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			'id' => '631',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'National Carriers Cannot Function Purely On Commercial Perspective',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="visiting" border="5" height="188" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/2ndvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>R Dayal <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>What brings you to Nepal this time?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal is one of the most important stations for our network. There is a lot of movement of people from Nepal to different parts of the world. That is the reason why I wanted to visit the station and have a look so that we can plan for the future. How important is Nepal as a destination for Air India? It is one of the first few stations for our airlines. There is a lot of potential over here and it is an important part for us. Moreover, having such a long relationship even politically and commercially, we feel Nepal is also a part of us from many perspectives.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the competition with other private Indian airlines as well as other airlines fl ying to Nepal?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There is competition even from within India since Indigo, SpiceJet and others have also come to this place. Now, political boundaries no more exist. If you have Gulf Airlines coming directly to this place, there is definitely stiff competition. We, from Air India side, have always been benefitted from having more competition because we look forward for better efficiencies, performance and innovative strategies. Competition is always good and gives good health to the company.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is the market share of Air India fl ying from Nepal to India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It is 14 per cent. Our capacity utilisation is 70 per cent which is quite good by industry standard. The current capacity is sufficient enough for the demand. Looking at the growth which may come in the future, we will definitely add a few more flights.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Air India is having a fi nancial problem for some time now. What is the company doing to overcome this problem?</strong></p>
<p>
	We did have a financial crunch. When any expansion takes place, it is always financed partly from the internal resources and partly from outside capital, normally from shareholders through issue capital and others. In case of Air India, we had gone for a fairly expensive programme as there was no addition of capacity for many years. The total expansion plan in the last threefour years was around Rs 400 billion Indian currency investment. That investment has to be financed. Most aircrafts are imported from France or USA which is also financed by bank or other means. So, what happened was, we approached the government for adding capital. The government is in the process of doing it. Maybe in a few months to go, everything will be cleared. But inbetween the cal,l there was a delay in the infusion of capital. All our cash generation which has taken place has to be used for repaying the foreign sovereign loans which we have committed. As a result, there was a cash flow problem. But, the government has now already approved a turnaround plan which includes the restructuring of loans along with infusion of capitals. Loans may be converted into preferential shares or may be into long term loan with lower rate of interest. Once this restructuring is completed, with our profitability we expect to pay about Rs 10 billion per annum alone as interest cost and the repayment will be much more comfortable. So, the present problem of the liquidity should be taken care of. I am expecting it to happen in may be two months time.</p>
<p>
	<strong>While private airlines make profi ts, state owned enterprises including airlines seem to be making losses. What are the reasons for this?</strong> </p>
<p>
	It’s not true that private airlines are making profit. In fact, the entire aviation industry of India is suffering mainly because the fuel cost has increased tremendously. For airlines, 40 per cent of the cost goes towards fuel itself. Another reason that plagues the aviation industry is stiff competition not only within the country but also outside of it which has resulted in the yield coming down. In India, there is no proper support from the government to the airlines industry and even today, taxes are very high. Compared to other places, airlines are considered to be a travel option for elites in India. So, the government has its own priority that it is heavily taxed. As a result, all airlines are in difficulty except IndiGo as they are a new airline and have all LCC models so they are able to manage it. All other legacy airlines are having problems and Air India is no exception. Because of the interest cost, such a heavy expense – where the capital has not been infused – has been a setback for us. But in the month of October-November, we made operating profit.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is Air India planning to move ahead to make itself a fi nancially strong company?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have drafted a turnaround plan which has been approved by the government. The turnaround plan, besides the financial restructuring, will take care of our financial issues. We also intend to rationalise our routes. Some of the routes we have operated have to be revisited along with the economic turnaround. That exercise will give us a lot of strength. With the blessings of the government of India, Air India being the national carrier will have the first right for operating to any destinations. So, we have a lot of market available with which we expect a good growth.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepal’s national carrier is also having serious problems. Government intervention and mismanagement are said to be the major reasons. What is the case with Air India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It happens with all national carriers who cannot function purely from a commercial perspective. They have to have certain national commitments. In case of Air India, as a national carrier, we call it a second line of defence. Whenever there is a crisis like we have in Ethiopia or Egypt, the government has to solve it. Even within the country, there are places which are very loss making to us. We have an obligation to connect the place so as a national carrier; there are always obligations for the general well being of the people even at the cost of commercial principle. As regards to the government interference, though we are an autonomous body, this is a government organisation. The government has its say in giving the direction in which the airlines has to move. By and large, day to day interference is not there and we operate on commercial principle. </p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you compare Air India with Nepal Airlines?</strong></p>
<p>
	I do not have much insight on the way Nepal Airlines works. I believe that by the sheer size of the company, Air India is much bigger and particularly after the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India, it has become a big giant. The bigger an airline is, the better it is able to perform. Secondly, India itself is a big market, domestically as well as abroad whereas Nepal may not have that kind of a market. As far as the management of Nepal Airlines is concerned, I cannot comment about that. </p>
<p>
	<strong>There are budget airlines operating in India. Is Air India also planning to come up with a similar strategy to compete?</strong></p>
<p>
	In Air India, we have a legacy carrier which is a full service carrier and we are now getting into the idea of a low cost carrier. After the success of low cost carriers in Europe, it is catching up now in India as well. IndiGo is one of the low cost carriers and in Air India, we have Air India Express which is a low cost carrier. We are planning to move ahead with our low cost carrier. And we have already shifted to low cost carrier in some of the routes. Maybe in the time to come, we may have to shift to low cost carrier if there is a demand. Once the low cost module is adopted, the cost and the price come down. Today, we have market for both low cost and full legacy carrier. Depending on how the market demands, we will have to adopt the model. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'R Dayal is Executive Director (East)
of Air India Limited and based
in Kolkata. A graduate from IIM
Ahmadabad, he joined Indian Airlines
as a management trainee in 1977.
Since then he has worked in various
positions in financial and internal
audit in different regions of Indian
Airlines. He had also served for
Yemen Airways from 1999 to 2004
as its advisor. After the merger of Air
India and Indian Airlines in 2007, he
headed Internal Audit Department
of the company. Dayal is serving in
his current position since 2010. He
was recently in Nepal during his
official visit. In an interview with New
Business Age, Dayal shared his ideas
on Air India’s financial problems and
growth prospects.',
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			'id' => '630',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Demographic Profile Of Nepal Is Brilliant',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="left" alt="mohit anand" height="198" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Mohit Anand</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin entered India in early 2009 and in two-and-a-half years, you have now formally launched the brand in Nepal. What kind of planning and market research has gone into this endeavour?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There are a few aspects that we carefully look into while entering a particular market and it was no different in the case of Nepal. We look at the overall macro economic situation as to how a particular economy is doing and whether there is an opportunity for us. The market size, PC installed base and PC growth are some of the factors that we have to consider. We then look at the partner eco system and the kind of channels that exist. We explore distribution partners that we can align with and the products that will give us early traction.</p>
<p>
	And then we contemplate the critical business enablers – investments needed to make from resourcing, branding and product perspectives. All of this go into the plan before we enter a market and this is exactly we had done in India. In two-and-a-half years, we have now been able to clock Rs 150 crores across the Indian sub continent. The Nepali market has also played its part as Belkin products were available here in June-July this year. But we were first tapping the market – getting the basic assortment and distribution going – before the formal launch that is happening today.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Name us the major interconnectivity solutions that come out from the Belkin stable.</strong></p>
<p>
	If you look at the Belkin product range, we operate in six key distinct categories. The first one is wireless networking which is critical for us because it’s about interconnectivity – broadband is becoming pervasive and people are connecting to the internet on a daily basis. Second, we have our surge protectors which help people protect their expensive consumer electronics and home appliances. The third one is our range of accessories around the PCs – laptops as well as desktops. Fourth, our audio video interface cables, which allow consumers to experience HDMI audio or video at 1080p HD TV resolution. The fifth is structured cabling – our passive network solution – which connects networks, commercial data centres and high end enterprises when they need to have wide area or local area networks. The last one is our products around mobile phones, smart phones and tablets which we call our mobility range. These encapsulate the six broad product categories that we play in.</p>
<p>
	<strong>You consider the Indian market to be one of your most strategic markets. How have you performed there given the tremendous potential that the country presents? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We started off at zero in January 2009 in the Indian market and if you rewind to that time frame, the world economy was in recession. While most people were curtailing investments and going slow, we were investing. The result of that investment has bore fruit now – we have got to Rs 150 crores by September 2011 exceeding our own expectations of Rs 120 crores by a long way. We are almost on the cusp of completing three years in the sub continent in January 2012. We are now saying that we want to get to Rs 250 crores by September 2012 with our expansion into Nepal and reach across the Indian market as well as other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. And by 2015, we want to be a Rs 1,000 crores <strong>company across the sub continent. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin has expanded its footprint beyond India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, practically covering the entire South Asia region. How do you explain this rapid expansion?</strong></p>
<p>
	The rapid expansion is a direct reflection of the results that we have produced and the success that we have had. We had a sound strategy but more importantly, we executed the strategy very well. The result is, as I told you, we have a Rs 150 crores turnover across the sub continent within a short span of time. Consumers have accepted our products in the market with open arms and that has fuelled our growth and confidence to enter other markets. We have very successful businesses in Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka. And now in Nepal, we are hoping that we will be able to do a substantial business of about half-a-million dollars by the end of 2012. We also hope that the market in Nepal will grow to become a multi-million dollar business by 2015.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is your assessment of the Nepali market for your product lines?</strong></p>
<p>
	There are three parts to that answer. Firstly, the country has gone through a metamorphosis in the last three years – there has been peace, political stability etc. As a result, the economy has performed well and the people are willing to spend. The economy is growing robustly and doing well even though it is coming off a small base – that in itself presents a big opportunity. Secondly, the demographics of Nepal is brilliant where you have a young, tech savvy and an emerging well educated population that is able to consume the products Belkin has to offer. And lastly, our partnership with the right set of partners such as Neoteric Nepal, retailers and channel partners is really the backbone of our success. Because ultimately, Belkin does not sell anything directly, it sells everything through its partners. Therefore, getting our partner eco system right is the third critical piece we feel very confident about and believe that it will prove to be our stepping stone to success. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Anand is the
Managing Director of
Belkin India Private Limited.
Belkin India, a leading
provider of interconnectivity
solutions across computing
and consumer electronic
devices, announced that the
company has extended its
operations and established
presence in Nepal. It
appointed Neoteric Nepal
as its distributor for Nepal,
to make available complete
range of Belkin products
in the country. Anand was
in Kathmandu recently to
announce the grand launch
of Belkin. In an interview
with New Business Age, he
talked about the prospects
of Belkin products for the
Nepali market.',
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			'id' => '629',
			'article_category_id' => '56',
			'title' => 'Biz Launches January 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>NIC Bank</strong> launched a new deposit scheme ˜NIC Double Deposit Account, a fixed term deposit that promises to double the principal amount after 77 months. The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs 50,000 and will offer annual return of 15.58 per cent.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mangalam Industries</strong>, a joint venture of SFMC India and Nepali investors, has launched American technologybased C-PVC pipes and fittings under Mangalam Flowlife brand. The C-PVC pipes and fittings are particularly designed for water distribution system in residential houses, high rise buildings, hospitals, corporate buildings, solar water heating system etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tele Talk Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobiles, has opened service centres at Chabahil, Balaju and Bhaktapur within the Kathmandu valley and a few locations including Banepa and Birtamod outside the valley. The service centres dedicated to the Spice mobile, Colors and BlackBerry Smartphone customers aims at solving all after sales problems.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dabur Nepal</strong> launched an interdisciplinary discursive programme called Dabur Excellence Series (DES). The first talk of the series was held on December 21 in collaboration with Institute of Advanced Communication, Education, and Research (IACER), Pokhara University. DES intends to help promote the culture of intellectual discussion in Nepal and act as a platform for sharing of ideas and knowledge.</p>
<p>
	A new suiting store <strong>SUITS &amp; BLAZERS</strong> has been launched at <strong>NLIC City Center</strong>. The store offers leading Italian brand Georgia Gullini along with leading Indian brands such as Raymond, OCM, Grasim, J Hampstead and others.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hi-Tech Distributors</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of DIGICOM products in Nepal, has introduced a new model of Digicom ADSL routers in the market. The 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Router has 4 LAN ports and a 3.5dbi b/g wireless antenna.</p>
<p>
	<strong>NMB Bank Ltd </strong>installed its 16th ATM at Saleways Store, Maharajgunj. The ATM will accept cards from all banks and financial institutions in the SCT network along with Visa and MasterCard. The bank also launched its ATM service in Silghadi of Doti, its first such service in the far western region.</p>
<p>
	Three new models of <strong>Wynncom mobile</strong> have been launched in the market, namely W352, W100 and OGO 78. The handsets are priced Rs 3,900, Rs 2,400 and Rs 5,990 respectively.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Skinlovers Cosmetics Pvt Ltd Nepal</strong> under license from Skinlovers Cosmetics Company Ltd, Seoul, Korea has launched 55 beauty products in the Nepali market. The prices of these products range from Rs 65 to Rs 5,000.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Teletalk Private limited</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobile phones in Nepal, has launched Spice's M5225 Bamboo phone in the market. The Bamboo M5225 is the latest range of influential and stylish phone from the Spice with great looks and sound quality. As its name, the phone has unique bamboo carving in its back cover. The phone with a lot of amazing features is available in the market for Rs 3345.</p>
<p>
	<strong>koda MAW Nepal</strong> announced its special consumer promotion KODA SURPRISING 2012 with the spirit of celebrating Merry Christmas and welcoming New Year 2012 in a surprising manner.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mercantile Office System (MOS)</strong>, the authorised distributor of the Taiwan based D-Link (High Speed ADSL Broadband) Company in Nepal, launched Wireless N 150 ADSL2+4 - Port Ethernet Router in the market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>ISOS Pvt Ltd</strong>, the IT trading wing of Chaudhary Group officially launched the LG DLP projectors. Currently, 2 business models, BS 275 and BX 275, are available in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Richarm Pvt Ltd</strong> has launched RodiMood, one of Turkey's popular apparel brands, in the Nepali market. An exclusive RodiMood store at City Centre in Kamal Pokhari has been set up by Richarm.</p>
<p>
	<strong>HH Bajaj,</strong> the authorised distributor of Bajaj bikes for Nepal, launched Boxer 150cc in the Nepali market. The Boxer 150 comes with an electric start and sports a price tag of Rs 139,900.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Clean Energy Development Bank (CEDB)</strong> l a u n c h e d three new deposit schemes namely, Clean Bal Bachat, Clean Jyestha Bachat and Clean Future Bachat. The depositors will get attractive interest rates of 9 per cent per annum and 9.5 per cent per annum respectively in Clean Bal Bachat and Clean Jyestha <strong>Bachat schemes and cumulatively compounding up to 12 per cent per annum in Clean Future Bachat. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd</strong>, the authorised seller of Yamaha motorcycles in Nepal, launched its new showroom Tirupati Auto Palacein Biratnagar.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Teletalk Private limited</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobile phones in Nepal, launched M5360 in the Nepali market. Spice M5360, with all its amazing features, is available in the market at Rs 3,590.</p>
<p>
	A brand n e w online website <strong>www.jhoomka.com</strong> has been launched in the Nepali online web media. It is a community driven site for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web. It aspires to be one of the leading website in Nepal, providing latest news, blogs, and models and classified.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The United Gold Mart</strong> launched a new branch in Kathmandu on 11 December. The branch is located opposite Pipal Bot at Pako in New Road.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Agni Incorporated</strong>, the distributor of Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Multi Utility Vehicles and Tractors in Nepal, launched Mahindras legendary 4x4 off roader the Thar CRD in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepal Credit &amp; Commerce Bank Ltd</strong> launched its 22nd branch at Kopundole in Lalitpur. The branch was inaugurated by the Minister of State of Finance Hari Raj Khewa Limbu.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Bhatbhateni Super Store</strong> opened special sales rooms for electronic appliances at its branches in Patan, Boudha and Koteshwor, for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Bajra and Bajracharya Enterprises</strong> introducedKohler's Flipside Hand Shower and Led Shower in the Nepali market. These two newly introduced products provide unique experience of shower to the consumer along with saving water.</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank Limited launched its fourth branch at New Road in Pokhara. The branch was inaugurated by Dr Prafulla Kumar Kafle.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Worldlink Communications Pvt Ltd</strong> launched a new scheme on the occasion of New Year 2012. As per the scheme, customers will get 50 per cent discount on installation and Rs 50 worth World Call Card on internet installation. On annual subscription, customers will get two months extra service, making a total of 14 months of service.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Him Electronics Pvt Ltd</strong>, authorised distributor of Samsung in Nepal, launched an excellent series of Front Loading, Top Loading and Semi Automatic washing machines in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tradelink International</strong>, the authorised distributor and service provider of Optoma Corporation in Nepal, launched three new projectors targeting small offices, home users and large venue installations.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Himalayan Beanz</strong> launched its winter special beverage Caffe Chaiat Civil Mall in Sundhara.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nabil Bank Limited</strong> launched its 48th branch at Bhanu Chowk in Janakpur on 14 December. The bank has now covered all the major cities of the country.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Siddhartha Bank</strong> launched its 40th branch in Narayan Municipality of Dailekh. The branch was jointly inaugurated by Mahesh Prasad Pokharel and Dailekh CDO Basudev Dahal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>HH Baja</strong>j, the authorised seller of Bajaj motorcycles in Nepal, inaugurated its new showroom GMT Automobiles Pvt Ltd at Damauli to effectively provide easier and more accessible service to its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Rudal Organisation</strong> launched Family Care Gas Geysers in the Nepali market. The company is providing geyser with 10 years replacement guarantee and four years service warranty.</p>
<p>
	<strong>IDMC Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised dealer of Greaves Bomag products (Greaves Cotton Limited, India launched the single drum vibratory soil compactor BW 212 D-2 (2A). Greaves BW 212 D-2 (2A) is a 10 to 12 Ton Class vibratory soil compactor conforming to the most specification, designed for compaction of various types of soil layers like Embankment, Sub- Base, Sub-Grade etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Sunrise Bank Limited</strong> launched Sunrise Mobile Banking (M-Banking) services for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Smart Power Private Limited</strong> launched its range of energy products in the Nepali market.With a vision of providing affordable solar energy solutions to households in Nepal, it has embarked upon its first phase by targeting urban households in Kathmandu with a variety of customisable solutions that cater to reduce the burden of load-shedding. In the second phase, Smart Power plans to expand its service network to other parts of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dish Home</strong>, Nepal&nbsp; s only DHT service provider launched a special scheme on the occasion of Christmas and New Year 2012. As per the scheme, customers subscribing to any of the Dish Home packages enjoyed free service for 45 days.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Troika Automobiles Pvt Ltd</strong>, the authorised sub-dealer of Mahindra Two Wheelers for Lalitpur, launched state-of-the art showroom in Kumaripati.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Jyoti Bikash Bank Ltd (JBBL)</strong> launched its 17th branch in Sundhara. The branch was inaugurated by the bank's Chairman Prachar Man Singh Pradhan.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Everest De Cargo</strong>, t h e licensed company of FedEx in Nepal, launched a special scheme on the occasion of Christmas and New Year 2012. As per the scheme, there was a 50 per cent discount on mailing gifts during the period.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dabur Nepal </strong>launched OxyLife Professional facial kit to help cure skin problems. The kit is equipped with unique OxySphere technology developed in Germany.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd</strong>, the distributor of Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Multi Utility Vehicles and Tractors in Nepal, launched an authorised service centre at Balkumari in Lalitpur. The company has appointed Unique Ideal Automobiles for the service centre.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dell Computer</strong> appointed Explore Asia Pacific Pvt Ltd as the authorised seller for its business series products. The company will sell laptops, desktops, LED/ LCD screens and projectors of the Dell brand.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Destiny International</strong>, authorised seller of Luxor Pens in Nepal, launched several products from the Luxor brand such as markers, market inks and highlighters.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Ncell</strong> launched its 16th c e n t r e in Damak of Jhapa district. Ncell customers Laxmi Bajracharya and Navraj Subedi officially inaugurated the Ncell centre.</p>
<p>
	Thapathali based <strong>Furnitouch Pvt Ltd</strong> launched a new showroom in Baluwatar. Former Miss Nepal Sadichhya Shrestha and current Miss Nepal Malina Joshi jointly inaugurated the showroom.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hi- Tech Chemicals</strong> launched Hi - grade Washing Powder in the Nepali market. In the first phase , Active Hi-Tech, Ultra Hi-Tech and Hi- Fi washing powders have been launched in the market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Yamaha Generators for Nepal, launched Yamaha Generator Exchange Mauka at its YAMAHA Showroom, Tripureshwor.</p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Mitsubishiâ's Mirage Coming to Nepal</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><img align="middle" alt="mitsubishi" border="1" height="86" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/mitsu.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	Leon Motors Private Limited</strong> is soon going to launch Mitsubishi Mirage a B Segment Hatchback car in the Nepali market. After months of teasing, Mitsubishi finally unveiled the 2012 Mirage at the Tokyo Motor Show. Built to satisfy the needs of people all over the world,” the Mirage features a slender grille, aerodynamic wheel covers and a roof-mounted spoiler. Aimed at emerging markets and developed nations, the B-segment vehicle measures 3,740mm long and 1,680mm wide.</p>
<p>
	Despite the compact dimensions, Mitsubishi says the cabin can comfortably seat five adults and their luggage. Detailed specifications haven't been announced, but the production model will be powered by 1.0- and 1.2-liter engines. Additionally, the vehicle will be equipped with brake energy regeneration and an engine start/stop system. If that isn't green enough, the e-compact platform was also designed to accommodate a full electric power train.</p>
<p>
	Mitsubishi says the engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission and is targeted to average 30.0 km/liter for 1.0 and 23.0 km/liter for 1.2. Inside, designers adopted a “simple &amp; clean philosophy which aims to give the cabin a sense of airiness. The end result is debatable, but the interior boasts gloss black trim, metallic accents and a sporty instrument cluster. Power comes from a new, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and a start/ stop system. The 2012 Mirage will launched in Thailand this March, before being sold globally.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-12-18',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'NIC Bank launched a new deposit scheme NIC Double Deposit Account, a fixed term deposit that promises to double the principal amount after 77 months. The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs 50,000 and will offer annual return of 15.58 per cent.',
			'sortorder' => '530',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '628',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Indian Assistance For Eye Care Programme',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="indian" border="5" height="150" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/indian2.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 5 December by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) for providing grant assistance of Nepali Rs 4.42 crores to NNJS for eye care programme in various districts of Nepal during the year 2011-2012. </p>
<p>
	The MoU will cover the cost of conducting over 15,000 cataract surgeries and provide over 9,300 optical devices to vision impaired children through mobile screening camps to be held in various schools of Nepal as a ‘National Eye Sight Programme’. India will provide additional assistance of Nepali Rs 0.18 crores to the NNJS for conducting 1,000 trachoma surgeries during the year 2011-2012.</p>
<p>
	India’s assistance to NNJS is part of the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme, which has an outlay of over Nepali Rs 6,000 crores with more than 400 large and small projects currently being implemented in all districts of Nepal in the fields of education, health and infrastructure/community development. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 5 December by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) for providing grant assistance of Nepali Rs 4.42 crores to NNJS for eye care programme in various districts of Nepal during the year 2011-2012.',
			'sortorder' => '529',
			'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' => '627',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NRB Reduces Equity In Credit Guarantee Corp',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is likely to vacate the leadership slot in the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). As the majority stake in the corporation is now with the government, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has proposed to take over the leadership of the corporation. MOF is planning to appoint a Joint Secretary to lead the DICGC. The restructuring proposal awaits approval from the finance minister. </p>
<p>
	The government owns 87.32 per cent while NRB has 11.06 per cent stakes in the DICGC. The government is also planning to purchase the shares owned by Nepal Bank Limited and Rastriya Banijya Bank. The paid up capital of the corporation is Rs 980 million. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is likely to vacate the leadership slot in the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).',
			'sortorder' => '528',
			'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' => '626',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NMB Starts ˜Loan Without Collateral',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="nmb" border="5" height="128" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nmb(1).jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	NMB Bank has started providing loan without collateral. The inititive in partnership with Employment Fund Secretariat was started on December 7 from bank's Dhangadhi branch when CEO of the bank Upendra Poudyal handed over Rs 240,000 to six youths as loan. On the occasion, Poudyal said that if the campaign becomes successful in the Far West, it will be expanded to other places as well.</p>
<p>
	Three youths from Kailali and three from Kanchanpur were provided loan on the basis of recommendation of employment and training organisations operated by the fund. Youths said they were encouraged to receive loan when they did not have enough money to invest in their business. Similarly, 50 other youths from Banke, Kailali, Kanchanpur and other districts from the region are selected for such loan. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'NMB Bank has started providing loan without collateral.',
			'sortorder' => '527',
			'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' => '625',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'CNN Lists Namje Among Best Unheard Of Places',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="cnn" border="5" height="130" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cnnlist.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	The Cable News Network (CNN) has listed Namje, a village in eastern Nepal among the world’s best 12 unheard of places. Namje’s isolation has been its saving grace, said the network. Namje, at the altitude of 6000 feet from sea level is ideal for scenic views of mountains and lies along a series of footpaths with views of Mt Makalu. </p>
<p>
	The village has majority of people from Magar community. Namje can be reached on a five hours long trek from Dhankuta. Life of people close to nature, attachment to spirituality, scenic views, adventurous trekking route and exotic culture makes Namje one of the best tourist destinations.</p>
<p>
	The destination was recommended by Stephanie Odegard, the founder and president of Odegard Inc. She came upon it while she was searching for local women to harvest fibre for her rug company. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The Cable News Network (CNN) has listed Namje, a village in eastern Nepal among the world’s best 12 unheard of places.',
			'sortorder' => '526',
			'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' => '624',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Subsidy On Seeds, Organic Fertilizer',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Farmers will now get subsidy to purchase improved seeds and organic fertilizer as well. Earlier, the subsidy was available only on the purchase of chemical fertilisers for the last three years. Two separate directives on providing subsidy on seeds and fertilizer were approved by the Ministry of Agriculture on December 11. This is in line with the promise made while the government budget for the current fiscal year was presented to the parliament. </p>
<p>
	The government is planning to provide subsidy on seeds of such crops as rice, maize, wheat, millet, lentil, gram, pigeon pea, green gram, pea and mustard. According to the government sources, the farmers will get the seeds 25 to 50 per cent cheaper with the subsidy on seeds implemented through state-owned National Seeds Company. For providing subsidy, the government has allocated a budget of Rs 100 million.</p>
<p>
	The subsidy will be available for four bighas of land in Terai or 40 ropanis in the hills per farmer. The budget is Rs. 100 million also for the subsidy on organic fertilisers to be implemented through state-owned Agriculture Inputs Company. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Farmers will now get subsidy to purchase improved seeds and organic fertilizer as well.',
			'sortorder' => '525',
			'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' => '623',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'No Ceiling In Personal Property',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The dispute resolution subcommittee under the constitution committee of the Constituent Assembly has reached a decision not to impose any ceiling on personal property in the new constitution. According to the decision, there can be ceiling on the landholding under a law of the parliament, but no such ceiling will be fixed in the constitution.</p>
<p>
	According to former Finance Ministers Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani and Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, the subcommittee has also agreed that when the government acquires the land that may be above the ceiling fixed by the law, reasonable compensation must be provided. </p>
<p>
	The UCPN-Maoists and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) were insisting to fix a ceiling on personal property. The deadlock was broken after the Maoists relaxed their stance. However, NWPP as well as the Vaidya faction of the Maoists are still opposing the decision of the subcommittee. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The dispute resolution subcommittee under the constitution committee of the Constituent Assembly has reached a decision not to impose any ceiling on personal property in the new constitution.',
			'sortorder' => '524',
			'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' => '622',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Sanima Donates Clothes And Food To NCO',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Marking its seventh anniversary, Sanima Bikas Bank has donated clothing and food items for the children of Social Welfare Children Home located at Paanchkhal in Kavrepalanchowk. The Home is a branch of Nepal Children’s Organisation (NCO), which is also known as Balmandir.<img align="middle" alt="sanima" border="5" height="144" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sanima.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Amidst a function organised at Bal Mandir, Naxal, Santosh Koirala, Head – Liability Marketing of the bank, handed over the items to Tulsi Narayan Shrestha, Vice-Chairman of NCO. Sanima organised a number of other CSR activities at different parts of the nation on the occasion. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Marking its seventh anniversary, Sanima Bikas Bank has donated clothing and food items for the children of Social Welfare Children Home located at Paanchkhal in Kavrepalanchowk.',
			'sortorder' => '523',
			'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' => '621',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Bureaucrats Retirement Age Proposed At 60',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The government has moved a bill into the parliament with provision to increase the compulsory retirement age for the civil servants from current 58 to 60 years.</p>
<p>
	The Civil Service Act 1993 third amendment bill with such provision was approved by the government on December 12. The government has argued that the revision in the retirement age was needed in view of the increased longevity of the Nepali people.</p>
<p>
	The government formed after the first election following the 1990 popular uprising had reduced the retirement age from 60 years to 58 years in 1993. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The government has moved a bill into the parliament with provision to increase the compulsory retirement age for the civil servants from current 58 to 60 years.',
			'sortorder' => '522',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	),
	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '620',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Climate Smart Celebrity Trek',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="climate" border="5" height="75" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/climate.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Apa Sherpa (21 times Mt Everest Summiteer) and Dawa Steven Sherpa (2 times Mt Everest Summiteer) are embarking on 1,700 kilometers and 120 days long trek on Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) from 15thJanuary to 13th May, 2012. The historic trek will begin in Ghunsa, Taplejung in the Eastern Nepal and end at Darchula in the Far-western Nepal. The Climate Smart Celebrity Trek (CSCT) is being organised by the Himalayan Climate Initiative (HCI) to build climate resilience in Nepal’s economy and society, and to raise the significance of Himalayas in the global climate debate. Prashant Singh, the CEO of HCI said “The Climate Smart Celebrity Trek will engage Apa as a Nepali celebrity to attract global celebrities to the trail. Apa and HCI have already reached out to many prominent global celebrities in this regard, and efforts are on to get their confirmation.” The mountaineer duo will be accompanied by Saurav Dhakal, British Council International Climate Champion, and Samir Jung Thapa who will serve as the official photographer of the event. The meticulously planned trek will be welcomed by local communities at eleven specific points on the GHT where Apa, Dawa, their trek-team and the communities will share their experiences and discuss the development needs of the mountain communities. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Apa Sherpa (21 times Mt Everest Summiteer) and Dawa Steven Sherpa (2 times Mt Everest Summiteer) are embarking on 1,700 kilometers and 120 days long trek on Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) from 15thJanuary to 13th May, 2012.',
			'sortorder' => '521',
			'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' => '619',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'GMAT Popularity Declining',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The number of Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) takers from Nepal is declining rapidly despite growing popularity of management education in Nepal and number of students going abroad for pursuing management degrees.</p>
<p>
	Ashish Bhardwaj, Regional Director of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) said that number of Nepali students appearing in GMAT has declined by 40 per cent in three years. In 2009 there were 300 students appearing in the test from Nepal. That number fell to 190 in 2011. However 310 Nepali students appear in the test from outside Nepal. </p>
<p>
	The GMAT is accepted in more than 5000 management programmes at over 2000 business schools all across the globe. Bhardwaj said that many Nepali students are unaware of the test and its significance. He said, “Students know very little about this test’s importance. We are trying to spread more information to attract more test takers from Nepal.” Currently, over a dozen of education consultancies are running classes for test preparation in Nepal. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Ashish Bhardwaj, Regional Director of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) said that number of Nepali students appearing in GMAT has declined by 40 per cent in three years.',
			'sortorder' => '520',
			'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' => '618',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Civil Bank Limited Continues CSR Activities',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="civil bank" border="6" height="122" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/civil-bank.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Civil Bank Ltd has has provided help to Nepal Children’s Organisation (NCO) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive as part of its first anniversary activities. The bank distributed nutritious dairy products and other food items to the children at the Bal Mandir, Naxal. Kishore Maharjan, CEO of the bank distributed the items. </p>
<p>
	The bank has also sponsored three orphans of Samaj Kalyan Bal Griha, Panchkhal by arranging full sponsorship for their food, boarding and tuition expenses. The sponsorship was funded through direct contribution of all staff members of the bank with matching contribution from the bank. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The bank has also sponsored three orphans of Samaj Kalyan Bal Griha, Panchkhal by arranging full sponsorship for their food, boarding and tuition expenses.',
			'sortorder' => '519',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	),
	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '617',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NBI Programme On Conflict Management',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="nbi" border="5" height="62" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nbi.jpg" width="150" /></p>
<p>
	Na t i o n a l B u s i n e s s I n i t i a t i v e (NBI) Nepal organised an interactive forum on December 1 to bring different stakeholders together to discuss non-economic barriers that plague private sector development in Nepal and to find out possible interventions for solving this problem. A challenging security environment and continuing tensions between employers and employees were the focus of the discussion between representatives of the business sector, trade unions, security providers and international agencies. </p>
<p>
	The programme was organised by NBI with support from International Alert. Padma Jyoti, President of NBI, highlighted the situation industrialists are going through of late. He introduced the programme as a platform to identify the root causes of conflict and to garner suggestions for possible solutions from the stakeholders. Manish Kumar Agrawal, Vice-Chairman of the Employers’ Council of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) pointed out the scarcity of qualified arbitrators and mediators as the major challenge and urged all parties to adopt a rather long-term perspective to achieve mutual goals. He further urged to link wages and benefits with productivity to increase incentives for high performance and establish a better working culture. Bishnu Rimal, President of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) and other trade union representatives urged all stakeholders to create a better understanding of joint objectives such as stability and employment creation and to build trust. </p>
<p>
	Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, pointed out the need of professionalism among employers and employees, sound working environment and transparency in doing business as the prerequisites for better industrial relations. He further stressed the need of third party interventions and mitigation to solve industrial problems. Economist Dr Chiranjibi Nepal warned that any delay in improving security situation increase the possibility of capital and business moving abroad with the consequent risk of further unemployment, frustration and conflict. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Na t i o n a l B u s i n e s s I n i t i a t i v e (NBI) Nepal organised an interactive forum on December 1',
			'sortorder' => '518',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	)
)
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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

Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity &quot;&quot; [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]
Code Context
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			'id' => '631',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'National Carriers Cannot Function Purely On Commercial Perspective',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="visiting" border="5" height="188" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/2ndvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>R Dayal <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>What brings you to Nepal this time?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal is one of the most important stations for our network. There is a lot of movement of people from Nepal to different parts of the world. That is the reason why I wanted to visit the station and have a look so that we can plan for the future. How important is Nepal as a destination for Air India? It is one of the first few stations for our airlines. There is a lot of potential over here and it is an important part for us. Moreover, having such a long relationship even politically and commercially, we feel Nepal is also a part of us from many perspectives.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the competition with other private Indian airlines as well as other airlines fl ying to Nepal?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There is competition even from within India since Indigo, SpiceJet and others have also come to this place. Now, political boundaries no more exist. If you have Gulf Airlines coming directly to this place, there is definitely stiff competition. We, from Air India side, have always been benefitted from having more competition because we look forward for better efficiencies, performance and innovative strategies. Competition is always good and gives good health to the company.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is the market share of Air India fl ying from Nepal to India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It is 14 per cent. Our capacity utilisation is 70 per cent which is quite good by industry standard. The current capacity is sufficient enough for the demand. Looking at the growth which may come in the future, we will definitely add a few more flights.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Air India is having a fi nancial problem for some time now. What is the company doing to overcome this problem?</strong></p>
<p>
	We did have a financial crunch. When any expansion takes place, it is always financed partly from the internal resources and partly from outside capital, normally from shareholders through issue capital and others. In case of Air India, we had gone for a fairly expensive programme as there was no addition of capacity for many years. The total expansion plan in the last threefour years was around Rs 400 billion Indian currency investment. That investment has to be financed. Most aircrafts are imported from France or USA which is also financed by bank or other means. So, what happened was, we approached the government for adding capital. The government is in the process of doing it. Maybe in a few months to go, everything will be cleared. But inbetween the cal,l there was a delay in the infusion of capital. All our cash generation which has taken place has to be used for repaying the foreign sovereign loans which we have committed. As a result, there was a cash flow problem. But, the government has now already approved a turnaround plan which includes the restructuring of loans along with infusion of capitals. Loans may be converted into preferential shares or may be into long term loan with lower rate of interest. Once this restructuring is completed, with our profitability we expect to pay about Rs 10 billion per annum alone as interest cost and the repayment will be much more comfortable. So, the present problem of the liquidity should be taken care of. I am expecting it to happen in may be two months time.</p>
<p>
	<strong>While private airlines make profi ts, state owned enterprises including airlines seem to be making losses. What are the reasons for this?</strong> </p>
<p>
	It’s not true that private airlines are making profit. In fact, the entire aviation industry of India is suffering mainly because the fuel cost has increased tremendously. For airlines, 40 per cent of the cost goes towards fuel itself. Another reason that plagues the aviation industry is stiff competition not only within the country but also outside of it which has resulted in the yield coming down. In India, there is no proper support from the government to the airlines industry and even today, taxes are very high. Compared to other places, airlines are considered to be a travel option for elites in India. So, the government has its own priority that it is heavily taxed. As a result, all airlines are in difficulty except IndiGo as they are a new airline and have all LCC models so they are able to manage it. All other legacy airlines are having problems and Air India is no exception. Because of the interest cost, such a heavy expense – where the capital has not been infused – has been a setback for us. But in the month of October-November, we made operating profit.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is Air India planning to move ahead to make itself a fi nancially strong company?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have drafted a turnaround plan which has been approved by the government. The turnaround plan, besides the financial restructuring, will take care of our financial issues. We also intend to rationalise our routes. Some of the routes we have operated have to be revisited along with the economic turnaround. That exercise will give us a lot of strength. With the blessings of the government of India, Air India being the national carrier will have the first right for operating to any destinations. So, we have a lot of market available with which we expect a good growth.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepal’s national carrier is also having serious problems. Government intervention and mismanagement are said to be the major reasons. What is the case with Air India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It happens with all national carriers who cannot function purely from a commercial perspective. They have to have certain national commitments. In case of Air India, as a national carrier, we call it a second line of defence. Whenever there is a crisis like we have in Ethiopia or Egypt, the government has to solve it. Even within the country, there are places which are very loss making to us. We have an obligation to connect the place so as a national carrier; there are always obligations for the general well being of the people even at the cost of commercial principle. As regards to the government interference, though we are an autonomous body, this is a government organisation. The government has its say in giving the direction in which the airlines has to move. By and large, day to day interference is not there and we operate on commercial principle. </p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you compare Air India with Nepal Airlines?</strong></p>
<p>
	I do not have much insight on the way Nepal Airlines works. I believe that by the sheer size of the company, Air India is much bigger and particularly after the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India, it has become a big giant. The bigger an airline is, the better it is able to perform. Secondly, India itself is a big market, domestically as well as abroad whereas Nepal may not have that kind of a market. As far as the management of Nepal Airlines is concerned, I cannot comment about that. </p>
<p>
	<strong>There are budget airlines operating in India. Is Air India also planning to come up with a similar strategy to compete?</strong></p>
<p>
	In Air India, we have a legacy carrier which is a full service carrier and we are now getting into the idea of a low cost carrier. After the success of low cost carriers in Europe, it is catching up now in India as well. IndiGo is one of the low cost carriers and in Air India, we have Air India Express which is a low cost carrier. We are planning to move ahead with our low cost carrier. And we have already shifted to low cost carrier in some of the routes. Maybe in the time to come, we may have to shift to low cost carrier if there is a demand. Once the low cost module is adopted, the cost and the price come down. Today, we have market for both low cost and full legacy carrier. Depending on how the market demands, we will have to adopt the model. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'R Dayal is Executive Director (East)
of Air India Limited and based
in Kolkata. A graduate from IIM
Ahmadabad, he joined Indian Airlines
as a management trainee in 1977.
Since then he has worked in various
positions in financial and internal
audit in different regions of Indian
Airlines. He had also served for
Yemen Airways from 1999 to 2004
as its advisor. After the merger of Air
India and Indian Airlines in 2007, he
headed Internal Audit Department
of the company. Dayal is serving in
his current position since 2010. He
was recently in Nepal during his
official visit. In an interview with New
Business Age, Dayal shared his ideas
on Air India’s financial problems and
growth prospects.',
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			'id' => '630',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Demographic Profile Of Nepal Is Brilliant',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="left" alt="mohit anand" height="198" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Mohit Anand</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin entered India in early 2009 and in two-and-a-half years, you have now formally launched the brand in Nepal. What kind of planning and market research has gone into this endeavour?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There are a few aspects that we carefully look into while entering a particular market and it was no different in the case of Nepal. We look at the overall macro economic situation as to how a particular economy is doing and whether there is an opportunity for us. The market size, PC installed base and PC growth are some of the factors that we have to consider. We then look at the partner eco system and the kind of channels that exist. We explore distribution partners that we can align with and the products that will give us early traction.</p>
<p>
	And then we contemplate the critical business enablers – investments needed to make from resourcing, branding and product perspectives. All of this go into the plan before we enter a market and this is exactly we had done in India. In two-and-a-half years, we have now been able to clock Rs 150 crores across the Indian sub continent. The Nepali market has also played its part as Belkin products were available here in June-July this year. But we were first tapping the market – getting the basic assortment and distribution going – before the formal launch that is happening today.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Name us the major interconnectivity solutions that come out from the Belkin stable.</strong></p>
<p>
	If you look at the Belkin product range, we operate in six key distinct categories. The first one is wireless networking which is critical for us because it’s about interconnectivity – broadband is becoming pervasive and people are connecting to the internet on a daily basis. Second, we have our surge protectors which help people protect their expensive consumer electronics and home appliances. The third one is our range of accessories around the PCs – laptops as well as desktops. Fourth, our audio video interface cables, which allow consumers to experience HDMI audio or video at 1080p HD TV resolution. The fifth is structured cabling – our passive network solution – which connects networks, commercial data centres and high end enterprises when they need to have wide area or local area networks. The last one is our products around mobile phones, smart phones and tablets which we call our mobility range. These encapsulate the six broad product categories that we play in.</p>
<p>
	<strong>You consider the Indian market to be one of your most strategic markets. How have you performed there given the tremendous potential that the country presents? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We started off at zero in January 2009 in the Indian market and if you rewind to that time frame, the world economy was in recession. While most people were curtailing investments and going slow, we were investing. The result of that investment has bore fruit now – we have got to Rs 150 crores by September 2011 exceeding our own expectations of Rs 120 crores by a long way. We are almost on the cusp of completing three years in the sub continent in January 2012. We are now saying that we want to get to Rs 250 crores by September 2012 with our expansion into Nepal and reach across the Indian market as well as other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. And by 2015, we want to be a Rs 1,000 crores <strong>company across the sub continent. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin has expanded its footprint beyond India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, practically covering the entire South Asia region. How do you explain this rapid expansion?</strong></p>
<p>
	The rapid expansion is a direct reflection of the results that we have produced and the success that we have had. We had a sound strategy but more importantly, we executed the strategy very well. The result is, as I told you, we have a Rs 150 crores turnover across the sub continent within a short span of time. Consumers have accepted our products in the market with open arms and that has fuelled our growth and confidence to enter other markets. We have very successful businesses in Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka. And now in Nepal, we are hoping that we will be able to do a substantial business of about half-a-million dollars by the end of 2012. We also hope that the market in Nepal will grow to become a multi-million dollar business by 2015.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is your assessment of the Nepali market for your product lines?</strong></p>
<p>
	There are three parts to that answer. Firstly, the country has gone through a metamorphosis in the last three years – there has been peace, political stability etc. As a result, the economy has performed well and the people are willing to spend. The economy is growing robustly and doing well even though it is coming off a small base – that in itself presents a big opportunity. Secondly, the demographics of Nepal is brilliant where you have a young, tech savvy and an emerging well educated population that is able to consume the products Belkin has to offer. And lastly, our partnership with the right set of partners such as Neoteric Nepal, retailers and channel partners is really the backbone of our success. Because ultimately, Belkin does not sell anything directly, it sells everything through its partners. Therefore, getting our partner eco system right is the third critical piece we feel very confident about and believe that it will prove to be our stepping stone to success. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Anand is the
Managing Director of
Belkin India Private Limited.
Belkin India, a leading
provider of interconnectivity
solutions across computing
and consumer electronic
devices, announced that the
company has extended its
operations and established
presence in Nepal. It
appointed Neoteric Nepal
as its distributor for Nepal,
to make available complete
range of Belkin products
in the country. Anand was
in Kathmandu recently to
announce the grand launch
of Belkin. In an interview
with New Business Age, he
talked about the prospects
of Belkin products for the
Nepali market.',
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			'id' => '629',
			'article_category_id' => '56',
			'title' => 'Biz Launches January 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>NIC Bank</strong> launched a new deposit scheme ˜NIC Double Deposit Account, a fixed term deposit that promises to double the principal amount after 77 months. The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs 50,000 and will offer annual return of 15.58 per cent.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mangalam Industries</strong>, a joint venture of SFMC India and Nepali investors, has launched American technologybased C-PVC pipes and fittings under Mangalam Flowlife brand. The C-PVC pipes and fittings are particularly designed for water distribution system in residential houses, high rise buildings, hospitals, corporate buildings, solar water heating system etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tele Talk Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobiles, has opened service centres at Chabahil, Balaju and Bhaktapur within the Kathmandu valley and a few locations including Banepa and Birtamod outside the valley. The service centres dedicated to the Spice mobile, Colors and BlackBerry Smartphone customers aims at solving all after sales problems.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dabur Nepal</strong> launched an interdisciplinary discursive programme called Dabur Excellence Series (DES). The first talk of the series was held on December 21 in collaboration with Institute of Advanced Communication, Education, and Research (IACER), Pokhara University. DES intends to help promote the culture of intellectual discussion in Nepal and act as a platform for sharing of ideas and knowledge.</p>
<p>
	A new suiting store <strong>SUITS &amp; BLAZERS</strong> has been launched at <strong>NLIC City Center</strong>. The store offers leading Italian brand Georgia Gullini along with leading Indian brands such as Raymond, OCM, Grasim, J Hampstead and others.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hi-Tech Distributors</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of DIGICOM products in Nepal, has introduced a new model of Digicom ADSL routers in the market. The 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Router has 4 LAN ports and a 3.5dbi b/g wireless antenna.</p>
<p>
	<strong>NMB Bank Ltd </strong>installed its 16th ATM at Saleways Store, Maharajgunj. The ATM will accept cards from all banks and financial institutions in the SCT network along with Visa and MasterCard. The bank also launched its ATM service in Silghadi of Doti, its first such service in the far western region.</p>
<p>
	Three new models of <strong>Wynncom mobile</strong> have been launched in the market, namely W352, W100 and OGO 78. The handsets are priced Rs 3,900, Rs 2,400 and Rs 5,990 respectively.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Skinlovers Cosmetics Pvt Ltd Nepal</strong> under license from Skinlovers Cosmetics Company Ltd, Seoul, Korea has launched 55 beauty products in the Nepali market. The prices of these products range from Rs 65 to Rs 5,000.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Teletalk Private limited</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobile phones in Nepal, has launched Spice's M5225 Bamboo phone in the market. The Bamboo M5225 is the latest range of influential and stylish phone from the Spice with great looks and sound quality. As its name, the phone has unique bamboo carving in its back cover. The phone with a lot of amazing features is available in the market for Rs 3345.</p>
<p>
	<strong>koda MAW Nepal</strong> announced its special consumer promotion KODA SURPRISING 2012 with the spirit of celebrating Merry Christmas and welcoming New Year 2012 in a surprising manner.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mercantile Office System (MOS)</strong>, the authorised distributor of the Taiwan based D-Link (High Speed ADSL Broadband) Company in Nepal, launched Wireless N 150 ADSL2+4 - Port Ethernet Router in the market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>ISOS Pvt Ltd</strong>, the IT trading wing of Chaudhary Group officially launched the LG DLP projectors. Currently, 2 business models, BS 275 and BX 275, are available in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Richarm Pvt Ltd</strong> has launched RodiMood, one of Turkey's popular apparel brands, in the Nepali market. An exclusive RodiMood store at City Centre in Kamal Pokhari has been set up by Richarm.</p>
<p>
	<strong>HH Bajaj,</strong> the authorised distributor of Bajaj bikes for Nepal, launched Boxer 150cc in the Nepali market. The Boxer 150 comes with an electric start and sports a price tag of Rs 139,900.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Clean Energy Development Bank (CEDB)</strong> l a u n c h e d three new deposit schemes namely, Clean Bal Bachat, Clean Jyestha Bachat and Clean Future Bachat. The depositors will get attractive interest rates of 9 per cent per annum and 9.5 per cent per annum respectively in Clean Bal Bachat and Clean Jyestha <strong>Bachat schemes and cumulatively compounding up to 12 per cent per annum in Clean Future Bachat. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd</strong>, the authorised seller of Yamaha motorcycles in Nepal, launched its new showroom Tirupati Auto Palacein Biratnagar.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Teletalk Private limited</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobile phones in Nepal, launched M5360 in the Nepali market. Spice M5360, with all its amazing features, is available in the market at Rs 3,590.</p>
<p>
	A brand n e w online website <strong>www.jhoomka.com</strong> has been launched in the Nepali online web media. It is a community driven site for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web. It aspires to be one of the leading website in Nepal, providing latest news, blogs, and models and classified.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The United Gold Mart</strong> launched a new branch in Kathmandu on 11 December. The branch is located opposite Pipal Bot at Pako in New Road.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Agni Incorporated</strong>, the distributor of Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Multi Utility Vehicles and Tractors in Nepal, launched Mahindras legendary 4x4 off roader the Thar CRD in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepal Credit &amp; Commerce Bank Ltd</strong> launched its 22nd branch at Kopundole in Lalitpur. The branch was inaugurated by the Minister of State of Finance Hari Raj Khewa Limbu.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Bhatbhateni Super Store</strong> opened special sales rooms for electronic appliances at its branches in Patan, Boudha and Koteshwor, for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Bajra and Bajracharya Enterprises</strong> introducedKohler's Flipside Hand Shower and Led Shower in the Nepali market. These two newly introduced products provide unique experience of shower to the consumer along with saving water.</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank Limited launched its fourth branch at New Road in Pokhara. The branch was inaugurated by Dr Prafulla Kumar Kafle.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Worldlink Communications Pvt Ltd</strong> launched a new scheme on the occasion of New Year 2012. As per the scheme, customers will get 50 per cent discount on installation and Rs 50 worth World Call Card on internet installation. On annual subscription, customers will get two months extra service, making a total of 14 months of service.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Him Electronics Pvt Ltd</strong>, authorised distributor of Samsung in Nepal, launched an excellent series of Front Loading, Top Loading and Semi Automatic washing machines in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tradelink International</strong>, the authorised distributor and service provider of Optoma Corporation in Nepal, launched three new projectors targeting small offices, home users and large venue installations.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Himalayan Beanz</strong> launched its winter special beverage Caffe Chaiat Civil Mall in Sundhara.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nabil Bank Limited</strong> launched its 48th branch at Bhanu Chowk in Janakpur on 14 December. The bank has now covered all the major cities of the country.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Siddhartha Bank</strong> launched its 40th branch in Narayan Municipality of Dailekh. The branch was jointly inaugurated by Mahesh Prasad Pokharel and Dailekh CDO Basudev Dahal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>HH Baja</strong>j, the authorised seller of Bajaj motorcycles in Nepal, inaugurated its new showroom GMT Automobiles Pvt Ltd at Damauli to effectively provide easier and more accessible service to its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Rudal Organisation</strong> launched Family Care Gas Geysers in the Nepali market. The company is providing geyser with 10 years replacement guarantee and four years service warranty.</p>
<p>
	<strong>IDMC Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised dealer of Greaves Bomag products (Greaves Cotton Limited, India launched the single drum vibratory soil compactor BW 212 D-2 (2A). Greaves BW 212 D-2 (2A) is a 10 to 12 Ton Class vibratory soil compactor conforming to the most specification, designed for compaction of various types of soil layers like Embankment, Sub- Base, Sub-Grade etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Sunrise Bank Limited</strong> launched Sunrise Mobile Banking (M-Banking) services for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Smart Power Private Limited</strong> launched its range of energy products in the Nepali market.With a vision of providing affordable solar energy solutions to households in Nepal, it has embarked upon its first phase by targeting urban households in Kathmandu with a variety of customisable solutions that cater to reduce the burden of load-shedding. In the second phase, Smart Power plans to expand its service network to other parts of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dish Home</strong>, Nepal&nbsp; s only DHT service provider launched a special scheme on the occasion of Christmas and New Year 2012. As per the scheme, customers subscribing to any of the Dish Home packages enjoyed free service for 45 days.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Troika Automobiles Pvt Ltd</strong>, the authorised sub-dealer of Mahindra Two Wheelers for Lalitpur, launched state-of-the art showroom in Kumaripati.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Jyoti Bikash Bank Ltd (JBBL)</strong> launched its 17th branch in Sundhara. The branch was inaugurated by the bank's Chairman Prachar Man Singh Pradhan.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Everest De Cargo</strong>, t h e licensed company of FedEx in Nepal, launched a special scheme on the occasion of Christmas and New Year 2012. As per the scheme, there was a 50 per cent discount on mailing gifts during the period.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dabur Nepal </strong>launched OxyLife Professional facial kit to help cure skin problems. The kit is equipped with unique OxySphere technology developed in Germany.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd</strong>, the distributor of Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Multi Utility Vehicles and Tractors in Nepal, launched an authorised service centre at Balkumari in Lalitpur. The company has appointed Unique Ideal Automobiles for the service centre.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dell Computer</strong> appointed Explore Asia Pacific Pvt Ltd as the authorised seller for its business series products. The company will sell laptops, desktops, LED/ LCD screens and projectors of the Dell brand.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Destiny International</strong>, authorised seller of Luxor Pens in Nepal, launched several products from the Luxor brand such as markers, market inks and highlighters.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Ncell</strong> launched its 16th c e n t r e in Damak of Jhapa district. Ncell customers Laxmi Bajracharya and Navraj Subedi officially inaugurated the Ncell centre.</p>
<p>
	Thapathali based <strong>Furnitouch Pvt Ltd</strong> launched a new showroom in Baluwatar. Former Miss Nepal Sadichhya Shrestha and current Miss Nepal Malina Joshi jointly inaugurated the showroom.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hi- Tech Chemicals</strong> launched Hi - grade Washing Powder in the Nepali market. In the first phase , Active Hi-Tech, Ultra Hi-Tech and Hi- Fi washing powders have been launched in the market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Yamaha Generators for Nepal, launched Yamaha Generator Exchange Mauka at its YAMAHA Showroom, Tripureshwor.</p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Mitsubishiâ's Mirage Coming to Nepal</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><img align="middle" alt="mitsubishi" border="1" height="86" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/mitsu.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	Leon Motors Private Limited</strong> is soon going to launch Mitsubishi Mirage a B Segment Hatchback car in the Nepali market. After months of teasing, Mitsubishi finally unveiled the 2012 Mirage at the Tokyo Motor Show. Built to satisfy the needs of people all over the world,” the Mirage features a slender grille, aerodynamic wheel covers and a roof-mounted spoiler. Aimed at emerging markets and developed nations, the B-segment vehicle measures 3,740mm long and 1,680mm wide.</p>
<p>
	Despite the compact dimensions, Mitsubishi says the cabin can comfortably seat five adults and their luggage. Detailed specifications haven't been announced, but the production model will be powered by 1.0- and 1.2-liter engines. Additionally, the vehicle will be equipped with brake energy regeneration and an engine start/stop system. If that isn't green enough, the e-compact platform was also designed to accommodate a full electric power train.</p>
<p>
	Mitsubishi says the engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission and is targeted to average 30.0 km/liter for 1.0 and 23.0 km/liter for 1.2. Inside, designers adopted a “simple &amp; clean philosophy which aims to give the cabin a sense of airiness. The end result is debatable, but the interior boasts gloss black trim, metallic accents and a sporty instrument cluster. Power comes from a new, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and a start/ stop system. The 2012 Mirage will launched in Thailand this March, before being sold globally.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-12-18',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'NIC Bank launched a new deposit scheme NIC Double Deposit Account, a fixed term deposit that promises to double the principal amount after 77 months. The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs 50,000 and will offer annual return of 15.58 per cent.',
			'sortorder' => '530',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '628',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Indian Assistance For Eye Care Programme',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="indian" border="5" height="150" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/indian2.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 5 December by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) for providing grant assistance of Nepali Rs 4.42 crores to NNJS for eye care programme in various districts of Nepal during the year 2011-2012. </p>
<p>
	The MoU will cover the cost of conducting over 15,000 cataract surgeries and provide over 9,300 optical devices to vision impaired children through mobile screening camps to be held in various schools of Nepal as a ‘National Eye Sight Programme’. India will provide additional assistance of Nepali Rs 0.18 crores to the NNJS for conducting 1,000 trachoma surgeries during the year 2011-2012.</p>
<p>
	India’s assistance to NNJS is part of the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme, which has an outlay of over Nepali Rs 6,000 crores with more than 400 large and small projects currently being implemented in all districts of Nepal in the fields of education, health and infrastructure/community development. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 5 December by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) for providing grant assistance of Nepali Rs 4.42 crores to NNJS for eye care programme in various districts of Nepal during the year 2011-2012.',
			'sortorder' => '529',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '627',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NRB Reduces Equity In Credit Guarantee Corp',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is likely to vacate the leadership slot in the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). As the majority stake in the corporation is now with the government, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has proposed to take over the leadership of the corporation. MOF is planning to appoint a Joint Secretary to lead the DICGC. The restructuring proposal awaits approval from the finance minister. </p>
<p>
	The government owns 87.32 per cent while NRB has 11.06 per cent stakes in the DICGC. The government is also planning to purchase the shares owned by Nepal Bank Limited and Rastriya Banijya Bank. The paid up capital of the corporation is Rs 980 million. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is likely to vacate the leadership slot in the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).',
			'sortorder' => '528',
			'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' => '626',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NMB Starts ˜Loan Without Collateral',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="nmb" border="5" height="128" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nmb(1).jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	NMB Bank has started providing loan without collateral. The inititive in partnership with Employment Fund Secretariat was started on December 7 from bank's Dhangadhi branch when CEO of the bank Upendra Poudyal handed over Rs 240,000 to six youths as loan. On the occasion, Poudyal said that if the campaign becomes successful in the Far West, it will be expanded to other places as well.</p>
<p>
	Three youths from Kailali and three from Kanchanpur were provided loan on the basis of recommendation of employment and training organisations operated by the fund. Youths said they were encouraged to receive loan when they did not have enough money to invest in their business. Similarly, 50 other youths from Banke, Kailali, Kanchanpur and other districts from the region are selected for such loan. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'NMB Bank has started providing loan without collateral.',
			'sortorder' => '527',
			'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' => '625',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'CNN Lists Namje Among Best Unheard Of Places',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="cnn" border="5" height="130" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cnnlist.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	The Cable News Network (CNN) has listed Namje, a village in eastern Nepal among the world’s best 12 unheard of places. Namje’s isolation has been its saving grace, said the network. Namje, at the altitude of 6000 feet from sea level is ideal for scenic views of mountains and lies along a series of footpaths with views of Mt Makalu. </p>
<p>
	The village has majority of people from Magar community. Namje can be reached on a five hours long trek from Dhankuta. Life of people close to nature, attachment to spirituality, scenic views, adventurous trekking route and exotic culture makes Namje one of the best tourist destinations.</p>
<p>
	The destination was recommended by Stephanie Odegard, the founder and president of Odegard Inc. She came upon it while she was searching for local women to harvest fibre for her rug company. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The Cable News Network (CNN) has listed Namje, a village in eastern Nepal among the world’s best 12 unheard of places.',
			'sortorder' => '526',
			'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' => '624',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Subsidy On Seeds, Organic Fertilizer',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Farmers will now get subsidy to purchase improved seeds and organic fertilizer as well. Earlier, the subsidy was available only on the purchase of chemical fertilisers for the last three years. Two separate directives on providing subsidy on seeds and fertilizer were approved by the Ministry of Agriculture on December 11. This is in line with the promise made while the government budget for the current fiscal year was presented to the parliament. </p>
<p>
	The government is planning to provide subsidy on seeds of such crops as rice, maize, wheat, millet, lentil, gram, pigeon pea, green gram, pea and mustard. According to the government sources, the farmers will get the seeds 25 to 50 per cent cheaper with the subsidy on seeds implemented through state-owned National Seeds Company. For providing subsidy, the government has allocated a budget of Rs 100 million.</p>
<p>
	The subsidy will be available for four bighas of land in Terai or 40 ropanis in the hills per farmer. The budget is Rs. 100 million also for the subsidy on organic fertilisers to be implemented through state-owned Agriculture Inputs Company. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Farmers will now get subsidy to purchase improved seeds and organic fertilizer as well.',
			'sortorder' => '525',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '623',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'No Ceiling In Personal Property',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The dispute resolution subcommittee under the constitution committee of the Constituent Assembly has reached a decision not to impose any ceiling on personal property in the new constitution. According to the decision, there can be ceiling on the landholding under a law of the parliament, but no such ceiling will be fixed in the constitution.</p>
<p>
	According to former Finance Ministers Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani and Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, the subcommittee has also agreed that when the government acquires the land that may be above the ceiling fixed by the law, reasonable compensation must be provided. </p>
<p>
	The UCPN-Maoists and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) were insisting to fix a ceiling on personal property. The deadlock was broken after the Maoists relaxed their stance. However, NWPP as well as the Vaidya faction of the Maoists are still opposing the decision of the subcommittee. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The dispute resolution subcommittee under the constitution committee of the Constituent Assembly has reached a decision not to impose any ceiling on personal property in the new constitution.',
			'sortorder' => '524',
			'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' => '622',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Sanima Donates Clothes And Food To NCO',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Marking its seventh anniversary, Sanima Bikas Bank has donated clothing and food items for the children of Social Welfare Children Home located at Paanchkhal in Kavrepalanchowk. The Home is a branch of Nepal Children’s Organisation (NCO), which is also known as Balmandir.<img align="middle" alt="sanima" border="5" height="144" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sanima.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Amidst a function organised at Bal Mandir, Naxal, Santosh Koirala, Head – Liability Marketing of the bank, handed over the items to Tulsi Narayan Shrestha, Vice-Chairman of NCO. Sanima organised a number of other CSR activities at different parts of the nation on the occasion. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Marking its seventh anniversary, Sanima Bikas Bank has donated clothing and food items for the children of Social Welfare Children Home located at Paanchkhal in Kavrepalanchowk.',
			'sortorder' => '523',
			'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' => '621',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Bureaucrats Retirement Age Proposed At 60',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The government has moved a bill into the parliament with provision to increase the compulsory retirement age for the civil servants from current 58 to 60 years.</p>
<p>
	The Civil Service Act 1993 third amendment bill with such provision was approved by the government on December 12. The government has argued that the revision in the retirement age was needed in view of the increased longevity of the Nepali people.</p>
<p>
	The government formed after the first election following the 1990 popular uprising had reduced the retirement age from 60 years to 58 years in 1993. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The government has moved a bill into the parliament with provision to increase the compulsory retirement age for the civil servants from current 58 to 60 years.',
			'sortorder' => '522',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	),
	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '620',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Climate Smart Celebrity Trek',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="climate" border="5" height="75" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/climate.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Apa Sherpa (21 times Mt Everest Summiteer) and Dawa Steven Sherpa (2 times Mt Everest Summiteer) are embarking on 1,700 kilometers and 120 days long trek on Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) from 15thJanuary to 13th May, 2012. The historic trek will begin in Ghunsa, Taplejung in the Eastern Nepal and end at Darchula in the Far-western Nepal. The Climate Smart Celebrity Trek (CSCT) is being organised by the Himalayan Climate Initiative (HCI) to build climate resilience in Nepal’s economy and society, and to raise the significance of Himalayas in the global climate debate. Prashant Singh, the CEO of HCI said “The Climate Smart Celebrity Trek will engage Apa as a Nepali celebrity to attract global celebrities to the trail. Apa and HCI have already reached out to many prominent global celebrities in this regard, and efforts are on to get their confirmation.” The mountaineer duo will be accompanied by Saurav Dhakal, British Council International Climate Champion, and Samir Jung Thapa who will serve as the official photographer of the event. The meticulously planned trek will be welcomed by local communities at eleven specific points on the GHT where Apa, Dawa, their trek-team and the communities will share their experiences and discuss the development needs of the mountain communities. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Apa Sherpa (21 times Mt Everest Summiteer) and Dawa Steven Sherpa (2 times Mt Everest Summiteer) are embarking on 1,700 kilometers and 120 days long trek on Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) from 15thJanuary to 13th May, 2012.',
			'sortorder' => '521',
			'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' => '619',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'GMAT Popularity Declining',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The number of Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) takers from Nepal is declining rapidly despite growing popularity of management education in Nepal and number of students going abroad for pursuing management degrees.</p>
<p>
	Ashish Bhardwaj, Regional Director of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) said that number of Nepali students appearing in GMAT has declined by 40 per cent in three years. In 2009 there were 300 students appearing in the test from Nepal. That number fell to 190 in 2011. However 310 Nepali students appear in the test from outside Nepal. </p>
<p>
	The GMAT is accepted in more than 5000 management programmes at over 2000 business schools all across the globe. Bhardwaj said that many Nepali students are unaware of the test and its significance. He said, “Students know very little about this test’s importance. We are trying to spread more information to attract more test takers from Nepal.” Currently, over a dozen of education consultancies are running classes for test preparation in Nepal. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Ashish Bhardwaj, Regional Director of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) said that number of Nepali students appearing in GMAT has declined by 40 per cent in three years.',
			'sortorder' => '520',
			'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' => '618',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Civil Bank Limited Continues CSR Activities',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="civil bank" border="6" height="122" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/civil-bank.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Civil Bank Ltd has has provided help to Nepal Children’s Organisation (NCO) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive as part of its first anniversary activities. The bank distributed nutritious dairy products and other food items to the children at the Bal Mandir, Naxal. Kishore Maharjan, CEO of the bank distributed the items. </p>
<p>
	The bank has also sponsored three orphans of Samaj Kalyan Bal Griha, Panchkhal by arranging full sponsorship for their food, boarding and tuition expenses. The sponsorship was funded through direct contribution of all staff members of the bank with matching contribution from the bank. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The bank has also sponsored three orphans of Samaj Kalyan Bal Griha, Panchkhal by arranging full sponsorship for their food, boarding and tuition expenses.',
			'sortorder' => '519',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '617',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NBI Programme On Conflict Management',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="nbi" border="5" height="62" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nbi.jpg" width="150" /></p>
<p>
	Na t i o n a l B u s i n e s s I n i t i a t i v e (NBI) Nepal organised an interactive forum on December 1 to bring different stakeholders together to discuss non-economic barriers that plague private sector development in Nepal and to find out possible interventions for solving this problem. A challenging security environment and continuing tensions between employers and employees were the focus of the discussion between representatives of the business sector, trade unions, security providers and international agencies. </p>
<p>
	The programme was organised by NBI with support from International Alert. Padma Jyoti, President of NBI, highlighted the situation industrialists are going through of late. He introduced the programme as a platform to identify the root causes of conflict and to garner suggestions for possible solutions from the stakeholders. Manish Kumar Agrawal, Vice-Chairman of the Employers’ Council of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) pointed out the scarcity of qualified arbitrators and mediators as the major challenge and urged all parties to adopt a rather long-term perspective to achieve mutual goals. He further urged to link wages and benefits with productivity to increase incentives for high performance and establish a better working culture. Bishnu Rimal, President of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) and other trade union representatives urged all stakeholders to create a better understanding of joint objectives such as stability and employment creation and to build trust. </p>
<p>
	Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, pointed out the need of professionalism among employers and employees, sound working environment and transparency in doing business as the prerequisites for better industrial relations. He further stressed the need of third party interventions and mitigation to solve industrial problems. Economist Dr Chiranjibi Nepal warned that any delay in improving security situation increase the possibility of capital and business moving abroad with the consequent risk of further unemployment, frustration and conflict. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Na t i o n a l B u s i n e s s I n i t i a t i v e (NBI) Nepal organised an interactive forum on December 1',
			'sortorder' => '518',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
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			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
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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

Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '631',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'National Carriers Cannot Function Purely On Commercial Perspective',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="visiting" border="5" height="188" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/2ndvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>R Dayal <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>What brings you to Nepal this time?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal is one of the most important stations for our network. There is a lot of movement of people from Nepal to different parts of the world. That is the reason why I wanted to visit the station and have a look so that we can plan for the future. How important is Nepal as a destination for Air India? It is one of the first few stations for our airlines. There is a lot of potential over here and it is an important part for us. Moreover, having such a long relationship even politically and commercially, we feel Nepal is also a part of us from many perspectives.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the competition with other private Indian airlines as well as other airlines fl ying to Nepal?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There is competition even from within India since Indigo, SpiceJet and others have also come to this place. Now, political boundaries no more exist. If you have Gulf Airlines coming directly to this place, there is definitely stiff competition. We, from Air India side, have always been benefitted from having more competition because we look forward for better efficiencies, performance and innovative strategies. Competition is always good and gives good health to the company.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is the market share of Air India fl ying from Nepal to India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It is 14 per cent. Our capacity utilisation is 70 per cent which is quite good by industry standard. The current capacity is sufficient enough for the demand. Looking at the growth which may come in the future, we will definitely add a few more flights.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Air India is having a fi nancial problem for some time now. What is the company doing to overcome this problem?</strong></p>
<p>
	We did have a financial crunch. When any expansion takes place, it is always financed partly from the internal resources and partly from outside capital, normally from shareholders through issue capital and others. In case of Air India, we had gone for a fairly expensive programme as there was no addition of capacity for many years. The total expansion plan in the last threefour years was around Rs 400 billion Indian currency investment. That investment has to be financed. Most aircrafts are imported from France or USA which is also financed by bank or other means. So, what happened was, we approached the government for adding capital. The government is in the process of doing it. Maybe in a few months to go, everything will be cleared. But inbetween the cal,l there was a delay in the infusion of capital. All our cash generation which has taken place has to be used for repaying the foreign sovereign loans which we have committed. As a result, there was a cash flow problem. But, the government has now already approved a turnaround plan which includes the restructuring of loans along with infusion of capitals. Loans may be converted into preferential shares or may be into long term loan with lower rate of interest. Once this restructuring is completed, with our profitability we expect to pay about Rs 10 billion per annum alone as interest cost and the repayment will be much more comfortable. So, the present problem of the liquidity should be taken care of. I am expecting it to happen in may be two months time.</p>
<p>
	<strong>While private airlines make profi ts, state owned enterprises including airlines seem to be making losses. What are the reasons for this?</strong> </p>
<p>
	It’s not true that private airlines are making profit. In fact, the entire aviation industry of India is suffering mainly because the fuel cost has increased tremendously. For airlines, 40 per cent of the cost goes towards fuel itself. Another reason that plagues the aviation industry is stiff competition not only within the country but also outside of it which has resulted in the yield coming down. In India, there is no proper support from the government to the airlines industry and even today, taxes are very high. Compared to other places, airlines are considered to be a travel option for elites in India. So, the government has its own priority that it is heavily taxed. As a result, all airlines are in difficulty except IndiGo as they are a new airline and have all LCC models so they are able to manage it. All other legacy airlines are having problems and Air India is no exception. Because of the interest cost, such a heavy expense – where the capital has not been infused – has been a setback for us. But in the month of October-November, we made operating profit.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is Air India planning to move ahead to make itself a fi nancially strong company?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have drafted a turnaround plan which has been approved by the government. The turnaround plan, besides the financial restructuring, will take care of our financial issues. We also intend to rationalise our routes. Some of the routes we have operated have to be revisited along with the economic turnaround. That exercise will give us a lot of strength. With the blessings of the government of India, Air India being the national carrier will have the first right for operating to any destinations. So, we have a lot of market available with which we expect a good growth.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepal’s national carrier is also having serious problems. Government intervention and mismanagement are said to be the major reasons. What is the case with Air India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It happens with all national carriers who cannot function purely from a commercial perspective. They have to have certain national commitments. In case of Air India, as a national carrier, we call it a second line of defence. Whenever there is a crisis like we have in Ethiopia or Egypt, the government has to solve it. Even within the country, there are places which are very loss making to us. We have an obligation to connect the place so as a national carrier; there are always obligations for the general well being of the people even at the cost of commercial principle. As regards to the government interference, though we are an autonomous body, this is a government organisation. The government has its say in giving the direction in which the airlines has to move. By and large, day to day interference is not there and we operate on commercial principle. </p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you compare Air India with Nepal Airlines?</strong></p>
<p>
	I do not have much insight on the way Nepal Airlines works. I believe that by the sheer size of the company, Air India is much bigger and particularly after the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India, it has become a big giant. The bigger an airline is, the better it is able to perform. Secondly, India itself is a big market, domestically as well as abroad whereas Nepal may not have that kind of a market. As far as the management of Nepal Airlines is concerned, I cannot comment about that. </p>
<p>
	<strong>There are budget airlines operating in India. Is Air India also planning to come up with a similar strategy to compete?</strong></p>
<p>
	In Air India, we have a legacy carrier which is a full service carrier and we are now getting into the idea of a low cost carrier. After the success of low cost carriers in Europe, it is catching up now in India as well. IndiGo is one of the low cost carriers and in Air India, we have Air India Express which is a low cost carrier. We are planning to move ahead with our low cost carrier. And we have already shifted to low cost carrier in some of the routes. Maybe in the time to come, we may have to shift to low cost carrier if there is a demand. Once the low cost module is adopted, the cost and the price come down. Today, we have market for both low cost and full legacy carrier. Depending on how the market demands, we will have to adopt the model. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'R Dayal is Executive Director (East)
of Air India Limited and based
in Kolkata. A graduate from IIM
Ahmadabad, he joined Indian Airlines
as a management trainee in 1977.
Since then he has worked in various
positions in financial and internal
audit in different regions of Indian
Airlines. He had also served for
Yemen Airways from 1999 to 2004
as its advisor. After the merger of Air
India and Indian Airlines in 2007, he
headed Internal Audit Department
of the company. Dayal is serving in
his current position since 2010. He
was recently in Nepal during his
official visit. In an interview with New
Business Age, Dayal shared his ideas
on Air India’s financial problems and
growth prospects.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '630',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Demographic Profile Of Nepal Is Brilliant',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="left" alt="mohit anand" height="198" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Mohit Anand</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin entered India in early 2009 and in two-and-a-half years, you have now formally launched the brand in Nepal. What kind of planning and market research has gone into this endeavour?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There are a few aspects that we carefully look into while entering a particular market and it was no different in the case of Nepal. We look at the overall macro economic situation as to how a particular economy is doing and whether there is an opportunity for us. The market size, PC installed base and PC growth are some of the factors that we have to consider. We then look at the partner eco system and the kind of channels that exist. We explore distribution partners that we can align with and the products that will give us early traction.</p>
<p>
	And then we contemplate the critical business enablers – investments needed to make from resourcing, branding and product perspectives. All of this go into the plan before we enter a market and this is exactly we had done in India. In two-and-a-half years, we have now been able to clock Rs 150 crores across the Indian sub continent. The Nepali market has also played its part as Belkin products were available here in June-July this year. But we were first tapping the market – getting the basic assortment and distribution going – before the formal launch that is happening today.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Name us the major interconnectivity solutions that come out from the Belkin stable.</strong></p>
<p>
	If you look at the Belkin product range, we operate in six key distinct categories. The first one is wireless networking which is critical for us because it’s about interconnectivity – broadband is becoming pervasive and people are connecting to the internet on a daily basis. Second, we have our surge protectors which help people protect their expensive consumer electronics and home appliances. The third one is our range of accessories around the PCs – laptops as well as desktops. Fourth, our audio video interface cables, which allow consumers to experience HDMI audio or video at 1080p HD TV resolution. The fifth is structured cabling – our passive network solution – which connects networks, commercial data centres and high end enterprises when they need to have wide area or local area networks. The last one is our products around mobile phones, smart phones and tablets which we call our mobility range. These encapsulate the six broad product categories that we play in.</p>
<p>
	<strong>You consider the Indian market to be one of your most strategic markets. How have you performed there given the tremendous potential that the country presents? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We started off at zero in January 2009 in the Indian market and if you rewind to that time frame, the world economy was in recession. While most people were curtailing investments and going slow, we were investing. The result of that investment has bore fruit now – we have got to Rs 150 crores by September 2011 exceeding our own expectations of Rs 120 crores by a long way. We are almost on the cusp of completing three years in the sub continent in January 2012. We are now saying that we want to get to Rs 250 crores by September 2012 with our expansion into Nepal and reach across the Indian market as well as other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. And by 2015, we want to be a Rs 1,000 crores <strong>company across the sub continent. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin has expanded its footprint beyond India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, practically covering the entire South Asia region. How do you explain this rapid expansion?</strong></p>
<p>
	The rapid expansion is a direct reflection of the results that we have produced and the success that we have had. We had a sound strategy but more importantly, we executed the strategy very well. The result is, as I told you, we have a Rs 150 crores turnover across the sub continent within a short span of time. Consumers have accepted our products in the market with open arms and that has fuelled our growth and confidence to enter other markets. We have very successful businesses in Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka. And now in Nepal, we are hoping that we will be able to do a substantial business of about half-a-million dollars by the end of 2012. We also hope that the market in Nepal will grow to become a multi-million dollar business by 2015.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is your assessment of the Nepali market for your product lines?</strong></p>
<p>
	There are three parts to that answer. Firstly, the country has gone through a metamorphosis in the last three years – there has been peace, political stability etc. As a result, the economy has performed well and the people are willing to spend. The economy is growing robustly and doing well even though it is coming off a small base – that in itself presents a big opportunity. Secondly, the demographics of Nepal is brilliant where you have a young, tech savvy and an emerging well educated population that is able to consume the products Belkin has to offer. And lastly, our partnership with the right set of partners such as Neoteric Nepal, retailers and channel partners is really the backbone of our success. Because ultimately, Belkin does not sell anything directly, it sells everything through its partners. Therefore, getting our partner eco system right is the third critical piece we feel very confident about and believe that it will prove to be our stepping stone to success. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Anand is the
Managing Director of
Belkin India Private Limited.
Belkin India, a leading
provider of interconnectivity
solutions across computing
and consumer electronic
devices, announced that the
company has extended its
operations and established
presence in Nepal. It
appointed Neoteric Nepal
as its distributor for Nepal,
to make available complete
range of Belkin products
in the country. Anand was
in Kathmandu recently to
announce the grand launch
of Belkin. In an interview
with New Business Age, he
talked about the prospects
of Belkin products for the
Nepali market.',
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			'id' => '629',
			'article_category_id' => '56',
			'title' => 'Biz Launches January 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>NIC Bank</strong> launched a new deposit scheme ˜NIC Double Deposit Account, a fixed term deposit that promises to double the principal amount after 77 months. The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs 50,000 and will offer annual return of 15.58 per cent.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mangalam Industries</strong>, a joint venture of SFMC India and Nepali investors, has launched American technologybased C-PVC pipes and fittings under Mangalam Flowlife brand. The C-PVC pipes and fittings are particularly designed for water distribution system in residential houses, high rise buildings, hospitals, corporate buildings, solar water heating system etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tele Talk Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobiles, has opened service centres at Chabahil, Balaju and Bhaktapur within the Kathmandu valley and a few locations including Banepa and Birtamod outside the valley. The service centres dedicated to the Spice mobile, Colors and BlackBerry Smartphone customers aims at solving all after sales problems.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dabur Nepal</strong> launched an interdisciplinary discursive programme called Dabur Excellence Series (DES). The first talk of the series was held on December 21 in collaboration with Institute of Advanced Communication, Education, and Research (IACER), Pokhara University. DES intends to help promote the culture of intellectual discussion in Nepal and act as a platform for sharing of ideas and knowledge.</p>
<p>
	A new suiting store <strong>SUITS &amp; BLAZERS</strong> has been launched at <strong>NLIC City Center</strong>. The store offers leading Italian brand Georgia Gullini along with leading Indian brands such as Raymond, OCM, Grasim, J Hampstead and others.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hi-Tech Distributors</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of DIGICOM products in Nepal, has introduced a new model of Digicom ADSL routers in the market. The 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Router has 4 LAN ports and a 3.5dbi b/g wireless antenna.</p>
<p>
	<strong>NMB Bank Ltd </strong>installed its 16th ATM at Saleways Store, Maharajgunj. The ATM will accept cards from all banks and financial institutions in the SCT network along with Visa and MasterCard. The bank also launched its ATM service in Silghadi of Doti, its first such service in the far western region.</p>
<p>
	Three new models of <strong>Wynncom mobile</strong> have been launched in the market, namely W352, W100 and OGO 78. The handsets are priced Rs 3,900, Rs 2,400 and Rs 5,990 respectively.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Skinlovers Cosmetics Pvt Ltd Nepal</strong> under license from Skinlovers Cosmetics Company Ltd, Seoul, Korea has launched 55 beauty products in the Nepali market. The prices of these products range from Rs 65 to Rs 5,000.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Teletalk Private limited</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobile phones in Nepal, has launched Spice's M5225 Bamboo phone in the market. The Bamboo M5225 is the latest range of influential and stylish phone from the Spice with great looks and sound quality. As its name, the phone has unique bamboo carving in its back cover. The phone with a lot of amazing features is available in the market for Rs 3345.</p>
<p>
	<strong>koda MAW Nepal</strong> announced its special consumer promotion KODA SURPRISING 2012 with the spirit of celebrating Merry Christmas and welcoming New Year 2012 in a surprising manner.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mercantile Office System (MOS)</strong>, the authorised distributor of the Taiwan based D-Link (High Speed ADSL Broadband) Company in Nepal, launched Wireless N 150 ADSL2+4 - Port Ethernet Router in the market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>ISOS Pvt Ltd</strong>, the IT trading wing of Chaudhary Group officially launched the LG DLP projectors. Currently, 2 business models, BS 275 and BX 275, are available in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Richarm Pvt Ltd</strong> has launched RodiMood, one of Turkey's popular apparel brands, in the Nepali market. An exclusive RodiMood store at City Centre in Kamal Pokhari has been set up by Richarm.</p>
<p>
	<strong>HH Bajaj,</strong> the authorised distributor of Bajaj bikes for Nepal, launched Boxer 150cc in the Nepali market. The Boxer 150 comes with an electric start and sports a price tag of Rs 139,900.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Clean Energy Development Bank (CEDB)</strong> l a u n c h e d three new deposit schemes namely, Clean Bal Bachat, Clean Jyestha Bachat and Clean Future Bachat. The depositors will get attractive interest rates of 9 per cent per annum and 9.5 per cent per annum respectively in Clean Bal Bachat and Clean Jyestha <strong>Bachat schemes and cumulatively compounding up to 12 per cent per annum in Clean Future Bachat. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd</strong>, the authorised seller of Yamaha motorcycles in Nepal, launched its new showroom Tirupati Auto Palacein Biratnagar.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Teletalk Private limited</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobile phones in Nepal, launched M5360 in the Nepali market. Spice M5360, with all its amazing features, is available in the market at Rs 3,590.</p>
<p>
	A brand n e w online website <strong>www.jhoomka.com</strong> has been launched in the Nepali online web media. It is a community driven site for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web. It aspires to be one of the leading website in Nepal, providing latest news, blogs, and models and classified.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The United Gold Mart</strong> launched a new branch in Kathmandu on 11 December. The branch is located opposite Pipal Bot at Pako in New Road.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Agni Incorporated</strong>, the distributor of Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Multi Utility Vehicles and Tractors in Nepal, launched Mahindras legendary 4x4 off roader the Thar CRD in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepal Credit &amp; Commerce Bank Ltd</strong> launched its 22nd branch at Kopundole in Lalitpur. The branch was inaugurated by the Minister of State of Finance Hari Raj Khewa Limbu.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Bhatbhateni Super Store</strong> opened special sales rooms for electronic appliances at its branches in Patan, Boudha and Koteshwor, for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Bajra and Bajracharya Enterprises</strong> introducedKohler's Flipside Hand Shower and Led Shower in the Nepali market. These two newly introduced products provide unique experience of shower to the consumer along with saving water.</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank Limited launched its fourth branch at New Road in Pokhara. The branch was inaugurated by Dr Prafulla Kumar Kafle.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Worldlink Communications Pvt Ltd</strong> launched a new scheme on the occasion of New Year 2012. As per the scheme, customers will get 50 per cent discount on installation and Rs 50 worth World Call Card on internet installation. On annual subscription, customers will get two months extra service, making a total of 14 months of service.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Him Electronics Pvt Ltd</strong>, authorised distributor of Samsung in Nepal, launched an excellent series of Front Loading, Top Loading and Semi Automatic washing machines in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tradelink International</strong>, the authorised distributor and service provider of Optoma Corporation in Nepal, launched three new projectors targeting small offices, home users and large venue installations.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Himalayan Beanz</strong> launched its winter special beverage Caffe Chaiat Civil Mall in Sundhara.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nabil Bank Limited</strong> launched its 48th branch at Bhanu Chowk in Janakpur on 14 December. The bank has now covered all the major cities of the country.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Siddhartha Bank</strong> launched its 40th branch in Narayan Municipality of Dailekh. The branch was jointly inaugurated by Mahesh Prasad Pokharel and Dailekh CDO Basudev Dahal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>HH Baja</strong>j, the authorised seller of Bajaj motorcycles in Nepal, inaugurated its new showroom GMT Automobiles Pvt Ltd at Damauli to effectively provide easier and more accessible service to its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Rudal Organisation</strong> launched Family Care Gas Geysers in the Nepali market. The company is providing geyser with 10 years replacement guarantee and four years service warranty.</p>
<p>
	<strong>IDMC Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised dealer of Greaves Bomag products (Greaves Cotton Limited, India launched the single drum vibratory soil compactor BW 212 D-2 (2A). Greaves BW 212 D-2 (2A) is a 10 to 12 Ton Class vibratory soil compactor conforming to the most specification, designed for compaction of various types of soil layers like Embankment, Sub- Base, Sub-Grade etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Sunrise Bank Limited</strong> launched Sunrise Mobile Banking (M-Banking) services for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Smart Power Private Limited</strong> launched its range of energy products in the Nepali market.With a vision of providing affordable solar energy solutions to households in Nepal, it has embarked upon its first phase by targeting urban households in Kathmandu with a variety of customisable solutions that cater to reduce the burden of load-shedding. In the second phase, Smart Power plans to expand its service network to other parts of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dish Home</strong>, Nepal&nbsp; s only DHT service provider launched a special scheme on the occasion of Christmas and New Year 2012. As per the scheme, customers subscribing to any of the Dish Home packages enjoyed free service for 45 days.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Troika Automobiles Pvt Ltd</strong>, the authorised sub-dealer of Mahindra Two Wheelers for Lalitpur, launched state-of-the art showroom in Kumaripati.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Jyoti Bikash Bank Ltd (JBBL)</strong> launched its 17th branch in Sundhara. The branch was inaugurated by the bank's Chairman Prachar Man Singh Pradhan.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Everest De Cargo</strong>, t h e licensed company of FedEx in Nepal, launched a special scheme on the occasion of Christmas and New Year 2012. As per the scheme, there was a 50 per cent discount on mailing gifts during the period.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dabur Nepal </strong>launched OxyLife Professional facial kit to help cure skin problems. The kit is equipped with unique OxySphere technology developed in Germany.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd</strong>, the distributor of Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Multi Utility Vehicles and Tractors in Nepal, launched an authorised service centre at Balkumari in Lalitpur. The company has appointed Unique Ideal Automobiles for the service centre.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dell Computer</strong> appointed Explore Asia Pacific Pvt Ltd as the authorised seller for its business series products. The company will sell laptops, desktops, LED/ LCD screens and projectors of the Dell brand.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Destiny International</strong>, authorised seller of Luxor Pens in Nepal, launched several products from the Luxor brand such as markers, market inks and highlighters.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Ncell</strong> launched its 16th c e n t r e in Damak of Jhapa district. Ncell customers Laxmi Bajracharya and Navraj Subedi officially inaugurated the Ncell centre.</p>
<p>
	Thapathali based <strong>Furnitouch Pvt Ltd</strong> launched a new showroom in Baluwatar. Former Miss Nepal Sadichhya Shrestha and current Miss Nepal Malina Joshi jointly inaugurated the showroom.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hi- Tech Chemicals</strong> launched Hi - grade Washing Powder in the Nepali market. In the first phase , Active Hi-Tech, Ultra Hi-Tech and Hi- Fi washing powders have been launched in the market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Yamaha Generators for Nepal, launched Yamaha Generator Exchange Mauka at its YAMAHA Showroom, Tripureshwor.</p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Mitsubishiâ's Mirage Coming to Nepal</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><img align="middle" alt="mitsubishi" border="1" height="86" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/mitsu.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	Leon Motors Private Limited</strong> is soon going to launch Mitsubishi Mirage a B Segment Hatchback car in the Nepali market. After months of teasing, Mitsubishi finally unveiled the 2012 Mirage at the Tokyo Motor Show. Built to satisfy the needs of people all over the world,” the Mirage features a slender grille, aerodynamic wheel covers and a roof-mounted spoiler. Aimed at emerging markets and developed nations, the B-segment vehicle measures 3,740mm long and 1,680mm wide.</p>
<p>
	Despite the compact dimensions, Mitsubishi says the cabin can comfortably seat five adults and their luggage. Detailed specifications haven't been announced, but the production model will be powered by 1.0- and 1.2-liter engines. Additionally, the vehicle will be equipped with brake energy regeneration and an engine start/stop system. If that isn't green enough, the e-compact platform was also designed to accommodate a full electric power train.</p>
<p>
	Mitsubishi says the engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission and is targeted to average 30.0 km/liter for 1.0 and 23.0 km/liter for 1.2. Inside, designers adopted a “simple &amp; clean philosophy which aims to give the cabin a sense of airiness. The end result is debatable, but the interior boasts gloss black trim, metallic accents and a sporty instrument cluster. Power comes from a new, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and a start/ stop system. The 2012 Mirage will launched in Thailand this March, before being sold globally.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-12-18',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'NIC Bank launched a new deposit scheme NIC Double Deposit Account, a fixed term deposit that promises to double the principal amount after 77 months. The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs 50,000 and will offer annual return of 15.58 per cent.',
			'sortorder' => '530',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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		)
	),
	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '628',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Indian Assistance For Eye Care Programme',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="indian" border="5" height="150" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/indian2.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 5 December by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) for providing grant assistance of Nepali Rs 4.42 crores to NNJS for eye care programme in various districts of Nepal during the year 2011-2012. </p>
<p>
	The MoU will cover the cost of conducting over 15,000 cataract surgeries and provide over 9,300 optical devices to vision impaired children through mobile screening camps to be held in various schools of Nepal as a ‘National Eye Sight Programme’. India will provide additional assistance of Nepali Rs 0.18 crores to the NNJS for conducting 1,000 trachoma surgeries during the year 2011-2012.</p>
<p>
	India’s assistance to NNJS is part of the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme, which has an outlay of over Nepali Rs 6,000 crores with more than 400 large and small projects currently being implemented in all districts of Nepal in the fields of education, health and infrastructure/community development. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 5 December by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) for providing grant assistance of Nepali Rs 4.42 crores to NNJS for eye care programme in various districts of Nepal during the year 2011-2012.',
			'sortorder' => '529',
			'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' => '627',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NRB Reduces Equity In Credit Guarantee Corp',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is likely to vacate the leadership slot in the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). As the majority stake in the corporation is now with the government, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has proposed to take over the leadership of the corporation. MOF is planning to appoint a Joint Secretary to lead the DICGC. The restructuring proposal awaits approval from the finance minister. </p>
<p>
	The government owns 87.32 per cent while NRB has 11.06 per cent stakes in the DICGC. The government is also planning to purchase the shares owned by Nepal Bank Limited and Rastriya Banijya Bank. The paid up capital of the corporation is Rs 980 million. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is likely to vacate the leadership slot in the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).',
			'sortorder' => '528',
			'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' => '626',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NMB Starts ˜Loan Without Collateral',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="nmb" border="5" height="128" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nmb(1).jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	NMB Bank has started providing loan without collateral. The inititive in partnership with Employment Fund Secretariat was started on December 7 from bank's Dhangadhi branch when CEO of the bank Upendra Poudyal handed over Rs 240,000 to six youths as loan. On the occasion, Poudyal said that if the campaign becomes successful in the Far West, it will be expanded to other places as well.</p>
<p>
	Three youths from Kailali and three from Kanchanpur were provided loan on the basis of recommendation of employment and training organisations operated by the fund. Youths said they were encouraged to receive loan when they did not have enough money to invest in their business. Similarly, 50 other youths from Banke, Kailali, Kanchanpur and other districts from the region are selected for such loan. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'NMB Bank has started providing loan without collateral.',
			'sortorder' => '527',
			'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' => '625',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'CNN Lists Namje Among Best Unheard Of Places',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="cnn" border="5" height="130" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cnnlist.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	The Cable News Network (CNN) has listed Namje, a village in eastern Nepal among the world’s best 12 unheard of places. Namje’s isolation has been its saving grace, said the network. Namje, at the altitude of 6000 feet from sea level is ideal for scenic views of mountains and lies along a series of footpaths with views of Mt Makalu. </p>
<p>
	The village has majority of people from Magar community. Namje can be reached on a five hours long trek from Dhankuta. Life of people close to nature, attachment to spirituality, scenic views, adventurous trekking route and exotic culture makes Namje one of the best tourist destinations.</p>
<p>
	The destination was recommended by Stephanie Odegard, the founder and president of Odegard Inc. She came upon it while she was searching for local women to harvest fibre for her rug company. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The Cable News Network (CNN) has listed Namje, a village in eastern Nepal among the world’s best 12 unheard of places.',
			'sortorder' => '526',
			'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' => '624',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Subsidy On Seeds, Organic Fertilizer',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Farmers will now get subsidy to purchase improved seeds and organic fertilizer as well. Earlier, the subsidy was available only on the purchase of chemical fertilisers for the last three years. Two separate directives on providing subsidy on seeds and fertilizer were approved by the Ministry of Agriculture on December 11. This is in line with the promise made while the government budget for the current fiscal year was presented to the parliament. </p>
<p>
	The government is planning to provide subsidy on seeds of such crops as rice, maize, wheat, millet, lentil, gram, pigeon pea, green gram, pea and mustard. According to the government sources, the farmers will get the seeds 25 to 50 per cent cheaper with the subsidy on seeds implemented through state-owned National Seeds Company. For providing subsidy, the government has allocated a budget of Rs 100 million.</p>
<p>
	The subsidy will be available for four bighas of land in Terai or 40 ropanis in the hills per farmer. The budget is Rs. 100 million also for the subsidy on organic fertilisers to be implemented through state-owned Agriculture Inputs Company. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Farmers will now get subsidy to purchase improved seeds and organic fertilizer as well.',
			'sortorder' => '525',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
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	),
	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '623',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'No Ceiling In Personal Property',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The dispute resolution subcommittee under the constitution committee of the Constituent Assembly has reached a decision not to impose any ceiling on personal property in the new constitution. According to the decision, there can be ceiling on the landholding under a law of the parliament, but no such ceiling will be fixed in the constitution.</p>
<p>
	According to former Finance Ministers Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani and Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, the subcommittee has also agreed that when the government acquires the land that may be above the ceiling fixed by the law, reasonable compensation must be provided. </p>
<p>
	The UCPN-Maoists and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) were insisting to fix a ceiling on personal property. The deadlock was broken after the Maoists relaxed their stance. However, NWPP as well as the Vaidya faction of the Maoists are still opposing the decision of the subcommittee. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The dispute resolution subcommittee under the constitution committee of the Constituent Assembly has reached a decision not to impose any ceiling on personal property in the new constitution.',
			'sortorder' => '524',
			'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' => '622',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Sanima Donates Clothes And Food To NCO',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Marking its seventh anniversary, Sanima Bikas Bank has donated clothing and food items for the children of Social Welfare Children Home located at Paanchkhal in Kavrepalanchowk. The Home is a branch of Nepal Children’s Organisation (NCO), which is also known as Balmandir.<img align="middle" alt="sanima" border="5" height="144" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sanima.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Amidst a function organised at Bal Mandir, Naxal, Santosh Koirala, Head – Liability Marketing of the bank, handed over the items to Tulsi Narayan Shrestha, Vice-Chairman of NCO. Sanima organised a number of other CSR activities at different parts of the nation on the occasion. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Marking its seventh anniversary, Sanima Bikas Bank has donated clothing and food items for the children of Social Welfare Children Home located at Paanchkhal in Kavrepalanchowk.',
			'sortorder' => '523',
			'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' => '621',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Bureaucrats Retirement Age Proposed At 60',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The government has moved a bill into the parliament with provision to increase the compulsory retirement age for the civil servants from current 58 to 60 years.</p>
<p>
	The Civil Service Act 1993 third amendment bill with such provision was approved by the government on December 12. The government has argued that the revision in the retirement age was needed in view of the increased longevity of the Nepali people.</p>
<p>
	The government formed after the first election following the 1990 popular uprising had reduced the retirement age from 60 years to 58 years in 1993. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The government has moved a bill into the parliament with provision to increase the compulsory retirement age for the civil servants from current 58 to 60 years.',
			'sortorder' => '522',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	),
	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '620',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Climate Smart Celebrity Trek',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="climate" border="5" height="75" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/climate.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Apa Sherpa (21 times Mt Everest Summiteer) and Dawa Steven Sherpa (2 times Mt Everest Summiteer) are embarking on 1,700 kilometers and 120 days long trek on Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) from 15thJanuary to 13th May, 2012. The historic trek will begin in Ghunsa, Taplejung in the Eastern Nepal and end at Darchula in the Far-western Nepal. The Climate Smart Celebrity Trek (CSCT) is being organised by the Himalayan Climate Initiative (HCI) to build climate resilience in Nepal’s economy and society, and to raise the significance of Himalayas in the global climate debate. Prashant Singh, the CEO of HCI said “The Climate Smart Celebrity Trek will engage Apa as a Nepali celebrity to attract global celebrities to the trail. Apa and HCI have already reached out to many prominent global celebrities in this regard, and efforts are on to get their confirmation.” The mountaineer duo will be accompanied by Saurav Dhakal, British Council International Climate Champion, and Samir Jung Thapa who will serve as the official photographer of the event. The meticulously planned trek will be welcomed by local communities at eleven specific points on the GHT where Apa, Dawa, their trek-team and the communities will share their experiences and discuss the development needs of the mountain communities. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Apa Sherpa (21 times Mt Everest Summiteer) and Dawa Steven Sherpa (2 times Mt Everest Summiteer) are embarking on 1,700 kilometers and 120 days long trek on Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) from 15thJanuary to 13th May, 2012.',
			'sortorder' => '521',
			'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' => '619',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'GMAT Popularity Declining',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The number of Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) takers from Nepal is declining rapidly despite growing popularity of management education in Nepal and number of students going abroad for pursuing management degrees.</p>
<p>
	Ashish Bhardwaj, Regional Director of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) said that number of Nepali students appearing in GMAT has declined by 40 per cent in three years. In 2009 there were 300 students appearing in the test from Nepal. That number fell to 190 in 2011. However 310 Nepali students appear in the test from outside Nepal. </p>
<p>
	The GMAT is accepted in more than 5000 management programmes at over 2000 business schools all across the globe. Bhardwaj said that many Nepali students are unaware of the test and its significance. He said, “Students know very little about this test’s importance. We are trying to spread more information to attract more test takers from Nepal.” Currently, over a dozen of education consultancies are running classes for test preparation in Nepal. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Ashish Bhardwaj, Regional Director of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) said that number of Nepali students appearing in GMAT has declined by 40 per cent in three years.',
			'sortorder' => '520',
			'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' => '618',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Civil Bank Limited Continues CSR Activities',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="civil bank" border="6" height="122" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/civil-bank.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Civil Bank Ltd has has provided help to Nepal Children’s Organisation (NCO) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive as part of its first anniversary activities. The bank distributed nutritious dairy products and other food items to the children at the Bal Mandir, Naxal. Kishore Maharjan, CEO of the bank distributed the items. </p>
<p>
	The bank has also sponsored three orphans of Samaj Kalyan Bal Griha, Panchkhal by arranging full sponsorship for their food, boarding and tuition expenses. The sponsorship was funded through direct contribution of all staff members of the bank with matching contribution from the bank. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The bank has also sponsored three orphans of Samaj Kalyan Bal Griha, Panchkhal by arranging full sponsorship for their food, boarding and tuition expenses.',
			'sortorder' => '519',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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	),
	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '617',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NBI Programme On Conflict Management',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="nbi" border="5" height="62" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nbi.jpg" width="150" /></p>
<p>
	Na t i o n a l B u s i n e s s I n i t i a t i v e (NBI) Nepal organised an interactive forum on December 1 to bring different stakeholders together to discuss non-economic barriers that plague private sector development in Nepal and to find out possible interventions for solving this problem. A challenging security environment and continuing tensions between employers and employees were the focus of the discussion between representatives of the business sector, trade unions, security providers and international agencies. </p>
<p>
	The programme was organised by NBI with support from International Alert. Padma Jyoti, President of NBI, highlighted the situation industrialists are going through of late. He introduced the programme as a platform to identify the root causes of conflict and to garner suggestions for possible solutions from the stakeholders. Manish Kumar Agrawal, Vice-Chairman of the Employers’ Council of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) pointed out the scarcity of qualified arbitrators and mediators as the major challenge and urged all parties to adopt a rather long-term perspective to achieve mutual goals. He further urged to link wages and benefits with productivity to increase incentives for high performance and establish a better working culture. Bishnu Rimal, President of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) and other trade union representatives urged all stakeholders to create a better understanding of joint objectives such as stability and employment creation and to build trust. </p>
<p>
	Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, pointed out the need of professionalism among employers and employees, sound working environment and transparency in doing business as the prerequisites for better industrial relations. He further stressed the need of third party interventions and mitigation to solve industrial problems. Economist Dr Chiranjibi Nepal warned that any delay in improving security situation increase the possibility of capital and business moving abroad with the consequent risk of further unemployment, frustration and conflict. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Na t i o n a l B u s i n e s s I n i t i a t i v e (NBI) Nepal organised an interactive forum on December 1',
			'sortorder' => '518',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	)
)
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View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
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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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Code Context
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '631',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'National Carriers Cannot Function Purely On Commercial Perspective',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="visiting" border="5" height="188" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/2ndvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>R Dayal <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>What brings you to Nepal this time?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal is one of the most important stations for our network. There is a lot of movement of people from Nepal to different parts of the world. That is the reason why I wanted to visit the station and have a look so that we can plan for the future. How important is Nepal as a destination for Air India? It is one of the first few stations for our airlines. There is a lot of potential over here and it is an important part for us. Moreover, having such a long relationship even politically and commercially, we feel Nepal is also a part of us from many perspectives.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the competition with other private Indian airlines as well as other airlines fl ying to Nepal?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There is competition even from within India since Indigo, SpiceJet and others have also come to this place. Now, political boundaries no more exist. If you have Gulf Airlines coming directly to this place, there is definitely stiff competition. We, from Air India side, have always been benefitted from having more competition because we look forward for better efficiencies, performance and innovative strategies. Competition is always good and gives good health to the company.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is the market share of Air India fl ying from Nepal to India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It is 14 per cent. Our capacity utilisation is 70 per cent which is quite good by industry standard. The current capacity is sufficient enough for the demand. Looking at the growth which may come in the future, we will definitely add a few more flights.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Air India is having a fi nancial problem for some time now. What is the company doing to overcome this problem?</strong></p>
<p>
	We did have a financial crunch. When any expansion takes place, it is always financed partly from the internal resources and partly from outside capital, normally from shareholders through issue capital and others. In case of Air India, we had gone for a fairly expensive programme as there was no addition of capacity for many years. The total expansion plan in the last threefour years was around Rs 400 billion Indian currency investment. That investment has to be financed. Most aircrafts are imported from France or USA which is also financed by bank or other means. So, what happened was, we approached the government for adding capital. The government is in the process of doing it. Maybe in a few months to go, everything will be cleared. But inbetween the cal,l there was a delay in the infusion of capital. All our cash generation which has taken place has to be used for repaying the foreign sovereign loans which we have committed. As a result, there was a cash flow problem. But, the government has now already approved a turnaround plan which includes the restructuring of loans along with infusion of capitals. Loans may be converted into preferential shares or may be into long term loan with lower rate of interest. Once this restructuring is completed, with our profitability we expect to pay about Rs 10 billion per annum alone as interest cost and the repayment will be much more comfortable. So, the present problem of the liquidity should be taken care of. I am expecting it to happen in may be two months time.</p>
<p>
	<strong>While private airlines make profi ts, state owned enterprises including airlines seem to be making losses. What are the reasons for this?</strong> </p>
<p>
	It’s not true that private airlines are making profit. In fact, the entire aviation industry of India is suffering mainly because the fuel cost has increased tremendously. For airlines, 40 per cent of the cost goes towards fuel itself. Another reason that plagues the aviation industry is stiff competition not only within the country but also outside of it which has resulted in the yield coming down. In India, there is no proper support from the government to the airlines industry and even today, taxes are very high. Compared to other places, airlines are considered to be a travel option for elites in India. So, the government has its own priority that it is heavily taxed. As a result, all airlines are in difficulty except IndiGo as they are a new airline and have all LCC models so they are able to manage it. All other legacy airlines are having problems and Air India is no exception. Because of the interest cost, such a heavy expense – where the capital has not been infused – has been a setback for us. But in the month of October-November, we made operating profit.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is Air India planning to move ahead to make itself a fi nancially strong company?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have drafted a turnaround plan which has been approved by the government. The turnaround plan, besides the financial restructuring, will take care of our financial issues. We also intend to rationalise our routes. Some of the routes we have operated have to be revisited along with the economic turnaround. That exercise will give us a lot of strength. With the blessings of the government of India, Air India being the national carrier will have the first right for operating to any destinations. So, we have a lot of market available with which we expect a good growth.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepal’s national carrier is also having serious problems. Government intervention and mismanagement are said to be the major reasons. What is the case with Air India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It happens with all national carriers who cannot function purely from a commercial perspective. They have to have certain national commitments. In case of Air India, as a national carrier, we call it a second line of defence. Whenever there is a crisis like we have in Ethiopia or Egypt, the government has to solve it. Even within the country, there are places which are very loss making to us. We have an obligation to connect the place so as a national carrier; there are always obligations for the general well being of the people even at the cost of commercial principle. As regards to the government interference, though we are an autonomous body, this is a government organisation. The government has its say in giving the direction in which the airlines has to move. By and large, day to day interference is not there and we operate on commercial principle. </p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you compare Air India with Nepal Airlines?</strong></p>
<p>
	I do not have much insight on the way Nepal Airlines works. I believe that by the sheer size of the company, Air India is much bigger and particularly after the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India, it has become a big giant. The bigger an airline is, the better it is able to perform. Secondly, India itself is a big market, domestically as well as abroad whereas Nepal may not have that kind of a market. As far as the management of Nepal Airlines is concerned, I cannot comment about that. </p>
<p>
	<strong>There are budget airlines operating in India. Is Air India also planning to come up with a similar strategy to compete?</strong></p>
<p>
	In Air India, we have a legacy carrier which is a full service carrier and we are now getting into the idea of a low cost carrier. After the success of low cost carriers in Europe, it is catching up now in India as well. IndiGo is one of the low cost carriers and in Air India, we have Air India Express which is a low cost carrier. We are planning to move ahead with our low cost carrier. And we have already shifted to low cost carrier in some of the routes. Maybe in the time to come, we may have to shift to low cost carrier if there is a demand. Once the low cost module is adopted, the cost and the price come down. Today, we have market for both low cost and full legacy carrier. Depending on how the market demands, we will have to adopt the model. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'R Dayal is Executive Director (East)
of Air India Limited and based
in Kolkata. A graduate from IIM
Ahmadabad, he joined Indian Airlines
as a management trainee in 1977.
Since then he has worked in various
positions in financial and internal
audit in different regions of Indian
Airlines. He had also served for
Yemen Airways from 1999 to 2004
as its advisor. After the merger of Air
India and Indian Airlines in 2007, he
headed Internal Audit Department
of the company. Dayal is serving in
his current position since 2010. He
was recently in Nepal during his
official visit. In an interview with New
Business Age, Dayal shared his ideas
on Air India’s financial problems and
growth prospects.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '630',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Demographic Profile Of Nepal Is Brilliant',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="left" alt="mohit anand" height="198" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Mohit Anand</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin entered India in early 2009 and in two-and-a-half years, you have now formally launched the brand in Nepal. What kind of planning and market research has gone into this endeavour?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There are a few aspects that we carefully look into while entering a particular market and it was no different in the case of Nepal. We look at the overall macro economic situation as to how a particular economy is doing and whether there is an opportunity for us. The market size, PC installed base and PC growth are some of the factors that we have to consider. We then look at the partner eco system and the kind of channels that exist. We explore distribution partners that we can align with and the products that will give us early traction.</p>
<p>
	And then we contemplate the critical business enablers – investments needed to make from resourcing, branding and product perspectives. All of this go into the plan before we enter a market and this is exactly we had done in India. In two-and-a-half years, we have now been able to clock Rs 150 crores across the Indian sub continent. The Nepali market has also played its part as Belkin products were available here in June-July this year. But we were first tapping the market – getting the basic assortment and distribution going – before the formal launch that is happening today.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Name us the major interconnectivity solutions that come out from the Belkin stable.</strong></p>
<p>
	If you look at the Belkin product range, we operate in six key distinct categories. The first one is wireless networking which is critical for us because it’s about interconnectivity – broadband is becoming pervasive and people are connecting to the internet on a daily basis. Second, we have our surge protectors which help people protect their expensive consumer electronics and home appliances. The third one is our range of accessories around the PCs – laptops as well as desktops. Fourth, our audio video interface cables, which allow consumers to experience HDMI audio or video at 1080p HD TV resolution. The fifth is structured cabling – our passive network solution – which connects networks, commercial data centres and high end enterprises when they need to have wide area or local area networks. The last one is our products around mobile phones, smart phones and tablets which we call our mobility range. These encapsulate the six broad product categories that we play in.</p>
<p>
	<strong>You consider the Indian market to be one of your most strategic markets. How have you performed there given the tremendous potential that the country presents? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We started off at zero in January 2009 in the Indian market and if you rewind to that time frame, the world economy was in recession. While most people were curtailing investments and going slow, we were investing. The result of that investment has bore fruit now – we have got to Rs 150 crores by September 2011 exceeding our own expectations of Rs 120 crores by a long way. We are almost on the cusp of completing three years in the sub continent in January 2012. We are now saying that we want to get to Rs 250 crores by September 2012 with our expansion into Nepal and reach across the Indian market as well as other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. And by 2015, we want to be a Rs 1,000 crores <strong>company across the sub continent. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin has expanded its footprint beyond India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, practically covering the entire South Asia region. How do you explain this rapid expansion?</strong></p>
<p>
	The rapid expansion is a direct reflection of the results that we have produced and the success that we have had. We had a sound strategy but more importantly, we executed the strategy very well. The result is, as I told you, we have a Rs 150 crores turnover across the sub continent within a short span of time. Consumers have accepted our products in the market with open arms and that has fuelled our growth and confidence to enter other markets. We have very successful businesses in Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka. And now in Nepal, we are hoping that we will be able to do a substantial business of about half-a-million dollars by the end of 2012. We also hope that the market in Nepal will grow to become a multi-million dollar business by 2015.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is your assessment of the Nepali market for your product lines?</strong></p>
<p>
	There are three parts to that answer. Firstly, the country has gone through a metamorphosis in the last three years – there has been peace, political stability etc. As a result, the economy has performed well and the people are willing to spend. The economy is growing robustly and doing well even though it is coming off a small base – that in itself presents a big opportunity. Secondly, the demographics of Nepal is brilliant where you have a young, tech savvy and an emerging well educated population that is able to consume the products Belkin has to offer. And lastly, our partnership with the right set of partners such as Neoteric Nepal, retailers and channel partners is really the backbone of our success. Because ultimately, Belkin does not sell anything directly, it sells everything through its partners. Therefore, getting our partner eco system right is the third critical piece we feel very confident about and believe that it will prove to be our stepping stone to success. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Anand is the
Managing Director of
Belkin India Private Limited.
Belkin India, a leading
provider of interconnectivity
solutions across computing
and consumer electronic
devices, announced that the
company has extended its
operations and established
presence in Nepal. It
appointed Neoteric Nepal
as its distributor for Nepal,
to make available complete
range of Belkin products
in the country. Anand was
in Kathmandu recently to
announce the grand launch
of Belkin. In an interview
with New Business Age, he
talked about the prospects
of Belkin products for the
Nepali market.',
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			'article_category_id' => '56',
			'title' => 'Biz Launches January 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>NIC Bank</strong> launched a new deposit scheme ˜NIC Double Deposit Account, a fixed term deposit that promises to double the principal amount after 77 months. The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs 50,000 and will offer annual return of 15.58 per cent.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mangalam Industries</strong>, a joint venture of SFMC India and Nepali investors, has launched American technologybased C-PVC pipes and fittings under Mangalam Flowlife brand. The C-PVC pipes and fittings are particularly designed for water distribution system in residential houses, high rise buildings, hospitals, corporate buildings, solar water heating system etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tele Talk Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobiles, has opened service centres at Chabahil, Balaju and Bhaktapur within the Kathmandu valley and a few locations including Banepa and Birtamod outside the valley. The service centres dedicated to the Spice mobile, Colors and BlackBerry Smartphone customers aims at solving all after sales problems.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dabur Nepal</strong> launched an interdisciplinary discursive programme called Dabur Excellence Series (DES). The first talk of the series was held on December 21 in collaboration with Institute of Advanced Communication, Education, and Research (IACER), Pokhara University. DES intends to help promote the culture of intellectual discussion in Nepal and act as a platform for sharing of ideas and knowledge.</p>
<p>
	A new suiting store <strong>SUITS &amp; BLAZERS</strong> has been launched at <strong>NLIC City Center</strong>. The store offers leading Italian brand Georgia Gullini along with leading Indian brands such as Raymond, OCM, Grasim, J Hampstead and others.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hi-Tech Distributors</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of DIGICOM products in Nepal, has introduced a new model of Digicom ADSL routers in the market. The 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Router has 4 LAN ports and a 3.5dbi b/g wireless antenna.</p>
<p>
	<strong>NMB Bank Ltd </strong>installed its 16th ATM at Saleways Store, Maharajgunj. The ATM will accept cards from all banks and financial institutions in the SCT network along with Visa and MasterCard. The bank also launched its ATM service in Silghadi of Doti, its first such service in the far western region.</p>
<p>
	Three new models of <strong>Wynncom mobile</strong> have been launched in the market, namely W352, W100 and OGO 78. The handsets are priced Rs 3,900, Rs 2,400 and Rs 5,990 respectively.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Skinlovers Cosmetics Pvt Ltd Nepal</strong> under license from Skinlovers Cosmetics Company Ltd, Seoul, Korea has launched 55 beauty products in the Nepali market. The prices of these products range from Rs 65 to Rs 5,000.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Teletalk Private limited</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobile phones in Nepal, has launched Spice's M5225 Bamboo phone in the market. The Bamboo M5225 is the latest range of influential and stylish phone from the Spice with great looks and sound quality. As its name, the phone has unique bamboo carving in its back cover. The phone with a lot of amazing features is available in the market for Rs 3345.</p>
<p>
	<strong>koda MAW Nepal</strong> announced its special consumer promotion KODA SURPRISING 2012 with the spirit of celebrating Merry Christmas and welcoming New Year 2012 in a surprising manner.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mercantile Office System (MOS)</strong>, the authorised distributor of the Taiwan based D-Link (High Speed ADSL Broadband) Company in Nepal, launched Wireless N 150 ADSL2+4 - Port Ethernet Router in the market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>ISOS Pvt Ltd</strong>, the IT trading wing of Chaudhary Group officially launched the LG DLP projectors. Currently, 2 business models, BS 275 and BX 275, are available in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Richarm Pvt Ltd</strong> has launched RodiMood, one of Turkey's popular apparel brands, in the Nepali market. An exclusive RodiMood store at City Centre in Kamal Pokhari has been set up by Richarm.</p>
<p>
	<strong>HH Bajaj,</strong> the authorised distributor of Bajaj bikes for Nepal, launched Boxer 150cc in the Nepali market. The Boxer 150 comes with an electric start and sports a price tag of Rs 139,900.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Clean Energy Development Bank (CEDB)</strong> l a u n c h e d three new deposit schemes namely, Clean Bal Bachat, Clean Jyestha Bachat and Clean Future Bachat. The depositors will get attractive interest rates of 9 per cent per annum and 9.5 per cent per annum respectively in Clean Bal Bachat and Clean Jyestha <strong>Bachat schemes and cumulatively compounding up to 12 per cent per annum in Clean Future Bachat. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd</strong>, the authorised seller of Yamaha motorcycles in Nepal, launched its new showroom Tirupati Auto Palacein Biratnagar.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Teletalk Private limited</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Spice Mobile phones in Nepal, launched M5360 in the Nepali market. Spice M5360, with all its amazing features, is available in the market at Rs 3,590.</p>
<p>
	A brand n e w online website <strong>www.jhoomka.com</strong> has been launched in the Nepali online web media. It is a community driven site for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web. It aspires to be one of the leading website in Nepal, providing latest news, blogs, and models and classified.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The United Gold Mart</strong> launched a new branch in Kathmandu on 11 December. The branch is located opposite Pipal Bot at Pako in New Road.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Agni Incorporated</strong>, the distributor of Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Multi Utility Vehicles and Tractors in Nepal, launched Mahindras legendary 4x4 off roader the Thar CRD in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepal Credit &amp; Commerce Bank Ltd</strong> launched its 22nd branch at Kopundole in Lalitpur. The branch was inaugurated by the Minister of State of Finance Hari Raj Khewa Limbu.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Bhatbhateni Super Store</strong> opened special sales rooms for electronic appliances at its branches in Patan, Boudha and Koteshwor, for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Bajra and Bajracharya Enterprises</strong> introducedKohler's Flipside Hand Shower and Led Shower in the Nepali market. These two newly introduced products provide unique experience of shower to the consumer along with saving water.</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank Limited launched its fourth branch at New Road in Pokhara. The branch was inaugurated by Dr Prafulla Kumar Kafle.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Worldlink Communications Pvt Ltd</strong> launched a new scheme on the occasion of New Year 2012. As per the scheme, customers will get 50 per cent discount on installation and Rs 50 worth World Call Card on internet installation. On annual subscription, customers will get two months extra service, making a total of 14 months of service.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Him Electronics Pvt Ltd</strong>, authorised distributor of Samsung in Nepal, launched an excellent series of Front Loading, Top Loading and Semi Automatic washing machines in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tradelink International</strong>, the authorised distributor and service provider of Optoma Corporation in Nepal, launched three new projectors targeting small offices, home users and large venue installations.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Himalayan Beanz</strong> launched its winter special beverage Caffe Chaiat Civil Mall in Sundhara.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nabil Bank Limited</strong> launched its 48th branch at Bhanu Chowk in Janakpur on 14 December. The bank has now covered all the major cities of the country.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Siddhartha Bank</strong> launched its 40th branch in Narayan Municipality of Dailekh. The branch was jointly inaugurated by Mahesh Prasad Pokharel and Dailekh CDO Basudev Dahal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>HH Baja</strong>j, the authorised seller of Bajaj motorcycles in Nepal, inaugurated its new showroom GMT Automobiles Pvt Ltd at Damauli to effectively provide easier and more accessible service to its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Rudal Organisation</strong> launched Family Care Gas Geysers in the Nepali market. The company is providing geyser with 10 years replacement guarantee and four years service warranty.</p>
<p>
	<strong>IDMC Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised dealer of Greaves Bomag products (Greaves Cotton Limited, India launched the single drum vibratory soil compactor BW 212 D-2 (2A). Greaves BW 212 D-2 (2A) is a 10 to 12 Ton Class vibratory soil compactor conforming to the most specification, designed for compaction of various types of soil layers like Embankment, Sub- Base, Sub-Grade etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Sunrise Bank Limited</strong> launched Sunrise Mobile Banking (M-Banking) services for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Smart Power Private Limited</strong> launched its range of energy products in the Nepali market.With a vision of providing affordable solar energy solutions to households in Nepal, it has embarked upon its first phase by targeting urban households in Kathmandu with a variety of customisable solutions that cater to reduce the burden of load-shedding. In the second phase, Smart Power plans to expand its service network to other parts of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dish Home</strong>, Nepal&nbsp; s only DHT service provider launched a special scheme on the occasion of Christmas and New Year 2012. As per the scheme, customers subscribing to any of the Dish Home packages enjoyed free service for 45 days.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Troika Automobiles Pvt Ltd</strong>, the authorised sub-dealer of Mahindra Two Wheelers for Lalitpur, launched state-of-the art showroom in Kumaripati.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Jyoti Bikash Bank Ltd (JBBL)</strong> launched its 17th branch in Sundhara. The branch was inaugurated by the bank's Chairman Prachar Man Singh Pradhan.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Everest De Cargo</strong>, t h e licensed company of FedEx in Nepal, launched a special scheme on the occasion of Christmas and New Year 2012. As per the scheme, there was a 50 per cent discount on mailing gifts during the period.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dabur Nepal </strong>launched OxyLife Professional facial kit to help cure skin problems. The kit is equipped with unique OxySphere technology developed in Germany.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd</strong>, the distributor of Mahindra &amp; Mahindra Multi Utility Vehicles and Tractors in Nepal, launched an authorised service centre at Balkumari in Lalitpur. The company has appointed Unique Ideal Automobiles for the service centre.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Dell Computer</strong> appointed Explore Asia Pacific Pvt Ltd as the authorised seller for its business series products. The company will sell laptops, desktops, LED/ LCD screens and projectors of the Dell brand.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Destiny International</strong>, authorised seller of Luxor Pens in Nepal, launched several products from the Luxor brand such as markers, market inks and highlighters.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Ncell</strong> launched its 16th c e n t r e in Damak of Jhapa district. Ncell customers Laxmi Bajracharya and Navraj Subedi officially inaugurated the Ncell centre.</p>
<p>
	Thapathali based <strong>Furnitouch Pvt Ltd</strong> launched a new showroom in Baluwatar. Former Miss Nepal Sadichhya Shrestha and current Miss Nepal Malina Joshi jointly inaugurated the showroom.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hi- Tech Chemicals</strong> launched Hi - grade Washing Powder in the Nepali market. In the first phase , Active Hi-Tech, Ultra Hi-Tech and Hi- Fi washing powders have been launched in the market.</p>
<p>
	<strong>MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd</strong>, the sole authorised distributor of Yamaha Generators for Nepal, launched Yamaha Generator Exchange Mauka at its YAMAHA Showroom, Tripureshwor.</p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Mitsubishiâ's Mirage Coming to Nepal</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><img align="middle" alt="mitsubishi" border="1" height="86" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/mitsu.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	Leon Motors Private Limited</strong> is soon going to launch Mitsubishi Mirage a B Segment Hatchback car in the Nepali market. After months of teasing, Mitsubishi finally unveiled the 2012 Mirage at the Tokyo Motor Show. Built to satisfy the needs of people all over the world,” the Mirage features a slender grille, aerodynamic wheel covers and a roof-mounted spoiler. Aimed at emerging markets and developed nations, the B-segment vehicle measures 3,740mm long and 1,680mm wide.</p>
<p>
	Despite the compact dimensions, Mitsubishi says the cabin can comfortably seat five adults and their luggage. Detailed specifications haven't been announced, but the production model will be powered by 1.0- and 1.2-liter engines. Additionally, the vehicle will be equipped with brake energy regeneration and an engine start/stop system. If that isn't green enough, the e-compact platform was also designed to accommodate a full electric power train.</p>
<p>
	Mitsubishi says the engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission and is targeted to average 30.0 km/liter for 1.0 and 23.0 km/liter for 1.2. Inside, designers adopted a “simple &amp; clean philosophy which aims to give the cabin a sense of airiness. The end result is debatable, but the interior boasts gloss black trim, metallic accents and a sporty instrument cluster. Power comes from a new, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and a start/ stop system. The 2012 Mirage will launched in Thailand this March, before being sold globally.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-12-18',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'NIC Bank launched a new deposit scheme NIC Double Deposit Account, a fixed term deposit that promises to double the principal amount after 77 months. The account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs 50,000 and will offer annual return of 15.58 per cent.',
			'sortorder' => '530',
			'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' => '628',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Indian Assistance For Eye Care Programme',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="indian" border="5" height="150" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/indian2.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 5 December by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) for providing grant assistance of Nepali Rs 4.42 crores to NNJS for eye care programme in various districts of Nepal during the year 2011-2012. </p>
<p>
	The MoU will cover the cost of conducting over 15,000 cataract surgeries and provide over 9,300 optical devices to vision impaired children through mobile screening camps to be held in various schools of Nepal as a ‘National Eye Sight Programme’. India will provide additional assistance of Nepali Rs 0.18 crores to the NNJS for conducting 1,000 trachoma surgeries during the year 2011-2012.</p>
<p>
	India’s assistance to NNJS is part of the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme, which has an outlay of over Nepali Rs 6,000 crores with more than 400 large and small projects currently being implemented in all districts of Nepal in the fields of education, health and infrastructure/community development. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed on 5 December by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu with Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) for providing grant assistance of Nepali Rs 4.42 crores to NNJS for eye care programme in various districts of Nepal during the year 2011-2012.',
			'sortorder' => '529',
			'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' => '627',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NRB Reduces Equity In Credit Guarantee Corp',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is likely to vacate the leadership slot in the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). As the majority stake in the corporation is now with the government, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has proposed to take over the leadership of the corporation. MOF is planning to appoint a Joint Secretary to lead the DICGC. The restructuring proposal awaits approval from the finance minister. </p>
<p>
	The government owns 87.32 per cent while NRB has 11.06 per cent stakes in the DICGC. The government is also planning to purchase the shares owned by Nepal Bank Limited and Rastriya Banijya Bank. The paid up capital of the corporation is Rs 980 million. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is likely to vacate the leadership slot in the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).',
			'sortorder' => '528',
			'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' => '626',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NMB Starts ˜Loan Without Collateral',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="nmb" border="5" height="128" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nmb(1).jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	NMB Bank has started providing loan without collateral. The inititive in partnership with Employment Fund Secretariat was started on December 7 from bank's Dhangadhi branch when CEO of the bank Upendra Poudyal handed over Rs 240,000 to six youths as loan. On the occasion, Poudyal said that if the campaign becomes successful in the Far West, it will be expanded to other places as well.</p>
<p>
	Three youths from Kailali and three from Kanchanpur were provided loan on the basis of recommendation of employment and training organisations operated by the fund. Youths said they were encouraged to receive loan when they did not have enough money to invest in their business. Similarly, 50 other youths from Banke, Kailali, Kanchanpur and other districts from the region are selected for such loan. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'NMB Bank has started providing loan without collateral.',
			'sortorder' => '527',
			'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' => '625',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'CNN Lists Namje Among Best Unheard Of Places',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="cnn" border="5" height="130" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cnnlist.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	The Cable News Network (CNN) has listed Namje, a village in eastern Nepal among the world’s best 12 unheard of places. Namje’s isolation has been its saving grace, said the network. Namje, at the altitude of 6000 feet from sea level is ideal for scenic views of mountains and lies along a series of footpaths with views of Mt Makalu. </p>
<p>
	The village has majority of people from Magar community. Namje can be reached on a five hours long trek from Dhankuta. Life of people close to nature, attachment to spirituality, scenic views, adventurous trekking route and exotic culture makes Namje one of the best tourist destinations.</p>
<p>
	The destination was recommended by Stephanie Odegard, the founder and president of Odegard Inc. She came upon it while she was searching for local women to harvest fibre for her rug company. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The Cable News Network (CNN) has listed Namje, a village in eastern Nepal among the world’s best 12 unheard of places.',
			'sortorder' => '526',
			'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' => '624',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Subsidy On Seeds, Organic Fertilizer',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Farmers will now get subsidy to purchase improved seeds and organic fertilizer as well. Earlier, the subsidy was available only on the purchase of chemical fertilisers for the last three years. Two separate directives on providing subsidy on seeds and fertilizer were approved by the Ministry of Agriculture on December 11. This is in line with the promise made while the government budget for the current fiscal year was presented to the parliament. </p>
<p>
	The government is planning to provide subsidy on seeds of such crops as rice, maize, wheat, millet, lentil, gram, pigeon pea, green gram, pea and mustard. According to the government sources, the farmers will get the seeds 25 to 50 per cent cheaper with the subsidy on seeds implemented through state-owned National Seeds Company. For providing subsidy, the government has allocated a budget of Rs 100 million.</p>
<p>
	The subsidy will be available for four bighas of land in Terai or 40 ropanis in the hills per farmer. The budget is Rs. 100 million also for the subsidy on organic fertilisers to be implemented through state-owned Agriculture Inputs Company. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Farmers will now get subsidy to purchase improved seeds and organic fertilizer as well.',
			'sortorder' => '525',
			'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' => '623',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'No Ceiling In Personal Property',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The dispute resolution subcommittee under the constitution committee of the Constituent Assembly has reached a decision not to impose any ceiling on personal property in the new constitution. According to the decision, there can be ceiling on the landholding under a law of the parliament, but no such ceiling will be fixed in the constitution.</p>
<p>
	According to former Finance Ministers Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani and Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, the subcommittee has also agreed that when the government acquires the land that may be above the ceiling fixed by the law, reasonable compensation must be provided. </p>
<p>
	The UCPN-Maoists and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) were insisting to fix a ceiling on personal property. The deadlock was broken after the Maoists relaxed their stance. However, NWPP as well as the Vaidya faction of the Maoists are still opposing the decision of the subcommittee. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The dispute resolution subcommittee under the constitution committee of the Constituent Assembly has reached a decision not to impose any ceiling on personal property in the new constitution.',
			'sortorder' => '524',
			'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' => '622',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Sanima Donates Clothes And Food To NCO',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Marking its seventh anniversary, Sanima Bikas Bank has donated clothing and food items for the children of Social Welfare Children Home located at Paanchkhal in Kavrepalanchowk. The Home is a branch of Nepal Children’s Organisation (NCO), which is also known as Balmandir.<img align="middle" alt="sanima" border="5" height="144" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sanima.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Amidst a function organised at Bal Mandir, Naxal, Santosh Koirala, Head – Liability Marketing of the bank, handed over the items to Tulsi Narayan Shrestha, Vice-Chairman of NCO. Sanima organised a number of other CSR activities at different parts of the nation on the occasion. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Marking its seventh anniversary, Sanima Bikas Bank has donated clothing and food items for the children of Social Welfare Children Home located at Paanchkhal in Kavrepalanchowk.',
			'sortorder' => '523',
			'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' => '621',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Bureaucrats Retirement Age Proposed At 60',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The government has moved a bill into the parliament with provision to increase the compulsory retirement age for the civil servants from current 58 to 60 years.</p>
<p>
	The Civil Service Act 1993 third amendment bill with such provision was approved by the government on December 12. The government has argued that the revision in the retirement age was needed in view of the increased longevity of the Nepali people.</p>
<p>
	The government formed after the first election following the 1990 popular uprising had reduced the retirement age from 60 years to 58 years in 1993. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The government has moved a bill into the parliament with provision to increase the compulsory retirement age for the civil servants from current 58 to 60 years.',
			'sortorder' => '522',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	),
	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '620',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Climate Smart Celebrity Trek',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="climate" border="5" height="75" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/climate.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Apa Sherpa (21 times Mt Everest Summiteer) and Dawa Steven Sherpa (2 times Mt Everest Summiteer) are embarking on 1,700 kilometers and 120 days long trek on Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) from 15thJanuary to 13th May, 2012. The historic trek will begin in Ghunsa, Taplejung in the Eastern Nepal and end at Darchula in the Far-western Nepal. The Climate Smart Celebrity Trek (CSCT) is being organised by the Himalayan Climate Initiative (HCI) to build climate resilience in Nepal’s economy and society, and to raise the significance of Himalayas in the global climate debate. Prashant Singh, the CEO of HCI said “The Climate Smart Celebrity Trek will engage Apa as a Nepali celebrity to attract global celebrities to the trail. Apa and HCI have already reached out to many prominent global celebrities in this regard, and efforts are on to get their confirmation.” The mountaineer duo will be accompanied by Saurav Dhakal, British Council International Climate Champion, and Samir Jung Thapa who will serve as the official photographer of the event. The meticulously planned trek will be welcomed by local communities at eleven specific points on the GHT where Apa, Dawa, their trek-team and the communities will share their experiences and discuss the development needs of the mountain communities. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Apa Sherpa (21 times Mt Everest Summiteer) and Dawa Steven Sherpa (2 times Mt Everest Summiteer) are embarking on 1,700 kilometers and 120 days long trek on Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) from 15thJanuary to 13th May, 2012.',
			'sortorder' => '521',
			'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' => '619',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'GMAT Popularity Declining',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The number of Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) takers from Nepal is declining rapidly despite growing popularity of management education in Nepal and number of students going abroad for pursuing management degrees.</p>
<p>
	Ashish Bhardwaj, Regional Director of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) said that number of Nepali students appearing in GMAT has declined by 40 per cent in three years. In 2009 there were 300 students appearing in the test from Nepal. That number fell to 190 in 2011. However 310 Nepali students appear in the test from outside Nepal. </p>
<p>
	The GMAT is accepted in more than 5000 management programmes at over 2000 business schools all across the globe. Bhardwaj said that many Nepali students are unaware of the test and its significance. He said, “Students know very little about this test’s importance. We are trying to spread more information to attract more test takers from Nepal.” Currently, over a dozen of education consultancies are running classes for test preparation in Nepal. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Ashish Bhardwaj, Regional Director of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) said that number of Nepali students appearing in GMAT has declined by 40 per cent in three years.',
			'sortorder' => '520',
			'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' => '618',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Civil Bank Limited Continues CSR Activities',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="civil bank" border="6" height="122" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/civil-bank.jpg" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Civil Bank Ltd has has provided help to Nepal Children’s Organisation (NCO) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive as part of its first anniversary activities. The bank distributed nutritious dairy products and other food items to the children at the Bal Mandir, Naxal. Kishore Maharjan, CEO of the bank distributed the items. </p>
<p>
	The bank has also sponsored three orphans of Samaj Kalyan Bal Griha, Panchkhal by arranging full sponsorship for their food, boarding and tuition expenses. The sponsorship was funded through direct contribution of all staff members of the bank with matching contribution from the bank. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The bank has also sponsored three orphans of Samaj Kalyan Bal Griha, Panchkhal by arranging full sponsorship for their food, boarding and tuition expenses.',
			'sortorder' => '519',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	),
	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '617',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'NBI Programme On Conflict Management',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="nbi" border="5" height="62" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nbi.jpg" width="150" /></p>
<p>
	Na t i o n a l B u s i n e s s I n i t i a t i v e (NBI) Nepal organised an interactive forum on December 1 to bring different stakeholders together to discuss non-economic barriers that plague private sector development in Nepal and to find out possible interventions for solving this problem. A challenging security environment and continuing tensions between employers and employees were the focus of the discussion between representatives of the business sector, trade unions, security providers and international agencies. </p>
<p>
	The programme was organised by NBI with support from International Alert. Padma Jyoti, President of NBI, highlighted the situation industrialists are going through of late. He introduced the programme as a platform to identify the root causes of conflict and to garner suggestions for possible solutions from the stakeholders. Manish Kumar Agrawal, Vice-Chairman of the Employers’ Council of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) pointed out the scarcity of qualified arbitrators and mediators as the major challenge and urged all parties to adopt a rather long-term perspective to achieve mutual goals. He further urged to link wages and benefits with productivity to increase incentives for high performance and establish a better working culture. Bishnu Rimal, President of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) and other trade union representatives urged all stakeholders to create a better understanding of joint objectives such as stability and employment creation and to build trust. </p>
<p>
	Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, pointed out the need of professionalism among employers and employees, sound working environment and transparency in doing business as the prerequisites for better industrial relations. He further stressed the need of third party interventions and mitigation to solve industrial problems. Economist Dr Chiranjibi Nepal warned that any delay in improving security situation increase the possibility of capital and business moving abroad with the consequent risk of further unemployment, frustration and conflict. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Na t i o n a l B u s i n e s s I n i t i a t i v e (NBI) Nepal organised an interactive forum on December 1',
			'sortorder' => '518',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	)
)
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simplexml_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