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in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language. Impressions formed by the first few glances of a person impact thoughts about their personality, diligence and intelligence. First impressions tend to last a while and can be hard to shake…
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And he has successfully avoided conflict between these two worlds working both as the Director of NTA and a visiting faculty at different universities of Nepal. Khanal has been teaching courses related to telecommunications and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). Besides engineering in the telecom and ICT sector, Khanal is a gold medallist in Bachelors of Law (LLB), has deep interest in management and leadership and also in philosophy and spiritualism. </div> <div> </div> <div> His life outside the office is not confined within four walls. Khanal says he is open to anything that comes his way during his free time. A confident and passionate person, Khanal has passion for reading, writing and public speaking. “If I get more spare time, you will find me either reading, writing, speaking, listening to music or meditating,” he shares. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> A conscientious and dependable friend, Khanal likes spending his free time with like-minded friends – those with a passion for spirituality, philosophy and music. He also loves tranquillity and the company of his own self. He is also fond of introspection through meditation. </div> <div> </div> <div> Holidays are mere getaways from the daily routine at work. For Khanal, it is an opportunity to freshen up and rejuvenate the self. He is a traveller without a plan. He says, “I do not normally plan my holidays. I accept any good opportunity without much calculation.” Khanal recalls his unplanned trips to Mustang, trekking in the Helambu region, Nagarkot, hiking in Shivapuri and numerous other impromptu tours as one of the most pleasing vacations of all time. If he is granted with extended free time, Khanal wishes to trek into the virgin lands of Nepal.</div> <div> </div> <div> An avid traveller, Khanal does not have a particular favourite destination. Recently, he was in Seoul of South Korea for a business visit and says it was an enjoyable trip. Moreover, he jokes Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath temples are his frequent and regular destinations.</div> <div> </div> <div> However, sports do not feature much in Khanal’s leisure time. He says he has never been into sports even as a child. “I do not play any games. But I used to play cards,” he jokes. </div> <div> </div> <div> Being an ICT professional, Khanal is surrounded by ICT tools and technologies. However, his life in social networking sites is limited by time and work load. He adds, “I use them quite often but it depends upon the availability of time and my work load.”</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Ananda Raj Khanal, Director and Action Chief at Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA,) prefers a boundary between his professional and personal life. And he has successfully avoided conflict between these two worlds working both as the Director of NTA and a visiting faculty at different universities of Nepal. Khanal has been teaching courses related to telecommunications and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).', 'sortorder' => '1787', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1928', 'article_category_id' => '115', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Smartphone App Alerts Users at Risk of Binge Eating</strong></span></div> <div> A smartphone app which aims to strike at the same moment that binge eating urges occur has been developed as part of two new treatments designed to help those suffering from the disorder. Developed by scientists at Drexel University, the ‘Take Control’ app will track users’ individual patterns of consumption and binge eating behaviour, alerting them at times when they may be susceptible to overeating. Alongside this, small-group behavioural therapy techniques are also being created to equip patients with the psychological tools to help them benefit from the standard treatment received by those who binge eat. Binge eating has only recently been identified as an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and is already suspected to affect more than twice the number of people as bulimia nervosa. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Adobe Hacked, 2.9 million Accounts Compromised</strong></span></div> <div> Adobe Systems Inc. said a cyberattack on its systems has exposed credit-card information of 2.9 million customers. The maker of Photoshop and other software said Thursday that the attacker accessed Adobe customer IDs and passwords on its systems. Through that, they were able to remove customer names, encrypted credit and debit card numbers, expiration dates and other information related to orders from customers worldwide. The company does not believe attackers removed credit and debit card numbers that weren’t encrypted.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Google Japan launches Android Game Vending Machines</strong></span></div> <div> Android lovers in Japan now have a cool way to download apps. Google Japan has launched Google Play vending machines that will sell users different games. To use these vending machines, all that a user needs is a smartphone running on Android 4.0 or higher OS and NFC. To get going a user can simply put his device on the NFC-enabled tray, select app and the machine loads it for him. So far there are not many apps, only 18 games are available for download or purchase. These reportedly include Square, Sega, Namco, Gameloft and Kairosoft. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Twitter Reveals $1 Billion IPO Plan</strong></span></div> <div> Twitter Inc. on Thursday revealed plans to raise up to $1 billion in a public offering, looking to cash in on a messaging service that has transformed public conversation but is still losing money and facing challenges attracting new users and advertisers. Potential buyers for the first time saw the financials behind one of the most anticipated stock-market debuts of the year, which showed the social network’s revenue more than doubled to $254 million in the first six months of this year.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Cisco, Google and SAP Discussing BlackBerry Bids </strong></span></div> <div> BlackBerryLtd, on the block as its smartphone business struggles, is in talks with Cisco Systems,Google Inc and SAP about selling them all or parts of itself, several sources close to the matter said. Such a deal would be an alternative to the preliminary agreement reached weeks ago with a group, led by BlackBerry’s biggest shareholder, Fairfax Financial Holdings, to take the company private for about $4.7 billion, a bid which has faced some skepticism because of financing questions.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'A smartphone app which aims to strike at the same moment that binge eating urges occur has been developed as part of two new treatments designed to help those suffering from the disorder. Developed by scientists at Drexel University, the ‘Take Control’ app will track users’ individual patterns of consumption and binge eating behaviour, alerting them at times when they may be susceptible to overeating.', 'sortorder' => '1786', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1927', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'Business Briefs (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nepali Products’ Showroom in Australia </strong></span></div> <div> Sirish Sharma, a Nepali youth has opened a showroom in Stockland Shopping Centre in New Castle, Australia. The showroom named Mt 8848 has on display 96 various Nepali products like Nepali paper, fabric, pashmina and handicrafts. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Yamaha Showroom at Maharajgunj</strong></span></div> <div> MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd, sole authorized distributor for Yamaha Motorcycles in Nepal has opened a new Yamaha showroom at Maharajgunj. The showroom offers facility of sales, service and spares under one roof. The showroom was inaugurated by actress and Goodwill Ambassador for Yamaha Ray Namrata Shrestha on October 4, 2013. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Snickers’ Dashain Offer</strong></span></div> <div> United Distributors Nepal P Ltd, the distributors of Snickers in Nepal has launched a five-day Dashain offer from Oct 5th–9th named ‘Buy a Snickers, Win an iPad Mini Everyday’. With purchase of every 50 gm Snickers, customers will get a coupon through which they can enter a lucky draw to win an iPad Mini every day. This promotion is applicable at all Bhat Bhateni outlets in Kathmandu valley.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nissan Sylphy Launched</strong></span></div> <div> Dugar Brothers and Sons, the authorized distributor of Nissan vehicles for Nepal has launched Nissan Sylphy, a new sedan in the market. Sylphy is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine, ha a ground clearance of 165 mm, and comes with 16 inch wheels. The engine delivers a maximum power of 116 KW at 5,600 rpm, and generates a peak torque of 154 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The sedan is priced at Rs 5,950,000. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sony’s ‘Dashain Tihar, Kushi Ra Upahaar’ Offer</strong></span></div> <div> Nepa Hima TradeLink Pvt Ltd has introduced ‘Dashain Ra Tihar, Khusi Ra Upahar’ scheme for this festive season. Under this scheme, selected models of Sony TVs will be accompanied by Active 3D glasses, Passive 3D glasses, One Touch Remote Controller, Sony high-end blu-ray home theatre system, and DVD Player. Furthermore, customers purchasing Sony Xperia Smartphone will get an opportunity to win Sony DVD Players, Smartwatch, NFC Speakers and Bluetooth Headset among others. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Sirish Sharma, a Nepali youth has opened a showroom in Stockland Shopping Centre in New Castle, Australia. The showroom named Mt 8848 has on display 96 various Nepali products like Nepali paper, fabric, pashmina and handicrafts.', 'sortorder' => '1785', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1926', 'article_category_id' => '142', 'title' => 'Over 6,000 File FPTP Nomination, 121 Parties Submit Closed List', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <strong>--By Sagar Ghimire</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Altogether 6,352 candidates have filed their nominations under the first-past-the-post election system last Thursday for the Constituent Assembly (CA) election 2013 in 240 electoral constituencies across the country. According to the Election Commission, out of the total candidates, 1,000 are independent, 591 women, 5,761 men and one from third gender.</div> <div> </div> <div> Likewise, a total of 121 political parties submitted their closed list of candidates under the Proportional Representation (PR) system last Friday. The parties submitting the lists are Unified CPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Terai-Madhes Democratic Party and Federal Socialist Party, among others. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Top Notches from Two Constituencies </strong></span></div> <div> Most of the top leaders of the major political parties have filed their nominations from two constituencies. UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has fielded his candidacies from Kathmandu 10 and Siraha 5, while another leader of the UCPN (Maoist) Dr Baburam Bhattarai filed his nominations from Rupandehi4 and Gorkha 1. Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala is contesting polls from Banke 3 and Chitwan 4, and senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba from Kailali 6 and Dadeldhura. CPN (UML) chairperson Jhalanath Khanal, Vice-chairperson Bamdev Gautam, senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal chairperson Upendra Yadav and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairperson Bijay Kumar Gachhadar are other leaders who are contesting from two constituencies.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Central Member Ghimire Quits NC</strong></span></div> <div> NC central working committee member Suprabha Ghimire has announced to quit the party after it decided to grant the ticket of candidacy to Gagan Thapa for the Kathmandu constituency-4, from where she has won last CA election. Ghimire has filed her candidacy from Kathmandu-4 as independent to contest against NC candidate Thapa.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Kiranti Challenges Oli</strong></span></div> <div> Despite defeat in last Constituent Assembly poll, CPN (UML) leader KP Oli has registered his candidacy from Jhapa 7. Though UCPN (Maoist) leader Barsha Man Pun was likely to file his candidacy from Jhapa-7, the party backtracked from fielding his candidacy following the request of the cadres. UCPN (Maoist) has fielded the candidacy of Gopal Kiranti from this constituency.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dahal to Confront his Slapper</strong></span></div> <div> Padam Bahadur Kunwar, who shot to fame after slapping UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a public programme in the capital last year, filed his candidacy against Dahal at Constituency 10 of Kathmandu. A resident of Baglung, Kunwar filed his candidacy as an independent candidate from the constituency that also has Chairman Dahal as a contender. </div> <div> </div> <div> Talking to media persons on the occasion, Kunwar, however, said that he has to do nothing with personal animosity.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Clashes in Khalanga</strong></span></div> <div> Except in Khalanga of Salyan, no violence cases were reported on the day of filing nominations under the first-past-the-post election system. Clashes ensued in Salyan’s district headquarter Khalanga between the UCPN and CPN-Maoist cadres. Around dozen cadres from both parties were injured during the clashes. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>UML Candidate Alam Shot</strong></span></div> <div> An unidentified group has shot at Mohammad Alam, a candidate of the FPTP election from CPN (UML) from Bara 4 last Thursday. Seriously injured Alam was airlifted to Kathmandu for further treatment. He is undergoing treatment at the Teaching Hospital. According to an eye witness, two unidentified persons riding on a motorcycle with Indian number plate shot at Alam. CPN-UML, NC and other parties have condemned the attack. Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Ministry of Home Affairs Shankar Prasad Koirala has said that the government has intensified the manhunt to nab the shooters. The Election Commission has also written to the government asking it to provide security to the CA poll candidates.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', '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' => 'Altogether 6,352 candidates have filed their nominations under the first-past-the-post election system last Thursday for the Constituent Assembly (CA) election 2013 in 240 electoral constituencies across the country. According to the Election Commission, out of the total candidates, 1,000 are independent, 591 women, 5,761 men and one from third gender.', 'sortorder' => '1784', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1925', 'article_category_id' => '139', 'title' => 'Nepal And The World News In Brief (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Pakistan to Privatise 31 Entities </strong></span></div> <div> Pakistan has decided to sell at least 26 per cent shares of 31 state-owned entities, including the flag carrier PIA and Pakistan Railways, in a massive privatisation move to fulfil a key clause of the IMF’s USD 6.7 billion bailout, reports said on Thursday. The government has directed the Privatisation Commission to immediately start the process of selling 31 public sector entities (PSEs) through initial and secondary public offering and transfer of 26 per cent shares along with management control, to the private sector, the Dawn reported. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>US Set to be Top Energy Producer in 2013</strong></span></div> <div> The United States could push past Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest single producer of oil and of natural gas this year, a US government agency said on Friday. While the US was roughly even with Russia as the top producer in 2012 of the petroleum and gas fuels combined, it still lagged the longtime leader Saudi Arabia as an oil producer.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>ADB Cuts Asia Growth Forecasts </strong></span></div> <div> The Asian Development Bank cut its economic growth forecast for developing Asia on Wednesday, citing weakness in region’s two largest economies China and India and jitters over plans to scale back US stimulus that destabilized financial markets.The Manila-based lender said it expects the region’s emerging economies to grow by 6 per cent this year, down from 6.6 per cent predicted in April. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Airlines Fill Record Number of Seats : IATA</strong></span></div> <div> World airline traffic expanded by 6.8 percent in August, enabling the industry to match an all-time record of 83.4 percent of seats filled, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Wednesday. “August was a positive month for passenger travel,” IATA chief Tony Tyler said in a statement, pointing out that the overall passenger load factor, or percentage of seats filled, matched a record set in July 2011. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>German Unemployment in Surprise Increase</strong></span></div> <div> The number of people out of work in Germany unexpectedly rose by a seasonally adjusted 25,000 in September to just under three million. Analysts had penciled in a fall of 5,000, after a rise of 9,000 in August.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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 United States could push past Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest single producer of oil and of natural gas this year, a US government agency said on Friday. While the US was roughly even with Russia as the top producer in 2012 of the petroleum and gas fuels combined, it still lagged the longtime leader Saudi Arabia as an oil producer.', 'sortorder' => '1783', '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' => '1924', 'article_category_id' => '161', 'title' => '“Proper Use Of Technology Supports Livelihood Of Communities”', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Achyut Luitel" src="/userfiles/images/al.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 250px; height: 270px;" />Achyut Luitel</strong> is the South Asia Regional Director of Practical Action, a United Kingdom based INGO working to improve the livelihood of poor communities through use of appropriate technologies along with disaster risk reduction and sanitation. In an interview with <strong>Sanjeev Sharma</strong> and <strong>Modnath Dhakal</strong> of The Corporate, Luitel talked about Practical Action’s activities in Nepal. <strong>Excerpts :</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Could you shed light on the major working areas of Practical Action Nepal?</strong></span></div> <div> Currently, we are working on four thematic areas - agricultural livelihood, disaster risk reduction, decentralized energy systems and urbanisation. As most Nepali citizens are dependent on agriculture, we have integrated market access of agro products, food security and livelihood of farmers. This approach is basically designed to help people of rural areas to raise their living standard through the combination of effective agricultural mechanisms and market access of the agro products they produce. Similarly, disaster risk reduction is focused on reducing the vulnerabilities of climate change which is posing a big threat in Nepal. Likewise, decentralized energy systems are our other major objective which is targeted to assist scattered communities to fulfill their minimum energy requirements as well as to help them in total energy access. We are associated with the United Nation’s ‘Sustainable Energy for All by 2030’ global campaign and are working closely with the Planning Commission to achieve the energy objectives. Finally, the thematic area of urbanisation is designed to reduce urban poverty. The decade-long insurgency and opportunities in the cities contributed to the rise of migration of rural people to the urban areas. This has led to increase in the number of poor in cities which is becoming a major problem. Our program Urban WASH (water and sanitation, hygiene education) programme is focused on improving the lives of the urban poor population. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How successful has it been to use technology to raise the living standard of targeted groups?</strong></span></div> <div> We have tried to address poverty related issues through the use of technology. We have introduced a new concept called ‘Technology Justice.’ The term has been defined as an alternative access to provide services to targeted groups that are underprivileged from taking advantage of new technology. One example is the use of the gravity ropeway system. Similarly, we are also providing technical assistance to farmers to adopt new farming techniques. </div> <div> </div> <div> Lack of power surplus in Nepal has created a huge gap between people of urban and rural areas. Even people living in slum areas deserve to use a solar lantern. The alternative technology access programme can address the issue to some extent. We provide information as audio/visual contents to communities through our local partners. PA Nepal believes that the proper use of technology can support livelihood of communities. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Could you please elaborate the financial model that Practical Action has adopted? </strong></span></div> <div> We have two types of fund. First is the unrestricted fund known as the core allocation. The chunk of money from the fund is used for staff salary, office expenses, among others. The fund is also used in the piloting of new projects. As a member-based organization, our donors and supporters throughout Europe and United Kingdom provide us with donations. Next is the restricted fund that is brought in by winning international biddings. The money received in the restricted fund is allocated to the implementation of projects. Various trusts also help us in fund-raising activities. We submit an annual audit report to the government. We are spending about 2.5 million Sterling Pounds (Rs 400 million) each year.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The PA has been publishing the ‘Poor Peoples Energy Outlook’ (PPEO) report every year. How has the report helped the Nepal Government to outline and implement policies to reduce poverty regarding energy use?</strong></span></div> <div> We have been publishing The PPEO on an annual basis. The basic theme of the project is the way to use energy in community services and enterprise development. It is a livelihood-centered approach. The project can create awareness among stakeholders to take energy in a broad level. There is huge feasibility in enterprise development and community services (street lamp, school lamp). We need to take energy through the concept of minimum energy requirement and total energy access. However, the level of change is based on available resources and the political will of the nation. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Achyut Luitel is the South Asia Regional Director of Practical Action, a United Kingdom based INGO working to improve the livelihood of poor communities through use of appropriate technologies along with disaster risk reduction and sanitation.', 'sortorder' => '1782', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1920', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Poverty Alleviation A Challenge Despite Economic Growth', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> South Asia has failed to reduce poverty and ensure food security, said a report released by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) last week. Though the region has been able to achieve an average economic growth of 6.5 per cent annually from 2000 to 2012, its overall poverty status has not improved. </div> <div> </div> <div> The report ‘SAARC Regional Poverty Profile 2009-10’ launched by Chairman of the Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi last week in Kathmandu, underlined that 32 per cent of South Asians still live on less than $1.25-per person-a-day which is a state of absolute poverty.</div> <div> </div> <div> “While some countries of the region like Nepal may be nearer to achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving the number of people in extreme poverty by 2015, the rest of the South Asian region – home to one third of the world’s poor – still has high incidences of poverty, hunger and malnutrition,” the report said. “Food production has improved considerably over time in all countries of the region, but inter-country and intra-country variations persist.”</div> <div> </div> <div> India is self-sufficient in all major foodstuffs except pulses and edible oils, according to the report. Pakistan is self-sufficient in wheat and rice.</div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s index of per capita food production has improved marginally. However, it still depends on imports for most of its food items including cereals, pulses and fish. </div> <div> </div> <div> According to the report, Bangladesh is more or less self-sufficient in rice but imports wheat. Afghanistan, Bhutan and the Maldives depend on imports for most food items to meet their domestic demand, while Sri Lanka meets nearly 99 per cent of its rice requirements internally but imports 97 per cent of its demand for pulses.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-06', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', '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' => 'South Asia has failed to reduce poverty and ensure food security, said a report released by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) last week. Though the region has been able to achieve an average economic growth of 6.5 per cent annually from 2000 to 2012, its overall poverty status has not improved.', 'sortorder' => '1781', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1919', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Informal Trade Still A High In South Asian Region', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> An audit on South Asia regional customs facilitation is being started with a target to complete in one year where customs formalities and border hassles in the region will be assessed. </div> <div> </div> <div> South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) launched the project “Trade and Transport Facilitation Audit in South Asia” to conduct the audit last week. </div> <div> </div> <div> The audit report will aim at providing factual information on the reliability and efficiency of transportation infrastructure, logistic operations, customs and border management regulations and procedures, said research director at SAWTEE, Pushpa Sharma. </div> <div> </div> <div> The audit report is expected to reveal the status of customs facilitation for bilateral trade among South Asian countries, according to Sharma. “After the study of trade facilitation at a bilateral level, the study will focus on identifying regional problems regarding trade facilitation,” he said.</div> <div> </div> <div> Informal trade is still a big challenge in the region but we do not have any authentic data, he said. The audit will not directly calculate the volume of informal trade but will study the causes of informal trade and recommend appropriate measures to reduce the volume of informal trade.</div> <div> </div> <div> Costs related to trade facilitation, infrastructure and transit have risen over the years, which has promoted informal trade in South Asia, according to experts. </div> <div> </div> <div> Effective trade integration is necessary to reduce the cost burden, said former member of National Planning Commission, Dr Posh Raj Pandey. “Trade facilitation is a must to improve overall cost related trade barriers but we should have a benchmark to improve the condition of trade facilitation,” he said, adding that the audit will provide the benchmark with all trade barriers in the formal channel.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite the fall in traditional trade barriers, the given circumstances in the region have forced exporters, businesses and consumers to bear additional cost burden, according to him. </div> <div> </div> <div> Economist Dr Ratnakar Adhikari said that generally, costs are incurred due to lack of regional trade connectivity and impenetrable borders. Regional commitment is required to address the identified bottlenecks, he further said. </div> <div> </div> <div> Iqbal Tabish, Secretary General of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, mentioned that benefits of trade liberalization will not be realized unless trade facilities are rationalized.</div> <div> </div> <div> Finance minister Shanker Prasad Koirala stated that the cost of trading within the region among South Asian countries is twice, and in some cases, even three times, than trading with countries outside the region.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite the existence of several regional efforts, such as Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), intra-regional trade in South Asia has remained extremely modest due to a number of factors, one of which is trade and transport facilitation-related bottlenecks.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a separate programme organised by International Finance Corporation (IFC), chief secretary Lila Mani Paudyal said that the government is committed to improving its trade competitiveness. “Reducing the time and costs to international trade, in particular, is critical for the Nepali private sector to compete internationally and access global markets,” he said. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> The Department of Customs is implementing its four year Customs Reform and Modernization Strategy and Action Plan since July 2013 which comprises of four building blocks: Trade Facilitation, High Revenue Yield, Organizational Development, and e-Customs, according to Surya Prasad Acharya, Director General of the Department of Customs. </div> <div> </div> <div> IFC is committed to enhance trade facilitation including focusing on simplifying border processes & procedures, and improving risk management systems, said IFC Resident Representative in Nepal Valentino S Bagatsing. “The reforms in the trade environment will provide a much needed boost as Nepali businesses position their products in accessing global markets,” he said.</div> <div> </div> <div> IFC’s South Asia Regional Trade Integration programme aims to assist the government in focusing its reform efforts to create an enabling environment for improving trade facilitation and logistics. IFC works with both private sector and government agencies in identifying areas where reform efforts can help maximize improvements for the private sector to improve cross-border trade and investments.</div> <div> </div> <div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Main Explanatory Factors for Informal Trade </strong></span></div> <div> •Businesses have incentive to escape trade related regulations and duties </div> <div> •Complex, non-transparent or divergent regulatory requirements (e.g., customs formalities, technical regulations and sanitary standards) </div> <div> •Long and costly customs delays when trading formally</div> <div> •Obstructed entry or exit of certain commodities, caused by import quotas or export bans </div> <div> •Foreign exchange controls</div> <div> •Weak law enforcement at the borders</div> </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-06', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'An audit on South Asia regional customs facilitation is being started with a target to complete in one year where customs formalities and border hassles in the region will be assessed. South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) launched the project “Trade and Transport Facilitation Audit in South Asia” to conduct the audit last week.', 'sortorder' => '1780', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1916', 'article_category_id' => '159', 'title' => 'Balanced Person', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong>By Upashana Neupane</strong><br /> <br /> Rabindra Rajaure, HR Manager of Chaudhary Group chooses the word ‘outgoing’ to define himself. When asked how he manages his personal and professional life, he says, “I make it a point to become organized and balanced as much as possible. Life is much easier when it is balanced”.Despite his busy schedule, he never leaves room for his family to complain about lack of family time. Whenever he has time, he spends it with his family. Dang, which is his hometown too, is the place he usually go for vacations. “Spending time with family is as important as your office work,” he says. A frequent traveller, Rajaure remembers his trip to Mahabaleshwor in Maharashtra, India as the most memorable one in his life.<br /> <br /> Rajaure used to spend most of his spare time reading books, but that has changed now. He is now the father of a 10 month old baby girl, and most of his time is spent taking care of her. “All of my free time that I can get out of my busy schedule, I spend it with my daughter. Playing with her and taking care of her fills me with immense energy and happiness,” he shares with a smile.<br /> <br /> Rajaure is a music loving person, and also has written and composed a few songs. Apart from Music, his deviation is towards sports as well. A huge sport fan, Rajaure’s favourite sports are football and cricket. Whenever possible, he likes to have some time with his friends as he says it refreshes him and makes him forget the daily rush. According to him, Nagarkot is his favourite place to hang out."<br /> <br /> Not very fond of social networking sites, Rajaure is available on them but isn’t very active. Rajaure believes having a happy and successful family life is as important as achieving success in one’s career. He says taking a break or holiday once in a while is very important for a person. “Holidays give us some time for ourselves, away from our work and career. It rejuvenates our mind, and helps improve our performance when we return to work”, he shares.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-28', 'keywords' => 'cover story headlines from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion current and latest cover story news from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Lifestyle & Fashion economic news and events, ongoing cover story news of Nepal', 'description' => 'Rabindra Rajaure, HR Manager of Chaudhary Group chooses the word ‘outgoing’ to define himself. When asked how he manages his personal and professional life, he says, “I make it a point to become organized and balanced as much as possible', 'sortorder' => '1777', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1908', 'article_category_id' => '99', 'title' => '34th World Tourism Day Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a programme on Friday on the occasion of 34th World Tourism Day. Two new tourist destinations were made public in the programme that served as the main event for this year’s World Tourism Day. The new destinations are Great Buddhist Trail and Chitlang Village. The Great Buddhist Trail aims to promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It was also informed in the programme that the 300 km long trail stretches from Kathmandu to Banganga River. The Trail will be completed within next three years. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Nepal announced Chitlang village in Makwanpur district as ´Village Tourism Destination 2013/14’. President of VITOF Shiva Lamichhane said that Chitlang can be easily reached by foot, cycling and through other vehicles and is a perfect destination to spend holidays. The destinations were made public by Officiating Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Tek Bahadur Thapa Gharti. Minister Gharti and Tourism Secretary Sushil Ghimire also inaugurated the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Counter and the new Help Desk and Information Centre in NTB. Ghimire also informed in the programme that Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairahawa will be developed as Nepal’s second international airport by June 2017. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, NTB appointed Chimmi Sherpa, first Miss Sherpa and Min Bahadur Serchan, the eldest Nepali to climb Mount Everest as the goodwill ambassador of Nepali tourism industry in the event. Also in the programme, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) announced that it will take the responsibility of cleaning Bishnumati River. Ramesh Dhamala, President of TAAN informed that NTB, Social Welfare Council and other concerned authorities will assist TAAN in this endeavour. </div> <div> </div> <div> The 34th World Tourism Day was celebrated with various programmes from 21 to 29 September. The programmes included welcoming of tourists at various tourist sites by different tourism organizations, discounts to tourists at hotels and restaurants, cleaning of tourist sites, street festivals and cultural shows among others. More than 40 tourism organizations were involved in the celebrations. Different tourism organizations took out a rally in the morning of September 27 as part of the celebrations.</div> <div> </div> <div> Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, NTB and TAAN along with number of travel trade organizations participated in the rally. The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day was Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', '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' => 'Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a programme on Friday on the occasion of 34th World Tourism Day. Two new tourist destinations were made public in the programme that served as the main event for this year’s World Tourism Day. The new destinations are Great Buddhist Trail and Chitlang Village. The Great Buddhist Trail aims to promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It was also informed in the programme that the 300 km long trail stretches from Kathmandu to Banganga River. The Trail will be completed within next three years.', 'sortorder' => '1776', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1914', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'How To Choose Corporate Clothing And Apparel', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language. Impressions formed by the first few glances of a person impact thoughts about their personality, diligence and intelligence. First impressions tend to last a while and can be hard to shake off.', 'content' => '<p><strong>Photo: Rukesh Shrestha<br /> <br /> <br /> Model: Kusum Neupane<br /> Wardrobe: Purple Boutique,<br /> Naxal, Kathmandu</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>By TC Correspondent</strong><br /> <br /> in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language. Impressions formed by the first few glances of a person impact thoughts about their personality, diligence and intelligence. First impressions tend to last a while and can be hard to shake off.<br /> <br /> When it comes to work and business, it definitely pays to find out about the company’s culture and dress code and determine how people at your level dress. A tip for dressing for job interviews is to dress as one would for a client meeting: a little more formally than day-to-day business wear. This will help project an attitude of confidence and professionalism.<br /> <br /> While talking about the corporate dress or the business dress, according to my view, white shirt with black coat and pant suites the most for boys and for girls, white shirt with black coat and short skirts touching the knee will be the best if there is not especial dress code in the office.<br /> </p> <ul> <li>Clothing should be neat, smart and subtle. This also applies to hairstyle and perfume. Do not let your employers be sidetracked by showy apparel.</li> <li>In the corporate world, hairstyles should be chosen to bewell-groomed and tidy.</li> <li>I think, simple but formal look help you to give impression in corporate world. Any visible piercings should be removed and we have to cover any tattoos when we are in the work.</li> <li>Clothing should be laundered and ironed. Always make sure that it fits properly and that adjustments are not needed when sitting, walking or leaning over.</li> </ul> <p>Wearing dress is not only enough. We should wear neat clothes with well ironed and that catch the mind of the people positively.n They should say she is very good officers who is energetic and well managed. Dressing shows our energy as well. If we wear dirty dress and no ironed at all then people will say that she is very lazy and how can such lazy people work at office? To be a potential staff our energy, our courtesy and our dress up carry the great points.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2015-07-28', 'keywords' => 'Lifestyle & Fashion cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Lifestyle & Fashion, cover story headlines from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion current and latest cover story news from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Lifestyle & Fashion economic ', 'description' => 'in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language.', 'sortorder' => '1775', 'image' => '1380622740.jpg', 'article_date' => '2015-07-28 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1913', 'article_category_id' => '199', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (30 September - 3 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong><img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech1.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> 15% in US Shun Internet</strong><br /> <br /> Despite a seemingly unstoppable move to digital lifestyles, some 15 per cent of Americans don't use the Internet, and most are quite content to remain offline, a survey shows. The survey released Wednesday found that in addition to the 15 per cent of adults who don't use the Internet on any device, another nine per cent say they only go online at their workplace. The report by the Pew Research Center found a whopping 92 per cent of these "offline adults" with no interest in using the Internet or email in the near future. <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech2.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>Tweets Reveal Global News Readership Patterns: Study</strong><br /> <br /> Different countries have stronger preference towards different types of articles - Americans and Brits are drawn to opinion and world news, while Brazilians go for sports, a twitter analysis has found. Researchers used data collected from Twitter to study readers' news preferences across the globe and discovered that different countries have stronger preference towards different types of articles. While Americans and British readers like opinion and world news, Spaniards prefer local and national news, Brazilians are drawn to sports and arts, and Germans go for politics and economy. The researchers also found that German and Spanish readers are more likely to read national newspapers compared to British readers, who prefer foreign publications.<br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech3.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 93px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>BlackBerry Reports $1bn Quarterly Loss</strong></p> <p> BlackBerry reported a quarterly loss of nearly $1 billion on Friday, in line with last week’s warning, days after accepting its largest shareholder’s tentative $4.7 billion bid to take it out of the public eye. BlackBerry, which had warned of poor results on September 20th, said its net loss for the second quarter ended on August 31st was $965 million, or $1.84 a share. Revenue fell 45 per cent to $1.6 billion from a year earlier. <br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech4.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>Study Puts iPhone 5S Production Costs at $191</strong><br /> <br /> While the iPhone 5S includes a handful of new features that set it apart from Apple's previous model, the actual cost to make the phone hasn't changed very much, according to a new study. An IHS Inc. teardown of the new smartphone found that the components that make up a 16-gigabyte iPhone 5S cost $190.70. Manufacturing costs add another $8, bringing the total production cost to $198.70. In comparison, the iPhone 5, which hit the market a year ago, cost $197 to make.</p> <p> <br /> <strong><img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech5.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 99px;" /><br /> <br /> Samsung to Launch Smartphone with Curved Display</strong></p> <p> Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said it will introduce a smartphone with a curved display in October, as the world's top handset maker seeks to set the pace of hardware innovation and maintain its supremacy in a fiercely competitive business. Curved displays are an early stage in screen evolution which is shifting to bendable or foldable designs, eventually allowing mobile and wearable gadgets to take on new forms that could radically change the high-end smartphone market.<br /> <br /> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'Brands & Technology cover story news & articles, Brands & Technology news & articles from Brands & Technology, Brands & Technology headlines from nepal, Brands & Technology current and latest Brands & Technology news from nepal, Brands & Technology economic news from nepal, nepali Brands & Technolo', 'description' => 'Despite a seemingly unstoppable move to digital lifestyles, some 15 per cent of Americans don't use the Internet, and most are quite content to remain offline, a survey shows.', 'sortorder' => '1774', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1910', 'article_category_id' => '205', 'title' => 'Third Money Expo 2013 Talks', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 16px;">The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in capital in the end of October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal. An interaction programme ‘Demystifying New Mode of Trade and Payments’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as headway to the Expo. This interaction was dedicated to clear the existing technology that has been replaced by new technologies in the fields of trade and payments. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. <strong>Excerpts: </strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Biswas Dhakal" src="/userfiles/images/bs.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Biswas Dhakal</span></strong></div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">President, F1Soft International Ltd</span></strong></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our main objective is to facilitate customers with new and easy services. Other companies also carry similar objectives to make life easier for customers through digital transactions. Every transaction should be a digital transaction, be it large banking transactions or daily life transactions. We have initiated the online transaction service with this same purpose. This brings money to the banking sector and also increases investment. Remittance, which has covered large areas in the Nepali economy, is also brought to the country through online systems. The procedure of an online system is very easy and can be used by everyone. It can be done by simply sending an SMS and people are seen to be interested towards this service. But due to various reasons, the popularity of this system has not increased yet. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main problem of the digital system is a lack of its credibility among people. But the system is totally secured from our side. We have adopted international norms for security in the system. Our first priority is to provide secured transactions and we have not received any complaints regarding security and services from our customers.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main obstacle for digital transaction in reference to the worldwide global practice is digital illiteracy. Moreover, in an education deprived country like ours, the problem is huge. So it is impossible to achieve hundred per cent digital coverage in Nepal. However, our concept is to move from developed to less developed areas. For example, 50 per cent families of Kathmandu have their representatives abroad. A major responsibility for those abroad is to send money to their family. If we can convince the people in Kathmandu towards online transaction, they can opt for a digital medium as their mode of transaction. Moreover, the family in Kathmandu can also use an online medium to send money and other materials abroad. We can then enter rural areas as well. Using personal brand ambassadors rather than our individual effort for promotion would be more effective.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is a misconception that few government policies have created obstacles. However, if all processes are completed, it is not that difficult to work. Everyone involved in transaction has their own process. The Nepal Rastra Bank also has its own policy. The foreign exchange department also has its own policy. We cannot exist for long in this sector if we bypass their policies. According to the policy of the Nepal Rastra Bank, a private organization cannot hold funds of customers. So, we appointed banks for the payment and provided the custody of customers’ money to them. Similarly, foreign currencies are also handled by banks. So, there are no hurdles due to rules and regulations if they are handled properly.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Samir Vajracharya" src="/userfiles/images/sv(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Samir Vajracharya</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Chief Technology Officer, Smart Choice Technology</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Smart Choice Technology (SCT) started in 2001 AD when there were hardly 4-5 ATMs and 10,000 cards. Currently, there are 15, 000 cards under the SCT network only and more than 18,000 people with access to cash. A total of 85 financial institutions are affiliated with SCT. We have focused on ATM transactions and Point of Sale (POS), mainly. There is a vast difference in the situation now and then. Our vision is to provide easy access to financial activities to the people and we have been successful in our mission to a large extent. This does not mean that this is the line of satisfaction as a large number of people hesitate to use ATMs still. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Nepali market is not ready for e-services, which has been the main hurdle for increment in the online market. We should be able to make people aware about the importance of online transactions so that their interest level towards this service increases.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The government is not being able to lead this sector which is also seen as a major problem. The government should introduce some compulsory regulations regarding online services to increase people’s involvement in this sector. This is only due to the contribution and dedication of the private sector that online services have reached up to this level. But without support from the government, the online sector cannot sustain for long. The private sector is profit-oriented, but if the government sector takes charge then this sector can be service-oriented.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Though the issue of security is big in this sector, SCT is very much concerned about the security issue and has worked on it. Our cards are based on pin codes which are the safest medium in this sector in comparison to a signature as it can be copied. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Customers have to face problems because of problems in network but these problems are not solely from theSCT network. There are various service providers including telecom, banks and others involved with it. This is difficult to manage as network problems may arise anywhere anytime. People should be aware of this.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Poorly developed infrastructures and a lack of skilled manpower are also major obstacles in the context of Nepal. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are also facing problems because of political instability and power cuts. The companies from foreign countries are interested to work with us which is a positive sign for us but these vital problems are blocking them to work with us. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Similarly, there is a lack of government policy. The central bank should provide a benchmark to other banks for e-payment. It is difficult for the private sector to work without a benchmark. We are discussing with concerned authorities to solve these issues.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <img alt="Rabin Kumar Shrestha" src="/userfiles/images/rks.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 244px;" /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Rabin Kumar Shrestha</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Chief Technical Officer, PayBill</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are making maximum efforts for improvement of the online sector but we are not getting results accordingly. There are various reasons for this. Firstly, people are not aware of this system. Most people still believe that the internet is only limited to the social media. They are not aware that various transactions can also be done through the internet. These people can be attracted to this sector if they are made aware.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The issue of security is also a major concern but this system is very much secured. Customers should send two smses to transact from PEBIL. After the first sms, we send an alpha code to the customer and after that the customer must send both the alpha code and pin through sms. Only after this will they will be able to transact. So, this way our system is secured but people are still not convinced.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Subas Dhungana" src="/userfiles/images/sd.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 244px;" />Subash Dhungana</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Executive, iPay</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>iPay is an online payment system. We have been operating Muncha.com since 2002. Our services were limited to gift packages for long though we were not satisfied with the results. But some positive signs are emerging now based on which we are expanding our services. We have moved towards bringing remittance and media sites for downloading files along with online shopping. We have made agreements with seven banks for this purpose recently. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main reason behind the failure of e-commerce sites is the failure of payment to customers. For online payment, there are e-sewa, PayBill, SCT, credit card and our own production iPay which are associated with seven banks. But if the customer is asked to pay online, then s/he makes various excuses as they are not aware of these services. So cards of Nepali banks should get international validity for easy access to online payment. Around 20-25 people register in Muncha.com but at the end, they have problems with the payment system. Therefore, an easy way for payment should be initiated with support from the government or the central bank. Though these issues are discussed, we are lacking behind in implementation. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We have not faced any problem regarding security, nor have we received any complaints. We are practicing international norms of security in our system. We can’t say that the online medium is hundred percent secured but problems have not occurred yet. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Political instability is also main problem for this sector. The number of internet users has increased, but political stability is must for the sector’s rapid growth. Political stability brings employment, and it is when people are engaged and busy that they start engaging in online activities. </div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Bal K. Joshi" src="/userfiles/images/bkj.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Bal K. Joshi</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>President, MACHNET</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nepal has immense potential for e-commerce. Though there is not much expansion in this sector, the condition has not worsened. There are a lot of websites conducting e-commerce and their businesses have increased through the medium. The expansion of the market for e-commerce depends upon target customers and identifying their needs.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main problem at present is not being able to invite international transactions to our country. PayPal is popular for this at national and international levels. But there are some procedural problems in the use of PayPal digital transaction in Nepal. The customers have to pay an extra fee to send the money. For example, if a person has to send 2000 dollars then s/he will have to pay around 2500 dollars. So, there is no prospect for using PayPal to expand the digital transaction market in Nepal. We are introducing a new platform related to money transfer for the first time in Nepal to make it easier for Nepali customers to transfer money from abroad. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'NuBiz Events, Third Money Expo 2013', 'description' => 'The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in capital in the end of October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal. An interaction programme ‘Demystifying New Mode of Trade and Payments’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as headway to the Expo.', 'sortorder' => '1773', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1911', 'article_category_id' => '198', 'title' => 'Green Branding', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong><img alt="madankhatri" src="/userfiles/images/Madan.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 155px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px;" /><br /> Madan Khatri</strong><br /> <strong>Marketing Executive</strong><br /> <strong>Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd, Banepa</strong></p> <p> </p> <div> <p align="left"> <strong>By Bhawani Timilsina</strong></p> </div> <p align="left"> The Nepali branded furniture market, though not completely evolved, has been flourishing slowly in recent times. Kathmandu’s homemakers are increasingly becoming brand-conscious which has made branding an essential process for any furniture company. When the market is flooded with Chinese products, some precious locally-made brands become key players. “It will not be difficult to replace foreign products in terms of quality; however, we have to make our customers aware that Nepali brands are not weak,” says Madan Khatri, Marketing Executive of Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd in Banepa.</p> <p align="left"> Shaan furniture is an emerging furniture brand in the Nepali market. ‘Shaan’, the journey of pride began in 1993. In a two-decade long journey, the brand has created its own value in the domestic market. “It is very hard to establish a brand in the domestic market,” he says. Though the company was dealing merely with wooden products in the beginning, it now deals with a huge variety of products.</p> <p align="left"> ‘Shaan’ implies that to have a domestic brand is a matter of pride. “It reflects that we are proud to be a part of the furniture market,” he says. The brand name evokes a sense of pride in being locally-made. The popularity of a brand is an asset to any company. “Brands give tremendous contribution to the company,” Khatri says and claims that the strength of the brand assures the quality of the product. The company has organized two furniture expos thus far at the Bhrikutimandap, the one for this year having commenced on September 25, to support domestic furniture brands. The company has dealers in Dilibazar, Banepa, Patan, Kumaripati, Maharajgunj, Butwal and Gwarko.</p> <p align="left"> We are highly motivated by the feedback our customers have given which also maintains the bond between the brand and its consumers. “The logo which is a green tree symbolizes that furniture must go hand-in-hand with environmental conservation,” he clarifies.</p> <p align="left"> “The significant aspect of our brand lies in the originality of the raw materials we have been using to generate products. It makes us stand out from other brands. We have been focusing on local raw materials which are the strength of our brand. We are trying to deliver the message that our brand and products can endure in quality and style,” he adds.</p> <p align="left"> The company, as of now, places huge priority on reliability rather than texture and appearance of its products. It has yet to work on branding. “We are waiting to see what will be a suitable way to brand our product as many furniture brands are becoming popular these days,” explains Khatri. “Sustainability of the brand can be continued by incorporating change in technology and interest of customers,” he adds.</p> <p align="left"> The management team at Shaan is well aware of the concept and the company has been trying to shape its brand and products accordingly. Though the company’s active participation began only a couple of years ago, the management team thinks that the brand has succeeded in making its space in consumers’ consciousness. “Being top-listed among domestic brands, customers do show interest in our products,” Khatri says.</p> <p align="left"> The cost and value of Shaan furniture’s products appear well balanced. “Our target groups are middle class people and the price range has been set accordingly,” Khatri says. The expo has largely helped Khatri and company communicate with customers and the brand’s market share today stands at 12 percent of the total market. With a promise for quality and a spirit for environmental consciousness, Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd seems to be on a promising path to emerge as a strong brand in the near future.</p> <p> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'Brands & Technology cover story news & articles, Brands & Technology news & articles from Brands & Technology, Brands & Technology headlines from nepal, Brands & Technology current and latest Brands & Technology news from nepal, Brands & Technology economic news from nepal, nepali Brands & Technolo', 'description' => 'Promise for quality and environmental consciousness makes Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd likely to emerge as a strong brand', 'sortorder' => '1772', 'image' => '1380616765.jpg', 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1909', 'article_category_id' => '100', 'title' => 'Tourism Briefs (30 September - 3 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong> SIA Boosts India Network</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/sia.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 130px;" />Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir boosted its India network from 27 October 2013. The airline will boost India-Singapore services from 98 to 107 times weekly across 11 Indian cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam. The flight additions include third daily service between New Delhi-Singapore on SIA, while SilkAir will its 10th weekly service from Kochi and fourth weekly service from Viskhapatnam. G M Toh, general manager in India for Singapore Airlines said, “India is an extremely important market for the Singapore Airlines Group and the nine additional weekly services clearly demonstrate our commitment to growing business and tourism exchange between both countries. We look forward to further expanding our footprint in India with customer-centric investments focused on quality products and services.” (Traveldailymedia.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Chinese Airlines Take off with A320</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/nca(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;height: 134px; width: 200px;" />Two new Chinese airlines have taken a major step forward in their development, with the signing of major aircraft deals with Airbus. Qingdao Airlines, based in Shandong province, and Zhejiang Loong Airlines, which will operate from Zhejiang province, are both preparing to launch commercial flights in the coming months. And ahead of these debuts, both airlines this week penned major orders for the Airbus A320 aircraft. Qingdao Airlines’ order includes five standard A320s and 18 of the new, fuel-efficient A320neo, with a total value of US$2.18 billion at current list prices. Meanwhile Zhejiang Loong Airlines has placed a firm order for 11 standard A320s and nine A320neos, worth US $ 1.84 billion. Both agreements were signed at the 15th Aviation Expo China 2013, which is taking place in Beijing this week. (Traveldailymedia.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Travelocity Inveils iOS 7 Hotel Booking App </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/tvs(3).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 134px;" />Travelocity has announced the release of ‘Hotel Booking with Travelocity’; a new mobile app crafted specifically for the new iOS 7 operating system. The app, which joins the family of Travelocity iPhone apps, was recently featured at Apple’s Keynote Event in September and can be used to book hotel stays. Noteworthy features include a new, highly visual layout. The home screen now includes images from destinations around the world to inspire them as they dream about and plan their travel. It also has AirDrop functionality and card scanning technology that allows app users to scan their card for faster payment. (Traveldailynews.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>World Travel Awards Selects Doha, Qatar for Grand Final </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/qtr.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 174px;" />World Travel Awards (WTA) has confirmed its 20th anniversary Grand Final will be hosted by La Cigale Hotel, Doha on November 30th 2013. WTA recognises, acknowledges and rewards the leading travel, tourism and hospitality organisations. The awards is recognised worldwide as the hallmark of industry excellence. The Wall Street Journal is among the many publications that have heralded WTA as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. The first ever event was held in Hollywood in 1994 and since then World Travel Awards has hosted Gala Ceremonies every year to celebrate the best in the international travel industry. (Traveldailynews.com)</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', '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' => 'Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir boosted its India network from 27 October 2013. The airline will boost India-Singapore services from 98 to 107 times weekly across 11 Indian cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam.', 'sortorder' => '1771', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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And he has successfully avoided conflict between these two worlds working both as the Director of NTA and a visiting faculty at different universities of Nepal. Khanal has been teaching courses related to telecommunications and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). Besides engineering in the telecom and ICT sector, Khanal is a gold medallist in Bachelors of Law (LLB), has deep interest in management and leadership and also in philosophy and spiritualism. </div> <div> </div> <div> His life outside the office is not confined within four walls. Khanal says he is open to anything that comes his way during his free time. A confident and passionate person, Khanal has passion for reading, writing and public speaking. “If I get more spare time, you will find me either reading, writing, speaking, listening to music or meditating,” he shares. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> A conscientious and dependable friend, Khanal likes spending his free time with like-minded friends – those with a passion for spirituality, philosophy and music. He also loves tranquillity and the company of his own self. He is also fond of introspection through meditation. </div> <div> </div> <div> Holidays are mere getaways from the daily routine at work. For Khanal, it is an opportunity to freshen up and rejuvenate the self. He is a traveller without a plan. He says, “I do not normally plan my holidays. I accept any good opportunity without much calculation.” Khanal recalls his unplanned trips to Mustang, trekking in the Helambu region, Nagarkot, hiking in Shivapuri and numerous other impromptu tours as one of the most pleasing vacations of all time. If he is granted with extended free time, Khanal wishes to trek into the virgin lands of Nepal.</div> <div> </div> <div> An avid traveller, Khanal does not have a particular favourite destination. Recently, he was in Seoul of South Korea for a business visit and says it was an enjoyable trip. Moreover, he jokes Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath temples are his frequent and regular destinations.</div> <div> </div> <div> However, sports do not feature much in Khanal’s leisure time. He says he has never been into sports even as a child. “I do not play any games. But I used to play cards,” he jokes. </div> <div> </div> <div> Being an ICT professional, Khanal is surrounded by ICT tools and technologies. However, his life in social networking sites is limited by time and work load. He adds, “I use them quite often but it depends upon the availability of time and my work load.”</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Ananda Raj Khanal, Director and Action Chief at Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA,) prefers a boundary between his professional and personal life. And he has successfully avoided conflict between these two worlds working both as the Director of NTA and a visiting faculty at different universities of Nepal. Khanal has been teaching courses related to telecommunications and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).', 'sortorder' => '1787', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1928', 'article_category_id' => '115', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Smartphone App Alerts Users at Risk of Binge Eating</strong></span></div> <div> A smartphone app which aims to strike at the same moment that binge eating urges occur has been developed as part of two new treatments designed to help those suffering from the disorder. Developed by scientists at Drexel University, the ‘Take Control’ app will track users’ individual patterns of consumption and binge eating behaviour, alerting them at times when they may be susceptible to overeating. Alongside this, small-group behavioural therapy techniques are also being created to equip patients with the psychological tools to help them benefit from the standard treatment received by those who binge eat. Binge eating has only recently been identified as an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and is already suspected to affect more than twice the number of people as bulimia nervosa. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Adobe Hacked, 2.9 million Accounts Compromised</strong></span></div> <div> Adobe Systems Inc. said a cyberattack on its systems has exposed credit-card information of 2.9 million customers. The maker of Photoshop and other software said Thursday that the attacker accessed Adobe customer IDs and passwords on its systems. Through that, they were able to remove customer names, encrypted credit and debit card numbers, expiration dates and other information related to orders from customers worldwide. The company does not believe attackers removed credit and debit card numbers that weren’t encrypted.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Google Japan launches Android Game Vending Machines</strong></span></div> <div> Android lovers in Japan now have a cool way to download apps. Google Japan has launched Google Play vending machines that will sell users different games. To use these vending machines, all that a user needs is a smartphone running on Android 4.0 or higher OS and NFC. To get going a user can simply put his device on the NFC-enabled tray, select app and the machine loads it for him. So far there are not many apps, only 18 games are available for download or purchase. These reportedly include Square, Sega, Namco, Gameloft and Kairosoft. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Twitter Reveals $1 Billion IPO Plan</strong></span></div> <div> Twitter Inc. on Thursday revealed plans to raise up to $1 billion in a public offering, looking to cash in on a messaging service that has transformed public conversation but is still losing money and facing challenges attracting new users and advertisers. Potential buyers for the first time saw the financials behind one of the most anticipated stock-market debuts of the year, which showed the social network’s revenue more than doubled to $254 million in the first six months of this year.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Cisco, Google and SAP Discussing BlackBerry Bids </strong></span></div> <div> BlackBerryLtd, on the block as its smartphone business struggles, is in talks with Cisco Systems,Google Inc and SAP about selling them all or parts of itself, several sources close to the matter said. Such a deal would be an alternative to the preliminary agreement reached weeks ago with a group, led by BlackBerry’s biggest shareholder, Fairfax Financial Holdings, to take the company private for about $4.7 billion, a bid which has faced some skepticism because of financing questions.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'A smartphone app which aims to strike at the same moment that binge eating urges occur has been developed as part of two new treatments designed to help those suffering from the disorder. Developed by scientists at Drexel University, the ‘Take Control’ app will track users’ individual patterns of consumption and binge eating behaviour, alerting them at times when they may be susceptible to overeating.', 'sortorder' => '1786', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1927', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'Business Briefs (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nepali Products’ Showroom in Australia </strong></span></div> <div> Sirish Sharma, a Nepali youth has opened a showroom in Stockland Shopping Centre in New Castle, Australia. The showroom named Mt 8848 has on display 96 various Nepali products like Nepali paper, fabric, pashmina and handicrafts. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Yamaha Showroom at Maharajgunj</strong></span></div> <div> MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd, sole authorized distributor for Yamaha Motorcycles in Nepal has opened a new Yamaha showroom at Maharajgunj. The showroom offers facility of sales, service and spares under one roof. The showroom was inaugurated by actress and Goodwill Ambassador for Yamaha Ray Namrata Shrestha on October 4, 2013. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Snickers’ Dashain Offer</strong></span></div> <div> United Distributors Nepal P Ltd, the distributors of Snickers in Nepal has launched a five-day Dashain offer from Oct 5th–9th named ‘Buy a Snickers, Win an iPad Mini Everyday’. With purchase of every 50 gm Snickers, customers will get a coupon through which they can enter a lucky draw to win an iPad Mini every day. This promotion is applicable at all Bhat Bhateni outlets in Kathmandu valley.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nissan Sylphy Launched</strong></span></div> <div> Dugar Brothers and Sons, the authorized distributor of Nissan vehicles for Nepal has launched Nissan Sylphy, a new sedan in the market. Sylphy is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine, ha a ground clearance of 165 mm, and comes with 16 inch wheels. The engine delivers a maximum power of 116 KW at 5,600 rpm, and generates a peak torque of 154 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The sedan is priced at Rs 5,950,000. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sony’s ‘Dashain Tihar, Kushi Ra Upahaar’ Offer</strong></span></div> <div> Nepa Hima TradeLink Pvt Ltd has introduced ‘Dashain Ra Tihar, Khusi Ra Upahar’ scheme for this festive season. Under this scheme, selected models of Sony TVs will be accompanied by Active 3D glasses, Passive 3D glasses, One Touch Remote Controller, Sony high-end blu-ray home theatre system, and DVD Player. Furthermore, customers purchasing Sony Xperia Smartphone will get an opportunity to win Sony DVD Players, Smartwatch, NFC Speakers and Bluetooth Headset among others. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Sirish Sharma, a Nepali youth has opened a showroom in Stockland Shopping Centre in New Castle, Australia. The showroom named Mt 8848 has on display 96 various Nepali products like Nepali paper, fabric, pashmina and handicrafts.', 'sortorder' => '1785', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1926', 'article_category_id' => '142', 'title' => 'Over 6,000 File FPTP Nomination, 121 Parties Submit Closed List', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <strong>--By Sagar Ghimire</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Altogether 6,352 candidates have filed their nominations under the first-past-the-post election system last Thursday for the Constituent Assembly (CA) election 2013 in 240 electoral constituencies across the country. According to the Election Commission, out of the total candidates, 1,000 are independent, 591 women, 5,761 men and one from third gender.</div> <div> </div> <div> Likewise, a total of 121 political parties submitted their closed list of candidates under the Proportional Representation (PR) system last Friday. The parties submitting the lists are Unified CPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Terai-Madhes Democratic Party and Federal Socialist Party, among others. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Top Notches from Two Constituencies </strong></span></div> <div> Most of the top leaders of the major political parties have filed their nominations from two constituencies. UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has fielded his candidacies from Kathmandu 10 and Siraha 5, while another leader of the UCPN (Maoist) Dr Baburam Bhattarai filed his nominations from Rupandehi4 and Gorkha 1. Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala is contesting polls from Banke 3 and Chitwan 4, and senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba from Kailali 6 and Dadeldhura. CPN (UML) chairperson Jhalanath Khanal, Vice-chairperson Bamdev Gautam, senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal chairperson Upendra Yadav and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairperson Bijay Kumar Gachhadar are other leaders who are contesting from two constituencies.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Central Member Ghimire Quits NC</strong></span></div> <div> NC central working committee member Suprabha Ghimire has announced to quit the party after it decided to grant the ticket of candidacy to Gagan Thapa for the Kathmandu constituency-4, from where she has won last CA election. Ghimire has filed her candidacy from Kathmandu-4 as independent to contest against NC candidate Thapa.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Kiranti Challenges Oli</strong></span></div> <div> Despite defeat in last Constituent Assembly poll, CPN (UML) leader KP Oli has registered his candidacy from Jhapa 7. Though UCPN (Maoist) leader Barsha Man Pun was likely to file his candidacy from Jhapa-7, the party backtracked from fielding his candidacy following the request of the cadres. UCPN (Maoist) has fielded the candidacy of Gopal Kiranti from this constituency.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dahal to Confront his Slapper</strong></span></div> <div> Padam Bahadur Kunwar, who shot to fame after slapping UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a public programme in the capital last year, filed his candidacy against Dahal at Constituency 10 of Kathmandu. A resident of Baglung, Kunwar filed his candidacy as an independent candidate from the constituency that also has Chairman Dahal as a contender. </div> <div> </div> <div> Talking to media persons on the occasion, Kunwar, however, said that he has to do nothing with personal animosity.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Clashes in Khalanga</strong></span></div> <div> Except in Khalanga of Salyan, no violence cases were reported on the day of filing nominations under the first-past-the-post election system. Clashes ensued in Salyan’s district headquarter Khalanga between the UCPN and CPN-Maoist cadres. Around dozen cadres from both parties were injured during the clashes. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>UML Candidate Alam Shot</strong></span></div> <div> An unidentified group has shot at Mohammad Alam, a candidate of the FPTP election from CPN (UML) from Bara 4 last Thursday. Seriously injured Alam was airlifted to Kathmandu for further treatment. He is undergoing treatment at the Teaching Hospital. According to an eye witness, two unidentified persons riding on a motorcycle with Indian number plate shot at Alam. CPN-UML, NC and other parties have condemned the attack. Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Ministry of Home Affairs Shankar Prasad Koirala has said that the government has intensified the manhunt to nab the shooters. The Election Commission has also written to the government asking it to provide security to the CA poll candidates.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', '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' => 'Altogether 6,352 candidates have filed their nominations under the first-past-the-post election system last Thursday for the Constituent Assembly (CA) election 2013 in 240 electoral constituencies across the country. According to the Election Commission, out of the total candidates, 1,000 are independent, 591 women, 5,761 men and one from third gender.', 'sortorder' => '1784', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1925', 'article_category_id' => '139', 'title' => 'Nepal And The World News In Brief (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Pakistan to Privatise 31 Entities </strong></span></div> <div> Pakistan has decided to sell at least 26 per cent shares of 31 state-owned entities, including the flag carrier PIA and Pakistan Railways, in a massive privatisation move to fulfil a key clause of the IMF’s USD 6.7 billion bailout, reports said on Thursday. The government has directed the Privatisation Commission to immediately start the process of selling 31 public sector entities (PSEs) through initial and secondary public offering and transfer of 26 per cent shares along with management control, to the private sector, the Dawn reported. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>US Set to be Top Energy Producer in 2013</strong></span></div> <div> The United States could push past Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest single producer of oil and of natural gas this year, a US government agency said on Friday. While the US was roughly even with Russia as the top producer in 2012 of the petroleum and gas fuels combined, it still lagged the longtime leader Saudi Arabia as an oil producer.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>ADB Cuts Asia Growth Forecasts </strong></span></div> <div> The Asian Development Bank cut its economic growth forecast for developing Asia on Wednesday, citing weakness in region’s two largest economies China and India and jitters over plans to scale back US stimulus that destabilized financial markets.The Manila-based lender said it expects the region’s emerging economies to grow by 6 per cent this year, down from 6.6 per cent predicted in April. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Airlines Fill Record Number of Seats : IATA</strong></span></div> <div> World airline traffic expanded by 6.8 percent in August, enabling the industry to match an all-time record of 83.4 percent of seats filled, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Wednesday. “August was a positive month for passenger travel,” IATA chief Tony Tyler said in a statement, pointing out that the overall passenger load factor, or percentage of seats filled, matched a record set in July 2011. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>German Unemployment in Surprise Increase</strong></span></div> <div> The number of people out of work in Germany unexpectedly rose by a seasonally adjusted 25,000 in September to just under three million. Analysts had penciled in a fall of 5,000, after a rise of 9,000 in August.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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 United States could push past Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest single producer of oil and of natural gas this year, a US government agency said on Friday. While the US was roughly even with Russia as the top producer in 2012 of the petroleum and gas fuels combined, it still lagged the longtime leader Saudi Arabia as an oil producer.', 'sortorder' => '1783', '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' => '1924', 'article_category_id' => '161', 'title' => '“Proper Use Of Technology Supports Livelihood Of Communities”', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Achyut Luitel" src="/userfiles/images/al.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 250px; height: 270px;" />Achyut Luitel</strong> is the South Asia Regional Director of Practical Action, a United Kingdom based INGO working to improve the livelihood of poor communities through use of appropriate technologies along with disaster risk reduction and sanitation. In an interview with <strong>Sanjeev Sharma</strong> and <strong>Modnath Dhakal</strong> of The Corporate, Luitel talked about Practical Action’s activities in Nepal. <strong>Excerpts :</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Could you shed light on the major working areas of Practical Action Nepal?</strong></span></div> <div> Currently, we are working on four thematic areas - agricultural livelihood, disaster risk reduction, decentralized energy systems and urbanisation. As most Nepali citizens are dependent on agriculture, we have integrated market access of agro products, food security and livelihood of farmers. This approach is basically designed to help people of rural areas to raise their living standard through the combination of effective agricultural mechanisms and market access of the agro products they produce. Similarly, disaster risk reduction is focused on reducing the vulnerabilities of climate change which is posing a big threat in Nepal. Likewise, decentralized energy systems are our other major objective which is targeted to assist scattered communities to fulfill their minimum energy requirements as well as to help them in total energy access. We are associated with the United Nation’s ‘Sustainable Energy for All by 2030’ global campaign and are working closely with the Planning Commission to achieve the energy objectives. Finally, the thematic area of urbanisation is designed to reduce urban poverty. The decade-long insurgency and opportunities in the cities contributed to the rise of migration of rural people to the urban areas. This has led to increase in the number of poor in cities which is becoming a major problem. Our program Urban WASH (water and sanitation, hygiene education) programme is focused on improving the lives of the urban poor population. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How successful has it been to use technology to raise the living standard of targeted groups?</strong></span></div> <div> We have tried to address poverty related issues through the use of technology. We have introduced a new concept called ‘Technology Justice.’ The term has been defined as an alternative access to provide services to targeted groups that are underprivileged from taking advantage of new technology. One example is the use of the gravity ropeway system. Similarly, we are also providing technical assistance to farmers to adopt new farming techniques. </div> <div> </div> <div> Lack of power surplus in Nepal has created a huge gap between people of urban and rural areas. Even people living in slum areas deserve to use a solar lantern. The alternative technology access programme can address the issue to some extent. We provide information as audio/visual contents to communities through our local partners. PA Nepal believes that the proper use of technology can support livelihood of communities. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Could you please elaborate the financial model that Practical Action has adopted? </strong></span></div> <div> We have two types of fund. First is the unrestricted fund known as the core allocation. The chunk of money from the fund is used for staff salary, office expenses, among others. The fund is also used in the piloting of new projects. As a member-based organization, our donors and supporters throughout Europe and United Kingdom provide us with donations. Next is the restricted fund that is brought in by winning international biddings. The money received in the restricted fund is allocated to the implementation of projects. Various trusts also help us in fund-raising activities. We submit an annual audit report to the government. We are spending about 2.5 million Sterling Pounds (Rs 400 million) each year.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The PA has been publishing the ‘Poor Peoples Energy Outlook’ (PPEO) report every year. How has the report helped the Nepal Government to outline and implement policies to reduce poverty regarding energy use?</strong></span></div> <div> We have been publishing The PPEO on an annual basis. The basic theme of the project is the way to use energy in community services and enterprise development. It is a livelihood-centered approach. The project can create awareness among stakeholders to take energy in a broad level. There is huge feasibility in enterprise development and community services (street lamp, school lamp). We need to take energy through the concept of minimum energy requirement and total energy access. However, the level of change is based on available resources and the political will of the nation. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Achyut Luitel is the South Asia Regional Director of Practical Action, a United Kingdom based INGO working to improve the livelihood of poor communities through use of appropriate technologies along with disaster risk reduction and sanitation.', 'sortorder' => '1782', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1920', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Poverty Alleviation A Challenge Despite Economic Growth', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> South Asia has failed to reduce poverty and ensure food security, said a report released by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) last week. Though the region has been able to achieve an average economic growth of 6.5 per cent annually from 2000 to 2012, its overall poverty status has not improved. </div> <div> </div> <div> The report ‘SAARC Regional Poverty Profile 2009-10’ launched by Chairman of the Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi last week in Kathmandu, underlined that 32 per cent of South Asians still live on less than $1.25-per person-a-day which is a state of absolute poverty.</div> <div> </div> <div> “While some countries of the region like Nepal may be nearer to achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving the number of people in extreme poverty by 2015, the rest of the South Asian region – home to one third of the world’s poor – still has high incidences of poverty, hunger and malnutrition,” the report said. “Food production has improved considerably over time in all countries of the region, but inter-country and intra-country variations persist.”</div> <div> </div> <div> India is self-sufficient in all major foodstuffs except pulses and edible oils, according to the report. Pakistan is self-sufficient in wheat and rice.</div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s index of per capita food production has improved marginally. However, it still depends on imports for most of its food items including cereals, pulses and fish. </div> <div> </div> <div> According to the report, Bangladesh is more or less self-sufficient in rice but imports wheat. Afghanistan, Bhutan and the Maldives depend on imports for most food items to meet their domestic demand, while Sri Lanka meets nearly 99 per cent of its rice requirements internally but imports 97 per cent of its demand for pulses.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-06', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', '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' => 'South Asia has failed to reduce poverty and ensure food security, said a report released by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) last week. Though the region has been able to achieve an average economic growth of 6.5 per cent annually from 2000 to 2012, its overall poverty status has not improved.', 'sortorder' => '1781', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1919', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Informal Trade Still A High In South Asian Region', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> An audit on South Asia regional customs facilitation is being started with a target to complete in one year where customs formalities and border hassles in the region will be assessed. </div> <div> </div> <div> South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) launched the project “Trade and Transport Facilitation Audit in South Asia” to conduct the audit last week. </div> <div> </div> <div> The audit report will aim at providing factual information on the reliability and efficiency of transportation infrastructure, logistic operations, customs and border management regulations and procedures, said research director at SAWTEE, Pushpa Sharma. </div> <div> </div> <div> The audit report is expected to reveal the status of customs facilitation for bilateral trade among South Asian countries, according to Sharma. “After the study of trade facilitation at a bilateral level, the study will focus on identifying regional problems regarding trade facilitation,” he said.</div> <div> </div> <div> Informal trade is still a big challenge in the region but we do not have any authentic data, he said. The audit will not directly calculate the volume of informal trade but will study the causes of informal trade and recommend appropriate measures to reduce the volume of informal trade.</div> <div> </div> <div> Costs related to trade facilitation, infrastructure and transit have risen over the years, which has promoted informal trade in South Asia, according to experts. </div> <div> </div> <div> Effective trade integration is necessary to reduce the cost burden, said former member of National Planning Commission, Dr Posh Raj Pandey. “Trade facilitation is a must to improve overall cost related trade barriers but we should have a benchmark to improve the condition of trade facilitation,” he said, adding that the audit will provide the benchmark with all trade barriers in the formal channel.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite the fall in traditional trade barriers, the given circumstances in the region have forced exporters, businesses and consumers to bear additional cost burden, according to him. </div> <div> </div> <div> Economist Dr Ratnakar Adhikari said that generally, costs are incurred due to lack of regional trade connectivity and impenetrable borders. Regional commitment is required to address the identified bottlenecks, he further said. </div> <div> </div> <div> Iqbal Tabish, Secretary General of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, mentioned that benefits of trade liberalization will not be realized unless trade facilities are rationalized.</div> <div> </div> <div> Finance minister Shanker Prasad Koirala stated that the cost of trading within the region among South Asian countries is twice, and in some cases, even three times, than trading with countries outside the region.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite the existence of several regional efforts, such as Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), intra-regional trade in South Asia has remained extremely modest due to a number of factors, one of which is trade and transport facilitation-related bottlenecks.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a separate programme organised by International Finance Corporation (IFC), chief secretary Lila Mani Paudyal said that the government is committed to improving its trade competitiveness. “Reducing the time and costs to international trade, in particular, is critical for the Nepali private sector to compete internationally and access global markets,” he said. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> The Department of Customs is implementing its four year Customs Reform and Modernization Strategy and Action Plan since July 2013 which comprises of four building blocks: Trade Facilitation, High Revenue Yield, Organizational Development, and e-Customs, according to Surya Prasad Acharya, Director General of the Department of Customs. </div> <div> </div> <div> IFC is committed to enhance trade facilitation including focusing on simplifying border processes & procedures, and improving risk management systems, said IFC Resident Representative in Nepal Valentino S Bagatsing. “The reforms in the trade environment will provide a much needed boost as Nepali businesses position their products in accessing global markets,” he said.</div> <div> </div> <div> IFC’s South Asia Regional Trade Integration programme aims to assist the government in focusing its reform efforts to create an enabling environment for improving trade facilitation and logistics. IFC works with both private sector and government agencies in identifying areas where reform efforts can help maximize improvements for the private sector to improve cross-border trade and investments.</div> <div> </div> <div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Main Explanatory Factors for Informal Trade </strong></span></div> <div> •Businesses have incentive to escape trade related regulations and duties </div> <div> •Complex, non-transparent or divergent regulatory requirements (e.g., customs formalities, technical regulations and sanitary standards) </div> <div> •Long and costly customs delays when trading formally</div> <div> •Obstructed entry or exit of certain commodities, caused by import quotas or export bans </div> <div> •Foreign exchange controls</div> <div> •Weak law enforcement at the borders</div> </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-06', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'An audit on South Asia regional customs facilitation is being started with a target to complete in one year where customs formalities and border hassles in the region will be assessed. South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) launched the project “Trade and Transport Facilitation Audit in South Asia” to conduct the audit last week.', 'sortorder' => '1780', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1916', 'article_category_id' => '159', 'title' => 'Balanced Person', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong>By Upashana Neupane</strong><br /> <br /> Rabindra Rajaure, HR Manager of Chaudhary Group chooses the word ‘outgoing’ to define himself. When asked how he manages his personal and professional life, he says, “I make it a point to become organized and balanced as much as possible. Life is much easier when it is balanced”.Despite his busy schedule, he never leaves room for his family to complain about lack of family time. Whenever he has time, he spends it with his family. Dang, which is his hometown too, is the place he usually go for vacations. “Spending time with family is as important as your office work,” he says. A frequent traveller, Rajaure remembers his trip to Mahabaleshwor in Maharashtra, India as the most memorable one in his life.<br /> <br /> Rajaure used to spend most of his spare time reading books, but that has changed now. He is now the father of a 10 month old baby girl, and most of his time is spent taking care of her. “All of my free time that I can get out of my busy schedule, I spend it with my daughter. Playing with her and taking care of her fills me with immense energy and happiness,” he shares with a smile.<br /> <br /> Rajaure is a music loving person, and also has written and composed a few songs. Apart from Music, his deviation is towards sports as well. A huge sport fan, Rajaure’s favourite sports are football and cricket. Whenever possible, he likes to have some time with his friends as he says it refreshes him and makes him forget the daily rush. According to him, Nagarkot is his favourite place to hang out."<br /> <br /> Not very fond of social networking sites, Rajaure is available on them but isn’t very active. Rajaure believes having a happy and successful family life is as important as achieving success in one’s career. He says taking a break or holiday once in a while is very important for a person. “Holidays give us some time for ourselves, away from our work and career. It rejuvenates our mind, and helps improve our performance when we return to work”, he shares.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-28', 'keywords' => 'cover story headlines from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion current and latest cover story news from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Lifestyle & Fashion economic news and events, ongoing cover story news of Nepal', 'description' => 'Rabindra Rajaure, HR Manager of Chaudhary Group chooses the word ‘outgoing’ to define himself. When asked how he manages his personal and professional life, he says, “I make it a point to become organized and balanced as much as possible', 'sortorder' => '1777', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1908', 'article_category_id' => '99', 'title' => '34th World Tourism Day Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a programme on Friday on the occasion of 34th World Tourism Day. Two new tourist destinations were made public in the programme that served as the main event for this year’s World Tourism Day. The new destinations are Great Buddhist Trail and Chitlang Village. The Great Buddhist Trail aims to promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It was also informed in the programme that the 300 km long trail stretches from Kathmandu to Banganga River. The Trail will be completed within next three years. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Nepal announced Chitlang village in Makwanpur district as ´Village Tourism Destination 2013/14’. President of VITOF Shiva Lamichhane said that Chitlang can be easily reached by foot, cycling and through other vehicles and is a perfect destination to spend holidays. The destinations were made public by Officiating Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Tek Bahadur Thapa Gharti. Minister Gharti and Tourism Secretary Sushil Ghimire also inaugurated the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Counter and the new Help Desk and Information Centre in NTB. Ghimire also informed in the programme that Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairahawa will be developed as Nepal’s second international airport by June 2017. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, NTB appointed Chimmi Sherpa, first Miss Sherpa and Min Bahadur Serchan, the eldest Nepali to climb Mount Everest as the goodwill ambassador of Nepali tourism industry in the event. Also in the programme, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) announced that it will take the responsibility of cleaning Bishnumati River. Ramesh Dhamala, President of TAAN informed that NTB, Social Welfare Council and other concerned authorities will assist TAAN in this endeavour. </div> <div> </div> <div> The 34th World Tourism Day was celebrated with various programmes from 21 to 29 September. The programmes included welcoming of tourists at various tourist sites by different tourism organizations, discounts to tourists at hotels and restaurants, cleaning of tourist sites, street festivals and cultural shows among others. More than 40 tourism organizations were involved in the celebrations. Different tourism organizations took out a rally in the morning of September 27 as part of the celebrations.</div> <div> </div> <div> Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, NTB and TAAN along with number of travel trade organizations participated in the rally. The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day was Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', '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' => 'Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a programme on Friday on the occasion of 34th World Tourism Day. Two new tourist destinations were made public in the programme that served as the main event for this year’s World Tourism Day. The new destinations are Great Buddhist Trail and Chitlang Village. The Great Buddhist Trail aims to promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It was also informed in the programme that the 300 km long trail stretches from Kathmandu to Banganga River. The Trail will be completed within next three years.', 'sortorder' => '1776', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1914', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'How To Choose Corporate Clothing And Apparel', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language. Impressions formed by the first few glances of a person impact thoughts about their personality, diligence and intelligence. First impressions tend to last a while and can be hard to shake off.', 'content' => '<p><strong>Photo: Rukesh Shrestha<br /> <br /> <br /> Model: Kusum Neupane<br /> Wardrobe: Purple Boutique,<br /> Naxal, Kathmandu</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>By TC Correspondent</strong><br /> <br /> in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language. Impressions formed by the first few glances of a person impact thoughts about their personality, diligence and intelligence. First impressions tend to last a while and can be hard to shake off.<br /> <br /> When it comes to work and business, it definitely pays to find out about the company’s culture and dress code and determine how people at your level dress. A tip for dressing for job interviews is to dress as one would for a client meeting: a little more formally than day-to-day business wear. This will help project an attitude of confidence and professionalism.<br /> <br /> While talking about the corporate dress or the business dress, according to my view, white shirt with black coat and pant suites the most for boys and for girls, white shirt with black coat and short skirts touching the knee will be the best if there is not especial dress code in the office.<br /> </p> <ul> <li>Clothing should be neat, smart and subtle. This also applies to hairstyle and perfume. Do not let your employers be sidetracked by showy apparel.</li> <li>In the corporate world, hairstyles should be chosen to bewell-groomed and tidy.</li> <li>I think, simple but formal look help you to give impression in corporate world. Any visible piercings should be removed and we have to cover any tattoos when we are in the work.</li> <li>Clothing should be laundered and ironed. Always make sure that it fits properly and that adjustments are not needed when sitting, walking or leaning over.</li> </ul> <p>Wearing dress is not only enough. We should wear neat clothes with well ironed and that catch the mind of the people positively.n They should say she is very good officers who is energetic and well managed. Dressing shows our energy as well. If we wear dirty dress and no ironed at all then people will say that she is very lazy and how can such lazy people work at office? To be a potential staff our energy, our courtesy and our dress up carry the great points.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2015-07-28', 'keywords' => 'Lifestyle & Fashion cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Lifestyle & Fashion, cover story headlines from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion current and latest cover story news from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Lifestyle & Fashion economic ', 'description' => 'in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language.', 'sortorder' => '1775', 'image' => '1380622740.jpg', 'article_date' => '2015-07-28 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1913', 'article_category_id' => '199', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (30 September - 3 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong><img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech1.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> 15% in US Shun Internet</strong><br /> <br /> Despite a seemingly unstoppable move to digital lifestyles, some 15 per cent of Americans don't use the Internet, and most are quite content to remain offline, a survey shows. The survey released Wednesday found that in addition to the 15 per cent of adults who don't use the Internet on any device, another nine per cent say they only go online at their workplace. The report by the Pew Research Center found a whopping 92 per cent of these "offline adults" with no interest in using the Internet or email in the near future. <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech2.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>Tweets Reveal Global News Readership Patterns: Study</strong><br /> <br /> Different countries have stronger preference towards different types of articles - Americans and Brits are drawn to opinion and world news, while Brazilians go for sports, a twitter analysis has found. Researchers used data collected from Twitter to study readers' news preferences across the globe and discovered that different countries have stronger preference towards different types of articles. While Americans and British readers like opinion and world news, Spaniards prefer local and national news, Brazilians are drawn to sports and arts, and Germans go for politics and economy. The researchers also found that German and Spanish readers are more likely to read national newspapers compared to British readers, who prefer foreign publications.<br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech3.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 93px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>BlackBerry Reports $1bn Quarterly Loss</strong></p> <p> BlackBerry reported a quarterly loss of nearly $1 billion on Friday, in line with last week’s warning, days after accepting its largest shareholder’s tentative $4.7 billion bid to take it out of the public eye. BlackBerry, which had warned of poor results on September 20th, said its net loss for the second quarter ended on August 31st was $965 million, or $1.84 a share. Revenue fell 45 per cent to $1.6 billion from a year earlier. <br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech4.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>Study Puts iPhone 5S Production Costs at $191</strong><br /> <br /> While the iPhone 5S includes a handful of new features that set it apart from Apple's previous model, the actual cost to make the phone hasn't changed very much, according to a new study. An IHS Inc. teardown of the new smartphone found that the components that make up a 16-gigabyte iPhone 5S cost $190.70. Manufacturing costs add another $8, bringing the total production cost to $198.70. In comparison, the iPhone 5, which hit the market a year ago, cost $197 to make.</p> <p> <br /> <strong><img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech5.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 99px;" /><br /> <br /> Samsung to Launch Smartphone with Curved Display</strong></p> <p> Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said it will introduce a smartphone with a curved display in October, as the world's top handset maker seeks to set the pace of hardware innovation and maintain its supremacy in a fiercely competitive business. Curved displays are an early stage in screen evolution which is shifting to bendable or foldable designs, eventually allowing mobile and wearable gadgets to take on new forms that could radically change the high-end smartphone market.<br /> <br /> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'Brands & Technology cover story news & articles, Brands & Technology news & articles from Brands & Technology, Brands & Technology headlines from nepal, Brands & Technology current and latest Brands & Technology news from nepal, Brands & Technology economic news from nepal, nepali Brands & Technolo', 'description' => 'Despite a seemingly unstoppable move to digital lifestyles, some 15 per cent of Americans don't use the Internet, and most are quite content to remain offline, a survey shows.', 'sortorder' => '1774', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1910', 'article_category_id' => '205', 'title' => 'Third Money Expo 2013 Talks', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 16px;">The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in capital in the end of October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal. An interaction programme ‘Demystifying New Mode of Trade and Payments’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as headway to the Expo. This interaction was dedicated to clear the existing technology that has been replaced by new technologies in the fields of trade and payments. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. <strong>Excerpts: </strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Biswas Dhakal" src="/userfiles/images/bs.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Biswas Dhakal</span></strong></div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">President, F1Soft International Ltd</span></strong></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our main objective is to facilitate customers with new and easy services. Other companies also carry similar objectives to make life easier for customers through digital transactions. Every transaction should be a digital transaction, be it large banking transactions or daily life transactions. We have initiated the online transaction service with this same purpose. This brings money to the banking sector and also increases investment. Remittance, which has covered large areas in the Nepali economy, is also brought to the country through online systems. The procedure of an online system is very easy and can be used by everyone. It can be done by simply sending an SMS and people are seen to be interested towards this service. But due to various reasons, the popularity of this system has not increased yet. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main problem of the digital system is a lack of its credibility among people. But the system is totally secured from our side. We have adopted international norms for security in the system. Our first priority is to provide secured transactions and we have not received any complaints regarding security and services from our customers.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main obstacle for digital transaction in reference to the worldwide global practice is digital illiteracy. Moreover, in an education deprived country like ours, the problem is huge. So it is impossible to achieve hundred per cent digital coverage in Nepal. However, our concept is to move from developed to less developed areas. For example, 50 per cent families of Kathmandu have their representatives abroad. A major responsibility for those abroad is to send money to their family. If we can convince the people in Kathmandu towards online transaction, they can opt for a digital medium as their mode of transaction. Moreover, the family in Kathmandu can also use an online medium to send money and other materials abroad. We can then enter rural areas as well. Using personal brand ambassadors rather than our individual effort for promotion would be more effective.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is a misconception that few government policies have created obstacles. However, if all processes are completed, it is not that difficult to work. Everyone involved in transaction has their own process. The Nepal Rastra Bank also has its own policy. The foreign exchange department also has its own policy. We cannot exist for long in this sector if we bypass their policies. According to the policy of the Nepal Rastra Bank, a private organization cannot hold funds of customers. So, we appointed banks for the payment and provided the custody of customers’ money to them. Similarly, foreign currencies are also handled by banks. So, there are no hurdles due to rules and regulations if they are handled properly.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Samir Vajracharya" src="/userfiles/images/sv(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Samir Vajracharya</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Chief Technology Officer, Smart Choice Technology</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Smart Choice Technology (SCT) started in 2001 AD when there were hardly 4-5 ATMs and 10,000 cards. Currently, there are 15, 000 cards under the SCT network only and more than 18,000 people with access to cash. A total of 85 financial institutions are affiliated with SCT. We have focused on ATM transactions and Point of Sale (POS), mainly. There is a vast difference in the situation now and then. Our vision is to provide easy access to financial activities to the people and we have been successful in our mission to a large extent. This does not mean that this is the line of satisfaction as a large number of people hesitate to use ATMs still. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Nepali market is not ready for e-services, which has been the main hurdle for increment in the online market. We should be able to make people aware about the importance of online transactions so that their interest level towards this service increases.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The government is not being able to lead this sector which is also seen as a major problem. The government should introduce some compulsory regulations regarding online services to increase people’s involvement in this sector. This is only due to the contribution and dedication of the private sector that online services have reached up to this level. But without support from the government, the online sector cannot sustain for long. The private sector is profit-oriented, but if the government sector takes charge then this sector can be service-oriented.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Though the issue of security is big in this sector, SCT is very much concerned about the security issue and has worked on it. Our cards are based on pin codes which are the safest medium in this sector in comparison to a signature as it can be copied. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Customers have to face problems because of problems in network but these problems are not solely from theSCT network. There are various service providers including telecom, banks and others involved with it. This is difficult to manage as network problems may arise anywhere anytime. People should be aware of this.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Poorly developed infrastructures and a lack of skilled manpower are also major obstacles in the context of Nepal. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are also facing problems because of political instability and power cuts. The companies from foreign countries are interested to work with us which is a positive sign for us but these vital problems are blocking them to work with us. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Similarly, there is a lack of government policy. The central bank should provide a benchmark to other banks for e-payment. It is difficult for the private sector to work without a benchmark. We are discussing with concerned authorities to solve these issues.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <img alt="Rabin Kumar Shrestha" src="/userfiles/images/rks.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 244px;" /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Rabin Kumar Shrestha</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Chief Technical Officer, PayBill</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are making maximum efforts for improvement of the online sector but we are not getting results accordingly. There are various reasons for this. Firstly, people are not aware of this system. Most people still believe that the internet is only limited to the social media. They are not aware that various transactions can also be done through the internet. These people can be attracted to this sector if they are made aware.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The issue of security is also a major concern but this system is very much secured. Customers should send two smses to transact from PEBIL. After the first sms, we send an alpha code to the customer and after that the customer must send both the alpha code and pin through sms. Only after this will they will be able to transact. So, this way our system is secured but people are still not convinced.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Subas Dhungana" src="/userfiles/images/sd.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 244px;" />Subash Dhungana</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Executive, iPay</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>iPay is an online payment system. We have been operating Muncha.com since 2002. Our services were limited to gift packages for long though we were not satisfied with the results. But some positive signs are emerging now based on which we are expanding our services. We have moved towards bringing remittance and media sites for downloading files along with online shopping. We have made agreements with seven banks for this purpose recently. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main reason behind the failure of e-commerce sites is the failure of payment to customers. For online payment, there are e-sewa, PayBill, SCT, credit card and our own production iPay which are associated with seven banks. But if the customer is asked to pay online, then s/he makes various excuses as they are not aware of these services. So cards of Nepali banks should get international validity for easy access to online payment. Around 20-25 people register in Muncha.com but at the end, they have problems with the payment system. Therefore, an easy way for payment should be initiated with support from the government or the central bank. Though these issues are discussed, we are lacking behind in implementation. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We have not faced any problem regarding security, nor have we received any complaints. We are practicing international norms of security in our system. We can’t say that the online medium is hundred percent secured but problems have not occurred yet. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Political instability is also main problem for this sector. The number of internet users has increased, but political stability is must for the sector’s rapid growth. Political stability brings employment, and it is when people are engaged and busy that they start engaging in online activities. </div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Bal K. Joshi" src="/userfiles/images/bkj.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Bal K. Joshi</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>President, MACHNET</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nepal has immense potential for e-commerce. Though there is not much expansion in this sector, the condition has not worsened. There are a lot of websites conducting e-commerce and their businesses have increased through the medium. The expansion of the market for e-commerce depends upon target customers and identifying their needs.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main problem at present is not being able to invite international transactions to our country. PayPal is popular for this at national and international levels. But there are some procedural problems in the use of PayPal digital transaction in Nepal. The customers have to pay an extra fee to send the money. For example, if a person has to send 2000 dollars then s/he will have to pay around 2500 dollars. So, there is no prospect for using PayPal to expand the digital transaction market in Nepal. We are introducing a new platform related to money transfer for the first time in Nepal to make it easier for Nepali customers to transfer money from abroad. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'NuBiz Events, Third Money Expo 2013', 'description' => 'The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in capital in the end of October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal. An interaction programme ‘Demystifying New Mode of Trade and Payments’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as headway to the Expo.', 'sortorder' => '1773', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1911', 'article_category_id' => '198', 'title' => 'Green Branding', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong><img alt="madankhatri" src="/userfiles/images/Madan.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 155px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px;" /><br /> Madan Khatri</strong><br /> <strong>Marketing Executive</strong><br /> <strong>Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd, Banepa</strong></p> <p> </p> <div> <p align="left"> <strong>By Bhawani Timilsina</strong></p> </div> <p align="left"> The Nepali branded furniture market, though not completely evolved, has been flourishing slowly in recent times. Kathmandu’s homemakers are increasingly becoming brand-conscious which has made branding an essential process for any furniture company. When the market is flooded with Chinese products, some precious locally-made brands become key players. “It will not be difficult to replace foreign products in terms of quality; however, we have to make our customers aware that Nepali brands are not weak,” says Madan Khatri, Marketing Executive of Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd in Banepa.</p> <p align="left"> Shaan furniture is an emerging furniture brand in the Nepali market. ‘Shaan’, the journey of pride began in 1993. In a two-decade long journey, the brand has created its own value in the domestic market. “It is very hard to establish a brand in the domestic market,” he says. Though the company was dealing merely with wooden products in the beginning, it now deals with a huge variety of products.</p> <p align="left"> ‘Shaan’ implies that to have a domestic brand is a matter of pride. “It reflects that we are proud to be a part of the furniture market,” he says. The brand name evokes a sense of pride in being locally-made. The popularity of a brand is an asset to any company. “Brands give tremendous contribution to the company,” Khatri says and claims that the strength of the brand assures the quality of the product. The company has organized two furniture expos thus far at the Bhrikutimandap, the one for this year having commenced on September 25, to support domestic furniture brands. The company has dealers in Dilibazar, Banepa, Patan, Kumaripati, Maharajgunj, Butwal and Gwarko.</p> <p align="left"> We are highly motivated by the feedback our customers have given which also maintains the bond between the brand and its consumers. “The logo which is a green tree symbolizes that furniture must go hand-in-hand with environmental conservation,” he clarifies.</p> <p align="left"> “The significant aspect of our brand lies in the originality of the raw materials we have been using to generate products. It makes us stand out from other brands. We have been focusing on local raw materials which are the strength of our brand. We are trying to deliver the message that our brand and products can endure in quality and style,” he adds.</p> <p align="left"> The company, as of now, places huge priority on reliability rather than texture and appearance of its products. It has yet to work on branding. “We are waiting to see what will be a suitable way to brand our product as many furniture brands are becoming popular these days,” explains Khatri. “Sustainability of the brand can be continued by incorporating change in technology and interest of customers,” he adds.</p> <p align="left"> The management team at Shaan is well aware of the concept and the company has been trying to shape its brand and products accordingly. Though the company’s active participation began only a couple of years ago, the management team thinks that the brand has succeeded in making its space in consumers’ consciousness. “Being top-listed among domestic brands, customers do show interest in our products,” Khatri says.</p> <p align="left"> The cost and value of Shaan furniture’s products appear well balanced. “Our target groups are middle class people and the price range has been set accordingly,” Khatri says. The expo has largely helped Khatri and company communicate with customers and the brand’s market share today stands at 12 percent of the total market. With a promise for quality and a spirit for environmental consciousness, Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd seems to be on a promising path to emerge as a strong brand in the near future.</p> <p> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'Brands & Technology cover story news & articles, Brands & Technology news & articles from Brands & Technology, Brands & Technology headlines from nepal, Brands & Technology current and latest Brands & Technology news from nepal, Brands & Technology economic news from nepal, nepali Brands & Technolo', 'description' => 'Promise for quality and environmental consciousness makes Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd likely to emerge as a strong brand', 'sortorder' => '1772', 'image' => '1380616765.jpg', 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1909', 'article_category_id' => '100', 'title' => 'Tourism Briefs (30 September - 3 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong> SIA Boosts India Network</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/sia.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 130px;" />Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir boosted its India network from 27 October 2013. The airline will boost India-Singapore services from 98 to 107 times weekly across 11 Indian cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam. The flight additions include third daily service between New Delhi-Singapore on SIA, while SilkAir will its 10th weekly service from Kochi and fourth weekly service from Viskhapatnam. G M Toh, general manager in India for Singapore Airlines said, “India is an extremely important market for the Singapore Airlines Group and the nine additional weekly services clearly demonstrate our commitment to growing business and tourism exchange between both countries. We look forward to further expanding our footprint in India with customer-centric investments focused on quality products and services.” (Traveldailymedia.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Chinese Airlines Take off with A320</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/nca(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;height: 134px; width: 200px;" />Two new Chinese airlines have taken a major step forward in their development, with the signing of major aircraft deals with Airbus. Qingdao Airlines, based in Shandong province, and Zhejiang Loong Airlines, which will operate from Zhejiang province, are both preparing to launch commercial flights in the coming months. And ahead of these debuts, both airlines this week penned major orders for the Airbus A320 aircraft. Qingdao Airlines’ order includes five standard A320s and 18 of the new, fuel-efficient A320neo, with a total value of US$2.18 billion at current list prices. Meanwhile Zhejiang Loong Airlines has placed a firm order for 11 standard A320s and nine A320neos, worth US $ 1.84 billion. Both agreements were signed at the 15th Aviation Expo China 2013, which is taking place in Beijing this week. (Traveldailymedia.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Travelocity Inveils iOS 7 Hotel Booking App </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/tvs(3).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 134px;" />Travelocity has announced the release of ‘Hotel Booking with Travelocity’; a new mobile app crafted specifically for the new iOS 7 operating system. The app, which joins the family of Travelocity iPhone apps, was recently featured at Apple’s Keynote Event in September and can be used to book hotel stays. Noteworthy features include a new, highly visual layout. The home screen now includes images from destinations around the world to inspire them as they dream about and plan their travel. It also has AirDrop functionality and card scanning technology that allows app users to scan their card for faster payment. (Traveldailynews.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>World Travel Awards Selects Doha, Qatar for Grand Final </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/qtr.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 174px;" />World Travel Awards (WTA) has confirmed its 20th anniversary Grand Final will be hosted by La Cigale Hotel, Doha on November 30th 2013. WTA recognises, acknowledges and rewards the leading travel, tourism and hospitality organisations. The awards is recognised worldwide as the hallmark of industry excellence. The Wall Street Journal is among the many publications that have heralded WTA as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. The first ever event was held in Hollywood in 1994 and since then World Travel Awards has hosted Gala Ceremonies every year to celebrate the best in the international travel industry. (Traveldailynews.com)</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', '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' => 'Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir boosted its India network from 27 October 2013. The airline will boost India-Singapore services from 98 to 107 times weekly across 11 Indian cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam.', 'sortorder' => '1771', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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And he has successfully avoided conflict between these two worlds working both as the Director of NTA and a visiting faculty at different universities of Nepal. Khanal has been teaching courses related to telecommunications and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). Besides engineering in the telecom and ICT sector, Khanal is a gold medallist in Bachelors of Law (LLB), has deep interest in management and leadership and also in philosophy and spiritualism. </div> <div> </div> <div> His life outside the office is not confined within four walls. Khanal says he is open to anything that comes his way during his free time. A confident and passionate person, Khanal has passion for reading, writing and public speaking. “If I get more spare time, you will find me either reading, writing, speaking, listening to music or meditating,” he shares. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> A conscientious and dependable friend, Khanal likes spending his free time with like-minded friends – those with a passion for spirituality, philosophy and music. He also loves tranquillity and the company of his own self. He is also fond of introspection through meditation. </div> <div> </div> <div> Holidays are mere getaways from the daily routine at work. For Khanal, it is an opportunity to freshen up and rejuvenate the self. He is a traveller without a plan. He says, “I do not normally plan my holidays. I accept any good opportunity without much calculation.” Khanal recalls his unplanned trips to Mustang, trekking in the Helambu region, Nagarkot, hiking in Shivapuri and numerous other impromptu tours as one of the most pleasing vacations of all time. If he is granted with extended free time, Khanal wishes to trek into the virgin lands of Nepal.</div> <div> </div> <div> An avid traveller, Khanal does not have a particular favourite destination. Recently, he was in Seoul of South Korea for a business visit and says it was an enjoyable trip. Moreover, he jokes Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath temples are his frequent and regular destinations.</div> <div> </div> <div> However, sports do not feature much in Khanal’s leisure time. He says he has never been into sports even as a child. “I do not play any games. But I used to play cards,” he jokes. </div> <div> </div> <div> Being an ICT professional, Khanal is surrounded by ICT tools and technologies. However, his life in social networking sites is limited by time and work load. He adds, “I use them quite often but it depends upon the availability of time and my work load.”</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Ananda Raj Khanal, Director and Action Chief at Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA,) prefers a boundary between his professional and personal life. And he has successfully avoided conflict between these two worlds working both as the Director of NTA and a visiting faculty at different universities of Nepal. Khanal has been teaching courses related to telecommunications and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).', 'sortorder' => '1787', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1928', 'article_category_id' => '115', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Smartphone App Alerts Users at Risk of Binge Eating</strong></span></div> <div> A smartphone app which aims to strike at the same moment that binge eating urges occur has been developed as part of two new treatments designed to help those suffering from the disorder. Developed by scientists at Drexel University, the ‘Take Control’ app will track users’ individual patterns of consumption and binge eating behaviour, alerting them at times when they may be susceptible to overeating. Alongside this, small-group behavioural therapy techniques are also being created to equip patients with the psychological tools to help them benefit from the standard treatment received by those who binge eat. Binge eating has only recently been identified as an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and is already suspected to affect more than twice the number of people as bulimia nervosa. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Adobe Hacked, 2.9 million Accounts Compromised</strong></span></div> <div> Adobe Systems Inc. said a cyberattack on its systems has exposed credit-card information of 2.9 million customers. The maker of Photoshop and other software said Thursday that the attacker accessed Adobe customer IDs and passwords on its systems. Through that, they were able to remove customer names, encrypted credit and debit card numbers, expiration dates and other information related to orders from customers worldwide. The company does not believe attackers removed credit and debit card numbers that weren’t encrypted.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Google Japan launches Android Game Vending Machines</strong></span></div> <div> Android lovers in Japan now have a cool way to download apps. Google Japan has launched Google Play vending machines that will sell users different games. To use these vending machines, all that a user needs is a smartphone running on Android 4.0 or higher OS and NFC. To get going a user can simply put his device on the NFC-enabled tray, select app and the machine loads it for him. So far there are not many apps, only 18 games are available for download or purchase. These reportedly include Square, Sega, Namco, Gameloft and Kairosoft. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Twitter Reveals $1 Billion IPO Plan</strong></span></div> <div> Twitter Inc. on Thursday revealed plans to raise up to $1 billion in a public offering, looking to cash in on a messaging service that has transformed public conversation but is still losing money and facing challenges attracting new users and advertisers. Potential buyers for the first time saw the financials behind one of the most anticipated stock-market debuts of the year, which showed the social network’s revenue more than doubled to $254 million in the first six months of this year.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Cisco, Google and SAP Discussing BlackBerry Bids </strong></span></div> <div> BlackBerryLtd, on the block as its smartphone business struggles, is in talks with Cisco Systems,Google Inc and SAP about selling them all or parts of itself, several sources close to the matter said. Such a deal would be an alternative to the preliminary agreement reached weeks ago with a group, led by BlackBerry’s biggest shareholder, Fairfax Financial Holdings, to take the company private for about $4.7 billion, a bid which has faced some skepticism because of financing questions.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'A smartphone app which aims to strike at the same moment that binge eating urges occur has been developed as part of two new treatments designed to help those suffering from the disorder. Developed by scientists at Drexel University, the ‘Take Control’ app will track users’ individual patterns of consumption and binge eating behaviour, alerting them at times when they may be susceptible to overeating.', 'sortorder' => '1786', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1927', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'Business Briefs (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nepali Products’ Showroom in Australia </strong></span></div> <div> Sirish Sharma, a Nepali youth has opened a showroom in Stockland Shopping Centre in New Castle, Australia. The showroom named Mt 8848 has on display 96 various Nepali products like Nepali paper, fabric, pashmina and handicrafts. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Yamaha Showroom at Maharajgunj</strong></span></div> <div> MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd, sole authorized distributor for Yamaha Motorcycles in Nepal has opened a new Yamaha showroom at Maharajgunj. The showroom offers facility of sales, service and spares under one roof. The showroom was inaugurated by actress and Goodwill Ambassador for Yamaha Ray Namrata Shrestha on October 4, 2013. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Snickers’ Dashain Offer</strong></span></div> <div> United Distributors Nepal P Ltd, the distributors of Snickers in Nepal has launched a five-day Dashain offer from Oct 5th–9th named ‘Buy a Snickers, Win an iPad Mini Everyday’. With purchase of every 50 gm Snickers, customers will get a coupon through which they can enter a lucky draw to win an iPad Mini every day. This promotion is applicable at all Bhat Bhateni outlets in Kathmandu valley.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nissan Sylphy Launched</strong></span></div> <div> Dugar Brothers and Sons, the authorized distributor of Nissan vehicles for Nepal has launched Nissan Sylphy, a new sedan in the market. Sylphy is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine, ha a ground clearance of 165 mm, and comes with 16 inch wheels. The engine delivers a maximum power of 116 KW at 5,600 rpm, and generates a peak torque of 154 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The sedan is priced at Rs 5,950,000. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sony’s ‘Dashain Tihar, Kushi Ra Upahaar’ Offer</strong></span></div> <div> Nepa Hima TradeLink Pvt Ltd has introduced ‘Dashain Ra Tihar, Khusi Ra Upahar’ scheme for this festive season. Under this scheme, selected models of Sony TVs will be accompanied by Active 3D glasses, Passive 3D glasses, One Touch Remote Controller, Sony high-end blu-ray home theatre system, and DVD Player. Furthermore, customers purchasing Sony Xperia Smartphone will get an opportunity to win Sony DVD Players, Smartwatch, NFC Speakers and Bluetooth Headset among others. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Sirish Sharma, a Nepali youth has opened a showroom in Stockland Shopping Centre in New Castle, Australia. The showroom named Mt 8848 has on display 96 various Nepali products like Nepali paper, fabric, pashmina and handicrafts.', 'sortorder' => '1785', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1926', 'article_category_id' => '142', 'title' => 'Over 6,000 File FPTP Nomination, 121 Parties Submit Closed List', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <strong>--By Sagar Ghimire</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Altogether 6,352 candidates have filed their nominations under the first-past-the-post election system last Thursday for the Constituent Assembly (CA) election 2013 in 240 electoral constituencies across the country. According to the Election Commission, out of the total candidates, 1,000 are independent, 591 women, 5,761 men and one from third gender.</div> <div> </div> <div> Likewise, a total of 121 political parties submitted their closed list of candidates under the Proportional Representation (PR) system last Friday. The parties submitting the lists are Unified CPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Terai-Madhes Democratic Party and Federal Socialist Party, among others. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Top Notches from Two Constituencies </strong></span></div> <div> Most of the top leaders of the major political parties have filed their nominations from two constituencies. UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has fielded his candidacies from Kathmandu 10 and Siraha 5, while another leader of the UCPN (Maoist) Dr Baburam Bhattarai filed his nominations from Rupandehi4 and Gorkha 1. Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala is contesting polls from Banke 3 and Chitwan 4, and senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba from Kailali 6 and Dadeldhura. CPN (UML) chairperson Jhalanath Khanal, Vice-chairperson Bamdev Gautam, senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal chairperson Upendra Yadav and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairperson Bijay Kumar Gachhadar are other leaders who are contesting from two constituencies.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Central Member Ghimire Quits NC</strong></span></div> <div> NC central working committee member Suprabha Ghimire has announced to quit the party after it decided to grant the ticket of candidacy to Gagan Thapa for the Kathmandu constituency-4, from where she has won last CA election. Ghimire has filed her candidacy from Kathmandu-4 as independent to contest against NC candidate Thapa.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Kiranti Challenges Oli</strong></span></div> <div> Despite defeat in last Constituent Assembly poll, CPN (UML) leader KP Oli has registered his candidacy from Jhapa 7. Though UCPN (Maoist) leader Barsha Man Pun was likely to file his candidacy from Jhapa-7, the party backtracked from fielding his candidacy following the request of the cadres. UCPN (Maoist) has fielded the candidacy of Gopal Kiranti from this constituency.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dahal to Confront his Slapper</strong></span></div> <div> Padam Bahadur Kunwar, who shot to fame after slapping UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a public programme in the capital last year, filed his candidacy against Dahal at Constituency 10 of Kathmandu. A resident of Baglung, Kunwar filed his candidacy as an independent candidate from the constituency that also has Chairman Dahal as a contender. </div> <div> </div> <div> Talking to media persons on the occasion, Kunwar, however, said that he has to do nothing with personal animosity.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Clashes in Khalanga</strong></span></div> <div> Except in Khalanga of Salyan, no violence cases were reported on the day of filing nominations under the first-past-the-post election system. Clashes ensued in Salyan’s district headquarter Khalanga between the UCPN and CPN-Maoist cadres. Around dozen cadres from both parties were injured during the clashes. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>UML Candidate Alam Shot</strong></span></div> <div> An unidentified group has shot at Mohammad Alam, a candidate of the FPTP election from CPN (UML) from Bara 4 last Thursday. Seriously injured Alam was airlifted to Kathmandu for further treatment. He is undergoing treatment at the Teaching Hospital. According to an eye witness, two unidentified persons riding on a motorcycle with Indian number plate shot at Alam. CPN-UML, NC and other parties have condemned the attack. Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Ministry of Home Affairs Shankar Prasad Koirala has said that the government has intensified the manhunt to nab the shooters. The Election Commission has also written to the government asking it to provide security to the CA poll candidates.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', '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' => 'Altogether 6,352 candidates have filed their nominations under the first-past-the-post election system last Thursday for the Constituent Assembly (CA) election 2013 in 240 electoral constituencies across the country. According to the Election Commission, out of the total candidates, 1,000 are independent, 591 women, 5,761 men and one from third gender.', 'sortorder' => '1784', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1925', 'article_category_id' => '139', 'title' => 'Nepal And The World News In Brief (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Pakistan to Privatise 31 Entities </strong></span></div> <div> Pakistan has decided to sell at least 26 per cent shares of 31 state-owned entities, including the flag carrier PIA and Pakistan Railways, in a massive privatisation move to fulfil a key clause of the IMF’s USD 6.7 billion bailout, reports said on Thursday. The government has directed the Privatisation Commission to immediately start the process of selling 31 public sector entities (PSEs) through initial and secondary public offering and transfer of 26 per cent shares along with management control, to the private sector, the Dawn reported. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>US Set to be Top Energy Producer in 2013</strong></span></div> <div> The United States could push past Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest single producer of oil and of natural gas this year, a US government agency said on Friday. While the US was roughly even with Russia as the top producer in 2012 of the petroleum and gas fuels combined, it still lagged the longtime leader Saudi Arabia as an oil producer.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>ADB Cuts Asia Growth Forecasts </strong></span></div> <div> The Asian Development Bank cut its economic growth forecast for developing Asia on Wednesday, citing weakness in region’s two largest economies China and India and jitters over plans to scale back US stimulus that destabilized financial markets.The Manila-based lender said it expects the region’s emerging economies to grow by 6 per cent this year, down from 6.6 per cent predicted in April. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Airlines Fill Record Number of Seats : IATA</strong></span></div> <div> World airline traffic expanded by 6.8 percent in August, enabling the industry to match an all-time record of 83.4 percent of seats filled, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Wednesday. “August was a positive month for passenger travel,” IATA chief Tony Tyler said in a statement, pointing out that the overall passenger load factor, or percentage of seats filled, matched a record set in July 2011. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>German Unemployment in Surprise Increase</strong></span></div> <div> The number of people out of work in Germany unexpectedly rose by a seasonally adjusted 25,000 in September to just under three million. Analysts had penciled in a fall of 5,000, after a rise of 9,000 in August.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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 United States could push past Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest single producer of oil and of natural gas this year, a US government agency said on Friday. While the US was roughly even with Russia as the top producer in 2012 of the petroleum and gas fuels combined, it still lagged the longtime leader Saudi Arabia as an oil producer.', 'sortorder' => '1783', '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' => '1924', 'article_category_id' => '161', 'title' => '“Proper Use Of Technology Supports Livelihood Of Communities”', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Achyut Luitel" src="/userfiles/images/al.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 250px; height: 270px;" />Achyut Luitel</strong> is the South Asia Regional Director of Practical Action, a United Kingdom based INGO working to improve the livelihood of poor communities through use of appropriate technologies along with disaster risk reduction and sanitation. In an interview with <strong>Sanjeev Sharma</strong> and <strong>Modnath Dhakal</strong> of The Corporate, Luitel talked about Practical Action’s activities in Nepal. <strong>Excerpts :</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Could you shed light on the major working areas of Practical Action Nepal?</strong></span></div> <div> Currently, we are working on four thematic areas - agricultural livelihood, disaster risk reduction, decentralized energy systems and urbanisation. As most Nepali citizens are dependent on agriculture, we have integrated market access of agro products, food security and livelihood of farmers. This approach is basically designed to help people of rural areas to raise their living standard through the combination of effective agricultural mechanisms and market access of the agro products they produce. Similarly, disaster risk reduction is focused on reducing the vulnerabilities of climate change which is posing a big threat in Nepal. Likewise, decentralized energy systems are our other major objective which is targeted to assist scattered communities to fulfill their minimum energy requirements as well as to help them in total energy access. We are associated with the United Nation’s ‘Sustainable Energy for All by 2030’ global campaign and are working closely with the Planning Commission to achieve the energy objectives. Finally, the thematic area of urbanisation is designed to reduce urban poverty. The decade-long insurgency and opportunities in the cities contributed to the rise of migration of rural people to the urban areas. This has led to increase in the number of poor in cities which is becoming a major problem. Our program Urban WASH (water and sanitation, hygiene education) programme is focused on improving the lives of the urban poor population. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How successful has it been to use technology to raise the living standard of targeted groups?</strong></span></div> <div> We have tried to address poverty related issues through the use of technology. We have introduced a new concept called ‘Technology Justice.’ The term has been defined as an alternative access to provide services to targeted groups that are underprivileged from taking advantage of new technology. One example is the use of the gravity ropeway system. Similarly, we are also providing technical assistance to farmers to adopt new farming techniques. </div> <div> </div> <div> Lack of power surplus in Nepal has created a huge gap between people of urban and rural areas. Even people living in slum areas deserve to use a solar lantern. The alternative technology access programme can address the issue to some extent. We provide information as audio/visual contents to communities through our local partners. PA Nepal believes that the proper use of technology can support livelihood of communities. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Could you please elaborate the financial model that Practical Action has adopted? </strong></span></div> <div> We have two types of fund. First is the unrestricted fund known as the core allocation. The chunk of money from the fund is used for staff salary, office expenses, among others. The fund is also used in the piloting of new projects. As a member-based organization, our donors and supporters throughout Europe and United Kingdom provide us with donations. Next is the restricted fund that is brought in by winning international biddings. The money received in the restricted fund is allocated to the implementation of projects. Various trusts also help us in fund-raising activities. We submit an annual audit report to the government. We are spending about 2.5 million Sterling Pounds (Rs 400 million) each year.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The PA has been publishing the ‘Poor Peoples Energy Outlook’ (PPEO) report every year. How has the report helped the Nepal Government to outline and implement policies to reduce poverty regarding energy use?</strong></span></div> <div> We have been publishing The PPEO on an annual basis. The basic theme of the project is the way to use energy in community services and enterprise development. It is a livelihood-centered approach. The project can create awareness among stakeholders to take energy in a broad level. There is huge feasibility in enterprise development and community services (street lamp, school lamp). We need to take energy through the concept of minimum energy requirement and total energy access. However, the level of change is based on available resources and the political will of the nation. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Achyut Luitel is the South Asia Regional Director of Practical Action, a United Kingdom based INGO working to improve the livelihood of poor communities through use of appropriate technologies along with disaster risk reduction and sanitation.', 'sortorder' => '1782', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1920', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Poverty Alleviation A Challenge Despite Economic Growth', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> South Asia has failed to reduce poverty and ensure food security, said a report released by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) last week. Though the region has been able to achieve an average economic growth of 6.5 per cent annually from 2000 to 2012, its overall poverty status has not improved. </div> <div> </div> <div> The report ‘SAARC Regional Poverty Profile 2009-10’ launched by Chairman of the Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi last week in Kathmandu, underlined that 32 per cent of South Asians still live on less than $1.25-per person-a-day which is a state of absolute poverty.</div> <div> </div> <div> “While some countries of the region like Nepal may be nearer to achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving the number of people in extreme poverty by 2015, the rest of the South Asian region – home to one third of the world’s poor – still has high incidences of poverty, hunger and malnutrition,” the report said. “Food production has improved considerably over time in all countries of the region, but inter-country and intra-country variations persist.”</div> <div> </div> <div> India is self-sufficient in all major foodstuffs except pulses and edible oils, according to the report. Pakistan is self-sufficient in wheat and rice.</div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s index of per capita food production has improved marginally. However, it still depends on imports for most of its food items including cereals, pulses and fish. </div> <div> </div> <div> According to the report, Bangladesh is more or less self-sufficient in rice but imports wheat. Afghanistan, Bhutan and the Maldives depend on imports for most food items to meet their domestic demand, while Sri Lanka meets nearly 99 per cent of its rice requirements internally but imports 97 per cent of its demand for pulses.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-06', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', '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' => 'South Asia has failed to reduce poverty and ensure food security, said a report released by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) last week. Though the region has been able to achieve an average economic growth of 6.5 per cent annually from 2000 to 2012, its overall poverty status has not improved.', 'sortorder' => '1781', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1919', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Informal Trade Still A High In South Asian Region', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> An audit on South Asia regional customs facilitation is being started with a target to complete in one year where customs formalities and border hassles in the region will be assessed. </div> <div> </div> <div> South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) launched the project “Trade and Transport Facilitation Audit in South Asia” to conduct the audit last week. </div> <div> </div> <div> The audit report will aim at providing factual information on the reliability and efficiency of transportation infrastructure, logistic operations, customs and border management regulations and procedures, said research director at SAWTEE, Pushpa Sharma. </div> <div> </div> <div> The audit report is expected to reveal the status of customs facilitation for bilateral trade among South Asian countries, according to Sharma. “After the study of trade facilitation at a bilateral level, the study will focus on identifying regional problems regarding trade facilitation,” he said.</div> <div> </div> <div> Informal trade is still a big challenge in the region but we do not have any authentic data, he said. The audit will not directly calculate the volume of informal trade but will study the causes of informal trade and recommend appropriate measures to reduce the volume of informal trade.</div> <div> </div> <div> Costs related to trade facilitation, infrastructure and transit have risen over the years, which has promoted informal trade in South Asia, according to experts. </div> <div> </div> <div> Effective trade integration is necessary to reduce the cost burden, said former member of National Planning Commission, Dr Posh Raj Pandey. “Trade facilitation is a must to improve overall cost related trade barriers but we should have a benchmark to improve the condition of trade facilitation,” he said, adding that the audit will provide the benchmark with all trade barriers in the formal channel.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite the fall in traditional trade barriers, the given circumstances in the region have forced exporters, businesses and consumers to bear additional cost burden, according to him. </div> <div> </div> <div> Economist Dr Ratnakar Adhikari said that generally, costs are incurred due to lack of regional trade connectivity and impenetrable borders. Regional commitment is required to address the identified bottlenecks, he further said. </div> <div> </div> <div> Iqbal Tabish, Secretary General of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, mentioned that benefits of trade liberalization will not be realized unless trade facilities are rationalized.</div> <div> </div> <div> Finance minister Shanker Prasad Koirala stated that the cost of trading within the region among South Asian countries is twice, and in some cases, even three times, than trading with countries outside the region.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite the existence of several regional efforts, such as Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), intra-regional trade in South Asia has remained extremely modest due to a number of factors, one of which is trade and transport facilitation-related bottlenecks.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a separate programme organised by International Finance Corporation (IFC), chief secretary Lila Mani Paudyal said that the government is committed to improving its trade competitiveness. “Reducing the time and costs to international trade, in particular, is critical for the Nepali private sector to compete internationally and access global markets,” he said. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> The Department of Customs is implementing its four year Customs Reform and Modernization Strategy and Action Plan since July 2013 which comprises of four building blocks: Trade Facilitation, High Revenue Yield, Organizational Development, and e-Customs, according to Surya Prasad Acharya, Director General of the Department of Customs. </div> <div> </div> <div> IFC is committed to enhance trade facilitation including focusing on simplifying border processes & procedures, and improving risk management systems, said IFC Resident Representative in Nepal Valentino S Bagatsing. “The reforms in the trade environment will provide a much needed boost as Nepali businesses position their products in accessing global markets,” he said.</div> <div> </div> <div> IFC’s South Asia Regional Trade Integration programme aims to assist the government in focusing its reform efforts to create an enabling environment for improving trade facilitation and logistics. IFC works with both private sector and government agencies in identifying areas where reform efforts can help maximize improvements for the private sector to improve cross-border trade and investments.</div> <div> </div> <div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Main Explanatory Factors for Informal Trade </strong></span></div> <div> •Businesses have incentive to escape trade related regulations and duties </div> <div> •Complex, non-transparent or divergent regulatory requirements (e.g., customs formalities, technical regulations and sanitary standards) </div> <div> •Long and costly customs delays when trading formally</div> <div> •Obstructed entry or exit of certain commodities, caused by import quotas or export bans </div> <div> •Foreign exchange controls</div> <div> •Weak law enforcement at the borders</div> </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-06', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'An audit on South Asia regional customs facilitation is being started with a target to complete in one year where customs formalities and border hassles in the region will be assessed. South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) launched the project “Trade and Transport Facilitation Audit in South Asia” to conduct the audit last week.', 'sortorder' => '1780', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1916', 'article_category_id' => '159', 'title' => 'Balanced Person', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong>By Upashana Neupane</strong><br /> <br /> Rabindra Rajaure, HR Manager of Chaudhary Group chooses the word ‘outgoing’ to define himself. When asked how he manages his personal and professional life, he says, “I make it a point to become organized and balanced as much as possible. Life is much easier when it is balanced”.Despite his busy schedule, he never leaves room for his family to complain about lack of family time. Whenever he has time, he spends it with his family. Dang, which is his hometown too, is the place he usually go for vacations. “Spending time with family is as important as your office work,” he says. A frequent traveller, Rajaure remembers his trip to Mahabaleshwor in Maharashtra, India as the most memorable one in his life.<br /> <br /> Rajaure used to spend most of his spare time reading books, but that has changed now. He is now the father of a 10 month old baby girl, and most of his time is spent taking care of her. “All of my free time that I can get out of my busy schedule, I spend it with my daughter. Playing with her and taking care of her fills me with immense energy and happiness,” he shares with a smile.<br /> <br /> Rajaure is a music loving person, and also has written and composed a few songs. Apart from Music, his deviation is towards sports as well. A huge sport fan, Rajaure’s favourite sports are football and cricket. Whenever possible, he likes to have some time with his friends as he says it refreshes him and makes him forget the daily rush. According to him, Nagarkot is his favourite place to hang out."<br /> <br /> Not very fond of social networking sites, Rajaure is available on them but isn’t very active. Rajaure believes having a happy and successful family life is as important as achieving success in one’s career. He says taking a break or holiday once in a while is very important for a person. “Holidays give us some time for ourselves, away from our work and career. It rejuvenates our mind, and helps improve our performance when we return to work”, he shares.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-28', 'keywords' => 'cover story headlines from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion current and latest cover story news from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Lifestyle & Fashion economic news and events, ongoing cover story news of Nepal', 'description' => 'Rabindra Rajaure, HR Manager of Chaudhary Group chooses the word ‘outgoing’ to define himself. When asked how he manages his personal and professional life, he says, “I make it a point to become organized and balanced as much as possible', 'sortorder' => '1777', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1908', 'article_category_id' => '99', 'title' => '34th World Tourism Day Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a programme on Friday on the occasion of 34th World Tourism Day. Two new tourist destinations were made public in the programme that served as the main event for this year’s World Tourism Day. The new destinations are Great Buddhist Trail and Chitlang Village. The Great Buddhist Trail aims to promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It was also informed in the programme that the 300 km long trail stretches from Kathmandu to Banganga River. The Trail will be completed within next three years. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Nepal announced Chitlang village in Makwanpur district as ´Village Tourism Destination 2013/14’. President of VITOF Shiva Lamichhane said that Chitlang can be easily reached by foot, cycling and through other vehicles and is a perfect destination to spend holidays. The destinations were made public by Officiating Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Tek Bahadur Thapa Gharti. Minister Gharti and Tourism Secretary Sushil Ghimire also inaugurated the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Counter and the new Help Desk and Information Centre in NTB. Ghimire also informed in the programme that Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairahawa will be developed as Nepal’s second international airport by June 2017. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, NTB appointed Chimmi Sherpa, first Miss Sherpa and Min Bahadur Serchan, the eldest Nepali to climb Mount Everest as the goodwill ambassador of Nepali tourism industry in the event. Also in the programme, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) announced that it will take the responsibility of cleaning Bishnumati River. Ramesh Dhamala, President of TAAN informed that NTB, Social Welfare Council and other concerned authorities will assist TAAN in this endeavour. </div> <div> </div> <div> The 34th World Tourism Day was celebrated with various programmes from 21 to 29 September. The programmes included welcoming of tourists at various tourist sites by different tourism organizations, discounts to tourists at hotels and restaurants, cleaning of tourist sites, street festivals and cultural shows among others. More than 40 tourism organizations were involved in the celebrations. Different tourism organizations took out a rally in the morning of September 27 as part of the celebrations.</div> <div> </div> <div> Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, NTB and TAAN along with number of travel trade organizations participated in the rally. The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day was Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', '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' => 'Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a programme on Friday on the occasion of 34th World Tourism Day. Two new tourist destinations were made public in the programme that served as the main event for this year’s World Tourism Day. The new destinations are Great Buddhist Trail and Chitlang Village. The Great Buddhist Trail aims to promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It was also informed in the programme that the 300 km long trail stretches from Kathmandu to Banganga River. The Trail will be completed within next three years.', 'sortorder' => '1776', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1914', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'How To Choose Corporate Clothing And Apparel', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language. Impressions formed by the first few glances of a person impact thoughts about their personality, diligence and intelligence. First impressions tend to last a while and can be hard to shake off.', 'content' => '<p><strong>Photo: Rukesh Shrestha<br /> <br /> <br /> Model: Kusum Neupane<br /> Wardrobe: Purple Boutique,<br /> Naxal, Kathmandu</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>By TC Correspondent</strong><br /> <br /> in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language. Impressions formed by the first few glances of a person impact thoughts about their personality, diligence and intelligence. First impressions tend to last a while and can be hard to shake off.<br /> <br /> When it comes to work and business, it definitely pays to find out about the company’s culture and dress code and determine how people at your level dress. A tip for dressing for job interviews is to dress as one would for a client meeting: a little more formally than day-to-day business wear. This will help project an attitude of confidence and professionalism.<br /> <br /> While talking about the corporate dress or the business dress, according to my view, white shirt with black coat and pant suites the most for boys and for girls, white shirt with black coat and short skirts touching the knee will be the best if there is not especial dress code in the office.<br /> </p> <ul> <li>Clothing should be neat, smart and subtle. This also applies to hairstyle and perfume. Do not let your employers be sidetracked by showy apparel.</li> <li>In the corporate world, hairstyles should be chosen to bewell-groomed and tidy.</li> <li>I think, simple but formal look help you to give impression in corporate world. Any visible piercings should be removed and we have to cover any tattoos when we are in the work.</li> <li>Clothing should be laundered and ironed. Always make sure that it fits properly and that adjustments are not needed when sitting, walking or leaning over.</li> </ul> <p>Wearing dress is not only enough. We should wear neat clothes with well ironed and that catch the mind of the people positively.n They should say she is very good officers who is energetic and well managed. Dressing shows our energy as well. If we wear dirty dress and no ironed at all then people will say that she is very lazy and how can such lazy people work at office? To be a potential staff our energy, our courtesy and our dress up carry the great points.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2015-07-28', 'keywords' => 'Lifestyle & Fashion cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Lifestyle & Fashion, cover story headlines from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion current and latest cover story news from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Lifestyle & Fashion economic ', 'description' => 'in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language.', 'sortorder' => '1775', 'image' => '1380622740.jpg', 'article_date' => '2015-07-28 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1913', 'article_category_id' => '199', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (30 September - 3 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong><img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech1.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> 15% in US Shun Internet</strong><br /> <br /> Despite a seemingly unstoppable move to digital lifestyles, some 15 per cent of Americans don't use the Internet, and most are quite content to remain offline, a survey shows. The survey released Wednesday found that in addition to the 15 per cent of adults who don't use the Internet on any device, another nine per cent say they only go online at their workplace. The report by the Pew Research Center found a whopping 92 per cent of these "offline adults" with no interest in using the Internet or email in the near future. <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech2.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>Tweets Reveal Global News Readership Patterns: Study</strong><br /> <br /> Different countries have stronger preference towards different types of articles - Americans and Brits are drawn to opinion and world news, while Brazilians go for sports, a twitter analysis has found. Researchers used data collected from Twitter to study readers' news preferences across the globe and discovered that different countries have stronger preference towards different types of articles. While Americans and British readers like opinion and world news, Spaniards prefer local and national news, Brazilians are drawn to sports and arts, and Germans go for politics and economy. The researchers also found that German and Spanish readers are more likely to read national newspapers compared to British readers, who prefer foreign publications.<br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech3.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 93px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>BlackBerry Reports $1bn Quarterly Loss</strong></p> <p> BlackBerry reported a quarterly loss of nearly $1 billion on Friday, in line with last week’s warning, days after accepting its largest shareholder’s tentative $4.7 billion bid to take it out of the public eye. BlackBerry, which had warned of poor results on September 20th, said its net loss for the second quarter ended on August 31st was $965 million, or $1.84 a share. Revenue fell 45 per cent to $1.6 billion from a year earlier. <br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech4.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>Study Puts iPhone 5S Production Costs at $191</strong><br /> <br /> While the iPhone 5S includes a handful of new features that set it apart from Apple's previous model, the actual cost to make the phone hasn't changed very much, according to a new study. An IHS Inc. teardown of the new smartphone found that the components that make up a 16-gigabyte iPhone 5S cost $190.70. Manufacturing costs add another $8, bringing the total production cost to $198.70. In comparison, the iPhone 5, which hit the market a year ago, cost $197 to make.</p> <p> <br /> <strong><img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech5.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 99px;" /><br /> <br /> Samsung to Launch Smartphone with Curved Display</strong></p> <p> Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said it will introduce a smartphone with a curved display in October, as the world's top handset maker seeks to set the pace of hardware innovation and maintain its supremacy in a fiercely competitive business. Curved displays are an early stage in screen evolution which is shifting to bendable or foldable designs, eventually allowing mobile and wearable gadgets to take on new forms that could radically change the high-end smartphone market.<br /> <br /> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'Brands & Technology cover story news & articles, Brands & Technology news & articles from Brands & Technology, Brands & Technology headlines from nepal, Brands & Technology current and latest Brands & Technology news from nepal, Brands & Technology economic news from nepal, nepali Brands & Technolo', 'description' => 'Despite a seemingly unstoppable move to digital lifestyles, some 15 per cent of Americans don't use the Internet, and most are quite content to remain offline, a survey shows.', 'sortorder' => '1774', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1910', 'article_category_id' => '205', 'title' => 'Third Money Expo 2013 Talks', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 16px;">The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in capital in the end of October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal. An interaction programme ‘Demystifying New Mode of Trade and Payments’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as headway to the Expo. This interaction was dedicated to clear the existing technology that has been replaced by new technologies in the fields of trade and payments. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. <strong>Excerpts: </strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Biswas Dhakal" src="/userfiles/images/bs.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Biswas Dhakal</span></strong></div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">President, F1Soft International Ltd</span></strong></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our main objective is to facilitate customers with new and easy services. Other companies also carry similar objectives to make life easier for customers through digital transactions. Every transaction should be a digital transaction, be it large banking transactions or daily life transactions. We have initiated the online transaction service with this same purpose. This brings money to the banking sector and also increases investment. Remittance, which has covered large areas in the Nepali economy, is also brought to the country through online systems. The procedure of an online system is very easy and can be used by everyone. It can be done by simply sending an SMS and people are seen to be interested towards this service. But due to various reasons, the popularity of this system has not increased yet. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main problem of the digital system is a lack of its credibility among people. But the system is totally secured from our side. We have adopted international norms for security in the system. Our first priority is to provide secured transactions and we have not received any complaints regarding security and services from our customers.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main obstacle for digital transaction in reference to the worldwide global practice is digital illiteracy. Moreover, in an education deprived country like ours, the problem is huge. So it is impossible to achieve hundred per cent digital coverage in Nepal. However, our concept is to move from developed to less developed areas. For example, 50 per cent families of Kathmandu have their representatives abroad. A major responsibility for those abroad is to send money to their family. If we can convince the people in Kathmandu towards online transaction, they can opt for a digital medium as their mode of transaction. Moreover, the family in Kathmandu can also use an online medium to send money and other materials abroad. We can then enter rural areas as well. Using personal brand ambassadors rather than our individual effort for promotion would be more effective.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is a misconception that few government policies have created obstacles. However, if all processes are completed, it is not that difficult to work. Everyone involved in transaction has their own process. The Nepal Rastra Bank also has its own policy. The foreign exchange department also has its own policy. We cannot exist for long in this sector if we bypass their policies. According to the policy of the Nepal Rastra Bank, a private organization cannot hold funds of customers. So, we appointed banks for the payment and provided the custody of customers’ money to them. Similarly, foreign currencies are also handled by banks. So, there are no hurdles due to rules and regulations if they are handled properly.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Samir Vajracharya" src="/userfiles/images/sv(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Samir Vajracharya</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Chief Technology Officer, Smart Choice Technology</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Smart Choice Technology (SCT) started in 2001 AD when there were hardly 4-5 ATMs and 10,000 cards. Currently, there are 15, 000 cards under the SCT network only and more than 18,000 people with access to cash. A total of 85 financial institutions are affiliated with SCT. We have focused on ATM transactions and Point of Sale (POS), mainly. There is a vast difference in the situation now and then. Our vision is to provide easy access to financial activities to the people and we have been successful in our mission to a large extent. This does not mean that this is the line of satisfaction as a large number of people hesitate to use ATMs still. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Nepali market is not ready for e-services, which has been the main hurdle for increment in the online market. We should be able to make people aware about the importance of online transactions so that their interest level towards this service increases.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The government is not being able to lead this sector which is also seen as a major problem. The government should introduce some compulsory regulations regarding online services to increase people’s involvement in this sector. This is only due to the contribution and dedication of the private sector that online services have reached up to this level. But without support from the government, the online sector cannot sustain for long. The private sector is profit-oriented, but if the government sector takes charge then this sector can be service-oriented.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Though the issue of security is big in this sector, SCT is very much concerned about the security issue and has worked on it. Our cards are based on pin codes which are the safest medium in this sector in comparison to a signature as it can be copied. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Customers have to face problems because of problems in network but these problems are not solely from theSCT network. There are various service providers including telecom, banks and others involved with it. This is difficult to manage as network problems may arise anywhere anytime. People should be aware of this.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Poorly developed infrastructures and a lack of skilled manpower are also major obstacles in the context of Nepal. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are also facing problems because of political instability and power cuts. The companies from foreign countries are interested to work with us which is a positive sign for us but these vital problems are blocking them to work with us. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Similarly, there is a lack of government policy. The central bank should provide a benchmark to other banks for e-payment. It is difficult for the private sector to work without a benchmark. We are discussing with concerned authorities to solve these issues.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <img alt="Rabin Kumar Shrestha" src="/userfiles/images/rks.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 244px;" /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Rabin Kumar Shrestha</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Chief Technical Officer, PayBill</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are making maximum efforts for improvement of the online sector but we are not getting results accordingly. There are various reasons for this. Firstly, people are not aware of this system. Most people still believe that the internet is only limited to the social media. They are not aware that various transactions can also be done through the internet. These people can be attracted to this sector if they are made aware.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The issue of security is also a major concern but this system is very much secured. Customers should send two smses to transact from PEBIL. After the first sms, we send an alpha code to the customer and after that the customer must send both the alpha code and pin through sms. Only after this will they will be able to transact. So, this way our system is secured but people are still not convinced.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Subas Dhungana" src="/userfiles/images/sd.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 244px;" />Subash Dhungana</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Executive, iPay</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>iPay is an online payment system. We have been operating Muncha.com since 2002. Our services were limited to gift packages for long though we were not satisfied with the results. But some positive signs are emerging now based on which we are expanding our services. We have moved towards bringing remittance and media sites for downloading files along with online shopping. We have made agreements with seven banks for this purpose recently. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main reason behind the failure of e-commerce sites is the failure of payment to customers. For online payment, there are e-sewa, PayBill, SCT, credit card and our own production iPay which are associated with seven banks. But if the customer is asked to pay online, then s/he makes various excuses as they are not aware of these services. So cards of Nepali banks should get international validity for easy access to online payment. Around 20-25 people register in Muncha.com but at the end, they have problems with the payment system. Therefore, an easy way for payment should be initiated with support from the government or the central bank. Though these issues are discussed, we are lacking behind in implementation. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We have not faced any problem regarding security, nor have we received any complaints. We are practicing international norms of security in our system. We can’t say that the online medium is hundred percent secured but problems have not occurred yet. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Political instability is also main problem for this sector. The number of internet users has increased, but political stability is must for the sector’s rapid growth. Political stability brings employment, and it is when people are engaged and busy that they start engaging in online activities. </div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Bal K. Joshi" src="/userfiles/images/bkj.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Bal K. Joshi</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>President, MACHNET</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nepal has immense potential for e-commerce. Though there is not much expansion in this sector, the condition has not worsened. There are a lot of websites conducting e-commerce and their businesses have increased through the medium. The expansion of the market for e-commerce depends upon target customers and identifying their needs.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main problem at present is not being able to invite international transactions to our country. PayPal is popular for this at national and international levels. But there are some procedural problems in the use of PayPal digital transaction in Nepal. The customers have to pay an extra fee to send the money. For example, if a person has to send 2000 dollars then s/he will have to pay around 2500 dollars. So, there is no prospect for using PayPal to expand the digital transaction market in Nepal. We are introducing a new platform related to money transfer for the first time in Nepal to make it easier for Nepali customers to transfer money from abroad. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'NuBiz Events, Third Money Expo 2013', 'description' => 'The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in capital in the end of October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal. An interaction programme ‘Demystifying New Mode of Trade and Payments’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as headway to the Expo.', 'sortorder' => '1773', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1911', 'article_category_id' => '198', 'title' => 'Green Branding', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong><img alt="madankhatri" src="/userfiles/images/Madan.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 155px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px;" /><br /> Madan Khatri</strong><br /> <strong>Marketing Executive</strong><br /> <strong>Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd, Banepa</strong></p> <p> </p> <div> <p align="left"> <strong>By Bhawani Timilsina</strong></p> </div> <p align="left"> The Nepali branded furniture market, though not completely evolved, has been flourishing slowly in recent times. Kathmandu’s homemakers are increasingly becoming brand-conscious which has made branding an essential process for any furniture company. When the market is flooded with Chinese products, some precious locally-made brands become key players. “It will not be difficult to replace foreign products in terms of quality; however, we have to make our customers aware that Nepali brands are not weak,” says Madan Khatri, Marketing Executive of Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd in Banepa.</p> <p align="left"> Shaan furniture is an emerging furniture brand in the Nepali market. ‘Shaan’, the journey of pride began in 1993. In a two-decade long journey, the brand has created its own value in the domestic market. “It is very hard to establish a brand in the domestic market,” he says. Though the company was dealing merely with wooden products in the beginning, it now deals with a huge variety of products.</p> <p align="left"> ‘Shaan’ implies that to have a domestic brand is a matter of pride. “It reflects that we are proud to be a part of the furniture market,” he says. The brand name evokes a sense of pride in being locally-made. The popularity of a brand is an asset to any company. “Brands give tremendous contribution to the company,” Khatri says and claims that the strength of the brand assures the quality of the product. The company has organized two furniture expos thus far at the Bhrikutimandap, the one for this year having commenced on September 25, to support domestic furniture brands. The company has dealers in Dilibazar, Banepa, Patan, Kumaripati, Maharajgunj, Butwal and Gwarko.</p> <p align="left"> We are highly motivated by the feedback our customers have given which also maintains the bond between the brand and its consumers. “The logo which is a green tree symbolizes that furniture must go hand-in-hand with environmental conservation,” he clarifies.</p> <p align="left"> “The significant aspect of our brand lies in the originality of the raw materials we have been using to generate products. It makes us stand out from other brands. We have been focusing on local raw materials which are the strength of our brand. We are trying to deliver the message that our brand and products can endure in quality and style,” he adds.</p> <p align="left"> The company, as of now, places huge priority on reliability rather than texture and appearance of its products. It has yet to work on branding. “We are waiting to see what will be a suitable way to brand our product as many furniture brands are becoming popular these days,” explains Khatri. “Sustainability of the brand can be continued by incorporating change in technology and interest of customers,” he adds.</p> <p align="left"> The management team at Shaan is well aware of the concept and the company has been trying to shape its brand and products accordingly. Though the company’s active participation began only a couple of years ago, the management team thinks that the brand has succeeded in making its space in consumers’ consciousness. “Being top-listed among domestic brands, customers do show interest in our products,” Khatri says.</p> <p align="left"> The cost and value of Shaan furniture’s products appear well balanced. “Our target groups are middle class people and the price range has been set accordingly,” Khatri says. The expo has largely helped Khatri and company communicate with customers and the brand’s market share today stands at 12 percent of the total market. With a promise for quality and a spirit for environmental consciousness, Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd seems to be on a promising path to emerge as a strong brand in the near future.</p> <p> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'Brands & Technology cover story news & articles, Brands & Technology news & articles from Brands & Technology, Brands & Technology headlines from nepal, Brands & Technology current and latest Brands & Technology news from nepal, Brands & Technology economic news from nepal, nepali Brands & Technolo', 'description' => 'Promise for quality and environmental consciousness makes Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd likely to emerge as a strong brand', 'sortorder' => '1772', 'image' => '1380616765.jpg', 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1909', 'article_category_id' => '100', 'title' => 'Tourism Briefs (30 September - 3 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong> SIA Boosts India Network</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/sia.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 130px;" />Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir boosted its India network from 27 October 2013. The airline will boost India-Singapore services from 98 to 107 times weekly across 11 Indian cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam. The flight additions include third daily service between New Delhi-Singapore on SIA, while SilkAir will its 10th weekly service from Kochi and fourth weekly service from Viskhapatnam. G M Toh, general manager in India for Singapore Airlines said, “India is an extremely important market for the Singapore Airlines Group and the nine additional weekly services clearly demonstrate our commitment to growing business and tourism exchange between both countries. We look forward to further expanding our footprint in India with customer-centric investments focused on quality products and services.” (Traveldailymedia.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Chinese Airlines Take off with A320</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/nca(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;height: 134px; width: 200px;" />Two new Chinese airlines have taken a major step forward in their development, with the signing of major aircraft deals with Airbus. Qingdao Airlines, based in Shandong province, and Zhejiang Loong Airlines, which will operate from Zhejiang province, are both preparing to launch commercial flights in the coming months. And ahead of these debuts, both airlines this week penned major orders for the Airbus A320 aircraft. Qingdao Airlines’ order includes five standard A320s and 18 of the new, fuel-efficient A320neo, with a total value of US$2.18 billion at current list prices. Meanwhile Zhejiang Loong Airlines has placed a firm order for 11 standard A320s and nine A320neos, worth US $ 1.84 billion. Both agreements were signed at the 15th Aviation Expo China 2013, which is taking place in Beijing this week. (Traveldailymedia.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Travelocity Inveils iOS 7 Hotel Booking App </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/tvs(3).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 134px;" />Travelocity has announced the release of ‘Hotel Booking with Travelocity’; a new mobile app crafted specifically for the new iOS 7 operating system. The app, which joins the family of Travelocity iPhone apps, was recently featured at Apple’s Keynote Event in September and can be used to book hotel stays. Noteworthy features include a new, highly visual layout. The home screen now includes images from destinations around the world to inspire them as they dream about and plan their travel. It also has AirDrop functionality and card scanning technology that allows app users to scan their card for faster payment. (Traveldailynews.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>World Travel Awards Selects Doha, Qatar for Grand Final </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/qtr.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 174px;" />World Travel Awards (WTA) has confirmed its 20th anniversary Grand Final will be hosted by La Cigale Hotel, Doha on November 30th 2013. WTA recognises, acknowledges and rewards the leading travel, tourism and hospitality organisations. The awards is recognised worldwide as the hallmark of industry excellence. The Wall Street Journal is among the many publications that have heralded WTA as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. The first ever event was held in Hollywood in 1994 and since then World Travel Awards has hosted Gala Ceremonies every year to celebrate the best in the international travel industry. (Traveldailynews.com)</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', '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' => 'Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir boosted its India network from 27 October 2013. The airline will boost India-Singapore services from 98 to 107 times weekly across 11 Indian cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam.', 'sortorder' => '1771', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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And he has successfully avoided conflict between these two worlds working both as the Director of NTA and a visiting faculty at different universities of Nepal. Khanal has been teaching courses related to telecommunications and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). Besides engineering in the telecom and ICT sector, Khanal is a gold medallist in Bachelors of Law (LLB), has deep interest in management and leadership and also in philosophy and spiritualism. </div> <div> </div> <div> His life outside the office is not confined within four walls. Khanal says he is open to anything that comes his way during his free time. A confident and passionate person, Khanal has passion for reading, writing and public speaking. “If I get more spare time, you will find me either reading, writing, speaking, listening to music or meditating,” he shares. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> A conscientious and dependable friend, Khanal likes spending his free time with like-minded friends – those with a passion for spirituality, philosophy and music. He also loves tranquillity and the company of his own self. He is also fond of introspection through meditation. </div> <div> </div> <div> Holidays are mere getaways from the daily routine at work. For Khanal, it is an opportunity to freshen up and rejuvenate the self. He is a traveller without a plan. He says, “I do not normally plan my holidays. I accept any good opportunity without much calculation.” Khanal recalls his unplanned trips to Mustang, trekking in the Helambu region, Nagarkot, hiking in Shivapuri and numerous other impromptu tours as one of the most pleasing vacations of all time. If he is granted with extended free time, Khanal wishes to trek into the virgin lands of Nepal.</div> <div> </div> <div> An avid traveller, Khanal does not have a particular favourite destination. Recently, he was in Seoul of South Korea for a business visit and says it was an enjoyable trip. Moreover, he jokes Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath temples are his frequent and regular destinations.</div> <div> </div> <div> However, sports do not feature much in Khanal’s leisure time. He says he has never been into sports even as a child. “I do not play any games. But I used to play cards,” he jokes. </div> <div> </div> <div> Being an ICT professional, Khanal is surrounded by ICT tools and technologies. However, his life in social networking sites is limited by time and work load. He adds, “I use them quite often but it depends upon the availability of time and my work load.”</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Ananda Raj Khanal, Director and Action Chief at Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA,) prefers a boundary between his professional and personal life. And he has successfully avoided conflict between these two worlds working both as the Director of NTA and a visiting faculty at different universities of Nepal. Khanal has been teaching courses related to telecommunications and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).', 'sortorder' => '1787', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1928', 'article_category_id' => '115', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Smartphone App Alerts Users at Risk of Binge Eating</strong></span></div> <div> A smartphone app which aims to strike at the same moment that binge eating urges occur has been developed as part of two new treatments designed to help those suffering from the disorder. Developed by scientists at Drexel University, the ‘Take Control’ app will track users’ individual patterns of consumption and binge eating behaviour, alerting them at times when they may be susceptible to overeating. Alongside this, small-group behavioural therapy techniques are also being created to equip patients with the psychological tools to help them benefit from the standard treatment received by those who binge eat. Binge eating has only recently been identified as an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and is already suspected to affect more than twice the number of people as bulimia nervosa. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Adobe Hacked, 2.9 million Accounts Compromised</strong></span></div> <div> Adobe Systems Inc. said a cyberattack on its systems has exposed credit-card information of 2.9 million customers. The maker of Photoshop and other software said Thursday that the attacker accessed Adobe customer IDs and passwords on its systems. Through that, they were able to remove customer names, encrypted credit and debit card numbers, expiration dates and other information related to orders from customers worldwide. The company does not believe attackers removed credit and debit card numbers that weren’t encrypted.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Google Japan launches Android Game Vending Machines</strong></span></div> <div> Android lovers in Japan now have a cool way to download apps. Google Japan has launched Google Play vending machines that will sell users different games. To use these vending machines, all that a user needs is a smartphone running on Android 4.0 or higher OS and NFC. To get going a user can simply put his device on the NFC-enabled tray, select app and the machine loads it for him. So far there are not many apps, only 18 games are available for download or purchase. These reportedly include Square, Sega, Namco, Gameloft and Kairosoft. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Twitter Reveals $1 Billion IPO Plan</strong></span></div> <div> Twitter Inc. on Thursday revealed plans to raise up to $1 billion in a public offering, looking to cash in on a messaging service that has transformed public conversation but is still losing money and facing challenges attracting new users and advertisers. Potential buyers for the first time saw the financials behind one of the most anticipated stock-market debuts of the year, which showed the social network’s revenue more than doubled to $254 million in the first six months of this year.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Cisco, Google and SAP Discussing BlackBerry Bids </strong></span></div> <div> BlackBerryLtd, on the block as its smartphone business struggles, is in talks with Cisco Systems,Google Inc and SAP about selling them all or parts of itself, several sources close to the matter said. Such a deal would be an alternative to the preliminary agreement reached weeks ago with a group, led by BlackBerry’s biggest shareholder, Fairfax Financial Holdings, to take the company private for about $4.7 billion, a bid which has faced some skepticism because of financing questions.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'A smartphone app which aims to strike at the same moment that binge eating urges occur has been developed as part of two new treatments designed to help those suffering from the disorder. Developed by scientists at Drexel University, the ‘Take Control’ app will track users’ individual patterns of consumption and binge eating behaviour, alerting them at times when they may be susceptible to overeating.', 'sortorder' => '1786', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1927', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'Business Briefs (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nepali Products’ Showroom in Australia </strong></span></div> <div> Sirish Sharma, a Nepali youth has opened a showroom in Stockland Shopping Centre in New Castle, Australia. The showroom named Mt 8848 has on display 96 various Nepali products like Nepali paper, fabric, pashmina and handicrafts. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Yamaha Showroom at Maharajgunj</strong></span></div> <div> MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd, sole authorized distributor for Yamaha Motorcycles in Nepal has opened a new Yamaha showroom at Maharajgunj. The showroom offers facility of sales, service and spares under one roof. The showroom was inaugurated by actress and Goodwill Ambassador for Yamaha Ray Namrata Shrestha on October 4, 2013. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Snickers’ Dashain Offer</strong></span></div> <div> United Distributors Nepal P Ltd, the distributors of Snickers in Nepal has launched a five-day Dashain offer from Oct 5th–9th named ‘Buy a Snickers, Win an iPad Mini Everyday’. With purchase of every 50 gm Snickers, customers will get a coupon through which they can enter a lucky draw to win an iPad Mini every day. This promotion is applicable at all Bhat Bhateni outlets in Kathmandu valley.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Nissan Sylphy Launched</strong></span></div> <div> Dugar Brothers and Sons, the authorized distributor of Nissan vehicles for Nepal has launched Nissan Sylphy, a new sedan in the market. Sylphy is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine, ha a ground clearance of 165 mm, and comes with 16 inch wheels. The engine delivers a maximum power of 116 KW at 5,600 rpm, and generates a peak torque of 154 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The sedan is priced at Rs 5,950,000. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sony’s ‘Dashain Tihar, Kushi Ra Upahaar’ Offer</strong></span></div> <div> Nepa Hima TradeLink Pvt Ltd has introduced ‘Dashain Ra Tihar, Khusi Ra Upahar’ scheme for this festive season. Under this scheme, selected models of Sony TVs will be accompanied by Active 3D glasses, Passive 3D glasses, One Touch Remote Controller, Sony high-end blu-ray home theatre system, and DVD Player. Furthermore, customers purchasing Sony Xperia Smartphone will get an opportunity to win Sony DVD Players, Smartwatch, NFC Speakers and Bluetooth Headset among others. </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Sirish Sharma, a Nepali youth has opened a showroom in Stockland Shopping Centre in New Castle, Australia. The showroom named Mt 8848 has on display 96 various Nepali products like Nepali paper, fabric, pashmina and handicrafts.', 'sortorder' => '1785', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1926', 'article_category_id' => '142', 'title' => 'Over 6,000 File FPTP Nomination, 121 Parties Submit Closed List', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <strong>--By Sagar Ghimire</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Altogether 6,352 candidates have filed their nominations under the first-past-the-post election system last Thursday for the Constituent Assembly (CA) election 2013 in 240 electoral constituencies across the country. According to the Election Commission, out of the total candidates, 1,000 are independent, 591 women, 5,761 men and one from third gender.</div> <div> </div> <div> Likewise, a total of 121 political parties submitted their closed list of candidates under the Proportional Representation (PR) system last Friday. The parties submitting the lists are Unified CPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Terai-Madhes Democratic Party and Federal Socialist Party, among others. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Top Notches from Two Constituencies </strong></span></div> <div> Most of the top leaders of the major political parties have filed their nominations from two constituencies. UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has fielded his candidacies from Kathmandu 10 and Siraha 5, while another leader of the UCPN (Maoist) Dr Baburam Bhattarai filed his nominations from Rupandehi4 and Gorkha 1. Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala is contesting polls from Banke 3 and Chitwan 4, and senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba from Kailali 6 and Dadeldhura. CPN (UML) chairperson Jhalanath Khanal, Vice-chairperson Bamdev Gautam, senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal chairperson Upendra Yadav and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairperson Bijay Kumar Gachhadar are other leaders who are contesting from two constituencies.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Central Member Ghimire Quits NC</strong></span></div> <div> NC central working committee member Suprabha Ghimire has announced to quit the party after it decided to grant the ticket of candidacy to Gagan Thapa for the Kathmandu constituency-4, from where she has won last CA election. Ghimire has filed her candidacy from Kathmandu-4 as independent to contest against NC candidate Thapa.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Kiranti Challenges Oli</strong></span></div> <div> Despite defeat in last Constituent Assembly poll, CPN (UML) leader KP Oli has registered his candidacy from Jhapa 7. Though UCPN (Maoist) leader Barsha Man Pun was likely to file his candidacy from Jhapa-7, the party backtracked from fielding his candidacy following the request of the cadres. UCPN (Maoist) has fielded the candidacy of Gopal Kiranti from this constituency.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Dahal to Confront his Slapper</strong></span></div> <div> Padam Bahadur Kunwar, who shot to fame after slapping UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a public programme in the capital last year, filed his candidacy against Dahal at Constituency 10 of Kathmandu. A resident of Baglung, Kunwar filed his candidacy as an independent candidate from the constituency that also has Chairman Dahal as a contender. </div> <div> </div> <div> Talking to media persons on the occasion, Kunwar, however, said that he has to do nothing with personal animosity.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Clashes in Khalanga</strong></span></div> <div> Except in Khalanga of Salyan, no violence cases were reported on the day of filing nominations under the first-past-the-post election system. Clashes ensued in Salyan’s district headquarter Khalanga between the UCPN and CPN-Maoist cadres. Around dozen cadres from both parties were injured during the clashes. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>UML Candidate Alam Shot</strong></span></div> <div> An unidentified group has shot at Mohammad Alam, a candidate of the FPTP election from CPN (UML) from Bara 4 last Thursday. Seriously injured Alam was airlifted to Kathmandu for further treatment. He is undergoing treatment at the Teaching Hospital. According to an eye witness, two unidentified persons riding on a motorcycle with Indian number plate shot at Alam. CPN-UML, NC and other parties have condemned the attack. Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Ministry of Home Affairs Shankar Prasad Koirala has said that the government has intensified the manhunt to nab the shooters. The Election Commission has also written to the government asking it to provide security to the CA poll candidates.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', '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' => 'Altogether 6,352 candidates have filed their nominations under the first-past-the-post election system last Thursday for the Constituent Assembly (CA) election 2013 in 240 electoral constituencies across the country. According to the Election Commission, out of the total candidates, 1,000 are independent, 591 women, 5,761 men and one from third gender.', 'sortorder' => '1784', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1925', 'article_category_id' => '139', 'title' => 'Nepal And The World News In Brief (7 - 13 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Pakistan to Privatise 31 Entities </strong></span></div> <div> Pakistan has decided to sell at least 26 per cent shares of 31 state-owned entities, including the flag carrier PIA and Pakistan Railways, in a massive privatisation move to fulfil a key clause of the IMF’s USD 6.7 billion bailout, reports said on Thursday. The government has directed the Privatisation Commission to immediately start the process of selling 31 public sector entities (PSEs) through initial and secondary public offering and transfer of 26 per cent shares along with management control, to the private sector, the Dawn reported. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>US Set to be Top Energy Producer in 2013</strong></span></div> <div> The United States could push past Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest single producer of oil and of natural gas this year, a US government agency said on Friday. While the US was roughly even with Russia as the top producer in 2012 of the petroleum and gas fuels combined, it still lagged the longtime leader Saudi Arabia as an oil producer.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>ADB Cuts Asia Growth Forecasts </strong></span></div> <div> The Asian Development Bank cut its economic growth forecast for developing Asia on Wednesday, citing weakness in region’s two largest economies China and India and jitters over plans to scale back US stimulus that destabilized financial markets.The Manila-based lender said it expects the region’s emerging economies to grow by 6 per cent this year, down from 6.6 per cent predicted in April. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Airlines Fill Record Number of Seats : IATA</strong></span></div> <div> World airline traffic expanded by 6.8 percent in August, enabling the industry to match an all-time record of 83.4 percent of seats filled, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Wednesday. “August was a positive month for passenger travel,” IATA chief Tony Tyler said in a statement, pointing out that the overall passenger load factor, or percentage of seats filled, matched a record set in July 2011. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>German Unemployment in Surprise Increase</strong></span></div> <div> The number of people out of work in Germany unexpectedly rose by a seasonally adjusted 25,000 in September to just under three million. Analysts had penciled in a fall of 5,000, after a rise of 9,000 in August.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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 United States could push past Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest single producer of oil and of natural gas this year, a US government agency said on Friday. While the US was roughly even with Russia as the top producer in 2012 of the petroleum and gas fuels combined, it still lagged the longtime leader Saudi Arabia as an oil producer.', 'sortorder' => '1783', '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' => '1924', 'article_category_id' => '161', 'title' => '“Proper Use Of Technology Supports Livelihood Of Communities”', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="Achyut Luitel" src="/userfiles/images/al.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 250px; height: 270px;" />Achyut Luitel</strong> is the South Asia Regional Director of Practical Action, a United Kingdom based INGO working to improve the livelihood of poor communities through use of appropriate technologies along with disaster risk reduction and sanitation. In an interview with <strong>Sanjeev Sharma</strong> and <strong>Modnath Dhakal</strong> of The Corporate, Luitel talked about Practical Action’s activities in Nepal. <strong>Excerpts :</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Could you shed light on the major working areas of Practical Action Nepal?</strong></span></div> <div> Currently, we are working on four thematic areas - agricultural livelihood, disaster risk reduction, decentralized energy systems and urbanisation. As most Nepali citizens are dependent on agriculture, we have integrated market access of agro products, food security and livelihood of farmers. This approach is basically designed to help people of rural areas to raise their living standard through the combination of effective agricultural mechanisms and market access of the agro products they produce. Similarly, disaster risk reduction is focused on reducing the vulnerabilities of climate change which is posing a big threat in Nepal. Likewise, decentralized energy systems are our other major objective which is targeted to assist scattered communities to fulfill their minimum energy requirements as well as to help them in total energy access. We are associated with the United Nation’s ‘Sustainable Energy for All by 2030’ global campaign and are working closely with the Planning Commission to achieve the energy objectives. Finally, the thematic area of urbanisation is designed to reduce urban poverty. The decade-long insurgency and opportunities in the cities contributed to the rise of migration of rural people to the urban areas. This has led to increase in the number of poor in cities which is becoming a major problem. Our program Urban WASH (water and sanitation, hygiene education) programme is focused on improving the lives of the urban poor population. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How successful has it been to use technology to raise the living standard of targeted groups?</strong></span></div> <div> We have tried to address poverty related issues through the use of technology. We have introduced a new concept called ‘Technology Justice.’ The term has been defined as an alternative access to provide services to targeted groups that are underprivileged from taking advantage of new technology. One example is the use of the gravity ropeway system. Similarly, we are also providing technical assistance to farmers to adopt new farming techniques. </div> <div> </div> <div> Lack of power surplus in Nepal has created a huge gap between people of urban and rural areas. Even people living in slum areas deserve to use a solar lantern. The alternative technology access programme can address the issue to some extent. We provide information as audio/visual contents to communities through our local partners. PA Nepal believes that the proper use of technology can support livelihood of communities. </div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Could you please elaborate the financial model that Practical Action has adopted? </strong></span></div> <div> We have two types of fund. First is the unrestricted fund known as the core allocation. The chunk of money from the fund is used for staff salary, office expenses, among others. The fund is also used in the piloting of new projects. As a member-based organization, our donors and supporters throughout Europe and United Kingdom provide us with donations. Next is the restricted fund that is brought in by winning international biddings. The money received in the restricted fund is allocated to the implementation of projects. Various trusts also help us in fund-raising activities. We submit an annual audit report to the government. We are spending about 2.5 million Sterling Pounds (Rs 400 million) each year.</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The PA has been publishing the ‘Poor Peoples Energy Outlook’ (PPEO) report every year. How has the report helped the Nepal Government to outline and implement policies to reduce poverty regarding energy use?</strong></span></div> <div> We have been publishing The PPEO on an annual basis. The basic theme of the project is the way to use energy in community services and enterprise development. It is a livelihood-centered approach. The project can create awareness among stakeholders to take energy in a broad level. There is huge feasibility in enterprise development and community services (street lamp, school lamp). We need to take energy through the concept of minimum energy requirement and total energy access. However, the level of change is based on available resources and the political will of the nation. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'Achyut Luitel is the South Asia Regional Director of Practical Action, a United Kingdom based INGO working to improve the livelihood of poor communities through use of appropriate technologies along with disaster risk reduction and sanitation.', 'sortorder' => '1782', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1920', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Poverty Alleviation A Challenge Despite Economic Growth', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> South Asia has failed to reduce poverty and ensure food security, said a report released by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) last week. Though the region has been able to achieve an average economic growth of 6.5 per cent annually from 2000 to 2012, its overall poverty status has not improved. </div> <div> </div> <div> The report ‘SAARC Regional Poverty Profile 2009-10’ launched by Chairman of the Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi last week in Kathmandu, underlined that 32 per cent of South Asians still live on less than $1.25-per person-a-day which is a state of absolute poverty.</div> <div> </div> <div> “While some countries of the region like Nepal may be nearer to achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving the number of people in extreme poverty by 2015, the rest of the South Asian region – home to one third of the world’s poor – still has high incidences of poverty, hunger and malnutrition,” the report said. “Food production has improved considerably over time in all countries of the region, but inter-country and intra-country variations persist.”</div> <div> </div> <div> India is self-sufficient in all major foodstuffs except pulses and edible oils, according to the report. Pakistan is self-sufficient in wheat and rice.</div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s index of per capita food production has improved marginally. However, it still depends on imports for most of its food items including cereals, pulses and fish. </div> <div> </div> <div> According to the report, Bangladesh is more or less self-sufficient in rice but imports wheat. Afghanistan, Bhutan and the Maldives depend on imports for most food items to meet their domestic demand, while Sri Lanka meets nearly 99 per cent of its rice requirements internally but imports 97 per cent of its demand for pulses.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-06', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', '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' => 'South Asia has failed to reduce poverty and ensure food security, said a report released by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) last week. Though the region has been able to achieve an average economic growth of 6.5 per cent annually from 2000 to 2012, its overall poverty status has not improved.', 'sortorder' => '1781', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1919', 'article_category_id' => '91', 'title' => 'Informal Trade Still A High In South Asian Region', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> An audit on South Asia regional customs facilitation is being started with a target to complete in one year where customs formalities and border hassles in the region will be assessed. </div> <div> </div> <div> South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) launched the project “Trade and Transport Facilitation Audit in South Asia” to conduct the audit last week. </div> <div> </div> <div> The audit report will aim at providing factual information on the reliability and efficiency of transportation infrastructure, logistic operations, customs and border management regulations and procedures, said research director at SAWTEE, Pushpa Sharma. </div> <div> </div> <div> The audit report is expected to reveal the status of customs facilitation for bilateral trade among South Asian countries, according to Sharma. “After the study of trade facilitation at a bilateral level, the study will focus on identifying regional problems regarding trade facilitation,” he said.</div> <div> </div> <div> Informal trade is still a big challenge in the region but we do not have any authentic data, he said. The audit will not directly calculate the volume of informal trade but will study the causes of informal trade and recommend appropriate measures to reduce the volume of informal trade.</div> <div> </div> <div> Costs related to trade facilitation, infrastructure and transit have risen over the years, which has promoted informal trade in South Asia, according to experts. </div> <div> </div> <div> Effective trade integration is necessary to reduce the cost burden, said former member of National Planning Commission, Dr Posh Raj Pandey. “Trade facilitation is a must to improve overall cost related trade barriers but we should have a benchmark to improve the condition of trade facilitation,” he said, adding that the audit will provide the benchmark with all trade barriers in the formal channel.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite the fall in traditional trade barriers, the given circumstances in the region have forced exporters, businesses and consumers to bear additional cost burden, according to him. </div> <div> </div> <div> Economist Dr Ratnakar Adhikari said that generally, costs are incurred due to lack of regional trade connectivity and impenetrable borders. Regional commitment is required to address the identified bottlenecks, he further said. </div> <div> </div> <div> Iqbal Tabish, Secretary General of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, mentioned that benefits of trade liberalization will not be realized unless trade facilities are rationalized.</div> <div> </div> <div> Finance minister Shanker Prasad Koirala stated that the cost of trading within the region among South Asian countries is twice, and in some cases, even three times, than trading with countries outside the region.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite the existence of several regional efforts, such as Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), intra-regional trade in South Asia has remained extremely modest due to a number of factors, one of which is trade and transport facilitation-related bottlenecks.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a separate programme organised by International Finance Corporation (IFC), chief secretary Lila Mani Paudyal said that the government is committed to improving its trade competitiveness. “Reducing the time and costs to international trade, in particular, is critical for the Nepali private sector to compete internationally and access global markets,” he said. </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> The Department of Customs is implementing its four year Customs Reform and Modernization Strategy and Action Plan since July 2013 which comprises of four building blocks: Trade Facilitation, High Revenue Yield, Organizational Development, and e-Customs, according to Surya Prasad Acharya, Director General of the Department of Customs. </div> <div> </div> <div> IFC is committed to enhance trade facilitation including focusing on simplifying border processes & procedures, and improving risk management systems, said IFC Resident Representative in Nepal Valentino S Bagatsing. “The reforms in the trade environment will provide a much needed boost as Nepali businesses position their products in accessing global markets,” he said.</div> <div> </div> <div> IFC’s South Asia Regional Trade Integration programme aims to assist the government in focusing its reform efforts to create an enabling environment for improving trade facilitation and logistics. IFC works with both private sector and government agencies in identifying areas where reform efforts can help maximize improvements for the private sector to improve cross-border trade and investments.</div> <div> </div> <div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Main Explanatory Factors for Informal Trade </strong></span></div> <div> •Businesses have incentive to escape trade related regulations and duties </div> <div> •Complex, non-transparent or divergent regulatory requirements (e.g., customs formalities, technical regulations and sanitary standards) </div> <div> •Long and costly customs delays when trading formally</div> <div> •Obstructed entry or exit of certain commodities, caused by import quotas or export bans </div> <div> •Foreign exchange controls</div> <div> •Weak law enforcement at the borders</div> </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-06', 'modified' => '2013-10-08', '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' => 'An audit on South Asia regional customs facilitation is being started with a target to complete in one year where customs formalities and border hassles in the region will be assessed. South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) launched the project “Trade and Transport Facilitation Audit in South Asia” to conduct the audit last week.', 'sortorder' => '1780', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1916', 'article_category_id' => '159', 'title' => 'Balanced Person', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong>By Upashana Neupane</strong><br /> <br /> Rabindra Rajaure, HR Manager of Chaudhary Group chooses the word ‘outgoing’ to define himself. When asked how he manages his personal and professional life, he says, “I make it a point to become organized and balanced as much as possible. Life is much easier when it is balanced”.Despite his busy schedule, he never leaves room for his family to complain about lack of family time. Whenever he has time, he spends it with his family. Dang, which is his hometown too, is the place he usually go for vacations. “Spending time with family is as important as your office work,” he says. A frequent traveller, Rajaure remembers his trip to Mahabaleshwor in Maharashtra, India as the most memorable one in his life.<br /> <br /> Rajaure used to spend most of his spare time reading books, but that has changed now. He is now the father of a 10 month old baby girl, and most of his time is spent taking care of her. “All of my free time that I can get out of my busy schedule, I spend it with my daughter. Playing with her and taking care of her fills me with immense energy and happiness,” he shares with a smile.<br /> <br /> Rajaure is a music loving person, and also has written and composed a few songs. Apart from Music, his deviation is towards sports as well. A huge sport fan, Rajaure’s favourite sports are football and cricket. Whenever possible, he likes to have some time with his friends as he says it refreshes him and makes him forget the daily rush. According to him, Nagarkot is his favourite place to hang out."<br /> <br /> Not very fond of social networking sites, Rajaure is available on them but isn’t very active. Rajaure believes having a happy and successful family life is as important as achieving success in one’s career. He says taking a break or holiday once in a while is very important for a person. “Holidays give us some time for ourselves, away from our work and career. It rejuvenates our mind, and helps improve our performance when we return to work”, he shares.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-28', 'keywords' => 'cover story headlines from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion current and latest cover story news from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Lifestyle & Fashion economic news and events, ongoing cover story news of Nepal', 'description' => 'Rabindra Rajaure, HR Manager of Chaudhary Group chooses the word ‘outgoing’ to define himself. When asked how he manages his personal and professional life, he says, “I make it a point to become organized and balanced as much as possible', 'sortorder' => '1777', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1908', 'article_category_id' => '99', 'title' => '34th World Tourism Day Observed', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> </div> <div> <strong>--By TC Correspondent </strong></div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a programme on Friday on the occasion of 34th World Tourism Day. Two new tourist destinations were made public in the programme that served as the main event for this year’s World Tourism Day. The new destinations are Great Buddhist Trail and Chitlang Village. The Great Buddhist Trail aims to promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It was also informed in the programme that the 300 km long trail stretches from Kathmandu to Banganga River. The Trail will be completed within next three years. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Nepal announced Chitlang village in Makwanpur district as ´Village Tourism Destination 2013/14’. President of VITOF Shiva Lamichhane said that Chitlang can be easily reached by foot, cycling and through other vehicles and is a perfect destination to spend holidays. The destinations were made public by Officiating Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Tek Bahadur Thapa Gharti. Minister Gharti and Tourism Secretary Sushil Ghimire also inaugurated the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Counter and the new Help Desk and Information Centre in NTB. Ghimire also informed in the programme that Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairahawa will be developed as Nepal’s second international airport by June 2017. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, NTB appointed Chimmi Sherpa, first Miss Sherpa and Min Bahadur Serchan, the eldest Nepali to climb Mount Everest as the goodwill ambassador of Nepali tourism industry in the event. Also in the programme, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) announced that it will take the responsibility of cleaning Bishnumati River. Ramesh Dhamala, President of TAAN informed that NTB, Social Welfare Council and other concerned authorities will assist TAAN in this endeavour. </div> <div> </div> <div> The 34th World Tourism Day was celebrated with various programmes from 21 to 29 September. The programmes included welcoming of tourists at various tourist sites by different tourism organizations, discounts to tourists at hotels and restaurants, cleaning of tourist sites, street festivals and cultural shows among others. More than 40 tourism organizations were involved in the celebrations. Different tourism organizations took out a rally in the morning of September 27 as part of the celebrations.</div> <div> </div> <div> Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, NTB and TAAN along with number of travel trade organizations participated in the rally. The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day was Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', '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' => 'Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a programme on Friday on the occasion of 34th World Tourism Day. Two new tourist destinations were made public in the programme that served as the main event for this year’s World Tourism Day. The new destinations are Great Buddhist Trail and Chitlang Village. The Great Buddhist Trail aims to promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It was also informed in the programme that the 300 km long trail stretches from Kathmandu to Banganga River. The Trail will be completed within next three years.', 'sortorder' => '1776', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1914', 'article_category_id' => '201', 'title' => 'How To Choose Corporate Clothing And Apparel', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language. Impressions formed by the first few glances of a person impact thoughts about their personality, diligence and intelligence. First impressions tend to last a while and can be hard to shake off.', 'content' => '<p><strong>Photo: Rukesh Shrestha<br /> <br /> <br /> Model: Kusum Neupane<br /> Wardrobe: Purple Boutique,<br /> Naxal, Kathmandu</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>By TC Correspondent</strong><br /> <br /> in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language. Impressions formed by the first few glances of a person impact thoughts about their personality, diligence and intelligence. First impressions tend to last a while and can be hard to shake off.<br /> <br /> When it comes to work and business, it definitely pays to find out about the company’s culture and dress code and determine how people at your level dress. A tip for dressing for job interviews is to dress as one would for a client meeting: a little more formally than day-to-day business wear. This will help project an attitude of confidence and professionalism.<br /> <br /> While talking about the corporate dress or the business dress, according to my view, white shirt with black coat and pant suites the most for boys and for girls, white shirt with black coat and short skirts touching the knee will be the best if there is not especial dress code in the office.<br /> </p> <ul> <li>Clothing should be neat, smart and subtle. This also applies to hairstyle and perfume. Do not let your employers be sidetracked by showy apparel.</li> <li>In the corporate world, hairstyles should be chosen to bewell-groomed and tidy.</li> <li>I think, simple but formal look help you to give impression in corporate world. Any visible piercings should be removed and we have to cover any tattoos when we are in the work.</li> <li>Clothing should be laundered and ironed. Always make sure that it fits properly and that adjustments are not needed when sitting, walking or leaning over.</li> </ul> <p>Wearing dress is not only enough. We should wear neat clothes with well ironed and that catch the mind of the people positively.n They should say she is very good officers who is energetic and well managed. Dressing shows our energy as well. If we wear dirty dress and no ironed at all then people will say that she is very lazy and how can such lazy people work at office? To be a potential staff our energy, our courtesy and our dress up carry the great points.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2015-07-28', 'keywords' => 'Lifestyle & Fashion cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Lifestyle & Fashion, cover story headlines from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion current and latest cover story news from nepal, Lifestyle & Fashion economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Lifestyle & Fashion economic ', 'description' => 'in all first meetings, whether it is casual or business, a person’s looks play a large part in forming the initial impression. This goes far beyond just clothing and includes grooming and unconscious body language.', 'sortorder' => '1775', 'image' => '1380622740.jpg', 'article_date' => '2015-07-28 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1913', 'article_category_id' => '199', 'title' => 'Tech Briefs (30 September - 3 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong><img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech1.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> 15% in US Shun Internet</strong><br /> <br /> Despite a seemingly unstoppable move to digital lifestyles, some 15 per cent of Americans don't use the Internet, and most are quite content to remain offline, a survey shows. The survey released Wednesday found that in addition to the 15 per cent of adults who don't use the Internet on any device, another nine per cent say they only go online at their workplace. The report by the Pew Research Center found a whopping 92 per cent of these "offline adults" with no interest in using the Internet or email in the near future. <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech2.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>Tweets Reveal Global News Readership Patterns: Study</strong><br /> <br /> Different countries have stronger preference towards different types of articles - Americans and Brits are drawn to opinion and world news, while Brazilians go for sports, a twitter analysis has found. Researchers used data collected from Twitter to study readers' news preferences across the globe and discovered that different countries have stronger preference towards different types of articles. While Americans and British readers like opinion and world news, Spaniards prefer local and national news, Brazilians are drawn to sports and arts, and Germans go for politics and economy. The researchers also found that German and Spanish readers are more likely to read national newspapers compared to British readers, who prefer foreign publications.<br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech3.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 93px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>BlackBerry Reports $1bn Quarterly Loss</strong></p> <p> BlackBerry reported a quarterly loss of nearly $1 billion on Friday, in line with last week’s warning, days after accepting its largest shareholder’s tentative $4.7 billion bid to take it out of the public eye. BlackBerry, which had warned of poor results on September 20th, said its net loss for the second quarter ended on August 31st was $965 million, or $1.84 a share. Revenue fell 45 per cent to $1.6 billion from a year earlier. <br /> <br /> <br /> <img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech4.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 113px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>Study Puts iPhone 5S Production Costs at $191</strong><br /> <br /> While the iPhone 5S includes a handful of new features that set it apart from Apple's previous model, the actual cost to make the phone hasn't changed very much, according to a new study. An IHS Inc. teardown of the new smartphone found that the components that make up a 16-gigabyte iPhone 5S cost $190.70. Manufacturing costs add another $8, bringing the total production cost to $198.70. In comparison, the iPhone 5, which hit the market a year ago, cost $197 to make.</p> <p> <br /> <strong><img alt="tech" src="/userfiles/images/tech5.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 99px;" /><br /> <br /> Samsung to Launch Smartphone with Curved Display</strong></p> <p> Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said it will introduce a smartphone with a curved display in October, as the world's top handset maker seeks to set the pace of hardware innovation and maintain its supremacy in a fiercely competitive business. Curved displays are an early stage in screen evolution which is shifting to bendable or foldable designs, eventually allowing mobile and wearable gadgets to take on new forms that could radically change the high-end smartphone market.<br /> <br /> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'Brands & Technology cover story news & articles, Brands & Technology news & articles from Brands & Technology, Brands & Technology headlines from nepal, Brands & Technology current and latest Brands & Technology news from nepal, Brands & Technology economic news from nepal, nepali Brands & Technolo', 'description' => 'Despite a seemingly unstoppable move to digital lifestyles, some 15 per cent of Americans don't use the Internet, and most are quite content to remain offline, a survey shows.', 'sortorder' => '1774', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1910', 'article_category_id' => '205', 'title' => 'Third Money Expo 2013 Talks', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 16px;">The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in capital in the end of October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal. An interaction programme ‘Demystifying New Mode of Trade and Payments’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as headway to the Expo. This interaction was dedicated to clear the existing technology that has been replaced by new technologies in the fields of trade and payments. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. <strong>Excerpts: </strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Biswas Dhakal" src="/userfiles/images/bs.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Biswas Dhakal</span></strong></div> <div> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">President, F1Soft International Ltd</span></strong></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our main objective is to facilitate customers with new and easy services. Other companies also carry similar objectives to make life easier for customers through digital transactions. Every transaction should be a digital transaction, be it large banking transactions or daily life transactions. We have initiated the online transaction service with this same purpose. This brings money to the banking sector and also increases investment. Remittance, which has covered large areas in the Nepali economy, is also brought to the country through online systems. The procedure of an online system is very easy and can be used by everyone. It can be done by simply sending an SMS and people are seen to be interested towards this service. But due to various reasons, the popularity of this system has not increased yet. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main problem of the digital system is a lack of its credibility among people. But the system is totally secured from our side. We have adopted international norms for security in the system. Our first priority is to provide secured transactions and we have not received any complaints regarding security and services from our customers.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main obstacle for digital transaction in reference to the worldwide global practice is digital illiteracy. Moreover, in an education deprived country like ours, the problem is huge. So it is impossible to achieve hundred per cent digital coverage in Nepal. However, our concept is to move from developed to less developed areas. For example, 50 per cent families of Kathmandu have their representatives abroad. A major responsibility for those abroad is to send money to their family. If we can convince the people in Kathmandu towards online transaction, they can opt for a digital medium as their mode of transaction. Moreover, the family in Kathmandu can also use an online medium to send money and other materials abroad. We can then enter rural areas as well. Using personal brand ambassadors rather than our individual effort for promotion would be more effective.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is a misconception that few government policies have created obstacles. However, if all processes are completed, it is not that difficult to work. Everyone involved in transaction has their own process. The Nepal Rastra Bank also has its own policy. The foreign exchange department also has its own policy. We cannot exist for long in this sector if we bypass their policies. According to the policy of the Nepal Rastra Bank, a private organization cannot hold funds of customers. So, we appointed banks for the payment and provided the custody of customers’ money to them. Similarly, foreign currencies are also handled by banks. So, there are no hurdles due to rules and regulations if they are handled properly.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Samir Vajracharya" src="/userfiles/images/sv(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Samir Vajracharya</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Chief Technology Officer, Smart Choice Technology</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Smart Choice Technology (SCT) started in 2001 AD when there were hardly 4-5 ATMs and 10,000 cards. Currently, there are 15, 000 cards under the SCT network only and more than 18,000 people with access to cash. A total of 85 financial institutions are affiliated with SCT. We have focused on ATM transactions and Point of Sale (POS), mainly. There is a vast difference in the situation now and then. Our vision is to provide easy access to financial activities to the people and we have been successful in our mission to a large extent. This does not mean that this is the line of satisfaction as a large number of people hesitate to use ATMs still. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Nepali market is not ready for e-services, which has been the main hurdle for increment in the online market. We should be able to make people aware about the importance of online transactions so that their interest level towards this service increases.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The government is not being able to lead this sector which is also seen as a major problem. The government should introduce some compulsory regulations regarding online services to increase people’s involvement in this sector. This is only due to the contribution and dedication of the private sector that online services have reached up to this level. But without support from the government, the online sector cannot sustain for long. The private sector is profit-oriented, but if the government sector takes charge then this sector can be service-oriented.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Though the issue of security is big in this sector, SCT is very much concerned about the security issue and has worked on it. Our cards are based on pin codes which are the safest medium in this sector in comparison to a signature as it can be copied. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Customers have to face problems because of problems in network but these problems are not solely from theSCT network. There are various service providers including telecom, banks and others involved with it. This is difficult to manage as network problems may arise anywhere anytime. People should be aware of this.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Poorly developed infrastructures and a lack of skilled manpower are also major obstacles in the context of Nepal. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are also facing problems because of political instability and power cuts. The companies from foreign countries are interested to work with us which is a positive sign for us but these vital problems are blocking them to work with us. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Similarly, there is a lack of government policy. The central bank should provide a benchmark to other banks for e-payment. It is difficult for the private sector to work without a benchmark. We are discussing with concerned authorities to solve these issues.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <img alt="Rabin Kumar Shrestha" src="/userfiles/images/rks.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 244px;" /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Rabin Kumar Shrestha</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Chief Technical Officer, PayBill</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are making maximum efforts for improvement of the online sector but we are not getting results accordingly. There are various reasons for this. Firstly, people are not aware of this system. Most people still believe that the internet is only limited to the social media. They are not aware that various transactions can also be done through the internet. These people can be attracted to this sector if they are made aware.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The issue of security is also a major concern but this system is very much secured. Customers should send two smses to transact from PEBIL. After the first sms, we send an alpha code to the customer and after that the customer must send both the alpha code and pin through sms. Only after this will they will be able to transact. So, this way our system is secured but people are still not convinced.</div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Subas Dhungana" src="/userfiles/images/sd.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 244px;" />Subash Dhungana</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Executive, iPay</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>iPay is an online payment system. We have been operating Muncha.com since 2002. Our services were limited to gift packages for long though we were not satisfied with the results. But some positive signs are emerging now based on which we are expanding our services. We have moved towards bringing remittance and media sites for downloading files along with online shopping. We have made agreements with seven banks for this purpose recently. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main reason behind the failure of e-commerce sites is the failure of payment to customers. For online payment, there are e-sewa, PayBill, SCT, credit card and our own production iPay which are associated with seven banks. But if the customer is asked to pay online, then s/he makes various excuses as they are not aware of these services. So cards of Nepali banks should get international validity for easy access to online payment. Around 20-25 people register in Muncha.com but at the end, they have problems with the payment system. Therefore, an easy way for payment should be initiated with support from the government or the central bank. Though these issues are discussed, we are lacking behind in implementation. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We have not faced any problem regarding security, nor have we received any complaints. We are practicing international norms of security in our system. We can’t say that the online medium is hundred percent secured but problems have not occurred yet. </div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Political instability is also main problem for this sector. The number of internet users has increased, but political stability is must for the sector’s rapid growth. Political stability brings employment, and it is when people are engaged and busy that they start engaging in online activities. </div> <div> </div> <div> <hr /> <p> </p> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img alt="Bal K. Joshi" src="/userfiles/images/bkj.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 200px; height: 243px;" />Bal K. Joshi</strong></span></div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>President, MACHNET</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nepal has immense potential for e-commerce. Though there is not much expansion in this sector, the condition has not worsened. There are a lot of websites conducting e-commerce and their businesses have increased through the medium. The expansion of the market for e-commerce depends upon target customers and identifying their needs.</div> <div> </div> <div> •<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The main problem at present is not being able to invite international transactions to our country. PayPal is popular for this at national and international levels. But there are some procedural problems in the use of PayPal digital transaction in Nepal. The customers have to pay an extra fee to send the money. For example, if a person has to send 2000 dollars then s/he will have to pay around 2500 dollars. So, there is no prospect for using PayPal to expand the digital transaction market in Nepal. We are introducing a new platform related to money transfer for the first time in Nepal to make it easier for Nepali customers to transfer money from abroad. </div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'NuBiz Events, Third Money Expo 2013', 'description' => 'The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in capital in the end of October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal. An interaction programme ‘Demystifying New Mode of Trade and Payments’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as headway to the Expo.', 'sortorder' => '1773', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1911', 'article_category_id' => '198', 'title' => 'Green Branding', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> <strong><img alt="madankhatri" src="/userfiles/images/Madan.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 155px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px;" /><br /> Madan Khatri</strong><br /> <strong>Marketing Executive</strong><br /> <strong>Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd, Banepa</strong></p> <p> </p> <div> <p align="left"> <strong>By Bhawani Timilsina</strong></p> </div> <p align="left"> The Nepali branded furniture market, though not completely evolved, has been flourishing slowly in recent times. Kathmandu’s homemakers are increasingly becoming brand-conscious which has made branding an essential process for any furniture company. When the market is flooded with Chinese products, some precious locally-made brands become key players. “It will not be difficult to replace foreign products in terms of quality; however, we have to make our customers aware that Nepali brands are not weak,” says Madan Khatri, Marketing Executive of Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd in Banepa.</p> <p align="left"> Shaan furniture is an emerging furniture brand in the Nepali market. ‘Shaan’, the journey of pride began in 1993. In a two-decade long journey, the brand has created its own value in the domestic market. “It is very hard to establish a brand in the domestic market,” he says. Though the company was dealing merely with wooden products in the beginning, it now deals with a huge variety of products.</p> <p align="left"> ‘Shaan’ implies that to have a domestic brand is a matter of pride. “It reflects that we are proud to be a part of the furniture market,” he says. The brand name evokes a sense of pride in being locally-made. The popularity of a brand is an asset to any company. “Brands give tremendous contribution to the company,” Khatri says and claims that the strength of the brand assures the quality of the product. The company has organized two furniture expos thus far at the Bhrikutimandap, the one for this year having commenced on September 25, to support domestic furniture brands. The company has dealers in Dilibazar, Banepa, Patan, Kumaripati, Maharajgunj, Butwal and Gwarko.</p> <p align="left"> We are highly motivated by the feedback our customers have given which also maintains the bond between the brand and its consumers. “The logo which is a green tree symbolizes that furniture must go hand-in-hand with environmental conservation,” he clarifies.</p> <p align="left"> “The significant aspect of our brand lies in the originality of the raw materials we have been using to generate products. It makes us stand out from other brands. We have been focusing on local raw materials which are the strength of our brand. We are trying to deliver the message that our brand and products can endure in quality and style,” he adds.</p> <p align="left"> The company, as of now, places huge priority on reliability rather than texture and appearance of its products. It has yet to work on branding. “We are waiting to see what will be a suitable way to brand our product as many furniture brands are becoming popular these days,” explains Khatri. “Sustainability of the brand can be continued by incorporating change in technology and interest of customers,” he adds.</p> <p align="left"> The management team at Shaan is well aware of the concept and the company has been trying to shape its brand and products accordingly. Though the company’s active participation began only a couple of years ago, the management team thinks that the brand has succeeded in making its space in consumers’ consciousness. “Being top-listed among domestic brands, customers do show interest in our products,” Khatri says.</p> <p align="left"> The cost and value of Shaan furniture’s products appear well balanced. “Our target groups are middle class people and the price range has been set accordingly,” Khatri says. The expo has largely helped Khatri and company communicate with customers and the brand’s market share today stands at 12 percent of the total market. With a promise for quality and a spirit for environmental consciousness, Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd seems to be on a promising path to emerge as a strong brand in the near future.</p> <p> </p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-01', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', 'keywords' => 'Brands & Technology cover story news & articles, Brands & Technology news & articles from Brands & Technology, Brands & Technology headlines from nepal, Brands & Technology current and latest Brands & Technology news from nepal, Brands & Technology economic news from nepal, nepali Brands & Technolo', 'description' => 'Promise for quality and environmental consciousness makes Shaan Furniture Pvt Ltd likely to emerge as a strong brand', 'sortorder' => '1772', 'image' => '1380616765.jpg', 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1909', 'article_category_id' => '100', 'title' => 'Tourism Briefs (30 September - 3 October 2013)', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong> SIA Boosts India Network</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/sia.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 130px;" />Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir boosted its India network from 27 October 2013. The airline will boost India-Singapore services from 98 to 107 times weekly across 11 Indian cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam. The flight additions include third daily service between New Delhi-Singapore on SIA, while SilkAir will its 10th weekly service from Kochi and fourth weekly service from Viskhapatnam. G M Toh, general manager in India for Singapore Airlines said, “India is an extremely important market for the Singapore Airlines Group and the nine additional weekly services clearly demonstrate our commitment to growing business and tourism exchange between both countries. We look forward to further expanding our footprint in India with customer-centric investments focused on quality products and services.” (Traveldailymedia.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Chinese Airlines Take off with A320</strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/nca(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;height: 134px; width: 200px;" />Two new Chinese airlines have taken a major step forward in their development, with the signing of major aircraft deals with Airbus. Qingdao Airlines, based in Shandong province, and Zhejiang Loong Airlines, which will operate from Zhejiang province, are both preparing to launch commercial flights in the coming months. And ahead of these debuts, both airlines this week penned major orders for the Airbus A320 aircraft. Qingdao Airlines’ order includes five standard A320s and 18 of the new, fuel-efficient A320neo, with a total value of US$2.18 billion at current list prices. Meanwhile Zhejiang Loong Airlines has placed a firm order for 11 standard A320s and nine A320neos, worth US $ 1.84 billion. Both agreements were signed at the 15th Aviation Expo China 2013, which is taking place in Beijing this week. (Traveldailymedia.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Travelocity Inveils iOS 7 Hotel Booking App </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/tvs(3).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 134px;" />Travelocity has announced the release of ‘Hotel Booking with Travelocity’; a new mobile app crafted specifically for the new iOS 7 operating system. The app, which joins the family of Travelocity iPhone apps, was recently featured at Apple’s Keynote Event in September and can be used to book hotel stays. Noteworthy features include a new, highly visual layout. The home screen now includes images from destinations around the world to inspire them as they dream about and plan their travel. It also has AirDrop functionality and card scanning technology that allows app users to scan their card for faster payment. (Traveldailynews.com)</div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>World Travel Awards Selects Doha, Qatar for Grand Final </strong></span></div> <div> <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/qtr.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 174px;" />World Travel Awards (WTA) has confirmed its 20th anniversary Grand Final will be hosted by La Cigale Hotel, Doha on November 30th 2013. WTA recognises, acknowledges and rewards the leading travel, tourism and hospitality organisations. The awards is recognised worldwide as the hallmark of industry excellence. The Wall Street Journal is among the many publications that have heralded WTA as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. The first ever event was held in Hollywood in 1994 and since then World Travel Awards has hosted Gala Ceremonies every year to celebrate the best in the international travel industry. (Traveldailynews.com)</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '2013-10-01', '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' => 'Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir boosted its India network from 27 October 2013. The airline will boost India-Singapore services from 98 to 107 times weekly across 11 Indian cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam.', 'sortorder' => '1771', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
