July 26: As the rainy season continues this year, 26 bridges across the country have been damaged so far by floods.…
July 26: As the rainy season continues this year, 26 bridges across the country have been damaged so far by floods.…
July 26: Transport entrepreneurs have handed over the keys of their vehicles to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with a seven-point demand.…
July 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect long-pending electricity tariff for the use of dedicated…
July 26: Government authorities have extended the ongoing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley for 10 more…
July 26: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 54.31 points on Sunday (July 26) taking the index to 3058.63 points on the first trading day of the week, which is an all-time high record till date.…
July 26: The government has not been able to conduct vaccination drive against the coronavirus for all citizens on a regular…
July 26: The industrialists of Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor met with Finance Minister Janardan Sharma recently to discuss about the monetary policy.…
July 25: Jyoti Bikas Bank has reached an understanding with National Innovation Centre to support the second phase of the Warm Baby…
July 25: The number of tourists arriving in Chitwan has recorded a fifty per cent decline in the last fiscal…
July 25: Nepal’s foreign trade has crossed the mark of Rs 141 billion for the first time in the fiscal year…
July 25: Despite having some investment-friendly laws and regulations, Nepal still lacks investment-friendly environment, says a report prepared by the US Department of…
July 25: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed concerned agencies to release the foreign exchange rate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for making remittance exchange more…
July 23: Life Insurance companies have collected more insurance premium than the monthly average in the last month of Fiscal Year…
July 23: Fifteen banks including Nepal Rastra Bank have received emails from unidentified persons warning the banks of hacking their banking…
July 23: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease…
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: As the rainy season continues this year, 26 bridges across the country have been damaged so far by floods. The damage due to the complete and partial collapse of the bridges has caused losses of billions of rupees. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to a preliminary report of the task force formed to study the extent of damage on bridges by rains and floods, eight motorable bridges that were under-construction have collapsed. Eight other motorable have also been damaged, the report stated. Shiva Prasad Nepal, deputy director general and spokesperson of the Department of Roads said that among other types of bridges, three wooden bridges, one Bailey bridge, two slab culverts and approach road of four bridges were damaged. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the exact data will be available only after a detailed study, Nepal said that the preliminary report shows the loss of around Rs 800 million. The bridges over Triyuga, Mahesh, Lodari, and Kamala rivers have collapsed while being constructed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the approach road to Kothiya Ghat, Soti Ghat and Khelako bridge was damaged, the main structure was not damaged. A Bailey bridge and other wooden bridges have also collapsed due to floods in Manang. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, the bridge over the Trishuli River connecting Devghat in Tanahau and Thimura in Chitwan also collapsed last April. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The task force was formed under the initiative of former Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Basanta Kumar Nemwang on July 4 after road and bridges in different parts of the country collapsed in April. The task force was mandated to analyze the causes of the damage to the bridges and submit a recommendation by July 22. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The team has returned from the field but the difficulty is that a detailed study seems impossible until the water level in the rivers and streams where the bridges collapsed decreases,” he said, “As the water level has risen, we couldn’t do more than look at it from the shore.” Spokesperson Nepal said that there is a possibility of a complete report only after September 1. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Moreover, he said that the deadline of the task force will be extended and the final report will be submitted only after the water level decreases and detailed data is collected. Discussions are underway at the secretary level to extend its terms. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the preliminary study, the first reason for the damage on the bridges is due to unnaturally heavy rains in June. Secondly, the activities in the watershed area have also contributed to the damages. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Development works such as roads, irrigation and culverts are being carried out by the local government in the watershed area,” Nepal said, “Such damage has occurred after the level of the river increased when the soil and stones that came out of the tracks were not placed properly. At the same time, the damage has occurred as some bridges have been built long ago and now the pattern of the rains has changed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Another important thing that we lack is that we don’t have proper data on rain, and soil research,” he said, “We have to rely on secondary data and they may not match.” </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Stating that there may be some weakness in testing the soil by drilling while constructing the bridges, he said that there is no database of consultants and soil test reports. Around 250 to 300 motorable bridges are constructed annually under the department. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13476', 'image' => '20210726013558_20200728022209_1595887425.Clipboard11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 13:35:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13730', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agitating Transport Entrepreneurs Hand Over Vehicles’ Keys to PM', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Transport entrepreneurs have handed over the keys of their vehicles to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with a seven-point demand. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: Transport entrepreneurs have handed over the keys of their vehicles to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with a seven-point demand. After they staged a demonstration protest at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on July 25, they handed over a sample of the vehicles’ keys to the Prime Minister Deuba on Sunday. They handed over the keys through Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu, Kali Prasad Parajuli.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs affiliated to the Central Federation of Public Transport have started protests with various demands. Giving an ultimatum till August 8 to fulfill the demand, they have warned of stern protest if their demands are not addressed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Keshav Nepal, deputy general secretary of the federation, said that since the seven-point demand put forward by them was not addressed, the demo key of the vehicles was submitted. He also said that if their demands are not addressed by August 8, they will cease the transportation movement and will resort to protest.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The main demand put forth by the transportation entrepreneurs since July 8 is that all the drivers, helpers and employees associated with transport sector should be vaccinated against covid-19. Although the government has said that people involved in public transport have been given the vaccination since July 13, the federation says that there has been no satisfactory arrangement for the vaccination. The federation has also demanded that the transportation fares within the states should be adjusted with effect from July as the inter-state fare has been already adjusted.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the additional demands of the transport entrepreneurs include solving their problems through monetary policy, provide tax exemption for the duration of the prohibitory period, and to arrange loans/refinancing by keeping the transport sector under the most affected areas. They have also demanded a waiver of renewal fee for the prohibitory period, a halt to the illegal ride-sharing business, adjusting taxi fares, a revision of the insurance policy, an extension of the 20-year term for vehicles and an amendment to the road safety laws.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The transport entrepreneurs had disrupted the traffic by organizing a rally on the roads of Kathmandu last Thursday.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13475', 'image' => '20210726012116_20200705035220_public transport.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 13:20:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13729', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Energy Minister Directs NEA to Collect Electricity Tariff ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect long-pending electricity tariff for the use of dedicated feeders.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect long-pending electricity tariff for the use of dedicated feeders. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the national news agency (RSS), over Rs 15 billion remains to be collected from the industrialists for the use of dedicated feeders in the past when the country was facing long hours of load shedding. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At a programme organized at NEA office on Sunday (July 25), Minister Bhusal demanded a clear explanation on why the responsible employees of the NEA could not claim the dues of the dedicated feeders and trunk line and why the electricity tariff collection process could not make any progress. <br /> The government has already decided to entrust Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect electricity tariff of the dedicated feeders and trunk line despite objections from several quarters. <br /> A total of 309 industrialists and entrepreneurs had availed supply of electricity through dedicated feeder and trunk line during the height of power outage in the country during 2014 to 2018. <br /> The ministry had already assigned the NEA to form a research committee to study electricity tariff issues and to collect all the dues. Even the high court has paved way for the NEA to collect the tariff. <br /> However, the industrialists have been refusing to clear the dues, arguing why they should pay for the tariff when they have not used the electricity at all. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">There is a long dispute between industrialists and the NEA over the settlement of dues for using electricity from dedicated feeders and trunk lines. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Earlier on July 21, the Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) had formed a sub-committee led by lawmaker Minendra Rijal to look into the issue of dedicated electricity tariff. Based on the report, the PAC, on April 4, instructed the government to collect all dues within a month. There was a total of Rs 10.14 billion outstanding dues that industrialists owe to the NEA. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NEA had supplied electricity to industries through dedicated feeder and trunk lines by charging a premium of 65 percent in the electricity tariffs. The NEA, which did not have authority to fix tariff, had got approval of its tariff rates from the then Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission in February 2016. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Industrialists are at odds with the NEA over the tariffs that NEA has fixed prior to the approval from the Commission. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Some industrialists even claim that the NEA has billed them for the electricity that their industries did not use during the load shedding.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13474', 'image' => '20210726112533_20210514031053_NEA.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 11:24:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13725', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prohibitory Order Extended in Kathmandu Valley until August 4', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Government authorities have extended the ongoing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley for 10 more days.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 26: Government authorities have extended the ongoing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley for 10 more days.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the chief district officers (CDOs) of the three districts of the Valley including Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur took a decision to this effect on Sunday (July 26). As per the decision, the prohibitory order has been extended until August 4. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to a press statement issued by the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, the government has restricted public gatherings, operation of party palaces, cinema halls, bars, clubs, swimming pools and museums among others. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the state-owned national news agency RSS, the order has also restricted the public from marking festivals with mass gathering and organizing protest programmes with in public places. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the order has also restricted educational institutions from conducting classes in person until further notice. However, seminars, training and workshops can be organised virtually. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, shops have been allowed to remain open till 7:00 PM each day. However, medical stores and pharmacies can be opened round the clock. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Public vehicles can operate by carrying passengers based on their seating capacity while three-wheelers and micro buses are not permitted to carry more than nine people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the prohibitory order states that examinations can be conducted by managing a maximum of 25 students in one room. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13473', 'image' => '20210726100917_20200903113103_1599056781.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:08:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13726', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Reaches All-time High Record ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 54.31 points on Sunday (July 26) taking the index to 3058.63 points on the first trading day of the week, which is an all-time high record till date. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 26: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 54.31 points on Sunday (July 26) taking the index to 3058.63 points on the first trading day of the week, which is an all-time high record till date. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sensitive index also increased by 11.74 points and reached 574.02 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sole secondary market of the country which had seen slight improvement last week recorded remarkable increase in Sunday's turnover. The turnover was 43,939,212 unit shares of 223 companies which were traded for Rs 14.23 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the 13 sub-categories traded, 11 posted increase in the secondary market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hotels and tourism sector witnessed a drop by 22.5 points while mutual fund decreased by 0.24 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the banking sector increased by 72.14 points, trade by 2.71 points, development banks by 13 points, microfinance by 71.6 points, non-life insurance companies by 48.42, productive sector by 71.86 points, hydro power sector by 86.23 points, life insurance companies by 30.86 points, investment by 0.04 points and others by 6.6 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal Bank Limited (NBL) topped the list in terms of turnover. The NBL recorded turnover of Rs 497,665,182. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the NEPSE, the shares of Bishal Bazaar Company, Ngadi Group of Power, Support Microfinance, Radhi Hydropower company, Panchakanya Mai Hydropower, Kalika Power Company, Joshi Hydropower Company, Universal Power and Himalayan Energy Development remained locked in the positive circuit limit of 10 per cent each. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Share of Laxmi Unnati Kosh, however, declined by 3.95 per cent, Kumari Equity Fund by 3.70 per cent and Laxmi Bank's bond by 3.30 percent. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Sunday’s market capitalization, after the end of the trading day, reached over Rs 4254 billion, the NEPSE said. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13472', 'image' => '20210726101919_20160613011604_20160613100022_fdsk;slk.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:18:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13727', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Workers Bound for Foreign Employment Suffer Due to the Lack of Vaccine', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The government has not been able to conduct vaccination drive against the coronavirus for all citizens on a regular basis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: The government has not been able to conduct vaccination drive against the coronavirus for all citizens on a regular basis. As a result, the workers going for foreign employment have been left stranded. Various labor destination countries have decided that anyone entering their country must be vaccinated against coronavirus. However, due to the lack of regular vaccination campaign in Nepal, workers going for foreign employment are facing huge problems.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Workers bound for foreign employment had been stopped in Nepal due to the prohibitory order. Now the prohibitory order has been eased and even international flights have come into operation. On the contrary, most of the workers have not been able to go for foreign employment due to the lack of vaccination.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Most of the labor destination countries require people to take the prescribed or specific vaccine. Countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar have made the US vaccine Johnson & Johnson, Indian vaccine CoviShield and other vaccines mandatory. Similarly, other countries have prescribed vaccines accordingly. On the other hand, the number of prescribed vaccines is not sufficient in Nepal. As a consequence, Nepali migrant workers are unable to go for foreign employment on time.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Vijay Kumar Gahatraj of Jhapa has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past seven years. He had come home in April to celebrate his holiday. Prohibitory order was imposed from April 30. He also took a flight ticket of Qatar Airlines for Saudi Arabia, the labor destination in the last week of May. But due to the implementation of the prohibitory order, he could not reach his destination, Saudi Arabia.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Saudi Arabia has now made vaccines like Johnson mandatory for all visitors. Since Gahatraj has not been able to get vaccinated, he hasn’t been able to go to work yet.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> The Johnson vaccination campaign was conducted in various vaccination centers in Kathmandu from July 19 to 21. He arrived in Kathmandu last Friday after learning that the vaccine was not going to be made available in Jhapa. But he is yet to receive the vaccine.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He is only a representative case. At Shukraraj Tropical and Communicable Diseases Hospital, Teku, there is a huge crowd of workers who have been stranded after not being able to get vaccinated. They have repeatedly demanded that vaccinations be provided to them promptly. However, the concerned body has not been able to take a proper decision in this regard.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the workers, the police and security personnel directed them to come for vaccination only after watching the news. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel said that the ministry is serious about the matter. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"We have made a plan on how to resolve this issue," he said, adding, "The ministry will work as soon as possible after the plan has been finalized." </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The chief of Immunization Division, Department of Health Services, Jhalak Sharma informed that such problems came into existence after the allocated amount of vaccines for Kathmandu valley ran out of stock.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The problem arose after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which was allocated for the Kathmandu Valley, was finished," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Vaccines have also been sent to other districts as well. Those who are going for foreign employment will be able to get vaccinated from their own district,” he said, adding, “The vaccination campaign will resume again in Kathmandu after the arrival of the next lot of vaccines.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sharma said that preparations are being made to set up a separate vaccination center for those going for foreign employment and those working in essential sectors. He said that even after the vaccination campaign comes to an end, a separate center will be set up targeting the workers going for foreign employment and it will always be open.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to a source, the Ministry of Health and Population has already decided to set up a separate vaccination center targeting those going for foreign employment. But for some reason, it has not yet been officially announced to the public. It has been decided to operate vaccination centers at Teku, Civil Hospital, Armed Police Hospital Balambu and Patan Hospital for the workers going for foreign employment. Sources say that it could be implemented this week itself.</span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13471', 'image' => '20210726103917_20210403032054_Foreign Employment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:38:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13728', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Industrialists Discuss Issues Related to Monetary Policy with Finance Minister', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The industrialists of Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor met with Finance Minister Janardan Sharma recently to discuss about the monetary policy. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: The industrialists of Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor met with Finance Minister Janardan Sharma recently to discuss about the monetary policy. The industrialists urged Finance Minister Sharma to introduce the monetary policy focusing on reviving the industries that have been affected by Covid-19. A delegation led by Morang Trade Association’s President Prakash Mundada also handed over a 21-point recommendation to the Finance Minister. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The industrialists have requested the government to waive interest on loans, extend the loan repayment deadline, maintain the current bank's spread rate at a maximum of 3.5 percent, and limit credit rating of public limited companies to Rs 500 million and Rs 200 million for private companies. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, they also demanded that the monetary policy should simplify refinancing for industrialists and entrepreneurs. Likewise, domestic industrial establishments that have incurred losses due to lockdown should receive help for the next three years, states one of their demands.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, they demanded the government to waive the service charges and renewal fees charged by the banks during the lockdown period. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Their demand also includes renewal of loans at low interest rates with special concessions for the tourism, transport, hotel/resort, poultry, and other sectors that have been severely affected by the pandemic.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The delegation that visited the finance minister included trade union president Mundada, senior vice president Navin Rijal, former presidents Pawan Kumar Sarda and Mahesh Jaju.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, a team of the Morang Trade Association has called on Energy Minister Pampha Bhusal to resolve the issue of the power crisis. The electricity supply in Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor has been disturbed recently.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A team led by President Mundada met Energy Minister Bhusal and Energy Secretary Devendra Karki and drew their attention to the problems faced by the industries in the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor. </span></span></span></p> <p><br /> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13470', 'image' => '20210726105922_1626392414.Clipboard14.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:58:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13724', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => ' Jyoti Bikas Bank to Support Second Phase of Warm Baby Project ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Jyoti Bikas Bank has reached an understanding with National Innovation Centre to support the second phase of the Warm Baby Project.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 25: Jyoti Bikas Bank has reached an understanding with National Innovation Centre to support the second phase of the Warm Baby Project.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the agreement, the bank will provide financial assistance to install baby warmers developed by the centre at birthing centers across the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The bank informed that the assistance will be provided under its corporate social responsibility.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The bank’s representative and Chairperson of the Centre Dr Mahabir Pun exchanged agreement papers in this regard amid an event organized at the head office of Jyoti Bikas Bank on Saturday (July 24) on the occasion of the bank’s 13<sup>th</sup> anniversary.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a statement issued by the bank, its board member Surendra Nepal handed over Rs 1 million for the project.<br /> First phase of the project concluded in the fiscal year, 2076/77 BS. Under the first phase, baby warmers were installed at 10 hospitals including Madhyabindu Hospital, Kapilvastu Community Hospital, Pyuthan Hospital, Mahakali Hospital, Ram Gopalpur Health Centre, Amda Hospital, Khotang District Hospital, Samari Health Centre, Beni Hospital and Burtibang Hospital. <br /> The bank said it now plans to install baby warmers at 800 birthing centers by 2023. <br /> </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13469', 'image' => '20210725031835_Anniversary Picture 1(1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 15:17:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13723', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' Tourist Arrival Down in Chitwan ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: The number of tourists arriving in Chitwan has recorded a fifty per cent decline in the last fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 25: The number of tourists arriving in Chitwan has recorded a fifty per cent decline in the last fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Majority of the tourists coming to Chitwan National Park go on a jungle safari, which is the main attraction of the district. Government data show a significant decline in tourist arrival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the last fiscal year (FY 2020/21), a total of 92,209 tourists went for a jungle safari in the park, which was 182,435 in the previous fiscal year (FY 2019/20), the state-owned national news agency RSS reported. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The number of domestic tourists visiting the park however saw only a minor decline, with 89,441 visiting the park in the last fiscal year. The number was 89,601 in the FY 2019/20. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The record of foreign tourists (excluding SAARC countries) visiting the park was only 1,244 in the review period. From the SAARC member states, 1,364 people arrived at Chitwan National Park in FY 2020/21. The number was 14,239 from SAARC countries and 78,755 from other countries in FY 2019/20. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Coronavirus pandemic was the major reason for the decline in the number of tourist visiting Chitwan, Chief Projection Officer of the CNP Ananath Baral told RSS. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the park has also suffered a significant loss in annual income due to low tourist arrival. The park collected Rs 25.5 million in tourist fees in FY 2020/21 against Rs 187.3 million in the previous fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">President of Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, Dipak Bhattarai said that the tourism sector of Chitwan continues to be hit by several incidents in the recent past years. After the earthquake, economic blockade by India and obstruction in Narayangadh-Mugling road, COVID-19 has further deteriorated the tourism sector. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Besides Chitwan, Pokhara, Lumbini, Everest, Mustang and Rara are the other famous tourist destinations of Nepal </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13468', 'image' => '20210725030344_20210202121548_20190415022754_aaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 15:02:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13722', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Soybean Oil Accounts for 38 Percent of Total Export', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Nepal’s foreign trade has crossed the mark of Rs 141 billion for the first time in the fiscal year 2020/21.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">July 25: Nepal’s foreign trade has crossed the mark of Rs 141 billion for the first time in the fiscal year 2020/21.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Soybean oil, which is basically not a native product of Nepal, is considered an important contributor to this growth factor. Entrepreneurs have been importing raw soybean from abroad, packing and exporting them to India.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Soybean oil worth Rs 53.65 billion has been exported during the review period, which is 38 percent of the total export. During this period, raw soybean worth Rs 53.39 billion were imported from foreign countries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Similarly, soybean oil came up as an alternative to palm after India banned import palm into the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Earlier, packaging of palm oil used to be done in 18 industries in Birgunj and Biratnagar, and other industries in Nepalgunj, Butwal and Bhairahawa. However, after the ban imposed on palm oil, traders started packing soybean oil in those industries. As India lifted the ban on palm oil in June, palm oil worth Rs 2.2 billion has been exported this year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">While the processed palm worth Rs 2 billion has been exported, raw palm worth Rs 8 billion has been imported into the country. Traders have been importing raw palm oil and soybean oil from Argentina, Bolivia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and other countries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Although the import is higher than export, traders have claimed that the export of soybean and palm oil have reduced the country’s trade deficit. Pradip Murarka of Murarka Industries says export of soybean and palm oil have significantly contributed to reducing the trade deficit.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">“For the first time, Nepal’s exports have exceeded Rs 100 billion due to the export of soybean oil,” he said, adding, “It will reduce the trade deficit. If the government provides incentives, it will make a significant contribution to the country’s foreign trade.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">On the other hand, economists say that doing business in such a way as to benefit from Indian customs will not contribute to the economy in the long run. Economist Rameshwar Khanal says that the export of vegetable ghee and gold jewelry had earlier reduced the trade deficit, so the current export of palm and soybean oil will be the same. “It cannot be stopped or discouraged, but there is no reason to be happy with the increase in exports and the government to encourage it,” he said. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13467', 'image' => '20210725024553_20210201123822_1612135819.Clipboard21.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 14:44:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13721', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'US Report Points to GoN as a Barrier to Investment', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Despite having some investment-friendly laws and regulations, Nepal still lacks investment-friendly environment, says a report prepared by the US Department of State.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">July 25: Despite having some investment-friendly laws and regulations, Nepal still lacks investment-friendly environment, says a report prepared by the US Department of State. This finding comes at a time when the Government of Nepal (GoN) has been urging the international community to invest in Nepal as the country has been created conducive environment for foreign investment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report titled '2020 Investment Climate Statements: Nepal' says that the country provides huge opportunities in energy, ICT, tourism and agriculture but it still has various obstacles related to inviting foreign investment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report states political instability, massive corruption, bureaucratic hassles and poor implementation of law as obstacles in bringing FDI (foreign Direct Investment). The government is willing to bring in FDI but has not been able to work accordingly, the report further says adding that foreign investors face various hurdles in taking back their profit and currency exchange. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report has pointed out that the government has a monopoly over power transmission lines and petroleum distribution sector. According to the report, the trade unions close to political parties stage protest programs in industries and the previous government was occupied in resolving its intra-party rift rather than on maintaining good governance which has discouraged FDI in the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Immigration laws and visa policies for foreign workers are complex, while operation procedures are not efficient and corruption has further exacerbated the problem of foreign workers seeking to work in the country. The report has expressed dissatisfaction over the government for not being able to implement the US-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project. The report states that the country is discouraging FDI by its inability to implement game changer project like MCC.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In 2017, Nepal signed the MCC project but has not endorsed it through the parliament for its implementation and this does not convey a good message among foreign investors, the report says.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The reports also finds the then government's attempt to prohibit media and non-government organization as inappropriate and considers bringing in secessionist CK Raut and outlawed Netra Bikram Chand into peace process through dialogue as a positive thing. This step will drive to bring in the foreign investment, the report added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the report the country can earn a good amount through the development of hydropower secctor. With an estimated capacity of 40,000 MW, it can make hydropower as a major source of income through the export of energy. The report has also predicted, tourism which provides great opportunities for investment, will be affected by COVID-19 pandemic till 2022.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13466', 'image' => '20210725125312_20210507114916_20200914112314_1600032154.2 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 12:51:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13720', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Central Bank Directs Remittance Companies to Determine Uniform Foreign Exchange Rate', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed concerned agencies to release the foreign exchange rate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for making remittance exchange more systematic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 25: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed concerned agencies to release the foreign exchange rate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for making remittance exchange more systematic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Amending the Unified Directives 2076, the central bank has instructed banks and financial institutions and remittance companies to determine a uniform exchange rate through the Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of Nepal (FEDAN). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The FEDAN should send the exchange rate to the Foreign Exchange Management Department of the NRB every day, NRB said in a notice issued on July 23. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The central bank has also instructed FEDAN to make the exchange rate available to all the licensed BFIs and remittance companies two times a day. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the central bank has made it mandatory for companies involved in remittance business to take membership of the FEDAN. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The notice issued by NRB Executive Director Ramu Poudel further states that such a directive was issued to make the remittance transaction more systematic. </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13465', 'image' => '20210725113120_20210713025441_1626132831.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 11:29:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13719', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurance Companies Collect Three Times More Premium in Last Month of FY 2020/21', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: Life Insurance companies have collected more insurance premium than the monthly average in the last month of Fiscal Year 2020/21', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 23: Life Insurance companies have collected more insurance premium than the monthly average in the last month of Fiscal Year 2020/21, according to the data provided by the Insurance Board. There are 19 life insurance companies operating in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the review period (mid-June to mid-July), those life insurance companies collected insurance premium of Rs 18.48 billion which is three times more than the average monthly collection. On an average, insurance companies collect Rs 5 to 6 billion insurance premium every month.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, collection of insurance premium was more than Rs 18 billion during the last months of FY 2020/21 as the financial activities increase during the last month. Insurance agents are found working hard to meet their target during this period. Most of the insurance policies are also renewed during this period. This is the reason why collection of insurance premium has increased during this period, according to the insurance companies.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The business of life insurance companies were badly affected until mid-June due to the impact of coronavirus. However, data show the insurance business was encouraging between mid-June to mid-July.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Data provided by the Insurance Board show that the average monthly collection of insurance premium was between Rs 5 to 6 billion as of mid-May. Insurance companies had collected insurance premium of Rs 5.2 billion in the month of Baishakh (mid-April to mid-May) which further slumped to Rs 3.31 billion the next month (mid-May to mid-June). However, it picked up pace again in the month of Asar (mid-June to mid-July).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the last fiscal year (FY 2020/21), life insurance companies collected insurance premium worth Rs 120.95 billion, which is more than the insurance premium collection of the previous fiscal year by 28.15 percent. In Fiscal Year 2019/20, the 19 life insurance companies had collected insurance premium worth Rs 94.38 billion.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13464', 'image' => '20210723111545_1626997044.1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 11:14:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13718', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Hackers Issue Threats to 15 Banks, NRB tells not to Worry ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: Fifteen banks including Nepal Rastra Bank have received emails from unidentified persons warning the banks of hacking their banking system. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 23: Fifteen banks including Nepal Rastra Bank have received emails from unidentified persons warning the banks of hacking their banking system. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson and the deputy spokesperson of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and high officials of different banks reportedly received the warning email on Wednesday evening. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chief of the Bank and Financial Institutions Regulation Department and Spokesperson of the Nepal Rastra Bank, Dev Kumar Dhakal confirmed that the group claiming itself as 'the group of hackers' sent message of hacking the banking system of 15 commercial banks including NRB. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Dhakal told the state-owned national news agency (RSS) that they received the email on Wednesday evening (July 21) warning that the systems would be hacked and money withdrawn by the next morning. However, he assured that the systems have not been hacked and further investigations are underway.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"I had received such type of message in Viber and Messenger. We checked banking system of NRB and other banks. Our system has not been hacked and it is safe. So there is no situation to be worried," RSS quoted Dhakal as saying. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Dhakal said it is still unknown who sent such type of messages. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to RSS, the hackers in the message warned of withdrawing money from Nepal Rastra Bank, Kumari Bank, Nepal Bank Limited, Nabil Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Machhapuchchhre Bank, NMB Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Bank of Kathmandu, Citizens Bank International, Sanima Bank, Nepal SBI Bank, Everest Bank, Nepal Investment Bank and Himalayan Bank. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hackers also warned not to take their message lightly. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13463', 'image' => '20210723090033_20210713025441_1626132831.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 08:59:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13717', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'ADB Approves $165 Million Loan for COVID-19 Vaccines in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).', 'content' => '<h1><em><span style="font-size:16px">Elderly women of Nepal pose for photo after receiving vaccine against Covid-19 in this photo posted by ADB. Photo Courtesy: ADB</span></em></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 23: </span></span><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).</span></span></span></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The project will support the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan in Nepal by procuring an estimated 15.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which will benefit about 6.8 million Nepalese, according to a press statement issued by the Manila-based ADB Headquarters on July 22. <br /> “ADB’s support will help the Government of Nepal procure much-needed COVID-19 vaccines to protect its citizens from the further spread of this disease,” the statement quoted ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa as saying. “It is essential that COVID-19 vaccines are quickly purchased and administered to help get the economy back on track by enabling the restoration of livelihoods and economic activities, as well as the resumption of educational and human development pursuits.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the press statement, the project is financed by ADB’s $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access launched in December 2020 to offer rapid and equitable vaccine-related support to ADB developing member countries. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vaccines eligible for financing must meet at least one of the APVAX eligibility criteria: the vaccine has been selected for procurement through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism; the vaccine has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) or WHO emergency use listing; or the vaccine has received regular or emergency licensure or authorization by a Stringent Regulatory Authority.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In addition to this project, ADB’s ongoing technical assistance grants will support the strengthening of the vaccine delivery system, communication, and community engagement to raise awareness on the risks of COVID-19 and the benefits of vaccination, the statement added. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The government is mobilizing female community health volunteers to disseminate information among marginalized communities to raise awareness. At least one female health worker or volunteer will support the effort in every vaccination site or outreach center, ADB said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ADB said it closely collaborates with other partners, like the World Bank, COVAX, WHO, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in supporting the Government of Nepal in its efforts to vaccinate its people as soon as possible.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The project will complement the government’s broader response through its $1.2 billion National Relief Program, which consists of social protection, health care, and economic relief measures. In May 2020, ADB provided support to the program through a $ 259 million concessional loan.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13462', 'image' => '20210723082704_133776-un0431162-2.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 08:24:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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 "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13731', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Floods, Landslides Damage 26 Bridges, Incur Losses worth Rs1 Billion ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: As the rainy season continues this year, 26 bridges across the country have been damaged so far by floods. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: As the rainy season continues this year, 26 bridges across the country have been damaged so far by floods. The damage due to the complete and partial collapse of the bridges has caused losses of billions of rupees. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to a preliminary report of the task force formed to study the extent of damage on bridges by rains and floods, eight motorable bridges that were under-construction have collapsed. Eight other motorable have also been damaged, the report stated. Shiva Prasad Nepal, deputy director general and spokesperson of the Department of Roads said that among other types of bridges, three wooden bridges, one Bailey bridge, two slab culverts and approach road of four bridges were damaged. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the exact data will be available only after a detailed study, Nepal said that the preliminary report shows the loss of around Rs 800 million. The bridges over Triyuga, Mahesh, Lodari, and Kamala rivers have collapsed while being constructed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the approach road to Kothiya Ghat, Soti Ghat and Khelako bridge was damaged, the main structure was not damaged. A Bailey bridge and other wooden bridges have also collapsed due to floods in Manang. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, the bridge over the Trishuli River connecting Devghat in Tanahau and Thimura in Chitwan also collapsed last April. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The task force was formed under the initiative of former Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Basanta Kumar Nemwang on July 4 after road and bridges in different parts of the country collapsed in April. The task force was mandated to analyze the causes of the damage to the bridges and submit a recommendation by July 22. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The team has returned from the field but the difficulty is that a detailed study seems impossible until the water level in the rivers and streams where the bridges collapsed decreases,” he said, “As the water level has risen, we couldn’t do more than look at it from the shore.” Spokesperson Nepal said that there is a possibility of a complete report only after September 1. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Moreover, he said that the deadline of the task force will be extended and the final report will be submitted only after the water level decreases and detailed data is collected. Discussions are underway at the secretary level to extend its terms. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the preliminary study, the first reason for the damage on the bridges is due to unnaturally heavy rains in June. Secondly, the activities in the watershed area have also contributed to the damages. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Development works such as roads, irrigation and culverts are being carried out by the local government in the watershed area,” Nepal said, “Such damage has occurred after the level of the river increased when the soil and stones that came out of the tracks were not placed properly. At the same time, the damage has occurred as some bridges have been built long ago and now the pattern of the rains has changed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Another important thing that we lack is that we don’t have proper data on rain, and soil research,” he said, “We have to rely on secondary data and they may not match.” </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Stating that there may be some weakness in testing the soil by drilling while constructing the bridges, he said that there is no database of consultants and soil test reports. Around 250 to 300 motorable bridges are constructed annually under the department. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13476', 'image' => '20210726013558_20200728022209_1595887425.Clipboard11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 13:35:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13730', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agitating Transport Entrepreneurs Hand Over Vehicles’ Keys to PM', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Transport entrepreneurs have handed over the keys of their vehicles to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with a seven-point demand. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: Transport entrepreneurs have handed over the keys of their vehicles to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with a seven-point demand. After they staged a demonstration protest at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on July 25, they handed over a sample of the vehicles’ keys to the Prime Minister Deuba on Sunday. They handed over the keys through Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu, Kali Prasad Parajuli.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs affiliated to the Central Federation of Public Transport have started protests with various demands. Giving an ultimatum till August 8 to fulfill the demand, they have warned of stern protest if their demands are not addressed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Keshav Nepal, deputy general secretary of the federation, said that since the seven-point demand put forward by them was not addressed, the demo key of the vehicles was submitted. He also said that if their demands are not addressed by August 8, they will cease the transportation movement and will resort to protest.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The main demand put forth by the transportation entrepreneurs since July 8 is that all the drivers, helpers and employees associated with transport sector should be vaccinated against covid-19. Although the government has said that people involved in public transport have been given the vaccination since July 13, the federation says that there has been no satisfactory arrangement for the vaccination. The federation has also demanded that the transportation fares within the states should be adjusted with effect from July as the inter-state fare has been already adjusted.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the additional demands of the transport entrepreneurs include solving their problems through monetary policy, provide tax exemption for the duration of the prohibitory period, and to arrange loans/refinancing by keeping the transport sector under the most affected areas. They have also demanded a waiver of renewal fee for the prohibitory period, a halt to the illegal ride-sharing business, adjusting taxi fares, a revision of the insurance policy, an extension of the 20-year term for vehicles and an amendment to the road safety laws.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The transport entrepreneurs had disrupted the traffic by organizing a rally on the roads of Kathmandu last Thursday.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13475', 'image' => '20210726012116_20200705035220_public transport.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 13:20:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13729', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Energy Minister Directs NEA to Collect Electricity Tariff ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect long-pending electricity tariff for the use of dedicated feeders.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect long-pending electricity tariff for the use of dedicated feeders. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the national news agency (RSS), over Rs 15 billion remains to be collected from the industrialists for the use of dedicated feeders in the past when the country was facing long hours of load shedding. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At a programme organized at NEA office on Sunday (July 25), Minister Bhusal demanded a clear explanation on why the responsible employees of the NEA could not claim the dues of the dedicated feeders and trunk line and why the electricity tariff collection process could not make any progress. <br /> The government has already decided to entrust Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect electricity tariff of the dedicated feeders and trunk line despite objections from several quarters. <br /> A total of 309 industrialists and entrepreneurs had availed supply of electricity through dedicated feeder and trunk line during the height of power outage in the country during 2014 to 2018. <br /> The ministry had already assigned the NEA to form a research committee to study electricity tariff issues and to collect all the dues. Even the high court has paved way for the NEA to collect the tariff. <br /> However, the industrialists have been refusing to clear the dues, arguing why they should pay for the tariff when they have not used the electricity at all. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">There is a long dispute between industrialists and the NEA over the settlement of dues for using electricity from dedicated feeders and trunk lines. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Earlier on July 21, the Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) had formed a sub-committee led by lawmaker Minendra Rijal to look into the issue of dedicated electricity tariff. Based on the report, the PAC, on April 4, instructed the government to collect all dues within a month. There was a total of Rs 10.14 billion outstanding dues that industrialists owe to the NEA. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NEA had supplied electricity to industries through dedicated feeder and trunk lines by charging a premium of 65 percent in the electricity tariffs. The NEA, which did not have authority to fix tariff, had got approval of its tariff rates from the then Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission in February 2016. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Industrialists are at odds with the NEA over the tariffs that NEA has fixed prior to the approval from the Commission. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Some industrialists even claim that the NEA has billed them for the electricity that their industries did not use during the load shedding.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13474', 'image' => '20210726112533_20210514031053_NEA.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 11:24:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13725', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prohibitory Order Extended in Kathmandu Valley until August 4', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Government authorities have extended the ongoing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley for 10 more days.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 26: Government authorities have extended the ongoing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley for 10 more days.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the chief district officers (CDOs) of the three districts of the Valley including Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur took a decision to this effect on Sunday (July 26). As per the decision, the prohibitory order has been extended until August 4. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to a press statement issued by the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, the government has restricted public gatherings, operation of party palaces, cinema halls, bars, clubs, swimming pools and museums among others. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the state-owned national news agency RSS, the order has also restricted the public from marking festivals with mass gathering and organizing protest programmes with in public places. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the order has also restricted educational institutions from conducting classes in person until further notice. However, seminars, training and workshops can be organised virtually. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, shops have been allowed to remain open till 7:00 PM each day. However, medical stores and pharmacies can be opened round the clock. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Public vehicles can operate by carrying passengers based on their seating capacity while three-wheelers and micro buses are not permitted to carry more than nine people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the prohibitory order states that examinations can be conducted by managing a maximum of 25 students in one room. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13473', 'image' => '20210726100917_20200903113103_1599056781.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:08:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13726', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Reaches All-time High Record ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 54.31 points on Sunday (July 26) taking the index to 3058.63 points on the first trading day of the week, which is an all-time high record till date. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 26: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 54.31 points on Sunday (July 26) taking the index to 3058.63 points on the first trading day of the week, which is an all-time high record till date. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sensitive index also increased by 11.74 points and reached 574.02 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sole secondary market of the country which had seen slight improvement last week recorded remarkable increase in Sunday's turnover. The turnover was 43,939,212 unit shares of 223 companies which were traded for Rs 14.23 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the 13 sub-categories traded, 11 posted increase in the secondary market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hotels and tourism sector witnessed a drop by 22.5 points while mutual fund decreased by 0.24 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the banking sector increased by 72.14 points, trade by 2.71 points, development banks by 13 points, microfinance by 71.6 points, non-life insurance companies by 48.42, productive sector by 71.86 points, hydro power sector by 86.23 points, life insurance companies by 30.86 points, investment by 0.04 points and others by 6.6 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal Bank Limited (NBL) topped the list in terms of turnover. The NBL recorded turnover of Rs 497,665,182. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the NEPSE, the shares of Bishal Bazaar Company, Ngadi Group of Power, Support Microfinance, Radhi Hydropower company, Panchakanya Mai Hydropower, Kalika Power Company, Joshi Hydropower Company, Universal Power and Himalayan Energy Development remained locked in the positive circuit limit of 10 per cent each. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Share of Laxmi Unnati Kosh, however, declined by 3.95 per cent, Kumari Equity Fund by 3.70 per cent and Laxmi Bank's bond by 3.30 percent. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Sunday’s market capitalization, after the end of the trading day, reached over Rs 4254 billion, the NEPSE said. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13472', 'image' => '20210726101919_20160613011604_20160613100022_fdsk;slk.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:18:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13727', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Workers Bound for Foreign Employment Suffer Due to the Lack of Vaccine', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The government has not been able to conduct vaccination drive against the coronavirus for all citizens on a regular basis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: The government has not been able to conduct vaccination drive against the coronavirus for all citizens on a regular basis. As a result, the workers going for foreign employment have been left stranded. Various labor destination countries have decided that anyone entering their country must be vaccinated against coronavirus. However, due to the lack of regular vaccination campaign in Nepal, workers going for foreign employment are facing huge problems.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Workers bound for foreign employment had been stopped in Nepal due to the prohibitory order. Now the prohibitory order has been eased and even international flights have come into operation. On the contrary, most of the workers have not been able to go for foreign employment due to the lack of vaccination.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Most of the labor destination countries require people to take the prescribed or specific vaccine. Countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar have made the US vaccine Johnson & Johnson, Indian vaccine CoviShield and other vaccines mandatory. Similarly, other countries have prescribed vaccines accordingly. On the other hand, the number of prescribed vaccines is not sufficient in Nepal. As a consequence, Nepali migrant workers are unable to go for foreign employment on time.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Vijay Kumar Gahatraj of Jhapa has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past seven years. He had come home in April to celebrate his holiday. Prohibitory order was imposed from April 30. He also took a flight ticket of Qatar Airlines for Saudi Arabia, the labor destination in the last week of May. But due to the implementation of the prohibitory order, he could not reach his destination, Saudi Arabia.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Saudi Arabia has now made vaccines like Johnson mandatory for all visitors. Since Gahatraj has not been able to get vaccinated, he hasn’t been able to go to work yet.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> The Johnson vaccination campaign was conducted in various vaccination centers in Kathmandu from July 19 to 21. He arrived in Kathmandu last Friday after learning that the vaccine was not going to be made available in Jhapa. But he is yet to receive the vaccine.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He is only a representative case. At Shukraraj Tropical and Communicable Diseases Hospital, Teku, there is a huge crowd of workers who have been stranded after not being able to get vaccinated. They have repeatedly demanded that vaccinations be provided to them promptly. However, the concerned body has not been able to take a proper decision in this regard.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the workers, the police and security personnel directed them to come for vaccination only after watching the news. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel said that the ministry is serious about the matter. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"We have made a plan on how to resolve this issue," he said, adding, "The ministry will work as soon as possible after the plan has been finalized." </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The chief of Immunization Division, Department of Health Services, Jhalak Sharma informed that such problems came into existence after the allocated amount of vaccines for Kathmandu valley ran out of stock.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The problem arose after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which was allocated for the Kathmandu Valley, was finished," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Vaccines have also been sent to other districts as well. Those who are going for foreign employment will be able to get vaccinated from their own district,” he said, adding, “The vaccination campaign will resume again in Kathmandu after the arrival of the next lot of vaccines.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sharma said that preparations are being made to set up a separate vaccination center for those going for foreign employment and those working in essential sectors. He said that even after the vaccination campaign comes to an end, a separate center will be set up targeting the workers going for foreign employment and it will always be open.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to a source, the Ministry of Health and Population has already decided to set up a separate vaccination center targeting those going for foreign employment. But for some reason, it has not yet been officially announced to the public. It has been decided to operate vaccination centers at Teku, Civil Hospital, Armed Police Hospital Balambu and Patan Hospital for the workers going for foreign employment. Sources say that it could be implemented this week itself.</span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13471', 'image' => '20210726103917_20210403032054_Foreign Employment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:38:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13728', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Industrialists Discuss Issues Related to Monetary Policy with Finance Minister', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The industrialists of Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor met with Finance Minister Janardan Sharma recently to discuss about the monetary policy. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: The industrialists of Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor met with Finance Minister Janardan Sharma recently to discuss about the monetary policy. The industrialists urged Finance Minister Sharma to introduce the monetary policy focusing on reviving the industries that have been affected by Covid-19. A delegation led by Morang Trade Association’s President Prakash Mundada also handed over a 21-point recommendation to the Finance Minister. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The industrialists have requested the government to waive interest on loans, extend the loan repayment deadline, maintain the current bank's spread rate at a maximum of 3.5 percent, and limit credit rating of public limited companies to Rs 500 million and Rs 200 million for private companies. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, they also demanded that the monetary policy should simplify refinancing for industrialists and entrepreneurs. Likewise, domestic industrial establishments that have incurred losses due to lockdown should receive help for the next three years, states one of their demands.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, they demanded the government to waive the service charges and renewal fees charged by the banks during the lockdown period. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Their demand also includes renewal of loans at low interest rates with special concessions for the tourism, transport, hotel/resort, poultry, and other sectors that have been severely affected by the pandemic.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The delegation that visited the finance minister included trade union president Mundada, senior vice president Navin Rijal, former presidents Pawan Kumar Sarda and Mahesh Jaju.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, a team of the Morang Trade Association has called on Energy Minister Pampha Bhusal to resolve the issue of the power crisis. The electricity supply in Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor has been disturbed recently.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A team led by President Mundada met Energy Minister Bhusal and Energy Secretary Devendra Karki and drew their attention to the problems faced by the industries in the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor. </span></span></span></p> <p><br /> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13470', 'image' => '20210726105922_1626392414.Clipboard14.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:58:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13724', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => ' Jyoti Bikas Bank to Support Second Phase of Warm Baby Project ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Jyoti Bikas Bank has reached an understanding with National Innovation Centre to support the second phase of the Warm Baby Project.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 25: Jyoti Bikas Bank has reached an understanding with National Innovation Centre to support the second phase of the Warm Baby Project.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the agreement, the bank will provide financial assistance to install baby warmers developed by the centre at birthing centers across the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The bank informed that the assistance will be provided under its corporate social responsibility.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The bank’s representative and Chairperson of the Centre Dr Mahabir Pun exchanged agreement papers in this regard amid an event organized at the head office of Jyoti Bikas Bank on Saturday (July 24) on the occasion of the bank’s 13<sup>th</sup> anniversary.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a statement issued by the bank, its board member Surendra Nepal handed over Rs 1 million for the project.<br /> First phase of the project concluded in the fiscal year, 2076/77 BS. Under the first phase, baby warmers were installed at 10 hospitals including Madhyabindu Hospital, Kapilvastu Community Hospital, Pyuthan Hospital, Mahakali Hospital, Ram Gopalpur Health Centre, Amda Hospital, Khotang District Hospital, Samari Health Centre, Beni Hospital and Burtibang Hospital. <br /> The bank said it now plans to install baby warmers at 800 birthing centers by 2023. <br /> </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13469', 'image' => '20210725031835_Anniversary Picture 1(1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 15:17:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13723', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' Tourist Arrival Down in Chitwan ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: The number of tourists arriving in Chitwan has recorded a fifty per cent decline in the last fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 25: The number of tourists arriving in Chitwan has recorded a fifty per cent decline in the last fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Majority of the tourists coming to Chitwan National Park go on a jungle safari, which is the main attraction of the district. Government data show a significant decline in tourist arrival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the last fiscal year (FY 2020/21), a total of 92,209 tourists went for a jungle safari in the park, which was 182,435 in the previous fiscal year (FY 2019/20), the state-owned national news agency RSS reported. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The number of domestic tourists visiting the park however saw only a minor decline, with 89,441 visiting the park in the last fiscal year. The number was 89,601 in the FY 2019/20. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The record of foreign tourists (excluding SAARC countries) visiting the park was only 1,244 in the review period. From the SAARC member states, 1,364 people arrived at Chitwan National Park in FY 2020/21. The number was 14,239 from SAARC countries and 78,755 from other countries in FY 2019/20. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Coronavirus pandemic was the major reason for the decline in the number of tourist visiting Chitwan, Chief Projection Officer of the CNP Ananath Baral told RSS. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the park has also suffered a significant loss in annual income due to low tourist arrival. The park collected Rs 25.5 million in tourist fees in FY 2020/21 against Rs 187.3 million in the previous fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">President of Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, Dipak Bhattarai said that the tourism sector of Chitwan continues to be hit by several incidents in the recent past years. After the earthquake, economic blockade by India and obstruction in Narayangadh-Mugling road, COVID-19 has further deteriorated the tourism sector. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Besides Chitwan, Pokhara, Lumbini, Everest, Mustang and Rara are the other famous tourist destinations of Nepal </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13468', 'image' => '20210725030344_20210202121548_20190415022754_aaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 15:02:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13722', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Soybean Oil Accounts for 38 Percent of Total Export', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Nepal’s foreign trade has crossed the mark of Rs 141 billion for the first time in the fiscal year 2020/21.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">July 25: Nepal’s foreign trade has crossed the mark of Rs 141 billion for the first time in the fiscal year 2020/21.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Soybean oil, which is basically not a native product of Nepal, is considered an important contributor to this growth factor. Entrepreneurs have been importing raw soybean from abroad, packing and exporting them to India.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Soybean oil worth Rs 53.65 billion has been exported during the review period, which is 38 percent of the total export. During this period, raw soybean worth Rs 53.39 billion were imported from foreign countries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Similarly, soybean oil came up as an alternative to palm after India banned import palm into the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Earlier, packaging of palm oil used to be done in 18 industries in Birgunj and Biratnagar, and other industries in Nepalgunj, Butwal and Bhairahawa. However, after the ban imposed on palm oil, traders started packing soybean oil in those industries. As India lifted the ban on palm oil in June, palm oil worth Rs 2.2 billion has been exported this year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">While the processed palm worth Rs 2 billion has been exported, raw palm worth Rs 8 billion has been imported into the country. Traders have been importing raw palm oil and soybean oil from Argentina, Bolivia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and other countries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Although the import is higher than export, traders have claimed that the export of soybean and palm oil have reduced the country’s trade deficit. Pradip Murarka of Murarka Industries says export of soybean and palm oil have significantly contributed to reducing the trade deficit.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">“For the first time, Nepal’s exports have exceeded Rs 100 billion due to the export of soybean oil,” he said, adding, “It will reduce the trade deficit. If the government provides incentives, it will make a significant contribution to the country’s foreign trade.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">On the other hand, economists say that doing business in such a way as to benefit from Indian customs will not contribute to the economy in the long run. Economist Rameshwar Khanal says that the export of vegetable ghee and gold jewelry had earlier reduced the trade deficit, so the current export of palm and soybean oil will be the same. “It cannot be stopped or discouraged, but there is no reason to be happy with the increase in exports and the government to encourage it,” he said. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13467', 'image' => '20210725024553_20210201123822_1612135819.Clipboard21.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 14:44:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13721', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'US Report Points to GoN as a Barrier to Investment', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Despite having some investment-friendly laws and regulations, Nepal still lacks investment-friendly environment, says a report prepared by the US Department of State.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">July 25: Despite having some investment-friendly laws and regulations, Nepal still lacks investment-friendly environment, says a report prepared by the US Department of State. This finding comes at a time when the Government of Nepal (GoN) has been urging the international community to invest in Nepal as the country has been created conducive environment for foreign investment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report titled '2020 Investment Climate Statements: Nepal' says that the country provides huge opportunities in energy, ICT, tourism and agriculture but it still has various obstacles related to inviting foreign investment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report states political instability, massive corruption, bureaucratic hassles and poor implementation of law as obstacles in bringing FDI (foreign Direct Investment). The government is willing to bring in FDI but has not been able to work accordingly, the report further says adding that foreign investors face various hurdles in taking back their profit and currency exchange. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report has pointed out that the government has a monopoly over power transmission lines and petroleum distribution sector. According to the report, the trade unions close to political parties stage protest programs in industries and the previous government was occupied in resolving its intra-party rift rather than on maintaining good governance which has discouraged FDI in the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Immigration laws and visa policies for foreign workers are complex, while operation procedures are not efficient and corruption has further exacerbated the problem of foreign workers seeking to work in the country. The report has expressed dissatisfaction over the government for not being able to implement the US-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project. The report states that the country is discouraging FDI by its inability to implement game changer project like MCC.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In 2017, Nepal signed the MCC project but has not endorsed it through the parliament for its implementation and this does not convey a good message among foreign investors, the report says.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The reports also finds the then government's attempt to prohibit media and non-government organization as inappropriate and considers bringing in secessionist CK Raut and outlawed Netra Bikram Chand into peace process through dialogue as a positive thing. This step will drive to bring in the foreign investment, the report added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the report the country can earn a good amount through the development of hydropower secctor. With an estimated capacity of 40,000 MW, it can make hydropower as a major source of income through the export of energy. The report has also predicted, tourism which provides great opportunities for investment, will be affected by COVID-19 pandemic till 2022.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13466', 'image' => '20210725125312_20210507114916_20200914112314_1600032154.2 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 12:51:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13720', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Central Bank Directs Remittance Companies to Determine Uniform Foreign Exchange Rate', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed concerned agencies to release the foreign exchange rate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for making remittance exchange more systematic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 25: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed concerned agencies to release the foreign exchange rate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for making remittance exchange more systematic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Amending the Unified Directives 2076, the central bank has instructed banks and financial institutions and remittance companies to determine a uniform exchange rate through the Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of Nepal (FEDAN). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The FEDAN should send the exchange rate to the Foreign Exchange Management Department of the NRB every day, NRB said in a notice issued on July 23. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The central bank has also instructed FEDAN to make the exchange rate available to all the licensed BFIs and remittance companies two times a day. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the central bank has made it mandatory for companies involved in remittance business to take membership of the FEDAN. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The notice issued by NRB Executive Director Ramu Poudel further states that such a directive was issued to make the remittance transaction more systematic. </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13465', 'image' => '20210725113120_20210713025441_1626132831.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 11:29:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13719', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurance Companies Collect Three Times More Premium in Last Month of FY 2020/21', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: Life Insurance companies have collected more insurance premium than the monthly average in the last month of Fiscal Year 2020/21', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 23: Life Insurance companies have collected more insurance premium than the monthly average in the last month of Fiscal Year 2020/21, according to the data provided by the Insurance Board. There are 19 life insurance companies operating in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the review period (mid-June to mid-July), those life insurance companies collected insurance premium of Rs 18.48 billion which is three times more than the average monthly collection. On an average, insurance companies collect Rs 5 to 6 billion insurance premium every month.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, collection of insurance premium was more than Rs 18 billion during the last months of FY 2020/21 as the financial activities increase during the last month. Insurance agents are found working hard to meet their target during this period. Most of the insurance policies are also renewed during this period. This is the reason why collection of insurance premium has increased during this period, according to the insurance companies.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The business of life insurance companies were badly affected until mid-June due to the impact of coronavirus. However, data show the insurance business was encouraging between mid-June to mid-July.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Data provided by the Insurance Board show that the average monthly collection of insurance premium was between Rs 5 to 6 billion as of mid-May. Insurance companies had collected insurance premium of Rs 5.2 billion in the month of Baishakh (mid-April to mid-May) which further slumped to Rs 3.31 billion the next month (mid-May to mid-June). However, it picked up pace again in the month of Asar (mid-June to mid-July).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the last fiscal year (FY 2020/21), life insurance companies collected insurance premium worth Rs 120.95 billion, which is more than the insurance premium collection of the previous fiscal year by 28.15 percent. In Fiscal Year 2019/20, the 19 life insurance companies had collected insurance premium worth Rs 94.38 billion.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13464', 'image' => '20210723111545_1626997044.1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 11:14:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13718', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Hackers Issue Threats to 15 Banks, NRB tells not to Worry ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: Fifteen banks including Nepal Rastra Bank have received emails from unidentified persons warning the banks of hacking their banking system. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 23: Fifteen banks including Nepal Rastra Bank have received emails from unidentified persons warning the banks of hacking their banking system. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson and the deputy spokesperson of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and high officials of different banks reportedly received the warning email on Wednesday evening. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chief of the Bank and Financial Institutions Regulation Department and Spokesperson of the Nepal Rastra Bank, Dev Kumar Dhakal confirmed that the group claiming itself as 'the group of hackers' sent message of hacking the banking system of 15 commercial banks including NRB. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Dhakal told the state-owned national news agency (RSS) that they received the email on Wednesday evening (July 21) warning that the systems would be hacked and money withdrawn by the next morning. However, he assured that the systems have not been hacked and further investigations are underway.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"I had received such type of message in Viber and Messenger. We checked banking system of NRB and other banks. Our system has not been hacked and it is safe. So there is no situation to be worried," RSS quoted Dhakal as saying. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Dhakal said it is still unknown who sent such type of messages. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to RSS, the hackers in the message warned of withdrawing money from Nepal Rastra Bank, Kumari Bank, Nepal Bank Limited, Nabil Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Machhapuchchhre Bank, NMB Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Bank of Kathmandu, Citizens Bank International, Sanima Bank, Nepal SBI Bank, Everest Bank, Nepal Investment Bank and Himalayan Bank. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hackers also warned not to take their message lightly. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13463', 'image' => '20210723090033_20210713025441_1626132831.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 08:59:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13717', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'ADB Approves $165 Million Loan for COVID-19 Vaccines in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).', 'content' => '<h1><em><span style="font-size:16px">Elderly women of Nepal pose for photo after receiving vaccine against Covid-19 in this photo posted by ADB. Photo Courtesy: ADB</span></em></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 23: </span></span><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).</span></span></span></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The project will support the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan in Nepal by procuring an estimated 15.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which will benefit about 6.8 million Nepalese, according to a press statement issued by the Manila-based ADB Headquarters on July 22. <br /> “ADB’s support will help the Government of Nepal procure much-needed COVID-19 vaccines to protect its citizens from the further spread of this disease,” the statement quoted ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa as saying. “It is essential that COVID-19 vaccines are quickly purchased and administered to help get the economy back on track by enabling the restoration of livelihoods and economic activities, as well as the resumption of educational and human development pursuits.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the press statement, the project is financed by ADB’s $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access launched in December 2020 to offer rapid and equitable vaccine-related support to ADB developing member countries. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vaccines eligible for financing must meet at least one of the APVAX eligibility criteria: the vaccine has been selected for procurement through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism; the vaccine has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) or WHO emergency use listing; or the vaccine has received regular or emergency licensure or authorization by a Stringent Regulatory Authority.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In addition to this project, ADB’s ongoing technical assistance grants will support the strengthening of the vaccine delivery system, communication, and community engagement to raise awareness on the risks of COVID-19 and the benefits of vaccination, the statement added. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The government is mobilizing female community health volunteers to disseminate information among marginalized communities to raise awareness. At least one female health worker or volunteer will support the effort in every vaccination site or outreach center, ADB said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ADB said it closely collaborates with other partners, like the World Bank, COVAX, WHO, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in supporting the Government of Nepal in its efforts to vaccinate its people as soon as possible.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The project will complement the government’s broader response through its $1.2 billion National Relief Program, which consists of social protection, health care, and economic relief measures. In May 2020, ADB provided support to the program through a $ 259 million concessional loan.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13462', 'image' => '20210723082704_133776-un0431162-2.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 08:24:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13731', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Floods, Landslides Damage 26 Bridges, Incur Losses worth Rs1 Billion ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: As the rainy season continues this year, 26 bridges across the country have been damaged so far by floods. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: As the rainy season continues this year, 26 bridges across the country have been damaged so far by floods. The damage due to the complete and partial collapse of the bridges has caused losses of billions of rupees. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to a preliminary report of the task force formed to study the extent of damage on bridges by rains and floods, eight motorable bridges that were under-construction have collapsed. Eight other motorable have also been damaged, the report stated. Shiva Prasad Nepal, deputy director general and spokesperson of the Department of Roads said that among other types of bridges, three wooden bridges, one Bailey bridge, two slab culverts and approach road of four bridges were damaged. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the exact data will be available only after a detailed study, Nepal said that the preliminary report shows the loss of around Rs 800 million. The bridges over Triyuga, Mahesh, Lodari, and Kamala rivers have collapsed while being constructed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the approach road to Kothiya Ghat, Soti Ghat and Khelako bridge was damaged, the main structure was not damaged. A Bailey bridge and other wooden bridges have also collapsed due to floods in Manang. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, the bridge over the Trishuli River connecting Devghat in Tanahau and Thimura in Chitwan also collapsed last April. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The task force was formed under the initiative of former Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Basanta Kumar Nemwang on July 4 after road and bridges in different parts of the country collapsed in April. The task force was mandated to analyze the causes of the damage to the bridges and submit a recommendation by July 22. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The team has returned from the field but the difficulty is that a detailed study seems impossible until the water level in the rivers and streams where the bridges collapsed decreases,” he said, “As the water level has risen, we couldn’t do more than look at it from the shore.” Spokesperson Nepal said that there is a possibility of a complete report only after September 1. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Moreover, he said that the deadline of the task force will be extended and the final report will be submitted only after the water level decreases and detailed data is collected. Discussions are underway at the secretary level to extend its terms. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the preliminary study, the first reason for the damage on the bridges is due to unnaturally heavy rains in June. Secondly, the activities in the watershed area have also contributed to the damages. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Development works such as roads, irrigation and culverts are being carried out by the local government in the watershed area,” Nepal said, “Such damage has occurred after the level of the river increased when the soil and stones that came out of the tracks were not placed properly. At the same time, the damage has occurred as some bridges have been built long ago and now the pattern of the rains has changed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Another important thing that we lack is that we don’t have proper data on rain, and soil research,” he said, “We have to rely on secondary data and they may not match.” </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Stating that there may be some weakness in testing the soil by drilling while constructing the bridges, he said that there is no database of consultants and soil test reports. Around 250 to 300 motorable bridges are constructed annually under the department. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13476', 'image' => '20210726013558_20200728022209_1595887425.Clipboard11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 13:35:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13730', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agitating Transport Entrepreneurs Hand Over Vehicles’ Keys to PM', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Transport entrepreneurs have handed over the keys of their vehicles to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with a seven-point demand. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: Transport entrepreneurs have handed over the keys of their vehicles to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with a seven-point demand. After they staged a demonstration protest at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on July 25, they handed over a sample of the vehicles’ keys to the Prime Minister Deuba on Sunday. They handed over the keys through Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu, Kali Prasad Parajuli.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs affiliated to the Central Federation of Public Transport have started protests with various demands. Giving an ultimatum till August 8 to fulfill the demand, they have warned of stern protest if their demands are not addressed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Keshav Nepal, deputy general secretary of the federation, said that since the seven-point demand put forward by them was not addressed, the demo key of the vehicles was submitted. He also said that if their demands are not addressed by August 8, they will cease the transportation movement and will resort to protest.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The main demand put forth by the transportation entrepreneurs since July 8 is that all the drivers, helpers and employees associated with transport sector should be vaccinated against covid-19. Although the government has said that people involved in public transport have been given the vaccination since July 13, the federation says that there has been no satisfactory arrangement for the vaccination. The federation has also demanded that the transportation fares within the states should be adjusted with effect from July as the inter-state fare has been already adjusted.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the additional demands of the transport entrepreneurs include solving their problems through monetary policy, provide tax exemption for the duration of the prohibitory period, and to arrange loans/refinancing by keeping the transport sector under the most affected areas. They have also demanded a waiver of renewal fee for the prohibitory period, a halt to the illegal ride-sharing business, adjusting taxi fares, a revision of the insurance policy, an extension of the 20-year term for vehicles and an amendment to the road safety laws.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The transport entrepreneurs had disrupted the traffic by organizing a rally on the roads of Kathmandu last Thursday.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13475', 'image' => '20210726012116_20200705035220_public transport.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 13:20:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13729', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Energy Minister Directs NEA to Collect Electricity Tariff ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect long-pending electricity tariff for the use of dedicated feeders.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect long-pending electricity tariff for the use of dedicated feeders. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the national news agency (RSS), over Rs 15 billion remains to be collected from the industrialists for the use of dedicated feeders in the past when the country was facing long hours of load shedding. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At a programme organized at NEA office on Sunday (July 25), Minister Bhusal demanded a clear explanation on why the responsible employees of the NEA could not claim the dues of the dedicated feeders and trunk line and why the electricity tariff collection process could not make any progress. <br /> The government has already decided to entrust Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect electricity tariff of the dedicated feeders and trunk line despite objections from several quarters. <br /> A total of 309 industrialists and entrepreneurs had availed supply of electricity through dedicated feeder and trunk line during the height of power outage in the country during 2014 to 2018. <br /> The ministry had already assigned the NEA to form a research committee to study electricity tariff issues and to collect all the dues. Even the high court has paved way for the NEA to collect the tariff. <br /> However, the industrialists have been refusing to clear the dues, arguing why they should pay for the tariff when they have not used the electricity at all. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">There is a long dispute between industrialists and the NEA over the settlement of dues for using electricity from dedicated feeders and trunk lines. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Earlier on July 21, the Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) had formed a sub-committee led by lawmaker Minendra Rijal to look into the issue of dedicated electricity tariff. Based on the report, the PAC, on April 4, instructed the government to collect all dues within a month. There was a total of Rs 10.14 billion outstanding dues that industrialists owe to the NEA. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NEA had supplied electricity to industries through dedicated feeder and trunk lines by charging a premium of 65 percent in the electricity tariffs. The NEA, which did not have authority to fix tariff, had got approval of its tariff rates from the then Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission in February 2016. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Industrialists are at odds with the NEA over the tariffs that NEA has fixed prior to the approval from the Commission. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Some industrialists even claim that the NEA has billed them for the electricity that their industries did not use during the load shedding.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13474', 'image' => '20210726112533_20210514031053_NEA.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 11:24:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13725', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prohibitory Order Extended in Kathmandu Valley until August 4', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Government authorities have extended the ongoing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley for 10 more days.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 26: Government authorities have extended the ongoing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley for 10 more days.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the chief district officers (CDOs) of the three districts of the Valley including Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur took a decision to this effect on Sunday (July 26). As per the decision, the prohibitory order has been extended until August 4. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to a press statement issued by the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, the government has restricted public gatherings, operation of party palaces, cinema halls, bars, clubs, swimming pools and museums among others. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the state-owned national news agency RSS, the order has also restricted the public from marking festivals with mass gathering and organizing protest programmes with in public places. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the order has also restricted educational institutions from conducting classes in person until further notice. However, seminars, training and workshops can be organised virtually. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, shops have been allowed to remain open till 7:00 PM each day. However, medical stores and pharmacies can be opened round the clock. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Public vehicles can operate by carrying passengers based on their seating capacity while three-wheelers and micro buses are not permitted to carry more than nine people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the prohibitory order states that examinations can be conducted by managing a maximum of 25 students in one room. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13473', 'image' => '20210726100917_20200903113103_1599056781.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:08:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13726', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Reaches All-time High Record ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 54.31 points on Sunday (July 26) taking the index to 3058.63 points on the first trading day of the week, which is an all-time high record till date. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 26: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 54.31 points on Sunday (July 26) taking the index to 3058.63 points on the first trading day of the week, which is an all-time high record till date. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sensitive index also increased by 11.74 points and reached 574.02 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sole secondary market of the country which had seen slight improvement last week recorded remarkable increase in Sunday's turnover. The turnover was 43,939,212 unit shares of 223 companies which were traded for Rs 14.23 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the 13 sub-categories traded, 11 posted increase in the secondary market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hotels and tourism sector witnessed a drop by 22.5 points while mutual fund decreased by 0.24 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the banking sector increased by 72.14 points, trade by 2.71 points, development banks by 13 points, microfinance by 71.6 points, non-life insurance companies by 48.42, productive sector by 71.86 points, hydro power sector by 86.23 points, life insurance companies by 30.86 points, investment by 0.04 points and others by 6.6 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal Bank Limited (NBL) topped the list in terms of turnover. The NBL recorded turnover of Rs 497,665,182. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the NEPSE, the shares of Bishal Bazaar Company, Ngadi Group of Power, Support Microfinance, Radhi Hydropower company, Panchakanya Mai Hydropower, Kalika Power Company, Joshi Hydropower Company, Universal Power and Himalayan Energy Development remained locked in the positive circuit limit of 10 per cent each. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Share of Laxmi Unnati Kosh, however, declined by 3.95 per cent, Kumari Equity Fund by 3.70 per cent and Laxmi Bank's bond by 3.30 percent. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Sunday’s market capitalization, after the end of the trading day, reached over Rs 4254 billion, the NEPSE said. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13472', 'image' => '20210726101919_20160613011604_20160613100022_fdsk;slk.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:18:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13727', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Workers Bound for Foreign Employment Suffer Due to the Lack of Vaccine', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The government has not been able to conduct vaccination drive against the coronavirus for all citizens on a regular basis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: The government has not been able to conduct vaccination drive against the coronavirus for all citizens on a regular basis. As a result, the workers going for foreign employment have been left stranded. Various labor destination countries have decided that anyone entering their country must be vaccinated against coronavirus. However, due to the lack of regular vaccination campaign in Nepal, workers going for foreign employment are facing huge problems.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Workers bound for foreign employment had been stopped in Nepal due to the prohibitory order. Now the prohibitory order has been eased and even international flights have come into operation. On the contrary, most of the workers have not been able to go for foreign employment due to the lack of vaccination.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Most of the labor destination countries require people to take the prescribed or specific vaccine. Countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar have made the US vaccine Johnson & Johnson, Indian vaccine CoviShield and other vaccines mandatory. Similarly, other countries have prescribed vaccines accordingly. On the other hand, the number of prescribed vaccines is not sufficient in Nepal. As a consequence, Nepali migrant workers are unable to go for foreign employment on time.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Vijay Kumar Gahatraj of Jhapa has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past seven years. He had come home in April to celebrate his holiday. Prohibitory order was imposed from April 30. He also took a flight ticket of Qatar Airlines for Saudi Arabia, the labor destination in the last week of May. But due to the implementation of the prohibitory order, he could not reach his destination, Saudi Arabia.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Saudi Arabia has now made vaccines like Johnson mandatory for all visitors. Since Gahatraj has not been able to get vaccinated, he hasn’t been able to go to work yet.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> The Johnson vaccination campaign was conducted in various vaccination centers in Kathmandu from July 19 to 21. He arrived in Kathmandu last Friday after learning that the vaccine was not going to be made available in Jhapa. But he is yet to receive the vaccine.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He is only a representative case. At Shukraraj Tropical and Communicable Diseases Hospital, Teku, there is a huge crowd of workers who have been stranded after not being able to get vaccinated. They have repeatedly demanded that vaccinations be provided to them promptly. However, the concerned body has not been able to take a proper decision in this regard.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the workers, the police and security personnel directed them to come for vaccination only after watching the news. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel said that the ministry is serious about the matter. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"We have made a plan on how to resolve this issue," he said, adding, "The ministry will work as soon as possible after the plan has been finalized." </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The chief of Immunization Division, Department of Health Services, Jhalak Sharma informed that such problems came into existence after the allocated amount of vaccines for Kathmandu valley ran out of stock.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The problem arose after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which was allocated for the Kathmandu Valley, was finished," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Vaccines have also been sent to other districts as well. Those who are going for foreign employment will be able to get vaccinated from their own district,” he said, adding, “The vaccination campaign will resume again in Kathmandu after the arrival of the next lot of vaccines.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sharma said that preparations are being made to set up a separate vaccination center for those going for foreign employment and those working in essential sectors. He said that even after the vaccination campaign comes to an end, a separate center will be set up targeting the workers going for foreign employment and it will always be open.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to a source, the Ministry of Health and Population has already decided to set up a separate vaccination center targeting those going for foreign employment. But for some reason, it has not yet been officially announced to the public. It has been decided to operate vaccination centers at Teku, Civil Hospital, Armed Police Hospital Balambu and Patan Hospital for the workers going for foreign employment. Sources say that it could be implemented this week itself.</span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13471', 'image' => '20210726103917_20210403032054_Foreign Employment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:38:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13728', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Industrialists Discuss Issues Related to Monetary Policy with Finance Minister', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The industrialists of Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor met with Finance Minister Janardan Sharma recently to discuss about the monetary policy. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: The industrialists of Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor met with Finance Minister Janardan Sharma recently to discuss about the monetary policy. The industrialists urged Finance Minister Sharma to introduce the monetary policy focusing on reviving the industries that have been affected by Covid-19. A delegation led by Morang Trade Association’s President Prakash Mundada also handed over a 21-point recommendation to the Finance Minister. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The industrialists have requested the government to waive interest on loans, extend the loan repayment deadline, maintain the current bank's spread rate at a maximum of 3.5 percent, and limit credit rating of public limited companies to Rs 500 million and Rs 200 million for private companies. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, they also demanded that the monetary policy should simplify refinancing for industrialists and entrepreneurs. Likewise, domestic industrial establishments that have incurred losses due to lockdown should receive help for the next three years, states one of their demands.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, they demanded the government to waive the service charges and renewal fees charged by the banks during the lockdown period. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Their demand also includes renewal of loans at low interest rates with special concessions for the tourism, transport, hotel/resort, poultry, and other sectors that have been severely affected by the pandemic.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The delegation that visited the finance minister included trade union president Mundada, senior vice president Navin Rijal, former presidents Pawan Kumar Sarda and Mahesh Jaju.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, a team of the Morang Trade Association has called on Energy Minister Pampha Bhusal to resolve the issue of the power crisis. The electricity supply in Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor has been disturbed recently.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A team led by President Mundada met Energy Minister Bhusal and Energy Secretary Devendra Karki and drew their attention to the problems faced by the industries in the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor. </span></span></span></p> <p><br /> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13470', 'image' => '20210726105922_1626392414.Clipboard14.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:58:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13724', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => ' Jyoti Bikas Bank to Support Second Phase of Warm Baby Project ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Jyoti Bikas Bank has reached an understanding with National Innovation Centre to support the second phase of the Warm Baby Project.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 25: Jyoti Bikas Bank has reached an understanding with National Innovation Centre to support the second phase of the Warm Baby Project.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the agreement, the bank will provide financial assistance to install baby warmers developed by the centre at birthing centers across the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The bank informed that the assistance will be provided under its corporate social responsibility.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The bank’s representative and Chairperson of the Centre Dr Mahabir Pun exchanged agreement papers in this regard amid an event organized at the head office of Jyoti Bikas Bank on Saturday (July 24) on the occasion of the bank’s 13<sup>th</sup> anniversary.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a statement issued by the bank, its board member Surendra Nepal handed over Rs 1 million for the project.<br /> First phase of the project concluded in the fiscal year, 2076/77 BS. Under the first phase, baby warmers were installed at 10 hospitals including Madhyabindu Hospital, Kapilvastu Community Hospital, Pyuthan Hospital, Mahakali Hospital, Ram Gopalpur Health Centre, Amda Hospital, Khotang District Hospital, Samari Health Centre, Beni Hospital and Burtibang Hospital. <br /> The bank said it now plans to install baby warmers at 800 birthing centers by 2023. <br /> </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13469', 'image' => '20210725031835_Anniversary Picture 1(1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 15:17:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13723', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' Tourist Arrival Down in Chitwan ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: The number of tourists arriving in Chitwan has recorded a fifty per cent decline in the last fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 25: The number of tourists arriving in Chitwan has recorded a fifty per cent decline in the last fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Majority of the tourists coming to Chitwan National Park go on a jungle safari, which is the main attraction of the district. Government data show a significant decline in tourist arrival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the last fiscal year (FY 2020/21), a total of 92,209 tourists went for a jungle safari in the park, which was 182,435 in the previous fiscal year (FY 2019/20), the state-owned national news agency RSS reported. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The number of domestic tourists visiting the park however saw only a minor decline, with 89,441 visiting the park in the last fiscal year. The number was 89,601 in the FY 2019/20. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The record of foreign tourists (excluding SAARC countries) visiting the park was only 1,244 in the review period. From the SAARC member states, 1,364 people arrived at Chitwan National Park in FY 2020/21. The number was 14,239 from SAARC countries and 78,755 from other countries in FY 2019/20. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Coronavirus pandemic was the major reason for the decline in the number of tourist visiting Chitwan, Chief Projection Officer of the CNP Ananath Baral told RSS. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the park has also suffered a significant loss in annual income due to low tourist arrival. The park collected Rs 25.5 million in tourist fees in FY 2020/21 against Rs 187.3 million in the previous fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">President of Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, Dipak Bhattarai said that the tourism sector of Chitwan continues to be hit by several incidents in the recent past years. After the earthquake, economic blockade by India and obstruction in Narayangadh-Mugling road, COVID-19 has further deteriorated the tourism sector. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Besides Chitwan, Pokhara, Lumbini, Everest, Mustang and Rara are the other famous tourist destinations of Nepal </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13468', 'image' => '20210725030344_20210202121548_20190415022754_aaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 15:02:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13722', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Soybean Oil Accounts for 38 Percent of Total Export', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Nepal’s foreign trade has crossed the mark of Rs 141 billion for the first time in the fiscal year 2020/21.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">July 25: Nepal’s foreign trade has crossed the mark of Rs 141 billion for the first time in the fiscal year 2020/21.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Soybean oil, which is basically not a native product of Nepal, is considered an important contributor to this growth factor. Entrepreneurs have been importing raw soybean from abroad, packing and exporting them to India.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Soybean oil worth Rs 53.65 billion has been exported during the review period, which is 38 percent of the total export. During this period, raw soybean worth Rs 53.39 billion were imported from foreign countries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Similarly, soybean oil came up as an alternative to palm after India banned import palm into the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Earlier, packaging of palm oil used to be done in 18 industries in Birgunj and Biratnagar, and other industries in Nepalgunj, Butwal and Bhairahawa. However, after the ban imposed on palm oil, traders started packing soybean oil in those industries. As India lifted the ban on palm oil in June, palm oil worth Rs 2.2 billion has been exported this year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">While the processed palm worth Rs 2 billion has been exported, raw palm worth Rs 8 billion has been imported into the country. Traders have been importing raw palm oil and soybean oil from Argentina, Bolivia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and other countries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Although the import is higher than export, traders have claimed that the export of soybean and palm oil have reduced the country’s trade deficit. Pradip Murarka of Murarka Industries says export of soybean and palm oil have significantly contributed to reducing the trade deficit.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">“For the first time, Nepal’s exports have exceeded Rs 100 billion due to the export of soybean oil,” he said, adding, “It will reduce the trade deficit. If the government provides incentives, it will make a significant contribution to the country’s foreign trade.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">On the other hand, economists say that doing business in such a way as to benefit from Indian customs will not contribute to the economy in the long run. Economist Rameshwar Khanal says that the export of vegetable ghee and gold jewelry had earlier reduced the trade deficit, so the current export of palm and soybean oil will be the same. “It cannot be stopped or discouraged, but there is no reason to be happy with the increase in exports and the government to encourage it,” he said. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13467', 'image' => '20210725024553_20210201123822_1612135819.Clipboard21.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 14:44:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13721', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'US Report Points to GoN as a Barrier to Investment', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Despite having some investment-friendly laws and regulations, Nepal still lacks investment-friendly environment, says a report prepared by the US Department of State.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">July 25: Despite having some investment-friendly laws and regulations, Nepal still lacks investment-friendly environment, says a report prepared by the US Department of State. This finding comes at a time when the Government of Nepal (GoN) has been urging the international community to invest in Nepal as the country has been created conducive environment for foreign investment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report titled '2020 Investment Climate Statements: Nepal' says that the country provides huge opportunities in energy, ICT, tourism and agriculture but it still has various obstacles related to inviting foreign investment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report states political instability, massive corruption, bureaucratic hassles and poor implementation of law as obstacles in bringing FDI (foreign Direct Investment). The government is willing to bring in FDI but has not been able to work accordingly, the report further says adding that foreign investors face various hurdles in taking back their profit and currency exchange. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report has pointed out that the government has a monopoly over power transmission lines and petroleum distribution sector. According to the report, the trade unions close to political parties stage protest programs in industries and the previous government was occupied in resolving its intra-party rift rather than on maintaining good governance which has discouraged FDI in the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Immigration laws and visa policies for foreign workers are complex, while operation procedures are not efficient and corruption has further exacerbated the problem of foreign workers seeking to work in the country. The report has expressed dissatisfaction over the government for not being able to implement the US-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project. The report states that the country is discouraging FDI by its inability to implement game changer project like MCC.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In 2017, Nepal signed the MCC project but has not endorsed it through the parliament for its implementation and this does not convey a good message among foreign investors, the report says.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The reports also finds the then government's attempt to prohibit media and non-government organization as inappropriate and considers bringing in secessionist CK Raut and outlawed Netra Bikram Chand into peace process through dialogue as a positive thing. This step will drive to bring in the foreign investment, the report added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the report the country can earn a good amount through the development of hydropower secctor. With an estimated capacity of 40,000 MW, it can make hydropower as a major source of income through the export of energy. The report has also predicted, tourism which provides great opportunities for investment, will be affected by COVID-19 pandemic till 2022.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13466', 'image' => '20210725125312_20210507114916_20200914112314_1600032154.2 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 12:51:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13720', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Central Bank Directs Remittance Companies to Determine Uniform Foreign Exchange Rate', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed concerned agencies to release the foreign exchange rate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for making remittance exchange more systematic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 25: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed concerned agencies to release the foreign exchange rate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for making remittance exchange more systematic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Amending the Unified Directives 2076, the central bank has instructed banks and financial institutions and remittance companies to determine a uniform exchange rate through the Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of Nepal (FEDAN). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The FEDAN should send the exchange rate to the Foreign Exchange Management Department of the NRB every day, NRB said in a notice issued on July 23. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The central bank has also instructed FEDAN to make the exchange rate available to all the licensed BFIs and remittance companies two times a day. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the central bank has made it mandatory for companies involved in remittance business to take membership of the FEDAN. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The notice issued by NRB Executive Director Ramu Poudel further states that such a directive was issued to make the remittance transaction more systematic. </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13465', 'image' => '20210725113120_20210713025441_1626132831.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 11:29:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13719', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurance Companies Collect Three Times More Premium in Last Month of FY 2020/21', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: Life Insurance companies have collected more insurance premium than the monthly average in the last month of Fiscal Year 2020/21', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 23: Life Insurance companies have collected more insurance premium than the monthly average in the last month of Fiscal Year 2020/21, according to the data provided by the Insurance Board. There are 19 life insurance companies operating in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the review period (mid-June to mid-July), those life insurance companies collected insurance premium of Rs 18.48 billion which is three times more than the average monthly collection. On an average, insurance companies collect Rs 5 to 6 billion insurance premium every month.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, collection of insurance premium was more than Rs 18 billion during the last months of FY 2020/21 as the financial activities increase during the last month. Insurance agents are found working hard to meet their target during this period. Most of the insurance policies are also renewed during this period. This is the reason why collection of insurance premium has increased during this period, according to the insurance companies.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The business of life insurance companies were badly affected until mid-June due to the impact of coronavirus. However, data show the insurance business was encouraging between mid-June to mid-July.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Data provided by the Insurance Board show that the average monthly collection of insurance premium was between Rs 5 to 6 billion as of mid-May. Insurance companies had collected insurance premium of Rs 5.2 billion in the month of Baishakh (mid-April to mid-May) which further slumped to Rs 3.31 billion the next month (mid-May to mid-June). However, it picked up pace again in the month of Asar (mid-June to mid-July).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the last fiscal year (FY 2020/21), life insurance companies collected insurance premium worth Rs 120.95 billion, which is more than the insurance premium collection of the previous fiscal year by 28.15 percent. In Fiscal Year 2019/20, the 19 life insurance companies had collected insurance premium worth Rs 94.38 billion.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13464', 'image' => '20210723111545_1626997044.1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 11:14:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13718', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Hackers Issue Threats to 15 Banks, NRB tells not to Worry ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: Fifteen banks including Nepal Rastra Bank have received emails from unidentified persons warning the banks of hacking their banking system. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 23: Fifteen banks including Nepal Rastra Bank have received emails from unidentified persons warning the banks of hacking their banking system. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson and the deputy spokesperson of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and high officials of different banks reportedly received the warning email on Wednesday evening. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chief of the Bank and Financial Institutions Regulation Department and Spokesperson of the Nepal Rastra Bank, Dev Kumar Dhakal confirmed that the group claiming itself as 'the group of hackers' sent message of hacking the banking system of 15 commercial banks including NRB. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Dhakal told the state-owned national news agency (RSS) that they received the email on Wednesday evening (July 21) warning that the systems would be hacked and money withdrawn by the next morning. However, he assured that the systems have not been hacked and further investigations are underway.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"I had received such type of message in Viber and Messenger. We checked banking system of NRB and other banks. Our system has not been hacked and it is safe. So there is no situation to be worried," RSS quoted Dhakal as saying. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Dhakal said it is still unknown who sent such type of messages. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to RSS, the hackers in the message warned of withdrawing money from Nepal Rastra Bank, Kumari Bank, Nepal Bank Limited, Nabil Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Machhapuchchhre Bank, NMB Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Bank of Kathmandu, Citizens Bank International, Sanima Bank, Nepal SBI Bank, Everest Bank, Nepal Investment Bank and Himalayan Bank. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hackers also warned not to take their message lightly. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13463', 'image' => '20210723090033_20210713025441_1626132831.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 08:59:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13717', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'ADB Approves $165 Million Loan for COVID-19 Vaccines in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).', 'content' => '<h1><em><span style="font-size:16px">Elderly women of Nepal pose for photo after receiving vaccine against Covid-19 in this photo posted by ADB. Photo Courtesy: ADB</span></em></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 23: </span></span><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).</span></span></span></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The project will support the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan in Nepal by procuring an estimated 15.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which will benefit about 6.8 million Nepalese, according to a press statement issued by the Manila-based ADB Headquarters on July 22. <br /> “ADB’s support will help the Government of Nepal procure much-needed COVID-19 vaccines to protect its citizens from the further spread of this disease,” the statement quoted ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa as saying. “It is essential that COVID-19 vaccines are quickly purchased and administered to help get the economy back on track by enabling the restoration of livelihoods and economic activities, as well as the resumption of educational and human development pursuits.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the press statement, the project is financed by ADB’s $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access launched in December 2020 to offer rapid and equitable vaccine-related support to ADB developing member countries. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vaccines eligible for financing must meet at least one of the APVAX eligibility criteria: the vaccine has been selected for procurement through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism; the vaccine has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) or WHO emergency use listing; or the vaccine has received regular or emergency licensure or authorization by a Stringent Regulatory Authority.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In addition to this project, ADB’s ongoing technical assistance grants will support the strengthening of the vaccine delivery system, communication, and community engagement to raise awareness on the risks of COVID-19 and the benefits of vaccination, the statement added. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The government is mobilizing female community health volunteers to disseminate information among marginalized communities to raise awareness. At least one female health worker or volunteer will support the effort in every vaccination site or outreach center, ADB said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ADB said it closely collaborates with other partners, like the World Bank, COVAX, WHO, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in supporting the Government of Nepal in its efforts to vaccinate its people as soon as possible.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The project will complement the government’s broader response through its $1.2 billion National Relief Program, which consists of social protection, health care, and economic relief measures. In May 2020, ADB provided support to the program through a $ 259 million concessional loan.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13462', 'image' => '20210723082704_133776-un0431162-2.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 08:24:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: As the rainy season continues this year, 26 bridges across the country have been damaged so far by floods. The damage due to the complete and partial collapse of the bridges has caused losses of billions of rupees. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to a preliminary report of the task force formed to study the extent of damage on bridges by rains and floods, eight motorable bridges that were under-construction have collapsed. Eight other motorable have also been damaged, the report stated. Shiva Prasad Nepal, deputy director general and spokesperson of the Department of Roads said that among other types of bridges, three wooden bridges, one Bailey bridge, two slab culverts and approach road of four bridges were damaged. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the exact data will be available only after a detailed study, Nepal said that the preliminary report shows the loss of around Rs 800 million. The bridges over Triyuga, Mahesh, Lodari, and Kamala rivers have collapsed while being constructed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Although the approach road to Kothiya Ghat, Soti Ghat and Khelako bridge was damaged, the main structure was not damaged. A Bailey bridge and other wooden bridges have also collapsed due to floods in Manang. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Likewise, the bridge over the Trishuli River connecting Devghat in Tanahau and Thimura in Chitwan also collapsed last April. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The task force was formed under the initiative of former Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Basanta Kumar Nemwang on July 4 after road and bridges in different parts of the country collapsed in April. The task force was mandated to analyze the causes of the damage to the bridges and submit a recommendation by July 22. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The team has returned from the field but the difficulty is that a detailed study seems impossible until the water level in the rivers and streams where the bridges collapsed decreases,” he said, “As the water level has risen, we couldn’t do more than look at it from the shore.” Spokesperson Nepal said that there is a possibility of a complete report only after September 1. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Moreover, he said that the deadline of the task force will be extended and the final report will be submitted only after the water level decreases and detailed data is collected. Discussions are underway at the secretary level to extend its terms. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the preliminary study, the first reason for the damage on the bridges is due to unnaturally heavy rains in June. Secondly, the activities in the watershed area have also contributed to the damages. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Development works such as roads, irrigation and culverts are being carried out by the local government in the watershed area,” Nepal said, “Such damage has occurred after the level of the river increased when the soil and stones that came out of the tracks were not placed properly. At the same time, the damage has occurred as some bridges have been built long ago and now the pattern of the rains has changed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Another important thing that we lack is that we don’t have proper data on rain, and soil research,” he said, “We have to rely on secondary data and they may not match.” </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Stating that there may be some weakness in testing the soil by drilling while constructing the bridges, he said that there is no database of consultants and soil test reports. Around 250 to 300 motorable bridges are constructed annually under the department. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13476', 'image' => '20210726013558_20200728022209_1595887425.Clipboard11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 13:35:03', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13730', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Agitating Transport Entrepreneurs Hand Over Vehicles’ Keys to PM', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Transport entrepreneurs have handed over the keys of their vehicles to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with a seven-point demand. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: Transport entrepreneurs have handed over the keys of their vehicles to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with a seven-point demand. After they staged a demonstration protest at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on July 25, they handed over a sample of the vehicles’ keys to the Prime Minister Deuba on Sunday. They handed over the keys through Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu, Kali Prasad Parajuli.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entrepreneurs affiliated to the Central Federation of Public Transport have started protests with various demands. Giving an ultimatum till August 8 to fulfill the demand, they have warned of stern protest if their demands are not addressed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Keshav Nepal, deputy general secretary of the federation, said that since the seven-point demand put forward by them was not addressed, the demo key of the vehicles was submitted. He also said that if their demands are not addressed by August 8, they will cease the transportation movement and will resort to protest.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The main demand put forth by the transportation entrepreneurs since July 8 is that all the drivers, helpers and employees associated with transport sector should be vaccinated against covid-19. Although the government has said that people involved in public transport have been given the vaccination since July 13, the federation says that there has been no satisfactory arrangement for the vaccination. The federation has also demanded that the transportation fares within the states should be adjusted with effect from July as the inter-state fare has been already adjusted.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, the additional demands of the transport entrepreneurs include solving their problems through monetary policy, provide tax exemption for the duration of the prohibitory period, and to arrange loans/refinancing by keeping the transport sector under the most affected areas. They have also demanded a waiver of renewal fee for the prohibitory period, a halt to the illegal ride-sharing business, adjusting taxi fares, a revision of the insurance policy, an extension of the 20-year term for vehicles and an amendment to the road safety laws.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The transport entrepreneurs had disrupted the traffic by organizing a rally on the roads of Kathmandu last Thursday.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13475', 'image' => '20210726012116_20200705035220_public transport.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 13:20:16', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13729', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Energy Minister Directs NEA to Collect Electricity Tariff ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect long-pending electricity tariff for the use of dedicated feeders.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect long-pending electricity tariff for the use of dedicated feeders. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the national news agency (RSS), over Rs 15 billion remains to be collected from the industrialists for the use of dedicated feeders in the past when the country was facing long hours of load shedding. </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At a programme organized at NEA office on Sunday (July 25), Minister Bhusal demanded a clear explanation on why the responsible employees of the NEA could not claim the dues of the dedicated feeders and trunk line and why the electricity tariff collection process could not make any progress. <br /> The government has already decided to entrust Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to collect electricity tariff of the dedicated feeders and trunk line despite objections from several quarters. <br /> A total of 309 industrialists and entrepreneurs had availed supply of electricity through dedicated feeder and trunk line during the height of power outage in the country during 2014 to 2018. <br /> The ministry had already assigned the NEA to form a research committee to study electricity tariff issues and to collect all the dues. Even the high court has paved way for the NEA to collect the tariff. <br /> However, the industrialists have been refusing to clear the dues, arguing why they should pay for the tariff when they have not used the electricity at all. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">There is a long dispute between industrialists and the NEA over the settlement of dues for using electricity from dedicated feeders and trunk lines. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Earlier on July 21, the Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) had formed a sub-committee led by lawmaker Minendra Rijal to look into the issue of dedicated electricity tariff. Based on the report, the PAC, on April 4, instructed the government to collect all dues within a month. There was a total of Rs 10.14 billion outstanding dues that industrialists owe to the NEA. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">NEA had supplied electricity to industries through dedicated feeder and trunk lines by charging a premium of 65 percent in the electricity tariffs. The NEA, which did not have authority to fix tariff, had got approval of its tariff rates from the then Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission in February 2016. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Industrialists are at odds with the NEA over the tariffs that NEA has fixed prior to the approval from the Commission. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Some industrialists even claim that the NEA has billed them for the electricity that their industries did not use during the load shedding.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13474', 'image' => '20210726112533_20210514031053_NEA.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 11:24:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13725', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Prohibitory Order Extended in Kathmandu Valley until August 4', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: Government authorities have extended the ongoing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley for 10 more days.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 26: Government authorities have extended the ongoing prohibitory order in the Kathmandu Valley for 10 more days.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">A meeting of the chief district officers (CDOs) of the three districts of the Valley including Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur took a decision to this effect on Sunday (July 26). As per the decision, the prohibitory order has been extended until August 4. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to a press statement issued by the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, the government has restricted public gatherings, operation of party palaces, cinema halls, bars, clubs, swimming pools and museums among others. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the state-owned national news agency RSS, the order has also restricted the public from marking festivals with mass gathering and organizing protest programmes with in public places. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the order has also restricted educational institutions from conducting classes in person until further notice. However, seminars, training and workshops can be organised virtually. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, shops have been allowed to remain open till 7:00 PM each day. However, medical stores and pharmacies can be opened round the clock. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Public vehicles can operate by carrying passengers based on their seating capacity while three-wheelers and micro buses are not permitted to carry more than nine people. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Similarly, the prohibitory order states that examinations can be conducted by managing a maximum of 25 students in one room. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13473', 'image' => '20210726100917_20200903113103_1599056781.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:08:17', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13726', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'NEPSE Index Reaches All-time High Record ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 54.31 points on Sunday (July 26) taking the index to 3058.63 points on the first trading day of the week, which is an all-time high record till date. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 26: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) increased by 54.31 points on Sunday (July 26) taking the index to 3058.63 points on the first trading day of the week, which is an all-time high record till date. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sensitive index also increased by 11.74 points and reached 574.02 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The sole secondary market of the country which had seen slight improvement last week recorded remarkable increase in Sunday's turnover. The turnover was 43,939,212 unit shares of 223 companies which were traded for Rs 14.23 billion. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Among the 13 sub-categories traded, 11 posted increase in the secondary market. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hotels and tourism sector witnessed a drop by 22.5 points while mutual fund decreased by 0.24 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the banking sector increased by 72.14 points, trade by 2.71 points, development banks by 13 points, microfinance by 71.6 points, non-life insurance companies by 48.42, productive sector by 71.86 points, hydro power sector by 86.23 points, life insurance companies by 30.86 points, investment by 0.04 points and others by 6.6 points. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Nepal Bank Limited (NBL) topped the list in terms of turnover. The NBL recorded turnover of Rs 497,665,182. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to the NEPSE, the shares of Bishal Bazaar Company, Ngadi Group of Power, Support Microfinance, Radhi Hydropower company, Panchakanya Mai Hydropower, Kalika Power Company, Joshi Hydropower Company, Universal Power and Himalayan Energy Development remained locked in the positive circuit limit of 10 per cent each. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Share of Laxmi Unnati Kosh, however, declined by 3.95 per cent, Kumari Equity Fund by 3.70 per cent and Laxmi Bank's bond by 3.30 percent. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Sunday’s market capitalization, after the end of the trading day, reached over Rs 4254 billion, the NEPSE said. -- RSS </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13472', 'image' => '20210726101919_20160613011604_20160613100022_fdsk;slk.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:18:26', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13727', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Workers Bound for Foreign Employment Suffer Due to the Lack of Vaccine', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The government has not been able to conduct vaccination drive against the coronavirus for all citizens on a regular basis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: The government has not been able to conduct vaccination drive against the coronavirus for all citizens on a regular basis. As a result, the workers going for foreign employment have been left stranded. Various labor destination countries have decided that anyone entering their country must be vaccinated against coronavirus. However, due to the lack of regular vaccination campaign in Nepal, workers going for foreign employment are facing huge problems.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Workers bound for foreign employment had been stopped in Nepal due to the prohibitory order. Now the prohibitory order has been eased and even international flights have come into operation. On the contrary, most of the workers have not been able to go for foreign employment due to the lack of vaccination.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Most of the labor destination countries require people to take the prescribed or specific vaccine. Countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar have made the US vaccine Johnson & Johnson, Indian vaccine CoviShield and other vaccines mandatory. Similarly, other countries have prescribed vaccines accordingly. On the other hand, the number of prescribed vaccines is not sufficient in Nepal. As a consequence, Nepali migrant workers are unable to go for foreign employment on time.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Vijay Kumar Gahatraj of Jhapa has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past seven years. He had come home in April to celebrate his holiday. Prohibitory order was imposed from April 30. He also took a flight ticket of Qatar Airlines for Saudi Arabia, the labor destination in the last week of May. But due to the implementation of the prohibitory order, he could not reach his destination, Saudi Arabia.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> Saudi Arabia has now made vaccines like Johnson mandatory for all visitors. Since Gahatraj has not been able to get vaccinated, he hasn’t been able to go to work yet.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> The Johnson vaccination campaign was conducted in various vaccination centers in Kathmandu from July 19 to 21. He arrived in Kathmandu last Friday after learning that the vaccine was not going to be made available in Jhapa. But he is yet to receive the vaccine.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He is only a representative case. At Shukraraj Tropical and Communicable Diseases Hospital, Teku, there is a huge crowd of workers who have been stranded after not being able to get vaccinated. They have repeatedly demanded that vaccinations be provided to them promptly. However, the concerned body has not been able to take a proper decision in this regard.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to the workers, the police and security personnel directed them to come for vaccination only after watching the news. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel said that the ministry is serious about the matter. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"We have made a plan on how to resolve this issue," he said, adding, "The ministry will work as soon as possible after the plan has been finalized." </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The chief of Immunization Division, Department of Health Services, Jhalak Sharma informed that such problems came into existence after the allocated amount of vaccines for Kathmandu valley ran out of stock.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The problem arose after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which was allocated for the Kathmandu Valley, was finished," he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Vaccines have also been sent to other districts as well. Those who are going for foreign employment will be able to get vaccinated from their own district,” he said, adding, “The vaccination campaign will resume again in Kathmandu after the arrival of the next lot of vaccines.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Sharma said that preparations are being made to set up a separate vaccination center for those going for foreign employment and those working in essential sectors. He said that even after the vaccination campaign comes to an end, a separate center will be set up targeting the workers going for foreign employment and it will always be open.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">According to a source, the Ministry of Health and Population has already decided to set up a separate vaccination center targeting those going for foreign employment. But for some reason, it has not yet been officially announced to the public. It has been decided to operate vaccination centers at Teku, Civil Hospital, Armed Police Hospital Balambu and Patan Hospital for the workers going for foreign employment. Sources say that it could be implemented this week itself.</span></span></span></p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13471', 'image' => '20210726103917_20210403032054_Foreign Employment.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:38:24', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13728', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Industrialists Discuss Issues Related to Monetary Policy with Finance Minister', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 26: The industrialists of Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor met with Finance Minister Janardan Sharma recently to discuss about the monetary policy. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">July 26: The industrialists of Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor met with Finance Minister Janardan Sharma recently to discuss about the monetary policy. The industrialists urged Finance Minister Sharma to introduce the monetary policy focusing on reviving the industries that have been affected by Covid-19. A delegation led by Morang Trade Association’s President Prakash Mundada also handed over a 21-point recommendation to the Finance Minister. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The industrialists have requested the government to waive interest on loans, extend the loan repayment deadline, maintain the current bank's spread rate at a maximum of 3.5 percent, and limit credit rating of public limited companies to Rs 500 million and Rs 200 million for private companies. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, they also demanded that the monetary policy should simplify refinancing for industrialists and entrepreneurs. Likewise, domestic industrial establishments that have incurred losses due to lockdown should receive help for the next three years, states one of their demands.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Similarly, they demanded the government to waive the service charges and renewal fees charged by the banks during the lockdown period. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Their demand also includes renewal of loans at low interest rates with special concessions for the tourism, transport, hotel/resort, poultry, and other sectors that have been severely affected by the pandemic.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The delegation that visited the finance minister included trade union president Mundada, senior vice president Navin Rijal, former presidents Pawan Kumar Sarda and Mahesh Jaju.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, a team of the Morang Trade Association has called on Energy Minister Pampha Bhusal to resolve the issue of the power crisis. The electricity supply in Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor has been disturbed recently.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A team led by President Mundada met Energy Minister Bhusal and Energy Secretary Devendra Karki and drew their attention to the problems faced by the industries in the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor. </span></span></span></p> <p><br /> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-26', 'modified' => '2021-07-26', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13470', 'image' => '20210726105922_1626392414.Clipboard14.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-26 10:58:32', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13724', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => ' Jyoti Bikas Bank to Support Second Phase of Warm Baby Project ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Jyoti Bikas Bank has reached an understanding with National Innovation Centre to support the second phase of the Warm Baby Project.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 25: Jyoti Bikas Bank has reached an understanding with National Innovation Centre to support the second phase of the Warm Baby Project.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As per the agreement, the bank will provide financial assistance to install baby warmers developed by the centre at birthing centers across the country. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The bank informed that the assistance will be provided under its corporate social responsibility.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The bank’s representative and Chairperson of the Centre Dr Mahabir Pun exchanged agreement papers in this regard amid an event organized at the head office of Jyoti Bikas Bank on Saturday (July 24) on the occasion of the bank’s 13<sup>th</sup> anniversary.</span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to a statement issued by the bank, its board member Surendra Nepal handed over Rs 1 million for the project.<br /> First phase of the project concluded in the fiscal year, 2076/77 BS. Under the first phase, baby warmers were installed at 10 hospitals including Madhyabindu Hospital, Kapilvastu Community Hospital, Pyuthan Hospital, Mahakali Hospital, Ram Gopalpur Health Centre, Amda Hospital, Khotang District Hospital, Samari Health Centre, Beni Hospital and Burtibang Hospital. <br /> The bank said it now plans to install baby warmers at 800 birthing centers by 2023. <br /> </span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13469', 'image' => '20210725031835_Anniversary Picture 1(1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 15:17:05', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13723', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => ' Tourist Arrival Down in Chitwan ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: The number of tourists arriving in Chitwan has recorded a fifty per cent decline in the last fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 25: The number of tourists arriving in Chitwan has recorded a fifty per cent decline in the last fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Majority of the tourists coming to Chitwan National Park go on a jungle safari, which is the main attraction of the district. Government data show a significant decline in tourist arrival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">In the last fiscal year (FY 2020/21), a total of 92,209 tourists went for a jungle safari in the park, which was 182,435 in the previous fiscal year (FY 2019/20), the state-owned national news agency RSS reported. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The number of domestic tourists visiting the park however saw only a minor decline, with 89,441 visiting the park in the last fiscal year. The number was 89,601 in the FY 2019/20. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The record of foreign tourists (excluding SAARC countries) visiting the park was only 1,244 in the review period. From the SAARC member states, 1,364 people arrived at Chitwan National Park in FY 2020/21. The number was 14,239 from SAARC countries and 78,755 from other countries in FY 2019/20. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Coronavirus pandemic was the major reason for the decline in the number of tourist visiting Chitwan, Chief Projection Officer of the CNP Ananath Baral told RSS. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Meanwhile, the park has also suffered a significant loss in annual income due to low tourist arrival. The park collected Rs 25.5 million in tourist fees in FY 2020/21 against Rs 187.3 million in the previous fiscal year. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">President of Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, Dipak Bhattarai said that the tourism sector of Chitwan continues to be hit by several incidents in the recent past years. After the earthquake, economic blockade by India and obstruction in Narayangadh-Mugling road, COVID-19 has further deteriorated the tourism sector. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Besides Chitwan, Pokhara, Lumbini, Everest, Mustang and Rara are the other famous tourist destinations of Nepal </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13468', 'image' => '20210725030344_20210202121548_20190415022754_aaa.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 15:02:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13722', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Soybean Oil Accounts for 38 Percent of Total Export', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Nepal’s foreign trade has crossed the mark of Rs 141 billion for the first time in the fiscal year 2020/21.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">July 25: Nepal’s foreign trade has crossed the mark of Rs 141 billion for the first time in the fiscal year 2020/21.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Soybean oil, which is basically not a native product of Nepal, is considered an important contributor to this growth factor. Entrepreneurs have been importing raw soybean from abroad, packing and exporting them to India.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Soybean oil worth Rs 53.65 billion has been exported during the review period, which is 38 percent of the total export. During this period, raw soybean worth Rs 53.39 billion were imported from foreign countries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Similarly, soybean oil came up as an alternative to palm after India banned import palm into the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Earlier, packaging of palm oil used to be done in 18 industries in Birgunj and Biratnagar, and other industries in Nepalgunj, Butwal and Bhairahawa. However, after the ban imposed on palm oil, traders started packing soybean oil in those industries. As India lifted the ban on palm oil in June, palm oil worth Rs 2.2 billion has been exported this year.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">While the processed palm worth Rs 2 billion has been exported, raw palm worth Rs 8 billion has been imported into the country. Traders have been importing raw palm oil and soybean oil from Argentina, Bolivia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and other countries.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Although the import is higher than export, traders have claimed that the export of soybean and palm oil have reduced the country’s trade deficit. Pradip Murarka of Murarka Industries says export of soybean and palm oil have significantly contributed to reducing the trade deficit.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">“For the first time, Nepal’s exports have exceeded Rs 100 billion due to the export of soybean oil,” he said, adding, “It will reduce the trade deficit. If the government provides incentives, it will make a significant contribution to the country’s foreign trade.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">On the other hand, economists say that doing business in such a way as to benefit from Indian customs will not contribute to the economy in the long run. Economist Rameshwar Khanal says that the export of vegetable ghee and gold jewelry had earlier reduced the trade deficit, so the current export of palm and soybean oil will be the same. “It cannot be stopped or discouraged, but there is no reason to be happy with the increase in exports and the government to encourage it,” he said. </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13467', 'image' => '20210725024553_20210201123822_1612135819.Clipboard21.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 14:44:40', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13721', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'US Report Points to GoN as a Barrier to Investment', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Despite having some investment-friendly laws and regulations, Nepal still lacks investment-friendly environment, says a report prepared by the US Department of State.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">July 25: Despite having some investment-friendly laws and regulations, Nepal still lacks investment-friendly environment, says a report prepared by the US Department of State. This finding comes at a time when the Government of Nepal (GoN) has been urging the international community to invest in Nepal as the country has been created conducive environment for foreign investment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report titled '2020 Investment Climate Statements: Nepal' says that the country provides huge opportunities in energy, ICT, tourism and agriculture but it still has various obstacles related to inviting foreign investment.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report states political instability, massive corruption, bureaucratic hassles and poor implementation of law as obstacles in bringing FDI (foreign Direct Investment). The government is willing to bring in FDI but has not been able to work accordingly, the report further says adding that foreign investors face various hurdles in taking back their profit and currency exchange. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The report has pointed out that the government has a monopoly over power transmission lines and petroleum distribution sector. According to the report, the trade unions close to political parties stage protest programs in industries and the previous government was occupied in resolving its intra-party rift rather than on maintaining good governance which has discouraged FDI in the country.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Immigration laws and visa policies for foreign workers are complex, while operation procedures are not efficient and corruption has further exacerbated the problem of foreign workers seeking to work in the country. The report has expressed dissatisfaction over the government for not being able to implement the US-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project. The report states that the country is discouraging FDI by its inability to implement game changer project like MCC.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In 2017, Nepal signed the MCC project but has not endorsed it through the parliament for its implementation and this does not convey a good message among foreign investors, the report says.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The reports also finds the then government's attempt to prohibit media and non-government organization as inappropriate and considers bringing in secessionist CK Raut and outlawed Netra Bikram Chand into peace process through dialogue as a positive thing. This step will drive to bring in the foreign investment, the report added.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the report the country can earn a good amount through the development of hydropower secctor. With an estimated capacity of 40,000 MW, it can make hydropower as a major source of income through the export of energy. The report has also predicted, tourism which provides great opportunities for investment, will be affected by COVID-19 pandemic till 2022.</span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13466', 'image' => '20210725125312_20210507114916_20200914112314_1600032154.2 (1).jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 12:51:15', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13720', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Central Bank Directs Remittance Companies to Determine Uniform Foreign Exchange Rate', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 25: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed concerned agencies to release the foreign exchange rate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for making remittance exchange more systematic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 25: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed concerned agencies to release the foreign exchange rate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every day for making remittance exchange more systematic. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Amending the Unified Directives 2076, the central bank has instructed banks and financial institutions and remittance companies to determine a uniform exchange rate through the Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of Nepal (FEDAN). </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The FEDAN should send the exchange rate to the Foreign Exchange Management Department of the NRB every day, NRB said in a notice issued on July 23. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The central bank has also instructed FEDAN to make the exchange rate available to all the licensed BFIs and remittance companies two times a day. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Likewise, the central bank has made it mandatory for companies involved in remittance business to take membership of the FEDAN. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The notice issued by NRB Executive Director Ramu Poudel further states that such a directive was issued to make the remittance transaction more systematic. </span><br /> </span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-25', 'modified' => '2021-07-25', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13465', 'image' => '20210725113120_20210713025441_1626132831.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-25 11:29:45', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13719', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Insurance Companies Collect Three Times More Premium in Last Month of FY 2020/21', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: Life Insurance companies have collected more insurance premium than the monthly average in the last month of Fiscal Year 2020/21', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 23: Life Insurance companies have collected more insurance premium than the monthly average in the last month of Fiscal Year 2020/21, according to the data provided by the Insurance Board. There are 19 life insurance companies operating in Nepal. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the review period (mid-June to mid-July), those life insurance companies collected insurance premium of Rs 18.48 billion which is three times more than the average monthly collection. On an average, insurance companies collect Rs 5 to 6 billion insurance premium every month.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">However, collection of insurance premium was more than Rs 18 billion during the last months of FY 2020/21 as the financial activities increase during the last month. Insurance agents are found working hard to meet their target during this period. Most of the insurance policies are also renewed during this period. This is the reason why collection of insurance premium has increased during this period, according to the insurance companies.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The business of life insurance companies were badly affected until mid-June due to the impact of coronavirus. However, data show the insurance business was encouraging between mid-June to mid-July.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Data provided by the Insurance Board show that the average monthly collection of insurance premium was between Rs 5 to 6 billion as of mid-May. Insurance companies had collected insurance premium of Rs 5.2 billion in the month of Baishakh (mid-April to mid-May) which further slumped to Rs 3.31 billion the next month (mid-May to mid-June). However, it picked up pace again in the month of Asar (mid-June to mid-July).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:15.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">During the last fiscal year (FY 2020/21), life insurance companies collected insurance premium worth Rs 120.95 billion, which is more than the insurance premium collection of the previous fiscal year by 28.15 percent. In Fiscal Year 2019/20, the 19 life insurance companies had collected insurance premium worth Rs 94.38 billion.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13464', 'image' => '20210723111545_1626997044.1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 11:14:47', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13718', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Hackers Issue Threats to 15 Banks, NRB tells not to Worry ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: Fifteen banks including Nepal Rastra Bank have received emails from unidentified persons warning the banks of hacking their banking system. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">July 23: Fifteen banks including Nepal Rastra Bank have received emails from unidentified persons warning the banks of hacking their banking system. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson and the deputy spokesperson of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and high officials of different banks reportedly received the warning email on Wednesday evening. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Chief of the Bank and Financial Institutions Regulation Department and Spokesperson of the Nepal Rastra Bank, Dev Kumar Dhakal confirmed that the group claiming itself as 'the group of hackers' sent message of hacking the banking system of 15 commercial banks including NRB. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Spokesperson Dhakal told the state-owned national news agency (RSS) that they received the email on Wednesday evening (July 21) warning that the systems would be hacked and money withdrawn by the next morning. However, he assured that the systems have not been hacked and further investigations are underway.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">"I had received such type of message in Viber and Messenger. We checked banking system of NRB and other banks. Our system has not been hacked and it is safe. So there is no situation to be worried," RSS quoted Dhakal as saying. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">Dhakal said it is still unknown who sent such type of messages. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">According to RSS, the hackers in the message warned of withdrawing money from Nepal Rastra Bank, Kumari Bank, Nepal Bank Limited, Nabil Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Machhapuchchhre Bank, NMB Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Bank of Kathmandu, Citizens Bank International, Sanima Bank, Nepal SBI Bank, Everest Bank, Nepal Investment Bank and Himalayan Bank. </span><br /> <span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"">The hackers also warned not to take their message lightly. </span></span></span><br /> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13463', 'image' => '20210723090033_20210713025441_1626132831.Clipboard03.jpg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 08:59:30', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '13717', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'ADB Approves $165 Million Loan for COVID-19 Vaccines in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'July 23: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).', 'content' => '<h1><em><span style="font-size:16px">Elderly women of Nepal pose for photo after receiving vaccine against Covid-19 in this photo posted by ADB. Photo Courtesy: ADB</span></em></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">July 23: </span></span><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).</span></span></span></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The project will support the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan in Nepal by procuring an estimated 15.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which will benefit about 6.8 million Nepalese, according to a press statement issued by the Manila-based ADB Headquarters on July 22. <br /> “ADB’s support will help the Government of Nepal procure much-needed COVID-19 vaccines to protect its citizens from the further spread of this disease,” the statement quoted ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa as saying. “It is essential that COVID-19 vaccines are quickly purchased and administered to help get the economy back on track by enabling the restoration of livelihoods and economic activities, as well as the resumption of educational and human development pursuits.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">According to the press statement, the project is financed by ADB’s $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access launched in December 2020 to offer rapid and equitable vaccine-related support to ADB developing member countries. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Vaccines eligible for financing must meet at least one of the APVAX eligibility criteria: the vaccine has been selected for procurement through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism; the vaccine has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) or WHO emergency use listing; or the vaccine has received regular or emergency licensure or authorization by a Stringent Regulatory Authority.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In addition to this project, ADB’s ongoing technical assistance grants will support the strengthening of the vaccine delivery system, communication, and community engagement to raise awareness on the risks of COVID-19 and the benefits of vaccination, the statement added. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The government is mobilizing female community health volunteers to disseminate information among marginalized communities to raise awareness. At least one female health worker or volunteer will support the effort in every vaccination site or outreach center, ADB said.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ADB said it closely collaborates with other partners, like the World Bank, COVAX, WHO, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in supporting the Government of Nepal in its efforts to vaccinate its people as soon as possible.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The project will complement the government’s broader response through its $1.2 billion National Relief Program, which consists of social protection, health care, and economic relief measures. In May 2020, ADB provided support to the program through a $ 259 million concessional loan.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2021-07-23', 'modified' => '2021-07-23', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '13462', 'image' => '20210723082704_133776-un0431162-2.jpeg', 'article_date' => '2021-07-23 08:24:54', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
