values, culture and tradition intact. Sumargi shares his belief, &ldquo;Businesses guided solely on individual thinking and philosophies have vanished in the long run. We believe that the culture, tradition and belief must be kept intact. The name, culture and tradition we inherited from our father will be continued also in the future.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Specialisation Areas</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has always prioritised those industries that could utilise local resources and generate employment to local people. Sumargi says that the country can become self sustained only when local resources could be properly utilised within the country. &ldquo;Industries based on raw material imports would only be a short term business,&rdquo; he says giving examples of carpet and garment industries. He says that there are prospects of Nepal being self sustaining in tourism, hydropower and mining.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with usage of local resources, the group has always focused on local market. Though it exports some of its &nbsp;mining products and drinking, those exports have been a means to get international recognition for the group. Currently, mineral water under Himalayas&rsquo; ONTOP brand is being exported to Middle East, Hong Kong, Korea , Japan and next month the company is exporting it to Gulf countries too. The water plant in Rasuwa produces 120,000 bottles per shift and the company is planning to produce in three shifts every day to increase the supply to new markets. According to Sumargi, the brand was listed among one of the best water among 11 countries during an exhibition of water producers in China. Likewise, 90 per cent of water is being consumed in Nepal while 10 per cent is currently being exported.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group&rsquo;s current area of specialisation in manufacturing and service industry came after the group started looking into new areas of business after 1990&rsquo;s changing political environment. Young entrepreneurs from Hetauda came to Kathmandu with a vision to supply aggregates to Kathmandu via the ropeway but could not be realised for various reasons. Then the company ventured into the telecommunication sector and launched the then Mero Mobile brand of GSM telephony service that brought the group into limelight.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Growth and Development</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group started with a mineral based industry by Madhav Raj Sumargi in 1972. During that time, he also had timber and transportation business, but these were closed down later. However, the mining and mineral based industry is still intact with the group.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has now developed into a conglomerate of around 21 businesses. Sumargi says that talking about group&rsquo;s turnover is too early as the group is still in its growth phase. &ldquo;We are still investing and under development, so we are in loan,&rdquo; says Sumargi. The group has so far invested Rs 100 billion in various sectors. Sumargi says that the investment is made through both foreign and domestic partners.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has created 5000 direct employment and out of them, 1100 are in Makwanpur alone and in its companies based in Bhairahawa, Hetauda, Surkhet, Dang, Kathmandu and Rasuwa. Similarly, the group is coming up with a teaching hospital soon. And Sumargi says that the hospital will be based in Makwanpur. Though the group has numerous plans in its pipeline, Sumargi says that the national political situation would be the determining factor for new moves.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Group of Companies</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Telecom&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Energy</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Cement Industry</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Everest Minerals Products</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Hetauda Lime Industries</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Bindabasini Media</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Hetauda Education Foundation</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Nepal Satellite Telecom</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Projects of Muktishree Group</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								&bull;Karnali Chasipani Multipurpose Hydropower</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Puldumki River Hydro-power Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Lungri (1)River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Lungri (2) River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Malagad River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Luma River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Badigad River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Surkhet Cement Project</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Telecommunication</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								The group has seen prospects since its involvement with Spice Nepal Pvt Ltd. After the group withdrew its investment there, it has been involved with Hello Nepal. The group plans to aggressively penetrate its presence across the country. The company has met the requirement of the regulators to provide services in the rural areas. Along with GSM telephony services, the company is planning to aggressively promote PSTN services. The company has its presence in far western and mid western regions. The company has plans to expand its services to Kathmandu and eastern region within few months. Arun Raj Sumargi says, &ldquo;In two months we will be entering Chitwan and soon reaching all over the country along with major cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu.&rdquo;</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>CSR Activities</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								As a part of its corporate social responsibilities (CSR), Muktishree group within a few days, is planning to hand over a Bhojan Prasadi Griha at Pashupatinath to the government. The group has made an investment of Rs 70 million for the building. Similarly, the group has contributed for various schools, hospitals and other social causes. Madhav Raj Sumargi Trust donated Rs 10 million to construct 10.5 kilometres of road in Hetauda. Necessary equipment for the road was provided by the government. Sumargi said that the government has allocated budget for the road in the current fiscal year and black topping of the road is undergoing. He claims that the road has addressed various issues of Hetauda bazaar.</div>
						</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
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			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-09',
			'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' => 'Muktishree Group of Companies, one of the emerging business houses of Nepal, has ambitious plans to grow as a successful enterprise that benefits the national economy and people at large. The group has a clear vision to create employment opportunity for 100,000 people in a decade.',
			'sortorder' => '2033',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2188',
			'article_category_id' => '86',
			'title' => 'Parliamentary Language',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">The main leaders of four major parties viz Sushil, JN, Makune, Prachanda &amp; Baburam were discussing on how to form a new government. While discussion was going on they started to fight over some trivial issues like &lsquo;decision to be made on consensus or based on majority, how others should address UNCPM leaders publicly&rsquo;, etc.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But Sushil and JN, unable to tolerate the languages used by Prachanda &amp; Baburam &nbsp;and also their demand for recounting of the votes of last election, thrashed UNCPM leaders in the meeting.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On this Prachanda and Baburam got wild and said: &ldquo;You can do anything but we warn you, never use the Parliamentary language with us&rdquo; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-ML</strong></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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 main leaders of four major parties viz Sushil, JN, Makune, Prachanda & Baburam were discussing on how to form a new government. While discussion was going on they started to fight over some trivial issues like ‘decision to be made on consensus or based on majority, how others should address UNCPM leaders publicly’, etc.',
			'sortorder' => '2032',
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			'id' => '2185',
			'article_category_id' => '91',
			'title' => '43 Companies Preparing For Share Issuance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By TC Correspondent</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Within few months some companies are set to add their shares of 100 million units worth Rs 10.52 billion in the share market. 43 companies from different sectors have already submitted application for share issuance in Securities Board of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">Nepal (SEBON). According to a SEBON source, the companies will issue their shares only after the approval from the stock market regulator.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Among them 66.12 million are right shares whereas and 39 million units are to be allotted fromInitial Public offering (IPO) of the companies. The total number of listed shares in NEPSE till the end of September of the current fiscal year is around 1.37 billion. The shares have increased by 2.33 per cent than the previous fiscal year,according to NEPSE. The applicants of IPO include 14 companies among which &nbsp;one is commercial bank, four are development banks, three are hydro power companies, two are finance companies and four others are from other industries. Similarly 29 companies are issuing right share which include two hydro power companies, six insurance companies, eight development banks, eleven development banks and two others from other sectors.&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-01',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Within few months some companies are set to add their shares of 100 million units worth Rs 10.52 billion in the share market. 43 companies from different sectors have already submitted application for share issuance in Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON).',
			'sortorder' => '2031',
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			'id' => '2143',
			'article_category_id' => '91',
			'title' => 'BPCL To Increase Power Production Capacity',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By TC Correspondent &nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL) is gearing up to increase its power production capacity to 94 MW. According to Ratna Shakya, BPCL&rsquo;s Head of Corporate Division, the company is preparing to produce an additional 67.6 MW power from Kabeli &lsquo;A&rsquo; and Nyadi Hydropower projects. &ldquo;We have planned to start commercial production from these two projects within three years,&rdquo; he said. The company has already produced electricity from Jhimruk, Aandhikhola and Khudi hydropower projects. Kabeli Energy Limited is the developer of Kabeli &lsquo;A&rsquo; hydropower project. BPCL holds the majority shares of the company. The Run-of-the-river (ROR) 37.6 MW project is being constructed at the Kabeli River located at Taplejung and Panchthar.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The total cost of the project is estimated at USD 970 million. The project which is aimed to be completed by 2016 will be producing 201 Giga Watt (GW) of electricity. The project will be constructed in BOOT (Build, Operation, Own and Transfer) model. The government and the developers have already signed the Project Development Agreement (PDA). According to Shakya, national and international finance organizations including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of The World Bank Group are investing in the project. &ldquo;The World Bank and IFC are investing in the project as loan&rdquo;, he informed adding, &ldquo;We have already managed necessary financial close for the project&rsquo;s construction.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL has majority of shares investment in Nyadi Hydropower project too. The 30 MW project is also designed under the BOOT model.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the company, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the government for the construction of &nbsp;the project is underway. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL already has 12 MW Jhimruk, 9.4 MW Andhikhola and 4 MW Khudi project. &nbsp;The company has been producing 5.5 million units annually from Jhimruk Hydro Project. Similarly, Aandhikhola will be producing more power as it is being upgraded to 9.4 MW which previously was three million units. &ldquo;The project has been stopped for the power upgradation process&rdquo;, Shakya said, &ldquo;It will be resumed with the upgraded power (9.4 MW) within five months.&rdquo; &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL has been distributing power directly through transmission lines to districts in western region such as Pyuthan, Argakhanchi, Rolpa, Syangja and Palpa. The company is selling the remaining power to Nepal Electricity Authority.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-11-25',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL) is gearing up to increase its power production capacity to 94 MW. According to Ratna Shakya, BPCL’s Head of Corporate Division, the company is preparing to produce an additional 67.6 MW power from Kabeli ‘A’ and Nyadi Hydropower projects.',
			'sortorder' => '2030',
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			'article_category_id' => '52',
			'title' => 'Unmanifested Political Will',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A<span style="font-size: 12px;">ll major political parties have made their manifesto for the November 19th Constituent Assembly (CA) polls public. Most of the parties including the big &#39;gang of four&#39;- UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Madhesi Morcha have made a long list of promises to accelerate the economic growth of Nepal. The promises are tall and details read like a government&#39;s annual &#39;policies and programmes&#39; to &nbsp;be unveiled in a parliamentary session. Many of the propositions are just populist and not based on the grounds of resource availability and pragmatic possibility of implementation. However, unquestionably, the Nepali economy was for long in dire need of real policy boost and political commitment from the highest possible level. One positive thing, perhaps the only one, is that the country&#39;s political parties have, rather uniformly, shown concern towards the economic growth and development of the country.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But, one must remember here, it is the elections for the CA and not for a tenured parliament. In a sense it is more important opportunity to give a direction to the country&#39;s economic future. However, it is surely not the moment to make populist commitments enumerating number of &nbsp;projects and programmes. Therefore, these party manifestoes should better provide the basis for the economic system that the country would adopt for reasonably longer period of time. The focus of all these manifestoes were naturally expected to make the constitutional position of every political party about elements that would finally constitute &nbsp;the provisions for &#39;Directive Principles&#39; and &#39;Economic Rights&#39; in the new constitution. But, unfortunately, all the parties have spent a huge resource and time in listing what they would do programmatically, not constitutionally, to develop the country. This is to say that their prime focus is on &#39;what&#39; of they want to do, but completely devoid of the &#39;how&#39; of it.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	These manifestos have, almost uniformly, failed to address the issues that have constrained the growth prospects of Nepal for long. These constraints have come in three categorical forms -- the philosophical stand and identity of the powerful parties, the model of the economy the country would adopt in the longer run and rights of the citizen to own and generate legal wealth including their enforcement. But all these three issues are hardly addressed by the parties through their manifestoes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Needless to say, Nepali politics is dominated my the communist outfits of various degrees of radicalism. It is a doctrine that advocates and works against the private ownership of the property and firms. Even if these outfits claim that they are not opposed to private capital, the suspicion of their motives remain intact as long as they are identified as devout communists. The manifestoes were perhaps the best tools to assure the people that these parties unconditionally would adhere to the norms of uninfringed property rights of the people. They could have even made the extent of change in their philosophical stand public. But nothing of the sort happened. In fact, manifestoes of communist parties have deliberately skipped this crucial part of clarification. Even Congress continues to cling to &#39;socialism&#39;.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The model of the economy to be adopted is also equally important. Parties are saying many confusing things like developing national capitalism, socialism and self-sustained economy. They appear unwilling to open their cards. They have chosen an easy term &#39;mixed&#39;, without identifying the elements to be mixed together.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The most important is, whether the new constitution can ensure the private property rights and economic democracy or not. No manifesto has clearly mentioned that it was for the absolute property rights and rights for intellectual properties that encourages innovation.</div>',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2200',
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			'title' => 'Studying BSW At K & K',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;">Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) was introduced in Nepal by St. Xavier&rsquo;s College in 1994. Tribhuvan University launched the course 2005. K &amp; K &nbsp;adopted the course the very same year and since then it has been contributing in the production of skilled manpower that specialise in social work. As one of the most successful colleges to offer BSW, K &amp; K is proud of its contribution made to the institutionalisation of the course in Nepal.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the nature of BSW curriculum?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Social work is a multi disciplinary course comprising of theory and field work. Theoretical concepts are derived from social science keeping social works values and principles at the center. It is a course which focuses on practical implementation rather than theoretical concepts. The course aims to groom an individual responsible towards society. Social work education plays a crucial role in shaping up the overall outlook of an individual, preparing them for social change. Theories cover sixty percent of the course while field work fulfills remaining portion. Both go parallel.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How is field work incorporated in the course?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Field work is an essential part of social work program. The students should commit 2 days in a week for field work. Their performance is evaluated on the basis of their attendance, application of professional skills in the field and reflection. They are also provided with the field work supervisors, both from the institution and from collaborating agencies. As part of the course, students are supposed to do Report Writing, Individual Conference, Group Conference, Neighborhood Camp, Rural Camp, Urban Camp, Block Placement and so on.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How does the course bridge classroom learning and implementation of knowledge?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Purpose of any education can be divided into two parts. First, there should be market to consume the graduates produced. They should be sellable in the market. Second part is making a person responsible towards society. BSW works on both of these parts. It teaches a student moral value and ethics and with that makes a student sellable in the market too.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In Nepal&rsquo;s context, we are still discussing and fighting against social issues like poverty alleviation, untouchability, gender discrimination and so on. Thus, BSW graduates have more places to work on. They are employed in government and non-governmental social, economic and cultural development agencies. Besides that they are sellable in international market too and can also be a self employed entrepreneur.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Why don&rsquo;t you offer Masters programme for BSW?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Tribhuvan University recently started Masters Programme for Social Work but has not provided affiliation to run the programme to its affiliate colleges. We&rsquo;ll offer the programme, as soon as we get the affiliation. We are confident to make it successful as is BSW.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the eligibility to pursue the course?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	One should have passed +2 or equivalent in any faculty with at least 2nd division marks from any university recognised by Tribhuvan University. Similarly, students should have basic understanding of basic concept of BSW and should have genuine interest on it. College takes entrance exams before taking admissions. Student should qualify in entrance tests that include written exam and interview.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Why K &amp; K?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	There is only one thing that we are concerned about: &ldquo;Quality Education&rdquo;. We have always moved ahead stepping on norms and ethics of social works. Our students have always topped BSW program results till date. This year&rsquo;s gold medallist too is from K &amp; K. We teach students to be responsible towards society and similarly produce market friendly graduates. We feel proud to say that our biggest ornaments are our students. &nbsp;Our former students have reached to higher level post in big organisations and are part of national level programmes. They also provide various scholarship and internship opportunities to our students.</div>',
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			'description' => 'Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) was introduced in Nepal by St. Xavier’s College in 1994. Tribhuvan University launched the course 2005. K & K  adopted the course the very same year and since then it has been contributing in the production of skilled manpower that specialise in social work.',
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			'title' => 'Nepal Political News In Brief ( 2 - 8 December 2013)',
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			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Chinese Envoy Congratulates Koirala</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, called on President of Nepali Congress, Sushil Koirala last Thursday. During the meeting held at Koirala&rsquo;s residence Maharajgunj, Ambassador Wu congratulated Koirala for his and his party Nepali Congress&rsquo; victory as the largest party in the Constituent Assembly (CA) election. NC President Koirala told Ambassador Wu that they were holding talks between the political parties regarding the formation of a consensus government and on current political developments.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Madhav Nepal Warns Congress</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Senior leader of CPN-UML Madhav Kumar Nepal has warned that Nepali Congress (NC) has to pay a price if his party CPN (UML) was minimized on power sharing. At a programme at Parsa last Wednesday, he said as people voted for NC and UML to go together, there is no alternative for them other than to move together. He pointed out the need to draft a constitution in one year by taking both the Maoist parties and the Madhes- based parties together. Stating that the Madhesi parties had no significance in Madhes, he urged UCPN-Maoist not to be humiliated upon being defeated in election. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nembang for Institutionalising Past Agreements</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Former CA Chairman Subash Nembang has said constitution can be promulgated in one year by institutionalising the agreements reached in the earlier CA. &nbsp;At a press meet organized by the Press Chautari Nepal at Damak in Jhapa district last Thursday, Nembang, also the leader of CPN-UML, said consensus can be forged by making some alterations in the contentious issues of the last CA. &nbsp;As the election was successful on the basis of consensus, the new constitution should also be issued on the basis of consensus among parties, he added.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>&ldquo;CA polls pave the way out for the nation&rdquo;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Education Minister Madhav Poudel has said the successful completion of the Constituent Assembly (CA) election has paved the way out for the nation from political crisis. Speaking at a programme in Myagdi last Saturday, Minister Poudel, also spokesperson of the government, said atmosphere for establishing political stability and drafting a new constitution has been created with the completion of the CA election. &ldquo;The incumbent government has successfully completed its task of holding the CA election no matter in which condition and context it was formed,&rdquo; he said, adding the election has given a way out to the nation from the prolonged political crisis.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dahal Back to Home from Delhi</strong></span></div>
<div>
	UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has returned home last Saturday visiting his ailing daughter in New Delhi, India. Dahal went to the Indian capital on November 28 to meet his ailing eldest daughter Gyanu Dahal KC who is undergoing treatment for cancer. Talking to media persons briefly at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival, leader Dahal said his Delhi visit was completely a personal trip and he neither met with any political figure nor held any formal meetings during his stay there. &ldquo;I met my daughter who is undergoing treatment in New Delhi, took information about her health condition and returned,&rdquo; he said.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-03',
			'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' => 'Former CA Chairman Subash Nembang has said constitution can be promulgated in one year by institutionalising the agreements reached in the earlier CA.',
			'sortorder' => '2042',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	),
	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2198',
			'article_category_id' => '145',
			'title' => 'A Fresh Opportunity In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Th</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">e results of the elections to Nepal&rsquo;s second Constituent Assembly are yet to fully come out but there is little doubt that the Nepali Congress is set to become the single largest party, followed by the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist). The Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which won a majority of the seats in the 2008 election, has been routed and is expected to win fewer than a hundred places in the 601-seat House. The first Constituent Assembly had to be dissolved after it failed in its task of framing a Constitution even after its tenure was extended four times. Last week&rsquo;s election was originally scheduled for November 2012 but was postponed repeatedly. The instability in Nepal belied the promise of the peace process that ended the Maoist insurgency and brought the rebels into the political mainstream.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The challenge for Nepal&rsquo;s fractious political forces now is to make the fresh start provided by the election work. It is encouraging that after an initial threat to boycott the new Assembly, the Maoists have been more conciliatory; the victorious NC and the CPN (UML) have enough seats between them for government formation but they have expressed the readiness to consider the Maoist demand for a &ldquo;government of consensus&rdquo;. If Nepal is to go down this route again, the power sharing negotiations will hopefully avoid last time&rsquo;s pitfalls. A national unity government will certainly help the Assembly&rsquo;s main task of Constitution making, which Nepal&rsquo;s political forces have agreed must be based on consensus. &nbsp;<em>(The Hindu)</em></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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 results of the elections to Nepal’s second Constituent Assembly are yet to fully come out but there is little doubt that the Nepali Congress is set to become the single largest party, followed by the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist).',
			'sortorder' => '2041',
			'image' => null,
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	),
	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2180',
			'article_category_id' => '37',
			'title' => 'Current Road Expansion:  A Four Lane Road  To Unsustainability',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Bimal Rijal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	G<span style="font-size: 12px;">overnment authorities often throw around the word &ldquo;development&rdquo; while describing the recent trend inside Kathmandu. With the mushrooming high-rise apartment buildings, and of course, the ongoing road expansion project in the various parts of the city, the so called development seems to be rampant all of a sudden. However, before submitting to these claims and letting the government carry on with its &ldquo;development&rdquo; plans for Kathmandu, it is imperative that we as inhabitants of Kathmandu understand what it means to live in a more developed city.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In old school development studies, the word &ldquo;development&rdquo; was referred to an elevated level of economic activity. Tall buildings and wider roads most definitely spark an increase in the level of economic activity, but they do not define development. Yes, infrastructures such as wider roads that facilitate better mobility inside the city and high-rise buildings that provide crucial commercial and retail space are important to the process of development. But they alone cannot define development.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When improved infrastructures such as wider roads and taller buildings contribute in improving people&rsquo;s living standard, we can then say that they are contributing to the development of the city. The key here is not to emphasize only on developing physical infrastructure but also increasing their contribution in bringing positive effect in the lives of the people.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In other words, development projects are the ones which ameliorate people&rsquo;s living standard; not deteriorate existing one. This is why even the international community is increasingly accepting the Human Development Index (HDI) as a metric to measure development. To move up in the Human Development Index, a country not only needs to pay heed to economic growth (a component to which construction of new infrastructures such as roads, factories, etc., contribute to) but also genuinely improves people&rsquo;s living standard by ensuring quality health, education and environment for&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	its citizens.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu&rsquo;s development should not be evaluated on the basis of whether or not we have four lane roads. More important questions like are these roads going to increase traffic mobility by reducing jams, how beneficial will the wider roads be to pedestrian, what air quality will the people get to breath, and so on should be primarily asked and evaluated. The present implementation of the road widening projects and the way the notion of development is attached to it makes me skeptical about the understanding of the term among politicians and city planners.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	From development&rsquo;s perspective, the current road expansion is particularly concerning for a couple of reasons. Needless to say, in a few years time, much of Kathmandu&rsquo;s two lane roads will be transformed into four-lane. But does this justify its labeling as a &lsquo;development project&rsquo;? Is it really going to help the ailing transportation system inside Kathmandu on a sustainable scale? My answer is a resounding no.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Road Expansion in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/ep1%20(Copy)(3).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 391px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The current road expansion project undertaken by the government of Nepal to &ldquo;rescue&rdquo; Kathmandu&rsquo;s populace from the blight of traffic congestion is assuredly going to prove counterproductive in the future. Having wider roads is only a temporary solution for Kathmandu because wider roads invite more cars and eventually the roads are going to be even more congested leading to even more intense traffic jams. Much of the current expansion of roads for gas consuming vehicles has been at the expense of pedestrian footpath. By norm, sidewalks alongside the roads need to be at least 2 meters wide. The new pedestrian sidewalks are barely half of it. Additionally, availability of lesser space has nullified the possibility to carry out plantations alongside the roads.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To sum up the consequences of the road expansion: firstly, there are going to be more vehicles on the road emitting more harmful gases than ever and thereby further degrading air quality. Secondly, with no plans to improve mass transit in place, influx of more cars in the days ahead will reduce the mobility of vehicles further. Thirdly, lack of modest pedestrian sidewalk will affect mainly the working class, the senior citizens, and children walking back and forth from school. This will force the pedestrians to walk on the roads and presumably increase road accident frequency. Therefore, let alone the amelioration of living standard, wider roads are only going to degrade an average man&rsquo;s living standard in the next five years. So, can such a project that increases pollution, worsens traffic problem, and puts the lives of senior citizens, small children and the working class at risk be called a development project? The answer is for the planners and the politicians to think of.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Personally, even the economic prospect from this project does not make sense. I do not understand why we are so much inclined towards widening our roads when we already know that the new vehicles, that are going to fill them up, and the fuel that will consume, will be imported from foreign countries. A bicycle ride doesn&rsquo;t require importing or burning of fuels nor does a walk, for those who prefer it. In such a scenario, why don&rsquo;t we have pedestrian sidewalks and cycling tracks in our list of priorities? These would not only help in retaining currency from flowing out but also improve living and health standards of the general public as more and more people will take to cycling and walking.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Current road expansion seems to be worthy of pursuing to some extent only if the government personally takes the responsibility of managing the operation of public transport within the city, of planting trees on the sidewalks, and&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	of ensuring that public health won&rsquo;t be affected due to the project. Without these commitments and corresponding plans to implement them, the current endeavor is going to prove a wet blanket for the citizens.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu is remarkably Nepal&rsquo;s administrative and the financial capital. Legacy of centralized development, focused intensely within ring road, is at the heart of this city&rsquo;s problem of traffic congestion. The government confronted it&rsquo;s inadequacies in foreseeing the long term impacts of centralizing development, when severe traffic jams and immobility posited itself as a serious concern. In such a context, it could either reverse the trend of centralized development, opting to not expand the road, or it could carry on with the age old legacy of centralized development and expand the road eventually inviting more vehicles and people inside Kathmandu.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A much better alternative to the current expansion would have been to ocus on developing more efficient express highways that link Kathmandu with its peripheral hubs like Banepa, Dhulikhel and others, and simply pay heed to the maintenance of roads inside Kathmandu. Such an effort would not only create new financial centers and commercial hubs outside Kathmandu but also relieve Kathmandu from its population pressure and pressures on its roads and physical infrastructures. With an increase in the level of economic activity, the people living outside Kathmandu and its periphery would be better off; and with lesser cars, lesser congestion, lesser pollution and lesser people, Kathmandu would be better off. In the long run, people living inside and outside Kathmandu would both benefit leading to genuine realization of development rather the current unsustainable growth.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	While other nations across the world are stressing on promoting sustainability, we seem to be moving in the opposite direction. While governments in other nations stress on preserving and promoting greenery through green roofing or through the protection of public parks, our government at home chops off three hundred trees to construct a landmark dedicated to &ldquo;Ganatantra&rdquo;. While other nations stress on constructing artificial flood control systems to protect its citizenry from unexpected flooding. In Kathmandu, the government instead destroys natural flood control systems like Manohara, Dhobokhola, Tukucha and other stream systems to develop riverside road network.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu - once tagged as naturally air-conditioned city by tourists - has now turned into a concrete jungle that experiences extreme temperatures. Ongoing unmanaged and disproportional road expansion has tarnished the image of this city even further. Adding to it, reluctance of the government to resort to sustainable development initiatives brings into question the fate of the city itself. If the government is not planning a sustainable future for it, than who will?&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<em>(Senior urban planner Rijal is chief of Urban Development Department and also chief at city planning commission.)</em></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-28',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'keywords' => 'new business age economy & policy news & articles, economy & policy news & articles from new business age nepal, economy & policy headlines from nepal,  current and latest economy & policy news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali economy & policy economic news and events,  ongoing  economy',
			'description' => 'Government authorities often throw around the word “development” while describing the recent trend inside Kathmandu. With the mushrooming high-rise apartment buildings, and of course, the ongoing road expansion project in the various parts of the city, the so called development seems to be rampant all of a sudden.',
			'sortorder' => '2040',
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			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	),
	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2194',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'PR Election Result Made Public',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">E</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">lection Commission has made public the final result of the proportional representation (PR) system of the Constituent Assembly election from all 240 constituencies last Thursday.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As per the result, the Nepali Congress has stood first with 2.4 million votes while the CPN-UML is in the second position with 2.2 million votes. The UCPN-Maoist is the third one with 1.4 million votes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/pol%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 456px; height: 1200px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Election Commission has made public the final result of the proportional representation (PR) system of the Constituent Assembly election from all 240 constituencies last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2039',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2195',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Weekly Round Up ( 25 November - 1 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant and concessional loan assistance of Rs 6.67 billion to acquire six aircrafts. &nbsp;Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi and ambassador of China to Nepal Wu Chuntai signed the agreement towards that end on behalf of the Nepali and Chinese governments, respectively, amid a function in the capital last Thursday. According to MoF, the concessional loan received from the Export-Import Bank of China will be handed to Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to use for aircraft. MoF said out of the total assistance, Rs 2,943 million will be used to acquire one MA60 and one Y12E aircraft on grant and up to Rs 3,728 million will be used to purchase one MA60 and three Y12E aircraft on loan. According to the tourism entrepreneurs, adding new aircraft to the existing fleet of the corporation would be important in catering the growing number of passengers thereby boosting the tourism industry.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>Stock market moved downwards after few weeks of gaining string as wary investors opted to book profits after recent gains. Nepse index fell 12.80 points last week to settle at 643.95. Though market observed a marginal correction last week, investors are upbeat about the market prospects due to the victory of &lsquo;democratic parties&rsquo; in the CA polls. According to stock analysts, the overall market is in the rising trend and big boost can be expected in coming weeks as soon as the government formation process kicks off. The political environment has become a major factor for the rise of the Nepse index.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>The banking system has observed excessive liquidity after banking and financial institutions (BFIs) failed to boost the investment. According to the latest data, in last four months (between Sep 6-Nov 8), commercial banks have accumulated the total deposit amount has increased by Rs 42 billion, while the total loan investment has increased only by the half of the amount of the total deposit. The excessive liquidity has led Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to issue the Reverse Repo several times during the period of four months. NRB issued a latest round of reverse repo last week to absorb excess liquidity from the market. As many as 21 commercial banks have bid for securities worth Rs 23 billion for the reverse repo held by the NRB worth Rs 10 billion. This is the sixth times that NRB has issued the reverse repo in the current fiscal year. According to NRB, the reverse repos were held in a bid to ensure financial stability and good governance by curbing inflation in the market due to the excess liquidity.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>At a time when Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) was defending allegations against it on aviation safety and clear International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) about the present scenario of the domestic aviation industry, a probe committee formed to investigate the May 16 accident of Nepal Airlines Corporation aircraft in Jomsom has attributed to the pilot&rsquo;s error as the factor behind the crash. &ldquo;The most probable cause of the accident is inappropriate short take-off and landing procedure carried out by the pilot-in-command during the landing phase and an attempt to take off again without sufficient airspeed, lifting force and runway length to roll,&rdquo; read the report released last week. Aviation specialists say that the air accidents or incidents are caused by the prevailing risk factors which could be eliminated if the associated hazards are identified and risks mitigated before they contribute to an accident or incident.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>The gold import has gone down to Rs 3.5 billion between mid-July and mid-October compared to Rs 7 billion worth of import a year ago, according to the data of &nbsp;Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). However, the silver import has surged to Rs 2.6 billion from Rs 847 million over the period. Gold traders attribute to the low demand even during festivals like Teej for the decline in the precious yellow metal.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant and concessional loan assistance of Rs 6.67 billion to acquire six aircrafts.  Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi and ambassador of China to Nepal Wu Chuntai signed the agreement towards that end on behalf of the Nepali and Chinese governments, respectively, amid a function in the capital last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2038',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2191',
			'article_category_id' => '137',
			'title' => 'South Asia Leads World In Suffering',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">S</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">uffering, on average, has increased worldwide in the past several years, and nowhere more than in South Asia, a latest Gallop worldwide poll shows. According to a report published by the US-based opinion poll agency on 26th November, Tuesday, &nbsp;one in seven adults worldwide rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering in 2012. &lsquo;South Asia led the world in suffering at 24%, followed by 21% in the Balkans and the Middle East and North Africa. South Asia clearly registers the biggest increase in suffering during this period and because of its large population, it is mostly responsible for the worldwide uptick. Suffering in the region has increased enormously since the beginning of the global financial and economic crisis, averaging 12% between 2006 and 2008, and 22% between 2010 and 2012.&rdquo; states the report. The agency said that comparing average suffering for 2006-2008 with the average for 2010-2012, suffering increased by three percentage points worldwide.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>India Mainly Drives Deterioration of Well-Being in South Asia</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to the Gallop report, the massive increase in suffering among South Asians is largely attributable to negative developments in India, the region&rsquo;s giant. Average suffering in India more than doubled between 2006 to 2008 and 2010 to 2012. In 2012, a full quarter of Indians were suffering. &ldquo;The significant deterioration in Indians&rsquo; well-being is likely to be rooted in the country&rsquo;s disappointing economic performance,&rdquo; says the report. India&rsquo;s growth rate has now sunk from 9.4% in the first quarter of 2010 to 4.4% in the second quarter of 2013, the worst quarterly rate since 2002.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<p>
		<strong style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Nepal no Better</span></strong></p>
</div>
<div>
	India&rsquo;s northern neighbor Nepal has fared no better, said the report adding that average suffering there increased by 17 percentage points between 2006-2008 and 2010-2012. &ldquo;Yet because of its relatively small population, the increase in suffering had a negligible effect on the regional average. Since Nepal abolished the monarchy five years ago, the country has been mired in a political crisis that has paralysed the economy,&rdquo; Gallop said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Other big increases in suffering in recent years have been registered in Armenia (+17 points) and Greece (+13 points). Greece&rsquo;s economic collapse, record unemployment, and drastic austerity measures contributed to suffering reaching 26% in 2012. Gallup&rsquo;s trend data clearly show Armenians souring in recent years on issues such as their standard of living, and rising frustration with their leaders.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Most countries with the biggest decreases in suffering, comparing the three-year average from 2006 to 2008 with that from 2010 to 2012, are from Sub-Saharan Africa. Suffering in Zimbabwe has decreased by as much as 38 percentage points. &ldquo;After years of hyperinflation, the Zimbabwean government finally abandoned the country&rsquo;s currency in 2009. As a result, the economy started growing again, improving the lives of many Zimbabweans,&rdquo; states the report. Similarly, Latin America and the Caribbean also defied the global trend. Between 2010 and 2012, residents of the region were on average less likely to be suffering than they were before the outbreak of the global economic crisis.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Suffering, on average, has increased worldwide in the past several years, and nowhere more than in South Asia, a latest Gallop worldwide poll shows. According to a report published by the US-based opinion poll agency on 26th November, Tuesday,  one in seven adults worldwide rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering in 2012.',
			'sortorder' => '2037',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2193',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Parties Intensify Power Sharing Parleys',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sagar Ghimire / Angila Sharma&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A<span style="font-size: 12px;">s the Election Commission has made public the final results of Constituent Assembly polls, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) - emerged as two largest parties- have also started negotiations on forming the new government. &nbsp;In a bid to form a national consensus government, NC president Sushil Koirala and CPN (UML) chairman Jhalanath Khanal held a meeting last Thursday. &nbsp;UML leader Raghuji Pant, who was also present in the meeting, informed that the leader duo exchanged congratulation for the victory in the polls. &nbsp;Issues of government formation and constitution drafting also transpired during the meeting, he said. It is learnt that Khanal also asked Koirala to take the initiative to form the new government and to try bringing the other parties on board as well.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, NC president Koirala has also met with the UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal last Monday (November 25) to seek latter&rsquo;s support for the formation of the government and drafting new constitution on the basis of consensus. &ldquo;No party can make any difference alone. So we should work together for government formation and constitution-drafting,&rdquo; Koirala told Dahal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, UCPN (Maoist) has demanded the provision for the mandatory consensus be reinstated in the interim constitution for forming the government. The meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) held on November 25 has concluded that the consensual provision was imperative to draft the new constitution and form the government. &ldquo;The Interim Constitution should be amended and a system of consensus established for constitution drafting and for other things as well,&rdquo; read the press statement of the UCPN (Maoist). NC and CPN (UML) have, however, rejected such demand. The Central Working Committee meeting of the NC held last Wednesday inferred that it would not accept any proposal that demands making consensus politics mandatory through constitutional amendment. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Though we are for consensus government, the demand to amend the constitution to include the provision of mandatory consensus is not acceptable to us,&rdquo; a CWC leader of the NC said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Disputes over Prez tenure</strong></span></div>
<div>
	With the new result of the CA polls, parties are also divided over the tenure of the incumbent President Dr Rambaran Yadav and Vice-president Paramananda Yadav. While NC is maintaining that the President Dr Yadav should remain in the office until new constitution is drafted, UML leaders are demanding new power sharing agreement in the changed scenario. UCPN (Maoist) has thrown its weight behind the reelection of the new President and the Vice-president in the post-poll scenario. Likewise, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) Chairman Kamal Thapa has called for the election for new president and vice-president as per the fresh mandate of the CA polls.</div>',
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			'description' => 'As the Election Commission has made public the final results of Constituent Assembly polls, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) - emerged as two largest parties- have also started negotiations on forming the new government.  In a bid to form a national consensus government, NC president Sushil Koirala and CPN (UML) chairman Jhalanath Khanal held a meeting last Thursday.',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2192',
			'article_category_id' => '139',
			'title' => 'Nepal And The World News In Brief (2 - 8 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>WTO Members Fail to Agree Free Trade Deal&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Negotiators have failed to fix a deal for a crunch summit next week, casting a shadow over efforts to revive stalled talks on slashing barriers to global commerce, the head of the WTO said on Tuesday. &ldquo;The reality is that we have proved that we can&rsquo;t cross the final yard here in Geneva. The process here is over,&rdquo; World Trade Organisation chief Roberto Azevedo told reporters.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>India Ahead of US, China in Investment Destination&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	India has spurted ahead of China and the US as the most attractive investment destination, a survey by global professional services firm Ernst &amp; Young (EY) says. EY&rsquo;s ninth bi-annual capital confidence barometer has ranked India as the most attractive investment destination followed by Brazil, while China is at third place.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>UK Moves to Cool Property Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The UK is ending cheap bank funding for new mortgages in a bid to control the growing risk of a property bubble. House prices have increased by about 7% in a year, raising concerns that borrowers may have trouble making repayments when interest rates start to rise from their record low levels.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Black Friday Shopping Marred by Violence</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Several outbreaks of violence have marred the US Black Friday shopping frenzy, as bargain-hunters besieged malls across the US. In Chicago police shot an alleged shoplifter; a robber shot a shopper in Las Vegas; and a California police officer was injured in a fight. Black Friday, the day following the Thanksgiving holiday, is the biggest shopping day of the year in the US.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Switzerland: Best Country for Top Talent</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Switzerland comes out on top, according to the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, launched Tuesday by European business school Insead. The new index rates 103 countries on 48 factors including education, government policy and quality of life. The US trailed in ninth place. First placed Switzerland excelled in all categories, and stood out for its long-standing commitment to high-quality education, according to the report. Singapore came second. The authors noted that the city-state was highly competitive because of a clear strategy to grow and attract the best and brightest employees.</div>',
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			'description' => 'Negotiators have failed to fix a deal for a crunch summit next week, casting a shadow over efforts to revive stalled talks on slashing barriers to global commerce, the head of the WTO said on Tuesday.',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2190',
			'article_category_id' => '134',
			'title' => '“Godrej Might Have A Manufacturing Unit In Nepal Within A Few Years”',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Umashaknar Mukherjee</strong> is the Country Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited since 2009. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is a major player in the Indian FMCG market, with leading Household and Personal Care Products. Its brands, which include GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No. 1, Expert, Nupur, Hit, Fairglow, Ezee and Protekt are household names across South Asia. Four of its brands (GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No.1 and Godrej Expert Hair Colour) are ranked among the &lsquo;100 Most Trusted Brands&rsquo; in India by Economic Times - Brand Equity 2012. He has been looking after the entire Nepal country operation for the FMCG business and responsible for the growth and business development across channels &amp; categories. Mukherjee had been early working with Hindustan Unilever Ltd for 15 years. Along with his professional life, he also has been leading a spiritual life as a founder of Resurgence Mission where one is offered training in different forms of spiritual coaching and a true energy healing with psychic development which will lead you to personal growth. He spoke to <strong>Suraksha Adhikari</strong> of The Corporate about Godrej Consumer Products in Nepal. <strong>Excerpts:&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Godrej is one of the oldest and one of the most well known business houses from India which has spread its operation across the world. Could you speak a little bit about the history of Godrej, its philosophies, its ethos and its culture?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Godrej is a 130 years old company. It started with manufacturing Lux soap in a very small way. And then it became the conglomerate what you see today. There are various business that we expanded during this time but Godrej is essentially a manufacturing company. Most of the headquarters of Godrej exist in Mumbai.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">It started with Lux then it came with consumer durables. Now we manufacture microwave oven, refrigerator and many more. Fridge is very old phenomenas Godrej fridges are very much popular among people. Godrej almirah is still considered to be number 1 is many places of India and South Asia with it maintenance of legacy since its production time.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Godrej is a family run professional business. Adi Godrej has studied in the USA and after coming back he hired all the top management people from the topmost industries to the business so Godrej is totally a professionally managed family business. Though it is owned by a family it is completely run professionally.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the size of Godrej Empire globally by turnover, by spread across the countries and also couldbe the different sectors that Godrej is involved?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Internationally Godrej started doing business when it collaborated with Procter &amp; Gamble. This is the first time Godrej was exposed to the international business. Apart from that, till last year there was collaboration with Sawali Corporation which is one of the fortune 500 companies which was the collaboration with Godrej for household insecticides product. Godrej has brought the shares of 51 per cent of Sawali Corporations. Above that Godrej has started their venture in South Africa, Middle East, Indonesia, Britain, North America and in Argentina. In all these countries, Godrej has started its business after buying the companies and integrating that business with Godrej consumer product business. So now more than 50 per cent of Godrej business comes from the international market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How long has Godrej group been active in Nepal and what are the major sectors or the brand categories that are active here?&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Nepal is only the country where we don&rsquo;t have any manufacturing facility but among the SAARC countries we have the manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh, Srilanka and other places. Our Vice President had visited to Nepal five years back and he gave an indication that in next few years to come, Godrej might have a manufacturing unit in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	I look after the consumer products part of the business which is one of the oldest business that Godrej is having. It was named as Godrej soaps. Cinthol is 100 years old brand belonging to Godrej so Godrej soaps have become the consumer products. I have introduced this company to Nepal. It only used to be handled by the dealers group a business house called Kedia. They were exclusively doing only distribution part some four years back. The business was also around IC 40 million to 50 million which has increased to around IC 400 million under my management. We also have been able to maintain growth rate of more than 20 per cent per year.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What are the major problems you faced in Nepal in these years?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The business here used to happen as the training goes on. But as we are into the coverage and distribution business it happens to be the domain of the multinational business. I had the experience of 15 years with the Unilever company and I have been hired in this company to grow the expansion of distribution and coverage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What the condition of soaps and detergent market in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The market of soaps and detergent is very small in Nepal because the Unilever market is dominant here in Nepal but we are market leader in household and insecticides categories.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Well, we have competitions like AC Johnson and other multinational companies. And even we Indian multinational here have been continuously competing with these companies. And in all categories we are actually number one company in all household insecticides and Goodnight is the strongest brand of all the insecticides. Goodnight is the goodnight for every family in South Asia and HIT is the popular insecticide with the ladies of the house.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the market share of Godrej Business Company in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	We contribute about 70 per cent of total market of Nepal in our segment and by this way we become &nbsp;market leader in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Something very close to your heart is corporate meditation, holistic growth and evolution or internalization of cosmic energy are few things that you have been talking about. Could you throw some light on these areas now?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	I am definitely more interested to talk on these subjects as they are very close to my heart. It is a discovery that I made it in Nepal. When I came here, I came to know that here exist more number of Brahma temple that people of Nepal also don&rsquo;t know. So I was very surprised to know why people don&rsquo;t worship Brahma and this fact struck my mind. From here actually this started. Then I started researching on why people should actually worship God. God gives you some kind of energy which is called divine energy may be in all the religion that exist in the world today. As I went deep in this subject, I came to know how this divine energy can be defined. My study found out that there is a cosmos from the divine energy comes in the form of cosmic energy. Then going back to our Hindu mythology, I came to know that Brahmand is the name for the cosmos. Brahma is the creator of Brahmand. So my logicis, if you want to get the cosmic energy you should get connect with the originator itself i.e. Brahma.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>In business, how this cosmic energy can make a difference in their life and can actually enable them to do what they are doing more efficiently?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	This is a very good question indeed. In the corporate words, most of us work more than we can handle. For this we need more energy that God actually gives us. To get that kind of extra energy, one has to do mental exercise and free your mind. Then one should concentrate on meditation to reach into another world of abundant energy. Then they can be benefited with cosmic strength which gives additional energy to&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	the people.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-09',
			'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' => 'Umashaknar Mukherjee is the Country Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited since 2009. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is a major player in the Indian FMCG market, with leading Household and Personal Care Products. Its brands, which include GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No. 1, Expert, Nupur, Hit, Fairglow, Ezee',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2189',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Muktishree Group: Getting Ambitious',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Arun Raj Sumargi Founder, Muktishree Group of Companies" src="/userfiles/images/ars%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div style="text-align: center;">
						<div>
							<strong>Arun Raj Sumargi</strong></div>
						<div>
							Founder, Muktishree Group of Companies</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	M<span style="font-size: 12px;">uktishree Group of Companies, one of the emerging business houses of Nepal, has ambitious plans to grow as a successful enterprise that benefits the national economy and people at large. The group has a clear vision to create employment opportunity for 100,000 people in a decade. According to Arun Raj Sumargi, Founder of the group, this target is not only their vision but also a motto.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;We are not saying that we will employ 100,000 workers in one of our industries but we want to be the creator of employment to these many people through forward and backward linkages,&rdquo; Sumargi explains. To achieve this goal, the group is looking forward to explore sectors such as tourism, hydropower, telecommunication and manufacturing and take them to a new level. He believes that the group&rsquo;s investment in these sectors would be greatly contributing to create direct as well as indirect employment to people through both forward and backward linkages. Sumargi says, &ldquo;As entrepreneurs, we try to understand the need of the people as well as of the state, find a meeting point and work on that. Such projects are supported by people also.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Attractions</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Muktishree group sees huge business potentials in the biggest scarcity the nation is currently facing &ndash; energy crisis. For over a decade, the group has been consistently working on setting a foothold in the energy production industry. &ldquo;Energy crisis is the biggest headache for Nepal now. We are focused on how to find a solution to this problem and working with an aim to create large number of jobs in the country and help to increase domestic production,&rdquo; explains Sumargi.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has a number of hydropower projects ranging from small to megaprojects. According to Sumargi, a 32 MW hydropower project is currently under development in Dhading. He says that there are other megaprojects in the pipeline. &ldquo;We are in the process of finalising a 600 MW project in the near future,&rdquo; he reveals adding that the group is also eyeing large projects like Upper Karnali. He adds that the agreement with foreign investors is not yet finalised because of changing political scenario as large project cannot be completed without foreign investments. He believes that apart from foreign investment, large project also need technical and managerial resources from abroad.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with the hydropower generation, the group is coming up with a large scale cement factory in Surkhet. &nbsp;Sumargi says that the first phase work of the factory has been completed along with construction of the road leading to the factory site. The group has also been exploring potentialities of producing new varieties of cement that have been not produced earlier in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group is planning to establish a four to five star hotel in a prime location of Kathmandu. Sumargi says that land acquisition process for this venture has been completed and talks to find an international hotel chain for partnership are underway.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Corporate Philosophy</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Muktishree group is working to develop itself as a model business group. Sumargi says, &ldquo;Rather than just making money and enjoying the wealth, we are looking on how to create greater benefits for the people.&rdquo; He says that cooperation and understanding is the way of working and making business decisions. &ldquo;We discuss every major issue and if two among five of us give different suggestions we think over that from different angles. We cooperate with each other, have positive thinking and communal thoughts and it has always been working for us,&rdquo; says Sumargi. He adds that if someone raises question over the group&rsquo;s activities, they try to find the reasons and point out the weakness so that they can improve themselves.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has also kept its family values, culture and tradition intact. Sumargi shares his belief, &ldquo;Businesses guided solely on individual thinking and philosophies have vanished in the long run. We believe that the culture, tradition and belief must be kept intact. The name, culture and tradition we inherited from our father will be continued also in the future.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Specialisation Areas</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has always prioritised those industries that could utilise local resources and generate employment to local people. Sumargi says that the country can become self sustained only when local resources could be properly utilised within the country. &ldquo;Industries based on raw material imports would only be a short term business,&rdquo; he says giving examples of carpet and garment industries. He says that there are prospects of Nepal being self sustaining in tourism, hydropower and mining.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with usage of local resources, the group has always focused on local market. Though it exports some of its &nbsp;mining products and drinking, those exports have been a means to get international recognition for the group. Currently, mineral water under Himalayas&rsquo; ONTOP brand is being exported to Middle East, Hong Kong, Korea , Japan and next month the company is exporting it to Gulf countries too. The water plant in Rasuwa produces 120,000 bottles per shift and the company is planning to produce in three shifts every day to increase the supply to new markets. According to Sumargi, the brand was listed among one of the best water among 11 countries during an exhibition of water producers in China. Likewise, 90 per cent of water is being consumed in Nepal while 10 per cent is currently being exported.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group&rsquo;s current area of specialisation in manufacturing and service industry came after the group started looking into new areas of business after 1990&rsquo;s changing political environment. Young entrepreneurs from Hetauda came to Kathmandu with a vision to supply aggregates to Kathmandu via the ropeway but could not be realised for various reasons. Then the company ventured into the telecommunication sector and launched the then Mero Mobile brand of GSM telephony service that brought the group into limelight.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Growth and Development</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group started with a mineral based industry by Madhav Raj Sumargi in 1972. During that time, he also had timber and transportation business, but these were closed down later. However, the mining and mineral based industry is still intact with the group.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has now developed into a conglomerate of around 21 businesses. Sumargi says that talking about group&rsquo;s turnover is too early as the group is still in its growth phase. &ldquo;We are still investing and under development, so we are in loan,&rdquo; says Sumargi. The group has so far invested Rs 100 billion in various sectors. Sumargi says that the investment is made through both foreign and domestic partners.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has created 5000 direct employment and out of them, 1100 are in Makwanpur alone and in its companies based in Bhairahawa, Hetauda, Surkhet, Dang, Kathmandu and Rasuwa. Similarly, the group is coming up with a teaching hospital soon. And Sumargi says that the hospital will be based in Makwanpur. Though the group has numerous plans in its pipeline, Sumargi says that the national political situation would be the determining factor for new moves.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Group of Companies</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Telecom&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Energy</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Cement Industry</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Everest Minerals Products</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Hetauda Lime Industries</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Bindabasini Media</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Hetauda Education Foundation</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Nepal Satellite Telecom</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Projects of Muktishree Group</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								&bull;Karnali Chasipani Multipurpose Hydropower</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Puldumki River Hydro-power Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Lungri (1)River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Lungri (2) River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Malagad River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Luma River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Badigad River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Surkhet Cement Project</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Telecommunication</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								The group has seen prospects since its involvement with Spice Nepal Pvt Ltd. After the group withdrew its investment there, it has been involved with Hello Nepal. The group plans to aggressively penetrate its presence across the country. The company has met the requirement of the regulators to provide services in the rural areas. Along with GSM telephony services, the company is planning to aggressively promote PSTN services. The company has its presence in far western and mid western regions. The company has plans to expand its services to Kathmandu and eastern region within few months. Arun Raj Sumargi says, &ldquo;In two months we will be entering Chitwan and soon reaching all over the country along with major cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu.&rdquo;</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>CSR Activities</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								As a part of its corporate social responsibilities (CSR), Muktishree group within a few days, is planning to hand over a Bhojan Prasadi Griha at Pashupatinath to the government. The group has made an investment of Rs 70 million for the building. Similarly, the group has contributed for various schools, hospitals and other social causes. Madhav Raj Sumargi Trust donated Rs 10 million to construct 10.5 kilometres of road in Hetauda. Necessary equipment for the road was provided by the government. Sumargi said that the government has allocated budget for the road in the current fiscal year and black topping of the road is undergoing. He claims that the road has addressed various issues of Hetauda bazaar.</div>
						</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
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			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-09',
			'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' => 'Muktishree Group of Companies, one of the emerging business houses of Nepal, has ambitious plans to grow as a successful enterprise that benefits the national economy and people at large. The group has a clear vision to create employment opportunity for 100,000 people in a decade.',
			'sortorder' => '2033',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2188',
			'article_category_id' => '86',
			'title' => 'Parliamentary Language',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">The main leaders of four major parties viz Sushil, JN, Makune, Prachanda &amp; Baburam were discussing on how to form a new government. While discussion was going on they started to fight over some trivial issues like &lsquo;decision to be made on consensus or based on majority, how others should address UNCPM leaders publicly&rsquo;, etc.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But Sushil and JN, unable to tolerate the languages used by Prachanda &amp; Baburam &nbsp;and also their demand for recounting of the votes of last election, thrashed UNCPM leaders in the meeting.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On this Prachanda and Baburam got wild and said: &ldquo;You can do anything but we warn you, never use the Parliamentary language with us&rdquo; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-ML</strong></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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 main leaders of four major parties viz Sushil, JN, Makune, Prachanda & Baburam were discussing on how to form a new government. While discussion was going on they started to fight over some trivial issues like ‘decision to be made on consensus or based on majority, how others should address UNCPM leaders publicly’, etc.',
			'sortorder' => '2032',
			'image' => null,
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2185',
			'article_category_id' => '91',
			'title' => '43 Companies Preparing For Share Issuance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By TC Correspondent</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Within few months some companies are set to add their shares of 100 million units worth Rs 10.52 billion in the share market. 43 companies from different sectors have already submitted application for share issuance in Securities Board of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">Nepal (SEBON). According to a SEBON source, the companies will issue their shares only after the approval from the stock market regulator.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Among them 66.12 million are right shares whereas and 39 million units are to be allotted fromInitial Public offering (IPO) of the companies. The total number of listed shares in NEPSE till the end of September of the current fiscal year is around 1.37 billion. The shares have increased by 2.33 per cent than the previous fiscal year,according to NEPSE. The applicants of IPO include 14 companies among which &nbsp;one is commercial bank, four are development banks, three are hydro power companies, two are finance companies and four others are from other industries. Similarly 29 companies are issuing right share which include two hydro power companies, six insurance companies, eight development banks, eleven development banks and two others from other sectors.&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-01',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Within few months some companies are set to add their shares of 100 million units worth Rs 10.52 billion in the share market. 43 companies from different sectors have already submitted application for share issuance in Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON).',
			'sortorder' => '2031',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2143',
			'article_category_id' => '91',
			'title' => 'BPCL To Increase Power Production Capacity',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By TC Correspondent &nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL) is gearing up to increase its power production capacity to 94 MW. According to Ratna Shakya, BPCL&rsquo;s Head of Corporate Division, the company is preparing to produce an additional 67.6 MW power from Kabeli &lsquo;A&rsquo; and Nyadi Hydropower projects. &ldquo;We have planned to start commercial production from these two projects within three years,&rdquo; he said. The company has already produced electricity from Jhimruk, Aandhikhola and Khudi hydropower projects. Kabeli Energy Limited is the developer of Kabeli &lsquo;A&rsquo; hydropower project. BPCL holds the majority shares of the company. The Run-of-the-river (ROR) 37.6 MW project is being constructed at the Kabeli River located at Taplejung and Panchthar.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The total cost of the project is estimated at USD 970 million. The project which is aimed to be completed by 2016 will be producing 201 Giga Watt (GW) of electricity. The project will be constructed in BOOT (Build, Operation, Own and Transfer) model. The government and the developers have already signed the Project Development Agreement (PDA). According to Shakya, national and international finance organizations including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of The World Bank Group are investing in the project. &ldquo;The World Bank and IFC are investing in the project as loan&rdquo;, he informed adding, &ldquo;We have already managed necessary financial close for the project&rsquo;s construction.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL has majority of shares investment in Nyadi Hydropower project too. The 30 MW project is also designed under the BOOT model.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the company, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the government for the construction of &nbsp;the project is underway. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL already has 12 MW Jhimruk, 9.4 MW Andhikhola and 4 MW Khudi project. &nbsp;The company has been producing 5.5 million units annually from Jhimruk Hydro Project. Similarly, Aandhikhola will be producing more power as it is being upgraded to 9.4 MW which previously was three million units. &ldquo;The project has been stopped for the power upgradation process&rdquo;, Shakya said, &ldquo;It will be resumed with the upgraded power (9.4 MW) within five months.&rdquo; &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL has been distributing power directly through transmission lines to districts in western region such as Pyuthan, Argakhanchi, Rolpa, Syangja and Palpa. The company is selling the remaining power to Nepal Electricity Authority.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-11-25',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
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			'description' => 'Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL) is gearing up to increase its power production capacity to 94 MW. According to Ratna Shakya, BPCL’s Head of Corporate Division, the company is preparing to produce an additional 67.6 MW power from Kabeli ‘A’ and Nyadi Hydropower projects.',
			'sortorder' => '2030',
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			'id' => '2183',
			'article_category_id' => '52',
			'title' => 'Unmanifested Political Will',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A<span style="font-size: 12px;">ll major political parties have made their manifesto for the November 19th Constituent Assembly (CA) polls public. Most of the parties including the big &#39;gang of four&#39;- UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Madhesi Morcha have made a long list of promises to accelerate the economic growth of Nepal. The promises are tall and details read like a government&#39;s annual &#39;policies and programmes&#39; to &nbsp;be unveiled in a parliamentary session. Many of the propositions are just populist and not based on the grounds of resource availability and pragmatic possibility of implementation. However, unquestionably, the Nepali economy was for long in dire need of real policy boost and political commitment from the highest possible level. One positive thing, perhaps the only one, is that the country&#39;s political parties have, rather uniformly, shown concern towards the economic growth and development of the country.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But, one must remember here, it is the elections for the CA and not for a tenured parliament. In a sense it is more important opportunity to give a direction to the country&#39;s economic future. However, it is surely not the moment to make populist commitments enumerating number of &nbsp;projects and programmes. Therefore, these party manifestoes should better provide the basis for the economic system that the country would adopt for reasonably longer period of time. The focus of all these manifestoes were naturally expected to make the constitutional position of every political party about elements that would finally constitute &nbsp;the provisions for &#39;Directive Principles&#39; and &#39;Economic Rights&#39; in the new constitution. But, unfortunately, all the parties have spent a huge resource and time in listing what they would do programmatically, not constitutionally, to develop the country. This is to say that their prime focus is on &#39;what&#39; of they want to do, but completely devoid of the &#39;how&#39; of it.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	These manifestos have, almost uniformly, failed to address the issues that have constrained the growth prospects of Nepal for long. These constraints have come in three categorical forms -- the philosophical stand and identity of the powerful parties, the model of the economy the country would adopt in the longer run and rights of the citizen to own and generate legal wealth including their enforcement. But all these three issues are hardly addressed by the parties through their manifestoes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Needless to say, Nepali politics is dominated my the communist outfits of various degrees of radicalism. It is a doctrine that advocates and works against the private ownership of the property and firms. Even if these outfits claim that they are not opposed to private capital, the suspicion of their motives remain intact as long as they are identified as devout communists. The manifestoes were perhaps the best tools to assure the people that these parties unconditionally would adhere to the norms of uninfringed property rights of the people. They could have even made the extent of change in their philosophical stand public. But nothing of the sort happened. In fact, manifestoes of communist parties have deliberately skipped this crucial part of clarification. Even Congress continues to cling to &#39;socialism&#39;.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The model of the economy to be adopted is also equally important. Parties are saying many confusing things like developing national capitalism, socialism and self-sustained economy. They appear unwilling to open their cards. They have chosen an easy term &#39;mixed&#39;, without identifying the elements to be mixed together.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The most important is, whether the new constitution can ensure the private property rights and economic democracy or not. No manifesto has clearly mentioned that it was for the absolute property rights and rights for intellectual properties that encourages innovation.</div>',
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			'id' => '2200',
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			'title' => 'Studying BSW At K & K',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;">Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) was introduced in Nepal by St. Xavier&rsquo;s College in 1994. Tribhuvan University launched the course 2005. K &amp; K &nbsp;adopted the course the very same year and since then it has been contributing in the production of skilled manpower that specialise in social work. As one of the most successful colleges to offer BSW, K &amp; K is proud of its contribution made to the institutionalisation of the course in Nepal.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the nature of BSW curriculum?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Social work is a multi disciplinary course comprising of theory and field work. Theoretical concepts are derived from social science keeping social works values and principles at the center. It is a course which focuses on practical implementation rather than theoretical concepts. The course aims to groom an individual responsible towards society. Social work education plays a crucial role in shaping up the overall outlook of an individual, preparing them for social change. Theories cover sixty percent of the course while field work fulfills remaining portion. Both go parallel.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How is field work incorporated in the course?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Field work is an essential part of social work program. The students should commit 2 days in a week for field work. Their performance is evaluated on the basis of their attendance, application of professional skills in the field and reflection. They are also provided with the field work supervisors, both from the institution and from collaborating agencies. As part of the course, students are supposed to do Report Writing, Individual Conference, Group Conference, Neighborhood Camp, Rural Camp, Urban Camp, Block Placement and so on.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How does the course bridge classroom learning and implementation of knowledge?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Purpose of any education can be divided into two parts. First, there should be market to consume the graduates produced. They should be sellable in the market. Second part is making a person responsible towards society. BSW works on both of these parts. It teaches a student moral value and ethics and with that makes a student sellable in the market too.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In Nepal&rsquo;s context, we are still discussing and fighting against social issues like poverty alleviation, untouchability, gender discrimination and so on. Thus, BSW graduates have more places to work on. They are employed in government and non-governmental social, economic and cultural development agencies. Besides that they are sellable in international market too and can also be a self employed entrepreneur.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Why don&rsquo;t you offer Masters programme for BSW?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Tribhuvan University recently started Masters Programme for Social Work but has not provided affiliation to run the programme to its affiliate colleges. We&rsquo;ll offer the programme, as soon as we get the affiliation. We are confident to make it successful as is BSW.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the eligibility to pursue the course?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	One should have passed +2 or equivalent in any faculty with at least 2nd division marks from any university recognised by Tribhuvan University. Similarly, students should have basic understanding of basic concept of BSW and should have genuine interest on it. College takes entrance exams before taking admissions. Student should qualify in entrance tests that include written exam and interview.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Why K &amp; K?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	There is only one thing that we are concerned about: &ldquo;Quality Education&rdquo;. We have always moved ahead stepping on norms and ethics of social works. Our students have always topped BSW program results till date. This year&rsquo;s gold medallist too is from K &amp; K. We teach students to be responsible towards society and similarly produce market friendly graduates. We feel proud to say that our biggest ornaments are our students. &nbsp;Our former students have reached to higher level post in big organisations and are part of national level programmes. They also provide various scholarship and internship opportunities to our students.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-12-03',
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			'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' => 'Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) was introduced in Nepal by St. Xavier’s College in 1994. Tribhuvan University launched the course 2005. K & K  adopted the course the very same year and since then it has been contributing in the production of skilled manpower that specialise in social work.',
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			'id' => '2196',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Nepal Political News In Brief ( 2 - 8 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Chinese Envoy Congratulates Koirala</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, called on President of Nepali Congress, Sushil Koirala last Thursday. During the meeting held at Koirala&rsquo;s residence Maharajgunj, Ambassador Wu congratulated Koirala for his and his party Nepali Congress&rsquo; victory as the largest party in the Constituent Assembly (CA) election. NC President Koirala told Ambassador Wu that they were holding talks between the political parties regarding the formation of a consensus government and on current political developments.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Madhav Nepal Warns Congress</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Senior leader of CPN-UML Madhav Kumar Nepal has warned that Nepali Congress (NC) has to pay a price if his party CPN (UML) was minimized on power sharing. At a programme at Parsa last Wednesday, he said as people voted for NC and UML to go together, there is no alternative for them other than to move together. He pointed out the need to draft a constitution in one year by taking both the Maoist parties and the Madhes- based parties together. Stating that the Madhesi parties had no significance in Madhes, he urged UCPN-Maoist not to be humiliated upon being defeated in election. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nembang for Institutionalising Past Agreements</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Former CA Chairman Subash Nembang has said constitution can be promulgated in one year by institutionalising the agreements reached in the earlier CA. &nbsp;At a press meet organized by the Press Chautari Nepal at Damak in Jhapa district last Thursday, Nembang, also the leader of CPN-UML, said consensus can be forged by making some alterations in the contentious issues of the last CA. &nbsp;As the election was successful on the basis of consensus, the new constitution should also be issued on the basis of consensus among parties, he added.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>&ldquo;CA polls pave the way out for the nation&rdquo;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Education Minister Madhav Poudel has said the successful completion of the Constituent Assembly (CA) election has paved the way out for the nation from political crisis. Speaking at a programme in Myagdi last Saturday, Minister Poudel, also spokesperson of the government, said atmosphere for establishing political stability and drafting a new constitution has been created with the completion of the CA election. &ldquo;The incumbent government has successfully completed its task of holding the CA election no matter in which condition and context it was formed,&rdquo; he said, adding the election has given a way out to the nation from the prolonged political crisis.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dahal Back to Home from Delhi</strong></span></div>
<div>
	UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has returned home last Saturday visiting his ailing daughter in New Delhi, India. Dahal went to the Indian capital on November 28 to meet his ailing eldest daughter Gyanu Dahal KC who is undergoing treatment for cancer. Talking to media persons briefly at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival, leader Dahal said his Delhi visit was completely a personal trip and he neither met with any political figure nor held any formal meetings during his stay there. &ldquo;I met my daughter who is undergoing treatment in New Delhi, took information about her health condition and returned,&rdquo; he said.</div>',
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			'description' => 'Former CA Chairman Subash Nembang has said constitution can be promulgated in one year by institutionalising the agreements reached in the earlier CA.',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2198',
			'article_category_id' => '145',
			'title' => 'A Fresh Opportunity In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Th</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">e results of the elections to Nepal&rsquo;s second Constituent Assembly are yet to fully come out but there is little doubt that the Nepali Congress is set to become the single largest party, followed by the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist). The Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which won a majority of the seats in the 2008 election, has been routed and is expected to win fewer than a hundred places in the 601-seat House. The first Constituent Assembly had to be dissolved after it failed in its task of framing a Constitution even after its tenure was extended four times. Last week&rsquo;s election was originally scheduled for November 2012 but was postponed repeatedly. The instability in Nepal belied the promise of the peace process that ended the Maoist insurgency and brought the rebels into the political mainstream.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The challenge for Nepal&rsquo;s fractious political forces now is to make the fresh start provided by the election work. It is encouraging that after an initial threat to boycott the new Assembly, the Maoists have been more conciliatory; the victorious NC and the CPN (UML) have enough seats between them for government formation but they have expressed the readiness to consider the Maoist demand for a &ldquo;government of consensus&rdquo;. If Nepal is to go down this route again, the power sharing negotiations will hopefully avoid last time&rsquo;s pitfalls. A national unity government will certainly help the Assembly&rsquo;s main task of Constitution making, which Nepal&rsquo;s political forces have agreed must be based on consensus. &nbsp;<em>(The Hindu)</em></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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 results of the elections to Nepal’s second Constituent Assembly are yet to fully come out but there is little doubt that the Nepali Congress is set to become the single largest party, followed by the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist).',
			'sortorder' => '2041',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
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		)
	),
	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2180',
			'article_category_id' => '37',
			'title' => 'Current Road Expansion:  A Four Lane Road  To Unsustainability',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Bimal Rijal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	G<span style="font-size: 12px;">overnment authorities often throw around the word &ldquo;development&rdquo; while describing the recent trend inside Kathmandu. With the mushrooming high-rise apartment buildings, and of course, the ongoing road expansion project in the various parts of the city, the so called development seems to be rampant all of a sudden. However, before submitting to these claims and letting the government carry on with its &ldquo;development&rdquo; plans for Kathmandu, it is imperative that we as inhabitants of Kathmandu understand what it means to live in a more developed city.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In old school development studies, the word &ldquo;development&rdquo; was referred to an elevated level of economic activity. Tall buildings and wider roads most definitely spark an increase in the level of economic activity, but they do not define development. Yes, infrastructures such as wider roads that facilitate better mobility inside the city and high-rise buildings that provide crucial commercial and retail space are important to the process of development. But they alone cannot define development.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When improved infrastructures such as wider roads and taller buildings contribute in improving people&rsquo;s living standard, we can then say that they are contributing to the development of the city. The key here is not to emphasize only on developing physical infrastructure but also increasing their contribution in bringing positive effect in the lives of the people.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In other words, development projects are the ones which ameliorate people&rsquo;s living standard; not deteriorate existing one. This is why even the international community is increasingly accepting the Human Development Index (HDI) as a metric to measure development. To move up in the Human Development Index, a country not only needs to pay heed to economic growth (a component to which construction of new infrastructures such as roads, factories, etc., contribute to) but also genuinely improves people&rsquo;s living standard by ensuring quality health, education and environment for&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	its citizens.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu&rsquo;s development should not be evaluated on the basis of whether or not we have four lane roads. More important questions like are these roads going to increase traffic mobility by reducing jams, how beneficial will the wider roads be to pedestrian, what air quality will the people get to breath, and so on should be primarily asked and evaluated. The present implementation of the road widening projects and the way the notion of development is attached to it makes me skeptical about the understanding of the term among politicians and city planners.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	From development&rsquo;s perspective, the current road expansion is particularly concerning for a couple of reasons. Needless to say, in a few years time, much of Kathmandu&rsquo;s two lane roads will be transformed into four-lane. But does this justify its labeling as a &lsquo;development project&rsquo;? Is it really going to help the ailing transportation system inside Kathmandu on a sustainable scale? My answer is a resounding no.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Road Expansion in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/ep1%20(Copy)(3).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 391px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The current road expansion project undertaken by the government of Nepal to &ldquo;rescue&rdquo; Kathmandu&rsquo;s populace from the blight of traffic congestion is assuredly going to prove counterproductive in the future. Having wider roads is only a temporary solution for Kathmandu because wider roads invite more cars and eventually the roads are going to be even more congested leading to even more intense traffic jams. Much of the current expansion of roads for gas consuming vehicles has been at the expense of pedestrian footpath. By norm, sidewalks alongside the roads need to be at least 2 meters wide. The new pedestrian sidewalks are barely half of it. Additionally, availability of lesser space has nullified the possibility to carry out plantations alongside the roads.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To sum up the consequences of the road expansion: firstly, there are going to be more vehicles on the road emitting more harmful gases than ever and thereby further degrading air quality. Secondly, with no plans to improve mass transit in place, influx of more cars in the days ahead will reduce the mobility of vehicles further. Thirdly, lack of modest pedestrian sidewalk will affect mainly the working class, the senior citizens, and children walking back and forth from school. This will force the pedestrians to walk on the roads and presumably increase road accident frequency. Therefore, let alone the amelioration of living standard, wider roads are only going to degrade an average man&rsquo;s living standard in the next five years. So, can such a project that increases pollution, worsens traffic problem, and puts the lives of senior citizens, small children and the working class at risk be called a development project? The answer is for the planners and the politicians to think of.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Personally, even the economic prospect from this project does not make sense. I do not understand why we are so much inclined towards widening our roads when we already know that the new vehicles, that are going to fill them up, and the fuel that will consume, will be imported from foreign countries. A bicycle ride doesn&rsquo;t require importing or burning of fuels nor does a walk, for those who prefer it. In such a scenario, why don&rsquo;t we have pedestrian sidewalks and cycling tracks in our list of priorities? These would not only help in retaining currency from flowing out but also improve living and health standards of the general public as more and more people will take to cycling and walking.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Current road expansion seems to be worthy of pursuing to some extent only if the government personally takes the responsibility of managing the operation of public transport within the city, of planting trees on the sidewalks, and&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	of ensuring that public health won&rsquo;t be affected due to the project. Without these commitments and corresponding plans to implement them, the current endeavor is going to prove a wet blanket for the citizens.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu is remarkably Nepal&rsquo;s administrative and the financial capital. Legacy of centralized development, focused intensely within ring road, is at the heart of this city&rsquo;s problem of traffic congestion. The government confronted it&rsquo;s inadequacies in foreseeing the long term impacts of centralizing development, when severe traffic jams and immobility posited itself as a serious concern. In such a context, it could either reverse the trend of centralized development, opting to not expand the road, or it could carry on with the age old legacy of centralized development and expand the road eventually inviting more vehicles and people inside Kathmandu.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A much better alternative to the current expansion would have been to ocus on developing more efficient express highways that link Kathmandu with its peripheral hubs like Banepa, Dhulikhel and others, and simply pay heed to the maintenance of roads inside Kathmandu. Such an effort would not only create new financial centers and commercial hubs outside Kathmandu but also relieve Kathmandu from its population pressure and pressures on its roads and physical infrastructures. With an increase in the level of economic activity, the people living outside Kathmandu and its periphery would be better off; and with lesser cars, lesser congestion, lesser pollution and lesser people, Kathmandu would be better off. In the long run, people living inside and outside Kathmandu would both benefit leading to genuine realization of development rather the current unsustainable growth.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	While other nations across the world are stressing on promoting sustainability, we seem to be moving in the opposite direction. While governments in other nations stress on preserving and promoting greenery through green roofing or through the protection of public parks, our government at home chops off three hundred trees to construct a landmark dedicated to &ldquo;Ganatantra&rdquo;. While other nations stress on constructing artificial flood control systems to protect its citizenry from unexpected flooding. In Kathmandu, the government instead destroys natural flood control systems like Manohara, Dhobokhola, Tukucha and other stream systems to develop riverside road network.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Kathmandu - once tagged as naturally air-conditioned city by tourists - has now turned into a concrete jungle that experiences extreme temperatures. Ongoing unmanaged and disproportional road expansion has tarnished the image of this city even further. Adding to it, reluctance of the government to resort to sustainable development initiatives brings into question the fate of the city itself. If the government is not planning a sustainable future for it, than who will?&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<em>(Senior urban planner Rijal is chief of Urban Development Department and also chief at city planning commission.)</em></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-28',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'keywords' => 'new business age economy & policy news & articles, economy & policy news & articles from new business age nepal, economy & policy headlines from nepal,  current and latest economy & policy news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali economy & policy economic news and events,  ongoing  economy',
			'description' => 'Government authorities often throw around the word “development” while describing the recent trend inside Kathmandu. With the mushrooming high-rise apartment buildings, and of course, the ongoing road expansion project in the various parts of the city, the so called development seems to be rampant all of a sudden.',
			'sortorder' => '2040',
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			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	),
	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2194',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'PR Election Result Made Public',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">E</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">lection Commission has made public the final result of the proportional representation (PR) system of the Constituent Assembly election from all 240 constituencies last Thursday.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As per the result, the Nepali Congress has stood first with 2.4 million votes while the CPN-UML is in the second position with 2.2 million votes. The UCPN-Maoist is the third one with 1.4 million votes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/pol%20(Copy).jpg" style="width: 456px; height: 1200px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Election Commission has made public the final result of the proportional representation (PR) system of the Constituent Assembly election from all 240 constituencies last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2039',
			'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' => '2195',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Weekly Round Up ( 25 November - 1 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant and concessional loan assistance of Rs 6.67 billion to acquire six aircrafts. &nbsp;Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi and ambassador of China to Nepal Wu Chuntai signed the agreement towards that end on behalf of the Nepali and Chinese governments, respectively, amid a function in the capital last Thursday. According to MoF, the concessional loan received from the Export-Import Bank of China will be handed to Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to use for aircraft. MoF said out of the total assistance, Rs 2,943 million will be used to acquire one MA60 and one Y12E aircraft on grant and up to Rs 3,728 million will be used to purchase one MA60 and three Y12E aircraft on loan. According to the tourism entrepreneurs, adding new aircraft to the existing fleet of the corporation would be important in catering the growing number of passengers thereby boosting the tourism industry.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>Stock market moved downwards after few weeks of gaining string as wary investors opted to book profits after recent gains. Nepse index fell 12.80 points last week to settle at 643.95. Though market observed a marginal correction last week, investors are upbeat about the market prospects due to the victory of &lsquo;democratic parties&rsquo; in the CA polls. According to stock analysts, the overall market is in the rising trend and big boost can be expected in coming weeks as soon as the government formation process kicks off. The political environment has become a major factor for the rise of the Nepse index.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>The banking system has observed excessive liquidity after banking and financial institutions (BFIs) failed to boost the investment. According to the latest data, in last four months (between Sep 6-Nov 8), commercial banks have accumulated the total deposit amount has increased by Rs 42 billion, while the total loan investment has increased only by the half of the amount of the total deposit. The excessive liquidity has led Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to issue the Reverse Repo several times during the period of four months. NRB issued a latest round of reverse repo last week to absorb excess liquidity from the market. As many as 21 commercial banks have bid for securities worth Rs 23 billion for the reverse repo held by the NRB worth Rs 10 billion. This is the sixth times that NRB has issued the reverse repo in the current fiscal year. According to NRB, the reverse repos were held in a bid to ensure financial stability and good governance by curbing inflation in the market due to the excess liquidity.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>At a time when Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) was defending allegations against it on aviation safety and clear International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) about the present scenario of the domestic aviation industry, a probe committee formed to investigate the May 16 accident of Nepal Airlines Corporation aircraft in Jomsom has attributed to the pilot&rsquo;s error as the factor behind the crash. &ldquo;The most probable cause of the accident is inappropriate short take-off and landing procedure carried out by the pilot-in-command during the landing phase and an attempt to take off again without sufficient airspeed, lifting force and runway length to roll,&rdquo; read the report released last week. Aviation specialists say that the air accidents or incidents are caused by the prevailing risk factors which could be eliminated if the associated hazards are identified and risks mitigated before they contribute to an accident or incident.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:16px;">&bull;</span>The gold import has gone down to Rs 3.5 billion between mid-July and mid-October compared to Rs 7 billion worth of import a year ago, according to the data of &nbsp;Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). However, the silver import has surged to Rs 2.6 billion from Rs 847 million over the period. Gold traders attribute to the low demand even during festivals like Teej for the decline in the precious yellow metal.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant and concessional loan assistance of Rs 6.67 billion to acquire six aircrafts.  Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi and ambassador of China to Nepal Wu Chuntai signed the agreement towards that end on behalf of the Nepali and Chinese governments, respectively, amid a function in the capital last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2038',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2191',
			'article_category_id' => '137',
			'title' => 'South Asia Leads World In Suffering',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">S</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">uffering, on average, has increased worldwide in the past several years, and nowhere more than in South Asia, a latest Gallop worldwide poll shows. According to a report published by the US-based opinion poll agency on 26th November, Tuesday, &nbsp;one in seven adults worldwide rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering in 2012. &lsquo;South Asia led the world in suffering at 24%, followed by 21% in the Balkans and the Middle East and North Africa. South Asia clearly registers the biggest increase in suffering during this period and because of its large population, it is mostly responsible for the worldwide uptick. Suffering in the region has increased enormously since the beginning of the global financial and economic crisis, averaging 12% between 2006 and 2008, and 22% between 2010 and 2012.&rdquo; states the report. The agency said that comparing average suffering for 2006-2008 with the average for 2010-2012, suffering increased by three percentage points worldwide.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>India Mainly Drives Deterioration of Well-Being in South Asia</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to the Gallop report, the massive increase in suffering among South Asians is largely attributable to negative developments in India, the region&rsquo;s giant. Average suffering in India more than doubled between 2006 to 2008 and 2010 to 2012. In 2012, a full quarter of Indians were suffering. &ldquo;The significant deterioration in Indians&rsquo; well-being is likely to be rooted in the country&rsquo;s disappointing economic performance,&rdquo; says the report. India&rsquo;s growth rate has now sunk from 9.4% in the first quarter of 2010 to 4.4% in the second quarter of 2013, the worst quarterly rate since 2002.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<p>
		<strong style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Nepal no Better</span></strong></p>
</div>
<div>
	India&rsquo;s northern neighbor Nepal has fared no better, said the report adding that average suffering there increased by 17 percentage points between 2006-2008 and 2010-2012. &ldquo;Yet because of its relatively small population, the increase in suffering had a negligible effect on the regional average. Since Nepal abolished the monarchy five years ago, the country has been mired in a political crisis that has paralysed the economy,&rdquo; Gallop said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Other big increases in suffering in recent years have been registered in Armenia (+17 points) and Greece (+13 points). Greece&rsquo;s economic collapse, record unemployment, and drastic austerity measures contributed to suffering reaching 26% in 2012. Gallup&rsquo;s trend data clearly show Armenians souring in recent years on issues such as their standard of living, and rising frustration with their leaders.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Most countries with the biggest decreases in suffering, comparing the three-year average from 2006 to 2008 with that from 2010 to 2012, are from Sub-Saharan Africa. Suffering in Zimbabwe has decreased by as much as 38 percentage points. &ldquo;After years of hyperinflation, the Zimbabwean government finally abandoned the country&rsquo;s currency in 2009. As a result, the economy started growing again, improving the lives of many Zimbabweans,&rdquo; states the report. Similarly, Latin America and the Caribbean also defied the global trend. Between 2010 and 2012, residents of the region were on average less likely to be suffering than they were before the outbreak of the global economic crisis.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Suffering, on average, has increased worldwide in the past several years, and nowhere more than in South Asia, a latest Gallop worldwide poll shows. According to a report published by the US-based opinion poll agency on 26th November, Tuesday,  one in seven adults worldwide rated their lives poorly enough to be considered suffering in 2012.',
			'sortorder' => '2037',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2193',
			'article_category_id' => '140',
			'title' => 'Parties Intensify Power Sharing Parleys',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sagar Ghimire / Angila Sharma&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A<span style="font-size: 12px;">s the Election Commission has made public the final results of Constituent Assembly polls, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) - emerged as two largest parties- have also started negotiations on forming the new government. &nbsp;In a bid to form a national consensus government, NC president Sushil Koirala and CPN (UML) chairman Jhalanath Khanal held a meeting last Thursday. &nbsp;UML leader Raghuji Pant, who was also present in the meeting, informed that the leader duo exchanged congratulation for the victory in the polls. &nbsp;Issues of government formation and constitution drafting also transpired during the meeting, he said. It is learnt that Khanal also asked Koirala to take the initiative to form the new government and to try bringing the other parties on board as well.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, NC president Koirala has also met with the UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal last Monday (November 25) to seek latter&rsquo;s support for the formation of the government and drafting new constitution on the basis of consensus. &ldquo;No party can make any difference alone. So we should work together for government formation and constitution-drafting,&rdquo; Koirala told Dahal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, UCPN (Maoist) has demanded the provision for the mandatory consensus be reinstated in the interim constitution for forming the government. The meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) held on November 25 has concluded that the consensual provision was imperative to draft the new constitution and form the government. &ldquo;The Interim Constitution should be amended and a system of consensus established for constitution drafting and for other things as well,&rdquo; read the press statement of the UCPN (Maoist). NC and CPN (UML) have, however, rejected such demand. The Central Working Committee meeting of the NC held last Wednesday inferred that it would not accept any proposal that demands making consensus politics mandatory through constitutional amendment. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Though we are for consensus government, the demand to amend the constitution to include the provision of mandatory consensus is not acceptable to us,&rdquo; a CWC leader of the NC said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Disputes over Prez tenure</strong></span></div>
<div>
	With the new result of the CA polls, parties are also divided over the tenure of the incumbent President Dr Rambaran Yadav and Vice-president Paramananda Yadav. While NC is maintaining that the President Dr Yadav should remain in the office until new constitution is drafted, UML leaders are demanding new power sharing agreement in the changed scenario. UCPN (Maoist) has thrown its weight behind the reelection of the new President and the Vice-president in the post-poll scenario. Likewise, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) Chairman Kamal Thapa has called for the election for new president and vice-president as per the fresh mandate of the CA polls.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'As the Election Commission has made public the final results of Constituent Assembly polls, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) - emerged as two largest parties- have also started negotiations on forming the new government.  In a bid to form a national consensus government, NC president Sushil Koirala and CPN (UML) chairman Jhalanath Khanal held a meeting last Thursday.',
			'sortorder' => '2036',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2192',
			'article_category_id' => '139',
			'title' => 'Nepal And The World News In Brief (2 - 8 December 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>WTO Members Fail to Agree Free Trade Deal&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Negotiators have failed to fix a deal for a crunch summit next week, casting a shadow over efforts to revive stalled talks on slashing barriers to global commerce, the head of the WTO said on Tuesday. &ldquo;The reality is that we have proved that we can&rsquo;t cross the final yard here in Geneva. The process here is over,&rdquo; World Trade Organisation chief Roberto Azevedo told reporters.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>India Ahead of US, China in Investment Destination&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	India has spurted ahead of China and the US as the most attractive investment destination, a survey by global professional services firm Ernst &amp; Young (EY) says. EY&rsquo;s ninth bi-annual capital confidence barometer has ranked India as the most attractive investment destination followed by Brazil, while China is at third place.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>UK Moves to Cool Property Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The UK is ending cheap bank funding for new mortgages in a bid to control the growing risk of a property bubble. House prices have increased by about 7% in a year, raising concerns that borrowers may have trouble making repayments when interest rates start to rise from their record low levels.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Black Friday Shopping Marred by Violence</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Several outbreaks of violence have marred the US Black Friday shopping frenzy, as bargain-hunters besieged malls across the US. In Chicago police shot an alleged shoplifter; a robber shot a shopper in Las Vegas; and a California police officer was injured in a fight. Black Friday, the day following the Thanksgiving holiday, is the biggest shopping day of the year in the US.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Switzerland: Best Country for Top Talent</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Switzerland comes out on top, according to the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, launched Tuesday by European business school Insead. The new index rates 103 countries on 48 factors including education, government policy and quality of life. The US trailed in ninth place. First placed Switzerland excelled in all categories, and stood out for its long-standing commitment to high-quality education, according to the report. Singapore came second. The authors noted that the city-state was highly competitive because of a clear strategy to grow and attract the best and brightest employees.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-12-02',
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			'description' => 'Negotiators have failed to fix a deal for a crunch summit next week, casting a shadow over efforts to revive stalled talks on slashing barriers to global commerce, the head of the WTO said on Tuesday.',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2190',
			'article_category_id' => '134',
			'title' => '“Godrej Might Have A Manufacturing Unit In Nepal Within A Few Years”',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Umashaknar Mukherjee</strong> is the Country Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited since 2009. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is a major player in the Indian FMCG market, with leading Household and Personal Care Products. Its brands, which include GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No. 1, Expert, Nupur, Hit, Fairglow, Ezee and Protekt are household names across South Asia. Four of its brands (GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No.1 and Godrej Expert Hair Colour) are ranked among the &lsquo;100 Most Trusted Brands&rsquo; in India by Economic Times - Brand Equity 2012. He has been looking after the entire Nepal country operation for the FMCG business and responsible for the growth and business development across channels &amp; categories. Mukherjee had been early working with Hindustan Unilever Ltd for 15 years. Along with his professional life, he also has been leading a spiritual life as a founder of Resurgence Mission where one is offered training in different forms of spiritual coaching and a true energy healing with psychic development which will lead you to personal growth. He spoke to <strong>Suraksha Adhikari</strong> of The Corporate about Godrej Consumer Products in Nepal. <strong>Excerpts:&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Godrej is one of the oldest and one of the most well known business houses from India which has spread its operation across the world. Could you speak a little bit about the history of Godrej, its philosophies, its ethos and its culture?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Godrej is a 130 years old company. It started with manufacturing Lux soap in a very small way. And then it became the conglomerate what you see today. There are various business that we expanded during this time but Godrej is essentially a manufacturing company. Most of the headquarters of Godrej exist in Mumbai.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">It started with Lux then it came with consumer durables. Now we manufacture microwave oven, refrigerator and many more. Fridge is very old phenomenas Godrej fridges are very much popular among people. Godrej almirah is still considered to be number 1 is many places of India and South Asia with it maintenance of legacy since its production time.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Godrej is a family run professional business. Adi Godrej has studied in the USA and after coming back he hired all the top management people from the topmost industries to the business so Godrej is totally a professionally managed family business. Though it is owned by a family it is completely run professionally.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the size of Godrej Empire globally by turnover, by spread across the countries and also couldbe the different sectors that Godrej is involved?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Internationally Godrej started doing business when it collaborated with Procter &amp; Gamble. This is the first time Godrej was exposed to the international business. Apart from that, till last year there was collaboration with Sawali Corporation which is one of the fortune 500 companies which was the collaboration with Godrej for household insecticides product. Godrej has brought the shares of 51 per cent of Sawali Corporations. Above that Godrej has started their venture in South Africa, Middle East, Indonesia, Britain, North America and in Argentina. In all these countries, Godrej has started its business after buying the companies and integrating that business with Godrej consumer product business. So now more than 50 per cent of Godrej business comes from the international market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How long has Godrej group been active in Nepal and what are the major sectors or the brand categories that are active here?&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Nepal is only the country where we don&rsquo;t have any manufacturing facility but among the SAARC countries we have the manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh, Srilanka and other places. Our Vice President had visited to Nepal five years back and he gave an indication that in next few years to come, Godrej might have a manufacturing unit in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	I look after the consumer products part of the business which is one of the oldest business that Godrej is having. It was named as Godrej soaps. Cinthol is 100 years old brand belonging to Godrej so Godrej soaps have become the consumer products. I have introduced this company to Nepal. It only used to be handled by the dealers group a business house called Kedia. They were exclusively doing only distribution part some four years back. The business was also around IC 40 million to 50 million which has increased to around IC 400 million under my management. We also have been able to maintain growth rate of more than 20 per cent per year.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What are the major problems you faced in Nepal in these years?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The business here used to happen as the training goes on. But as we are into the coverage and distribution business it happens to be the domain of the multinational business. I had the experience of 15 years with the Unilever company and I have been hired in this company to grow the expansion of distribution and coverage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What the condition of soaps and detergent market in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The market of soaps and detergent is very small in Nepal because the Unilever market is dominant here in Nepal but we are market leader in household and insecticides categories.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Well, we have competitions like AC Johnson and other multinational companies. And even we Indian multinational here have been continuously competing with these companies. And in all categories we are actually number one company in all household insecticides and Goodnight is the strongest brand of all the insecticides. Goodnight is the goodnight for every family in South Asia and HIT is the popular insecticide with the ladies of the house.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What is the market share of Godrej Business Company in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	We contribute about 70 per cent of total market of Nepal in our segment and by this way we become &nbsp;market leader in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Something very close to your heart is corporate meditation, holistic growth and evolution or internalization of cosmic energy are few things that you have been talking about. Could you throw some light on these areas now?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	I am definitely more interested to talk on these subjects as they are very close to my heart. It is a discovery that I made it in Nepal. When I came here, I came to know that here exist more number of Brahma temple that people of Nepal also don&rsquo;t know. So I was very surprised to know why people don&rsquo;t worship Brahma and this fact struck my mind. From here actually this started. Then I started researching on why people should actually worship God. God gives you some kind of energy which is called divine energy may be in all the religion that exist in the world today. As I went deep in this subject, I came to know how this divine energy can be defined. My study found out that there is a cosmos from the divine energy comes in the form of cosmic energy. Then going back to our Hindu mythology, I came to know that Brahmand is the name for the cosmos. Brahma is the creator of Brahmand. So my logicis, if you want to get the cosmic energy you should get connect with the originator itself i.e. Brahma.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>In business, how this cosmic energy can make a difference in their life and can actually enable them to do what they are doing more efficiently?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	This is a very good question indeed. In the corporate words, most of us work more than we can handle. For this we need more energy that God actually gives us. To get that kind of extra energy, one has to do mental exercise and free your mind. Then one should concentrate on meditation to reach into another world of abundant energy. Then they can be benefited with cosmic strength which gives additional energy to&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	the people.</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-12-02',
			'modified' => '2013-12-09',
			'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' => 'Umashaknar Mukherjee is the Country Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited since 2009. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is a major player in the Indian FMCG market, with leading Household and Personal Care Products. Its brands, which include GoodKnight, Cinthol, Godrej No. 1, Expert, Nupur, Hit, Fairglow, Ezee',
			'sortorder' => '2034',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2189',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Muktishree Group: Getting Ambitious',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Arun Raj Sumargi Founder, Muktishree Group of Companies" src="/userfiles/images/ars%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div style="text-align: center;">
						<div>
							<strong>Arun Raj Sumargi</strong></div>
						<div>
							Founder, Muktishree Group of Companies</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	M<span style="font-size: 12px;">uktishree Group of Companies, one of the emerging business houses of Nepal, has ambitious plans to grow as a successful enterprise that benefits the national economy and people at large. The group has a clear vision to create employment opportunity for 100,000 people in a decade. According to Arun Raj Sumargi, Founder of the group, this target is not only their vision but also a motto.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;We are not saying that we will employ 100,000 workers in one of our industries but we want to be the creator of employment to these many people through forward and backward linkages,&rdquo; Sumargi explains. To achieve this goal, the group is looking forward to explore sectors such as tourism, hydropower, telecommunication and manufacturing and take them to a new level. He believes that the group&rsquo;s investment in these sectors would be greatly contributing to create direct as well as indirect employment to people through both forward and backward linkages. Sumargi says, &ldquo;As entrepreneurs, we try to understand the need of the people as well as of the state, find a meeting point and work on that. Such projects are supported by people also.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Attractions</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Muktishree group sees huge business potentials in the biggest scarcity the nation is currently facing &ndash; energy crisis. For over a decade, the group has been consistently working on setting a foothold in the energy production industry. &ldquo;Energy crisis is the biggest headache for Nepal now. We are focused on how to find a solution to this problem and working with an aim to create large number of jobs in the country and help to increase domestic production,&rdquo; explains Sumargi.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has a number of hydropower projects ranging from small to megaprojects. According to Sumargi, a 32 MW hydropower project is currently under development in Dhading. He says that there are other megaprojects in the pipeline. &ldquo;We are in the process of finalising a 600 MW project in the near future,&rdquo; he reveals adding that the group is also eyeing large projects like Upper Karnali. He adds that the agreement with foreign investors is not yet finalised because of changing political scenario as large project cannot be completed without foreign investments. He believes that apart from foreign investment, large project also need technical and managerial resources from abroad.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with the hydropower generation, the group is coming up with a large scale cement factory in Surkhet. &nbsp;Sumargi says that the first phase work of the factory has been completed along with construction of the road leading to the factory site. The group has also been exploring potentialities of producing new varieties of cement that have been not produced earlier in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group is planning to establish a four to five star hotel in a prime location of Kathmandu. Sumargi says that land acquisition process for this venture has been completed and talks to find an international hotel chain for partnership are underway.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Corporate Philosophy</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Muktishree group is working to develop itself as a model business group. Sumargi says, &ldquo;Rather than just making money and enjoying the wealth, we are looking on how to create greater benefits for the people.&rdquo; He says that cooperation and understanding is the way of working and making business decisions. &ldquo;We discuss every major issue and if two among five of us give different suggestions we think over that from different angles. We cooperate with each other, have positive thinking and communal thoughts and it has always been working for us,&rdquo; says Sumargi. He adds that if someone raises question over the group&rsquo;s activities, they try to find the reasons and point out the weakness so that they can improve themselves.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has also kept its family values, culture and tradition intact. Sumargi shares his belief, &ldquo;Businesses guided solely on individual thinking and philosophies have vanished in the long run. We believe that the culture, tradition and belief must be kept intact. The name, culture and tradition we inherited from our father will be continued also in the future.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Specialisation Areas</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has always prioritised those industries that could utilise local resources and generate employment to local people. Sumargi says that the country can become self sustained only when local resources could be properly utilised within the country. &ldquo;Industries based on raw material imports would only be a short term business,&rdquo; he says giving examples of carpet and garment industries. He says that there are prospects of Nepal being self sustaining in tourism, hydropower and mining.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with usage of local resources, the group has always focused on local market. Though it exports some of its &nbsp;mining products and drinking, those exports have been a means to get international recognition for the group. Currently, mineral water under Himalayas&rsquo; ONTOP brand is being exported to Middle East, Hong Kong, Korea , Japan and next month the company is exporting it to Gulf countries too. The water plant in Rasuwa produces 120,000 bottles per shift and the company is planning to produce in three shifts every day to increase the supply to new markets. According to Sumargi, the brand was listed among one of the best water among 11 countries during an exhibition of water producers in China. Likewise, 90 per cent of water is being consumed in Nepal while 10 per cent is currently being exported.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group&rsquo;s current area of specialisation in manufacturing and service industry came after the group started looking into new areas of business after 1990&rsquo;s changing political environment. Young entrepreneurs from Hetauda came to Kathmandu with a vision to supply aggregates to Kathmandu via the ropeway but could not be realised for various reasons. Then the company ventured into the telecommunication sector and launched the then Mero Mobile brand of GSM telephony service that brought the group into limelight.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Growth and Development</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group started with a mineral based industry by Madhav Raj Sumargi in 1972. During that time, he also had timber and transportation business, but these were closed down later. However, the mining and mineral based industry is still intact with the group.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has now developed into a conglomerate of around 21 businesses. Sumargi says that talking about group&rsquo;s turnover is too early as the group is still in its growth phase. &ldquo;We are still investing and under development, so we are in loan,&rdquo; says Sumargi. The group has so far invested Rs 100 billion in various sectors. Sumargi says that the investment is made through both foreign and domestic partners.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has created 5000 direct employment and out of them, 1100 are in Makwanpur alone and in its companies based in Bhairahawa, Hetauda, Surkhet, Dang, Kathmandu and Rasuwa. Similarly, the group is coming up with a teaching hospital soon. And Sumargi says that the hospital will be based in Makwanpur. Though the group has numerous plans in its pipeline, Sumargi says that the national political situation would be the determining factor for new moves.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Group of Companies</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Telecom&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Energy</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Muktishree Cement Industry</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Everest Minerals Products</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Hetauda Lime Industries</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Bindabasini Media</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Hetauda Education Foundation</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Nepal Satellite Telecom</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Projects of Muktishree Group</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								&bull;Karnali Chasipani Multipurpose Hydropower</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Puldumki River Hydro-power Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Lungri (1)River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Lungri (2) River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Malagad River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Luma River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Badigad River Hydropower Project</div>
							<div>
								&bull;Surkhet Cement Project</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Telecommunication</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								The group has seen prospects since its involvement with Spice Nepal Pvt Ltd. After the group withdrew its investment there, it has been involved with Hello Nepal. The group plans to aggressively penetrate its presence across the country. The company has met the requirement of the regulators to provide services in the rural areas. Along with GSM telephony services, the company is planning to aggressively promote PSTN services. The company has its presence in far western and mid western regions. The company has plans to expand its services to Kathmandu and eastern region within few months. Arun Raj Sumargi says, &ldquo;In two months we will be entering Chitwan and soon reaching all over the country along with major cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu.&rdquo;</div>
							<div>
								&nbsp;</div>
							<div>
								<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>CSR Activities</strong></span></div>
							<div>
								As a part of its corporate social responsibilities (CSR), Muktishree group within a few days, is planning to hand over a Bhojan Prasadi Griha at Pashupatinath to the government. The group has made an investment of Rs 70 million for the building. Similarly, the group has contributed for various schools, hospitals and other social causes. Madhav Raj Sumargi Trust donated Rs 10 million to construct 10.5 kilometres of road in Hetauda. Necessary equipment for the road was provided by the government. Sumargi said that the government has allocated budget for the road in the current fiscal year and black topping of the road is undergoing. He claims that the road has addressed various issues of Hetauda bazaar.</div>
						</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
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			'description' => 'Muktishree Group of Companies, one of the emerging business houses of Nepal, has ambitious plans to grow as a successful enterprise that benefits the national economy and people at large. The group has a clear vision to create employment opportunity for 100,000 people in a decade.',
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			'id' => '2188',
			'article_category_id' => '86',
			'title' => 'Parliamentary Language',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">The main leaders of four major parties viz Sushil, JN, Makune, Prachanda &amp; Baburam were discussing on how to form a new government. While discussion was going on they started to fight over some trivial issues like &lsquo;decision to be made on consensus or based on majority, how others should address UNCPM leaders publicly&rsquo;, etc.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But Sushil and JN, unable to tolerate the languages used by Prachanda &amp; Baburam &nbsp;and also their demand for recounting of the votes of last election, thrashed UNCPM leaders in the meeting.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On this Prachanda and Baburam got wild and said: &ldquo;You can do anything but we warn you, never use the Parliamentary language with us&rdquo; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-ML</strong></div>',
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			'description' => 'The main leaders of four major parties viz Sushil, JN, Makune, Prachanda & Baburam were discussing on how to form a new government. While discussion was going on they started to fight over some trivial issues like ‘decision to be made on consensus or based on majority, how others should address UNCPM leaders publicly’, etc.',
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			'id' => '2185',
			'article_category_id' => '91',
			'title' => '43 Companies Preparing For Share Issuance',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By TC Correspondent</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Within few months some companies are set to add their shares of 100 million units worth Rs 10.52 billion in the share market. 43 companies from different sectors have already submitted application for share issuance in Securities Board of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">Nepal (SEBON). According to a SEBON source, the companies will issue their shares only after the approval from the stock market regulator.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Among them 66.12 million are right shares whereas and 39 million units are to be allotted fromInitial Public offering (IPO) of the companies. The total number of listed shares in NEPSE till the end of September of the current fiscal year is around 1.37 billion. The shares have increased by 2.33 per cent than the previous fiscal year,according to NEPSE. The applicants of IPO include 14 companies among which &nbsp;one is commercial bank, four are development banks, three are hydro power companies, two are finance companies and four others are from other industries. Similarly 29 companies are issuing right share which include two hydro power companies, six insurance companies, eight development banks, eleven development banks and two others from other sectors.&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-01',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Within few months some companies are set to add their shares of 100 million units worth Rs 10.52 billion in the share market. 43 companies from different sectors have already submitted application for share issuance in Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON).',
			'sortorder' => '2031',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2143',
			'article_category_id' => '91',
			'title' => 'BPCL To Increase Power Production Capacity',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By TC Correspondent &nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL) is gearing up to increase its power production capacity to 94 MW. According to Ratna Shakya, BPCL&rsquo;s Head of Corporate Division, the company is preparing to produce an additional 67.6 MW power from Kabeli &lsquo;A&rsquo; and Nyadi Hydropower projects. &ldquo;We have planned to start commercial production from these two projects within three years,&rdquo; he said. The company has already produced electricity from Jhimruk, Aandhikhola and Khudi hydropower projects. Kabeli Energy Limited is the developer of Kabeli &lsquo;A&rsquo; hydropower project. BPCL holds the majority shares of the company. The Run-of-the-river (ROR) 37.6 MW project is being constructed at the Kabeli River located at Taplejung and Panchthar.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The total cost of the project is estimated at USD 970 million. The project which is aimed to be completed by 2016 will be producing 201 Giga Watt (GW) of electricity. The project will be constructed in BOOT (Build, Operation, Own and Transfer) model. The government and the developers have already signed the Project Development Agreement (PDA). According to Shakya, national and international finance organizations including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of The World Bank Group are investing in the project. &ldquo;The World Bank and IFC are investing in the project as loan&rdquo;, he informed adding, &ldquo;We have already managed necessary financial close for the project&rsquo;s construction.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL has majority of shares investment in Nyadi Hydropower project too. The 30 MW project is also designed under the BOOT model.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the company, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the government for the construction of &nbsp;the project is underway. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL already has 12 MW Jhimruk, 9.4 MW Andhikhola and 4 MW Khudi project. &nbsp;The company has been producing 5.5 million units annually from Jhimruk Hydro Project. Similarly, Aandhikhola will be producing more power as it is being upgraded to 9.4 MW which previously was three million units. &ldquo;The project has been stopped for the power upgradation process&rdquo;, Shakya said, &ldquo;It will be resumed with the upgraded power (9.4 MW) within five months.&rdquo; &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	BPCL has been distributing power directly through transmission lines to districts in western region such as Pyuthan, Argakhanchi, Rolpa, Syangja and Palpa. The company is selling the remaining power to Nepal Electricity Authority.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-25',
			'modified' => '2013-12-02',
			'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' => 'Butwal Power Company Limited (BPCL) is gearing up to increase its power production capacity to 94 MW. According to Ratna Shakya, BPCL’s Head of Corporate Division, the company is preparing to produce an additional 67.6 MW power from Kabeli ‘A’ and Nyadi Hydropower projects.',
			'sortorder' => '2030',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2183',
			'article_category_id' => '52',
			'title' => 'Unmanifested Political Will',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A<span style="font-size: 12px;">ll major political parties have made their manifesto for the November 19th Constituent Assembly (CA) polls public. Most of the parties including the big &#39;gang of four&#39;- UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Madhesi Morcha have made a long list of promises to accelerate the economic growth of Nepal. The promises are tall and details read like a government&#39;s annual &#39;policies and programmes&#39; to &nbsp;be unveiled in a parliamentary session. Many of the propositions are just populist and not based on the grounds of resource availability and pragmatic possibility of implementation. However, unquestionably, the Nepali economy was for long in dire need of real policy boost and political commitment from the highest possible level. One positive thing, perhaps the only one, is that the country&#39;s political parties have, rather uniformly, shown concern towards the economic growth and development of the country.</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But, one must remember here, it is the elections for the CA and not for a tenured parliament. In a sense it is more important opportunity to give a direction to the country&#39;s economic future. However, it is surely not the moment to make populist commitments enumerating number of &nbsp;projects and programmes. Therefore, these party manifestoes should better provide the basis for the economic system that the country would adopt for reasonably longer period of time. The focus of all these manifestoes were naturally expected to make the constitutional position of every political party about elements that would finally constitute &nbsp;the provisions for &#39;Directive Principles&#39; and &#39;Economic Rights&#39; in the new constitution. But, unfortunately, all the parties have spent a huge resource and time in listing what they would do programmatically, not constitutionally, to develop the country. This is to say that their prime focus is on &#39;what&#39; of they want to do, but completely devoid of the &#39;how&#39; of it.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	These manifestos have, almost uniformly, failed to address the issues that have constrained the growth prospects of Nepal for long. These constraints have come in three categorical forms -- the philosophical stand and identity of the powerful parties, the model of the economy the country would adopt in the longer run and rights of the citizen to own and generate legal wealth including their enforcement. But all these three issues are hardly addressed by the parties through their manifestoes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Needless to say, Nepali politics is dominated my the communist outfits of various degrees of radicalism. It is a doctrine that advocates and works against the private ownership of the property and firms. Even if these outfits claim that they are not opposed to private capital, the suspicion of their motives remain intact as long as they are identified as devout communists. The manifestoes were perhaps the best tools to assure the people that these parties unconditionally would adhere to the norms of uninfringed property rights of the people. They could have even made the extent of change in their philosophical stand public. But nothing of the sort happened. In fact, manifestoes of communist parties have deliberately skipped this crucial part of clarification. Even Congress continues to cling to &#39;socialism&#39;.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The model of the economy to be adopted is also equally important. Parties are saying many confusing things like developing national capitalism, socialism and self-sustained economy. They appear unwilling to open their cards. They have chosen an easy term &#39;mixed&#39;, without identifying the elements to be mixed together.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The most important is, whether the new constitution can ensure the private property rights and economic democracy or not. No manifesto has clearly mentioned that it was for the absolute property rights and rights for intellectual properties that encourages innovation.</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-12-01',
			'modified' => '2013-12-01',
			'keywords' => 'new business age  from the editor news & articles, from the editor news & articles from new business age nepal, from the editor headlines from nepal,  current and latest from the editor news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali from the editor economic news and events,  ongoing  from the edi',
			'description' => 'All major political parties have made their manifesto for the November 19th Constituent Assembly (CA) polls public. Most of the parties including the big 'gang of four'- UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Madhesi Morcha have made a long list of promises to accelerate the economic growth of Nepal.',
			'sortorder' => '2029',
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