Government Planning to Develop Sindhupalchowk as ‘Kiwi Zone’

Feb 14, 2021 0 4 minutes 7 seconds to read

February 14: Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dhulikhel is preparing to make Sindhupalchowk a 'Kiwi Zone' due to an increase in attraction of farmers in kiwi farming in the district.…

National Pride Projects yet to Spend more than 50% of Allocated Budget

Feb 14, 2021 0 1 minutes 38 seconds to read

February 13: Majority of the National Pride Projects haven’t spent even 50 percent of the allocated budget in the current fiscal…

NEA’ s new Managing Director Faces Challenges from Power Distribution to its Consumption

Feb 12, 2021 0 2 minutes 42 seconds to read

February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term.…

Political Parties ‘Demand’ Donations from Private Sector to Organise Protests

Feb 12, 2021 0 2 minutes 21 seconds to read

February 12: At a time when the private sector is struggling to overcome the impacts of coronavirus pandemic, political parties from both the Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions of Nepal Communist Party have been allegedly putting pressure on businessmen and industrialists for…

Government Lacks Adequate Laboratories for Testing Bird Flu

Feb 12, 2021 0 2 minutes 34 seconds to read

February 12: Bird flu has re-emerged in Kathmandu. The disease was initially detected in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwor Municipality – 7 in Kathmandu on January…

Tunnel Test of Melamchi Project to be Completed in next 2 Months

Feb 12, 2021 0 1 minutes 15 seconds to read

February 12: Altogether 69 percent works of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) has been completed, according to the half-yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the government recently.…

Hotel Yak & Yeti Introduces Special Packages for Valentine's Day

Feb 12, 2021 0 1 minutes 34 seconds to read

February 12: Hotel Yak & Yeti, a five-star hotel in Durbar Marg, has introduced Romantic Candle Light Dinner and Special Accommodation packages for Valentine’s Day…

Govt to make 5% investment in 10-billion-rupee fund to be set up by NRNA

Feb 11, 2021 0 1 minutes 3 seconds to read

February 11: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said that it plans to make 5 percent investment in a fund of Rs 10 billion that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is setting up to finance infrastructure…

NRB Governor in Favour of Promoting Skilled Workers within the Country

Feb 11, 2021 0 2 minutes 15 seconds to read

February 11: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari has urged all stakeholders to promote the skills of local workers.…

Hotel and Cable Car in Palpa in the Pipeline

Feb 11, 2021 0 2 minutes 28 seconds to read

February 11: A cable car connecting Butwal and Palpa and a five star hotel in Basantapur of Palpa are being constructed in collaboration between two big private companies of Nepal.…

NOC Hikes Price of Petroleum Products, LPG

Feb 11, 2021 0 1 minutes 14 seconds to read

February 11: The government hiked the price of petroleum products as well as cooking gas, effective from Wednesday midnight.…

Nepalese Seeking Foreign Employment on Decline

Feb 11, 2021 0 2 minutes 6 seconds to read

February 11: The number of Nepalese nationals seeking foreign jobs has declined by 77.6 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to the half yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance…

Government Preparing to Monitor and Regulate Social Media

Feb 10, 2021 0 2 minutes 17 seconds to read

February 10: The government is preparing to strictly monitor social networking sites due to an increase in inciting posts and hate speeches targeted towards high profile individuals.…

Laxmi Bank Announces Winners of ‘My Mobile Money’ Video Contest

Feb 10, 2021 0 1 minutes 27 seconds to read

February 10: Laxmi Bank has announced the winners of its ‘My Mobile Money’ contest.…

FDI without Central Bank’s Approval on the Cards

Feb 10, 2021 0 2 minutes 12 seconds to read

February 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will no longer require approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank in the near future.…

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No Laughing Matter

The Sweet Rewards of Power

By Madan Lamsal

. . .
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NEPSE

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			'title' => 'Government Planning to Develop Sindhupalchowk as ‘Kiwi Zone’ ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 14: Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dhulikhel is preparing to make Sindhupalchowk a 'Kiwi Zone' due to an increase in attraction of farmers in kiwi farming in the district. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 14: Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dhulikhel is preparing to make Sindhupalchowk a &#39;Kiwi Zone&#39; due to an increase in attraction of farmers in kiwi farming in the district. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;We have been giving grants to Melamchi Municipality-1 by declaring it as a pocket area of Kiwi,&rdquo; said Tej Prasad Duwadi, head of the knowledge center, adding, &ldquo;Now we are preparing to make the zone a Kiwi zone.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to Duwadi, saplings were distributed in areas like Batase, Karkitar, Thumpaakhar, Jethal and Nawalpur last year with a grant from the Agriculture Knowledge Center. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Duwadi further informed that 1,500 tons of Kiwi was produced in Helambu, Bhotechaur and Haibung last year. He said that Kiwi farming should be promoted further in the district as there is a plan to make drinks including wine and juice and sell them in the market. He further informed that the villagers have started using machines to make juice, wine and other beverages. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to the center, it is estimated that 2.5 metric tons of kiwi will be produced in the district this year. Farmers from Melamchi Municipality, Helambu Municipality, Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality and Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality in the western region have been engaged in kiwi farming after the center started providing assistance. Farmers have started cultivating Kiwi commercially after being encouraged by good production and income. Farmers of Khale and Karkitar of Sangachokgadhi Municipality-3 of Chautara have planted 350 saplings and started kiwi farming from this year. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Likewise, kiwi planted six years ago in Bhotechaur has started producing furits. Dinesh Prasad Sigdel and a group of local youths had planted kiwi in 60 ropani of land in 2069 with an investment of Rs 8 million. &ldquo;At present, Kiwi farming is being done in 1,200 ropani of land,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;We have been increasing it every year. Every year, around 1,000 people are getting employment from this business.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Similarly, with an investment of Rs 20 million, kiwi saplings are planted in 220 ropani of land in Haibung. Currently, 16,000 saplings are planted in 1,420 ropani of land in both places. Sigdel says that Rs 40 million has been invested to plant the saplings. The kiwi fruit, which has been produced since last year, is being sold as per the demand of traders. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Sigdel informed that initially he brought the saplings from Dhulikhel at Rs 600 per plant and since this year, he has established a nursery and has been selling plant at Rs 250 per plant. Altogether 500 saplings have been sold and distributed in Helambu from there. From this year, they have started producing juice as well. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Mahalal Dulal of Haibung Banjaratol said that he was discouraged due to low production initially. &quot;There is no problem of not getting market for the fruit anymore,&quot; he said, adding that even though one has to wait for 4 to 5 years for the kiwi fruit to be harvested, more farmers have become interested due to the prospect of good income.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Farmers say that it has been easier to expand the farming after Himalayan Kiwi Pvt. Ltd started producing and selling the plant. &ldquo;Everyone started investing after the firm started good Kiwi Production,&rdquo; a local Subas Dulal said. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Similarly, kiwi planted five years ago in 10 ropanis by Arjun Sapkota of Listi, Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-1 has started bearing fruit. Kiwi plant starts bearing fruits four years after planting. The farmers have prioritised the Nepali market in the first phase and export in the second phase. The fruit which is produced between November to February can also be used to make foods such as wine and jam. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'National Pride Projects yet to Spend more than 50% of Allocated Budget',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 13: Majority of the National Pride Projects haven’t spent even 50 percent of the allocated budget in the current fiscal year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">February 13: Majority of the National Pride Projects haven&rsquo;t spent even 50 percent of the allocated budget in the current fiscal year. With six months left in the ongoing fiscal year, only Rs&nbsp; 13.98 billion has been spent out of Rs 92.6 million allocated for the national pride projects, according to the half-yearly budget review of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">A total of 25 national projects are currently running. Among them, the progress of Pokhara Regional International Airport, Mid-hill Highway, and Karnali Corridor is satisfactory. Of the 25 projects, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project has only made an expenditure of Rs 2.12 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Mid-hill Highway project has spent Rs 1.76 billion of the allocated amount of Rs 8.27 billion. The Postal Highway has spent Rs 3.34 billion of Rs 7.1 billion. Kathmandu-Terai Fast track has spent Rs 1.23 billion of Rs 8.93 billion. Gautam Buddha International Airport has spent Rs 2.98 billion of Rs 4.72 billion. Nigadh International Airport has spent 50 million of 500 million. Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project spent Rs 1.8 billion of Rs 8.84 billion</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">These projects are lagging behind due to the unavailability of separate laws for the implementation of national pride projects. Also, the lack of skilled manpower and lack of construction materials have been the major hindrances for the project development. The report states that project execution starts before finalizing the project modality, while issues like land acquisition, compensation amount, rehabilitation of affected people and Detailed Project Report have also resulted in the delay in projects.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">To increase the budget spending ,the report suggests to complete tasks of land acquisition, environment impact assessment, cutting of trees, and preparing DPR before the project starts. </span></span></p>
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			'id' => '13041',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEA’ s new Managing Director Faces Challenges from Power Distribution to its Consumption',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term. ',
			'content' => '<p><em>This image taken from Facebook shows newly-appointed MD of Nepal Electricity Authority Hitendra Dev Shakya.</em></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya is considered as an experienced hand for the post but experts say his tenure is full of challenges.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Experts are of the view that building transmission lines and increasing energy consumption are the major concerns at the moment. Due to NEA&rsquo;s inefficacy in completing Solu, Koshi, Trishuli transmission lines on time, energy production of 20 projects of those areas has been affected. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">As far as energy consumption is concerned, Shakya will primarily be having difficult time during the monsoon season. Hydropower projects produce energy in excess during the monsoon. Likewise, 456 megawatt Upper Tamakoshi project and other private hydropower projects will be completed soon. In this context, Shakya will face challenge of increasing power consumption, says Krishna Prasad Acharya, president of the Independent Power Producers&rsquo; Association of Nepal (IPPAN). &ldquo;The newly appointed MD should focus on building transmission lines, distribution system, substation, expansion of infrastructure and increasing power consumption within the country,&rdquo; Acharya added. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Energy epxert Gyanendra Lal Pradhan says new measures are required to bring changes in energy consumption. NEA should work on increasing power consumption in the industrial sector, suggests Pradhan. Most of the industries are still without power and running on diesel. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya has other challenge of completing hydropower projects and transmission lines.&nbsp; Solu corridor, Koshi corridor, Trishuli corridor, Kushma- Butwal transmission line, Hetauda-Dhalkebar transmission line are yet to be completed. Shakya also has the responsibility to complete the most-awaited Upper Tamakoshi, Tanahu Seti storage, Middle Bhotekoshi, Rasuwagadhi hydropower projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya has succeeded former MD Kulman Ghishing, who earned a huge respect from the public for removing power cuts. Shakya faces an uphill battle to earn same kind of public image. Shakya himself accepts he has various kinds of challenges in days to come. He has plans to work accordingly to increase power access to 100% from the current 86%.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&nbsp;&ldquo;Incomplete transmission lines will be completed and generated power will be connected to the national grid. At present, NEA has signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with 5000 MW projects. I will work to increase energy consumption within the country and also work on exporting energy to minimize trade deficit,&rdquo; Shakya said. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '13039',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Political Parties ‘Demand’ Donations from Private Sector to Organise Protests',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: At a time when the private sector is struggling to overcome the impacts of coronavirus pandemic, political parties from both the Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions of Nepal Communist Party have been allegedly putting pressure on businessmen and industrialists for donation.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">February 12: At a time when the private sector is struggling to overcome the impacts of coronavirus pandemic, political parties from both the Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions of Nepal Communist Party have been allegedly putting pressure on businessmen and industrialists for donation.<br />
The private sector has been complaining that both the establishment and dissident factions of the ruling party have been seeking funds to carry out demonstrations and mass meetings.<br />
Entrepreneurs say that the pro-government and anti-government protests following the recent political crisis have taken a massive toll on their businesses. They say that the demand for donation from the political parties during the current crisis of coronavirus has put further strain on them to sustain their businesses. &nbsp;<br />
Entrepreneurs told New Business Age that they are in trouble after both the factions started collecting donations for their demonstrations. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The parties have been collecting donations in the capital, Kathmandu, to gather protesters from various districts.<br />
An industrialist said on condition of anonymity that the two panels of the ruling party were competing with each other for collecting donations in the Birgunj-Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The country is facing political crisis after the dissolution of the House of Representatives upon the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Oli while the industrialists are facing the brunt of the protests.<br />
Both the Dahal-Nepal faction and Oli-led panel are demonstrating their power through street protests while other opposition parties are also protesting. &nbsp;<br />
Local political leaders of both the panels of the NPC have been putting pressure on the businessmen to help them fund the movement.<br />
The Parsa district committee of the Oli-led group had sent letters to entrepreneurs in Birgunj-Patalaiya Industrial Corridor demanding donations. An entrepreneur complained that the private sector, which was expecting a conducive environment for running industries and businesses from the majority government, has become a victim of political instability and donations.<br />
The private sector, which is hoping for political stability, is in a dilemma at the moment. &quot;Some people say they need help to get people to support the government, others say they have to protest,&quot; an industrialist from Birgunj informed.<br />
An official of the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries informed that, ironically, the private sector which has been affected due to the strike and political instability, have been forced to donate for the demonstrations.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13040',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Lacks Adequate Laboratories for Testing Bird Flu ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Bird flu has re-emerged in Kathmandu. The disease was initially detected in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwor Municipality – 7 in Kathmandu on January 29.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 12: Bird flu has re-emerged in Kathmandu. The disease was initially detected in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwor Municipality &ndash; 7 in Kathmandu on January 29. After that, the Department of Livestock Services was closely monitoring the area and other suspicious places in the country. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to a press release issued by the department, bird flu was confirmed in Tarkeshwor municipality &ndash; 1 again on February 9 while testing a duck reared by a local farmer.&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">As soon as the disease was confirmed, the department mobilized its units to control the spread of the disease and destroy all the livestock and other contagious things in the affected areas. Meanwhile, 1,421 ducks, 42 chickens, 26 eggs and 800 kg grains have been destroyed and the area has been completely disinfected, the statement added. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Shreeram Ghimire said that there is lack of laboratories for testing the contagious disease. According to him, out of eight laboratories under the ministry, five are currently being used by the Ministry of Health for coronavirus tests. Only the remaining three are being used for bird flu testing. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;This is insufficient for us. There could be problem for testing if additional laboratories are not arranged as soon as possible,&rdquo; he said. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Out of the eight laboratories, only the Central Veterinary Laboratory at Tripureshwor is recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Apart from this, other laboratories do not meet all the criteria although tests are being carried out in those labs. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Dr Ghimire said that the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health Services have been asked to provide laboratories to them. Furthermore, he said that if the disease spreads, the number of laboratories conducting regular tests may not be enough and more laboratories may be required. The ministry has informed that efforts are being made from all quarters to control the spread of the disease. The ministry has also appealed to all stakeholders for cooperation and collaboration in controlling the disease. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '13038',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Tunnel Test of Melamchi Project to be Completed in next 2 Months',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Altogether 69 percent works of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) has been completed, according to the half-yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the government recently. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">February 12: Altogether 69 percent works of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) has been completed, according to the half-yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the government recently. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">&ldquo;Following an incident in the tunnel of MWSP last year, construction is going on through revised procedures,&rdquo; said Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. According to Shakya an expert team of ADB was in Nepal a month ago for the inspection of MWSP. Works on tunnel grouting are being carried out in accordance to the suggestion of the team.&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Shakya said that the task of tunnel grouting will be completed by the second week of Falgun (February end). After that, MWSP will move ahead with the works of tunnel test. Testing of the tunnel is expected to last for around two months. Soon after the completion of tunnel test, MWSP will start working on water supply, Shakya told New Business Age.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">It has been more that two decades since this project was started with a cost estimate of $464 million which was later downsized to $312.9 million. A total of Rs 5.46 billion has been allocated in this fiscal year of which Rs 52.19 million has been spent. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-12',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12784',
			'image' => '20210212111048_20200317114243_Melamchi 1.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 11:10:08',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13037',
			'article_category_id' => '266',
			'title' => 'Hotel Yak & Yeti Introduces Special Packages for Valentine's Day',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Hotel Yak & Yeti, a five-star hotel in Durbar Marg, has introduced Romantic Candle Light Dinner and Special Accommodation packages for Valentine’s Day celebration.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">February 12: Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti, a five-star hotel in Durbar Marg, has introduced Romantic Candle Light Dinner and Special Accommodation packages for Valentine&rsquo;s Day celebration.<br />
The hotel aims to cater to couples of all ages for spreading love this Valentine&#39;s Day weekend from February 12th &ndash; 14th, 2021.<br />
The package is for all romantic couples looking for the perfect location to showcase their affection for each other, informed Alina Shakya, marketing executive at Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti.<br />
According to a statement released by the hotel, Valentine&rsquo;s Day celebration at Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti takes participating couples through a romantic journey for the evening complete with Valentine-themed welcome drinks, table decorations, romantic music and light settings, a 5-Course Sumptuous Romantic Candle Light Dinner with a choice of drink and an exciting lucky draw on February 14, 2021.<br />
&ldquo;Patrons can also avail a Special Accommodation Package should they wish to relax and unwind after the event in the heart of Kathmandu,&rdquo; the statement reads.<br />
&ldquo;The Romantic Candle Light Dinner package and Special Accommodation package are available at &nbsp; Rs 4,444++ and Rs 8,888++,&rdquo; reads the statement.<br />
According to the hotel, the Romantic Candle Light Dinner Package includes a glass of welcome cocktail/mocktail, 5-course luxurious candlelight dinner (with choice of drinks), 60 ml of premium drink/ a glass of wine/ soft drink.<br />
Likewise, the Special Accommodation Package includes welcome amenities in the room, choice of picnic breakfast or leisurely picnic brunch at the garden, access to Lawn Tennis court, and a 20 percent discount on all food and beverage, excluding promotional offers.<br />
The hotel has urged interested individuals can contact the hotel for &nbsp;reservation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2021-02-12',
			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12783',
			'image' => '20210212110227_Spice Room_Valentine's Day(1).jpeg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 11:01:21',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13036',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => ' Govt to make 5% investment in 10-billion-rupee fund to be set up by NRNA ',
			'sub_title' => ' Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) setting up a public company to operate the fund of Rs 10 billion to finance infrastructure projects',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said that it plans to make 5 percent investment in a fund of Rs 10 billion that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is setting up to finance infrastructure projects.',
			'content' => '<p>February 11: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said that it plans to make 5 percent investment in a fund of Rs 10 billion that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is setting up to finance infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>Issuing a statement on Thursday, the MoF said that it is chipping in 5 percent in the fund that the NRNA plans to operate to finance infrastructure projects in the country.</p>

<p>The commitment means the government will invest a total of Rs 500 million in the fund to be operated through a separate public company.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a delegation led by NRNA President Kumar Panta met Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel on Thursday to discuss about the progress on setting up the fund.</p>

<p>According to the statement, NRNA President Pant told Finance Minister Paudel that the NRNA has already started a process to establish the public company to operate the fund.</p>

<p>NRNA will have 10 percent stake in the infrastructure company while nonresident Nepali will own 80 percent shares, the statement said quoting NRNA President Panta.<br />
The new company also plans to float its shares to the public to mobilize capital for the investment on various infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2021-02-11',
			'modified' => '2021-02-11',
			'keywords' => 'Non-Resident Nepali Association; NRNA; Ministry of Finance; NRNA Infrastructure Fund',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12782',
			'image' => '20210211040953_MoF_NRNA Fund Meeting.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 15:59:56',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13035',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Governor in Favour of Promoting Skilled Workers within the Country',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari has urged all stakeholders to promote the skills of local workers. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">February 11: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari has urged all stakeholders to promote the skills of local workers. According to Governor Adhikari, at a time when a large number of Nepali citizens have been forced to seek foreign employment the country has been providing jobs to lots of skilled workers from outside the country. In this context, Governor Adhikari stressed that adequate training for Nepali workers could help in promoting domestic workforce.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">During an interaction with a delegation from the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association on Wednesday, Governor Adhikari suggested the businessmen involved in this sector to produce skilled workers within the country. He also expressed the central bank&rsquo;s commitment to develop skilled workers within the country.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to a report, around 70,000 foreign workers are currently employed in the gold crafting business in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Governor Adhikari also stressed on the use of QR code and digital payment with the gold dealers.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Although big transactions take place in gold business, they are still done in the traditional way. There is a need to adopt modern technology in accordance to the present context,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Governor Adhikari informed that he would address the demands of the gold dealers to the possible extent. Stating that the supply of gold is directly related to the country&rsquo;s foreign exchange reserve, he added that the demands of the gold dealers would be addressed by giving due consideration to the market demand. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The central bank is ready to address the valid demands of the gold dealers,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-11',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
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			'image' => '20210211035814_1612995586.Clipboard03.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 15:57:35',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13034',
			'article_category_id' => '239',
			'title' => 'Hotel and Cable Car in Palpa in the Pipeline ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: A cable car connecting Butwal and Palpa and a five star hotel in Basantapur of Palpa are being constructed in collaboration between two big private companies of Nepal. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 11: A cable car connecting Butwal and Palpa and a five star hotel in Basantapur of Palpa are being constructed in collaboration between two big private companies of Nepal. This construction is being done jointly by Sharma &amp; Company and IME Group. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">These companies have started the work by establishing a company called Lumbini Cable Car Pvt Ltd. A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday approved the company to use 6.27 hectares of national forest under Rupandehi and Palpa districts for 25 years. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will lay the foundation stone of the cable car, hotel and two temples that will be built with an investment of Rs 3.50 billion. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Altogether 3.16 hectares of land falls in the Chure Community Forest of Butwal Sub-metropolitan city &ndash; 3, Rupandehi and 3.11 hectares of land in Chuiri danda/Nyauli Community Forest of Tinau Rural municipality &ndash; 3, Palpa. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Meanwhile, the government has given permission to the company to remove 1,338 poles and trees in the area. Ramesh Sharma, Managing Director (MD) of Sharma &amp; Company, informed that a tender is will be issued after signing an agreement with the cable car construction company. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">He said that the construction of the cable car will be completed within the next two years and the hotel will be operational within the next three years. As there will be delay in hotel occupancy, the two companies are preparing to open a restaurant prior to the hotel. These companies were planning to invest Rs 5 billion for cable car and 200-bed capacity hotels and resort. However, they cut down the investment due to the coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">As it will take more time for tourists to come due to coronavirus and many new hotels have been opened in the area, Sharma said that the hotels are being built with less capacity due to increased competition. &ldquo;The investment has been reduced as the virus has affected tourism sector,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;The bed capacity has been reduced to 150, so the cost has also been reduced.&rdquo; &nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-11',
			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
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			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12780',
			'image' => '20210211021226_index.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 14:11:51',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13033',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NOC Hikes Price of Petroleum Products, LPG',
			'sub_title' => 'Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene to Cost Rs 2 Dear while LPG will cost Rs 25 More',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The government hiked the price of petroleum products as well as cooking gas, effective from Wednesday midnight. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">February 11: The government hiked the price of petroleum products as well as cooking gas, effective from Wednesday midnight. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">According to Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene have been increased by Rs 2 per litre. With the latest price hike, petrol will now cost Rs 112 per litre while diesel and kerosene will cost Rs 95 per litre.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The price of LPG (cooking gas) has been increased to Rs 1400 per cylinder, NOC said in a statement. The NOC has raised Rs 25 per cylinder of LPG.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) remains unchanged, informed Binit Mani Upadhyay, spokesperson of NOC.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">NOC further said that it is still bearing a loss of Rs 5.16 per litre of petrol, Rs3.1 per litre or diesel and Rs 295.83 per cylinder of LPG.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-11',
			'modified' => '2021-02-11',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12779',
			'image' => '20210211120609_20190503125003_Petrol-Price-Increase.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 12:02:27',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13032',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepalese Seeking Foreign Employment on Decline ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The number of Nepalese nationals seeking foreign jobs has declined by 77.6 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to the half yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 11: The number of Nepalese nationals seeking foreign jobs has declined by 77.6<u><ins> </ins></u>percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to the half yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In the corresponding period of last year, this number had increased by 17.7percent. This data is presented by MoF based on the applications for labor permits. The report states that the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 induced lockdown in the destination countries have resulted in the decline in the number of Nepalese workers seeking labor permits. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Meanwhile, even before COVID-19 period, Nepalese workers migrating to the Gulf countries have seen a sharp decline for the past years. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had renewed labour permits of 368,433 applicants while 190,453 new labor permits were issued in the last fiscal year 2019/20. Nepali workers taking new permits for foreign employment had witnessed a decline of 20.5 percent in FY 2019/20. It had decreased by 32.6 percent in the FY 2018/19. Likewise, in the fiscal year 2017/18, Nepalese workers seeking foreign employment declined by 9.3 percent.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the report, the demand for migrant workers is expected to go up gradually as vaccination drive has begun in Malaysia and other Middle East countries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&ldquo;On a daily basis, around 50 labor permits are being issued,&rdquo; said Tika Mani Neupane, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE). DoFe is also providing permit renewal service online from this January. &nbsp;Around 100 permits are issued through online, informed, Neupane.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Though COVID-19 has resulted in a decline in the number of Nepalese workers seeking foreign jobs, it has not affected the remittance inflow to the country. In the last six months of the current fiscal year, remittance inflow increased by 11.1 percent. In FY 2018/19, the country saw an increase of 16.5 percent in remittance.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13031',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Monitor and Regulate Social Media',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: The government is preparing to strictly monitor social networking sites due to an increase in inciting posts and hate speeches targeted towards high profile individuals. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">February 10: The government is preparing to strictly monitor social networking sites due to an increase in inciting posts and hate speeches targeted towards high profile individuals. The government is making necessary preparations to take a policy-level decision to monitor such sites as well as those who promote such materials.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Unveiling the decisions of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Parbat Gurung said that the government will soon introduce Social Media Directive, 2077 to regulate the misuse of Facebook, YouTube and other online portals. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Minister Gurung said that the government realized the need to regulate irresponsible and derogatory remarks and to discourage the use of social media to promote malpractices and therefore decided to issue the new directive soon.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Freedom Forum expressed alarm over the announcement of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology that the government was planning to bring a directive on social media/social networking sites.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">&ldquo;The Department of Information and Broadcasting under the Ministry is learnt to have prepared the draft of the directive as per which the social media companies operating in Nepal needs to be registered within three months,&rdquo; reads a statement issued by Freedom Forum.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Freedom Forum noted that social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have been an effective medium for the people in Nepal to exercise freedom of expression and hold government accountable. According to Freedom Forum, the directive will silence public voice and dissent, which are normal in democratic system.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Moreover, there are separate legal provisions to deal with defamation and public offense through social media. But such actions in the name of controlling defamation, which the Ministry claims, is the blatant attempt to violate citizen&#39;s free speech, added the statement.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'image' => '20210210040536_socialmedia-mn2s.jpg',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13030',
			'article_category_id' => '266',
			'title' => 'Laxmi Bank Announces Winners of ‘My Mobile Money’ Video Contest ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: Laxmi Bank has announced the winners of its ‘My Mobile Money’ contest. ',
			'content' => '<h2><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">February 10: Laxmi Bank has announced the winners of its &lsquo;My Mobile Money&rsquo; contest. </span></span></h2>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The contest required participants to submit creative videos of up to three minutes on the use of &lsquo;Mobile Money&rsquo; in day to day lives. The contest was divided into 5 categories and received overwhelming responses from the content creators, social media enthusiasts, and regular customers alike from all over the country, the bank said in a statement on February 10. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Each participant could submit up to five videos &ndash; one in each category and win up to Rs 250,000.&nbsp; According to the bank, the contest attracted a record number of entrants with over 450 registrations from across Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">&ldquo;All the shortlisted submissions went through a rigorous judging process based on the parameters of creativity and storytelling, execution, and relevance, to the extent that a tie had to be declared in one of the categories as it was difficult to choose one from the shortlisted videos,&rdquo; the statement added.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The winners of &lsquo;My Mobile Money&rsquo; contests include Lakesh Dangal of Biratnagar and Mandip Bakhunchhe of Bhaktapur in Bill Payment I category; Bikash Tripathi of Pokhara (Bill Payment II category); Santosh Shakya of Kathmandu (Card Services category), Bhuvan Tiwari of Bharatpur (Cardless withdrawal category) and Tsewang Gurung of Mustang (Fund Transfer category).</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">. </span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13029',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'FDI without Central Bank’s Approval on the Cards',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will no longer require approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank in the near future. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">February 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will no longer require approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank in the near future. Until now, it was mandatory for the investors to get approval from the central bank for any kind of FDI. The central bank is preparing to remove the hassles of paperwork by introducing new regulations soon.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Nepal Rastra Bank has taken a policy-level decision to introduce the Foreign Investment and Foreign Loan Management Bylaws, 2077, which won&rsquo;t require its approval for FDI. The central bank has asked stakeholders for feedback regarding this new provision within a month.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the investors do not require to take permission from the central bank, they still need to take permission from other concerned government bodies. After getting the final approval, the investors need to inform the central bank in written about any foreign currency being flown in or out of the country.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Executive Director of the Foreign Exchange Department of NRB Bam Bahadur Mishra says that the central bank is taking a giant leap to facilitate foreign direct investment.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;We are trying to promote FDI and therefore we are making a new arrangement for the first time,&rdquo; said Mishra, adding, &ldquo;Now the investors can go directly to the Department of Industry instead of coming to the central bank.&rdquo;</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Mishra added that the investors do need to visit the central bank for the final auditing though.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Officials at NRB expressed their belief that the new bylaws would further facilitate FDI.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13043',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Planning to Develop Sindhupalchowk as ‘Kiwi Zone’ ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 14: Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dhulikhel is preparing to make Sindhupalchowk a 'Kiwi Zone' due to an increase in attraction of farmers in kiwi farming in the district. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 14: Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dhulikhel is preparing to make Sindhupalchowk a &#39;Kiwi Zone&#39; due to an increase in attraction of farmers in kiwi farming in the district. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;We have been giving grants to Melamchi Municipality-1 by declaring it as a pocket area of Kiwi,&rdquo; said Tej Prasad Duwadi, head of the knowledge center, adding, &ldquo;Now we are preparing to make the zone a Kiwi zone.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to Duwadi, saplings were distributed in areas like Batase, Karkitar, Thumpaakhar, Jethal and Nawalpur last year with a grant from the Agriculture Knowledge Center. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Duwadi further informed that 1,500 tons of Kiwi was produced in Helambu, Bhotechaur and Haibung last year. He said that Kiwi farming should be promoted further in the district as there is a plan to make drinks including wine and juice and sell them in the market. He further informed that the villagers have started using machines to make juice, wine and other beverages. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to the center, it is estimated that 2.5 metric tons of kiwi will be produced in the district this year. Farmers from Melamchi Municipality, Helambu Municipality, Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality and Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality in the western region have been engaged in kiwi farming after the center started providing assistance. Farmers have started cultivating Kiwi commercially after being encouraged by good production and income. Farmers of Khale and Karkitar of Sangachokgadhi Municipality-3 of Chautara have planted 350 saplings and started kiwi farming from this year. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Likewise, kiwi planted six years ago in Bhotechaur has started producing furits. Dinesh Prasad Sigdel and a group of local youths had planted kiwi in 60 ropani of land in 2069 with an investment of Rs 8 million. &ldquo;At present, Kiwi farming is being done in 1,200 ropani of land,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;We have been increasing it every year. Every year, around 1,000 people are getting employment from this business.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Similarly, with an investment of Rs 20 million, kiwi saplings are planted in 220 ropani of land in Haibung. Currently, 16,000 saplings are planted in 1,420 ropani of land in both places. Sigdel says that Rs 40 million has been invested to plant the saplings. The kiwi fruit, which has been produced since last year, is being sold as per the demand of traders. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Sigdel informed that initially he brought the saplings from Dhulikhel at Rs 600 per plant and since this year, he has established a nursery and has been selling plant at Rs 250 per plant. Altogether 500 saplings have been sold and distributed in Helambu from there. From this year, they have started producing juice as well. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Mahalal Dulal of Haibung Banjaratol said that he was discouraged due to low production initially. &quot;There is no problem of not getting market for the fruit anymore,&quot; he said, adding that even though one has to wait for 4 to 5 years for the kiwi fruit to be harvested, more farmers have become interested due to the prospect of good income.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Farmers say that it has been easier to expand the farming after Himalayan Kiwi Pvt. Ltd started producing and selling the plant. &ldquo;Everyone started investing after the firm started good Kiwi Production,&rdquo; a local Subas Dulal said. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Similarly, kiwi planted five years ago in 10 ropanis by Arjun Sapkota of Listi, Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-1 has started bearing fruit. Kiwi plant starts bearing fruits four years after planting. The farmers have prioritised the Nepali market in the first phase and export in the second phase. The fruit which is produced between November to February can also be used to make foods such as wine and jam. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13042',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'National Pride Projects yet to Spend more than 50% of Allocated Budget',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 13: Majority of the National Pride Projects haven’t spent even 50 percent of the allocated budget in the current fiscal year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">February 13: Majority of the National Pride Projects haven&rsquo;t spent even 50 percent of the allocated budget in the current fiscal year. With six months left in the ongoing fiscal year, only Rs&nbsp; 13.98 billion has been spent out of Rs 92.6 million allocated for the national pride projects, according to the half-yearly budget review of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">A total of 25 national projects are currently running. Among them, the progress of Pokhara Regional International Airport, Mid-hill Highway, and Karnali Corridor is satisfactory. Of the 25 projects, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project has only made an expenditure of Rs 2.12 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Mid-hill Highway project has spent Rs 1.76 billion of the allocated amount of Rs 8.27 billion. The Postal Highway has spent Rs 3.34 billion of Rs 7.1 billion. Kathmandu-Terai Fast track has spent Rs 1.23 billion of Rs 8.93 billion. Gautam Buddha International Airport has spent Rs 2.98 billion of Rs 4.72 billion. Nigadh International Airport has spent 50 million of 500 million. Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project spent Rs 1.8 billion of Rs 8.84 billion</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">These projects are lagging behind due to the unavailability of separate laws for the implementation of national pride projects. Also, the lack of skilled manpower and lack of construction materials have been the major hindrances for the project development. The report states that project execution starts before finalizing the project modality, while issues like land acquisition, compensation amount, rehabilitation of affected people and Detailed Project Report have also resulted in the delay in projects.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">To increase the budget spending ,the report suggests to complete tasks of land acquisition, environment impact assessment, cutting of trees, and preparing DPR before the project starts. </span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13041',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEA’ s new Managing Director Faces Challenges from Power Distribution to its Consumption',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term. ',
			'content' => '<p><em>This image taken from Facebook shows newly-appointed MD of Nepal Electricity Authority Hitendra Dev Shakya.</em></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya is considered as an experienced hand for the post but experts say his tenure is full of challenges.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Experts are of the view that building transmission lines and increasing energy consumption are the major concerns at the moment. Due to NEA&rsquo;s inefficacy in completing Solu, Koshi, Trishuli transmission lines on time, energy production of 20 projects of those areas has been affected. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">As far as energy consumption is concerned, Shakya will primarily be having difficult time during the monsoon season. Hydropower projects produce energy in excess during the monsoon. Likewise, 456 megawatt Upper Tamakoshi project and other private hydropower projects will be completed soon. In this context, Shakya will face challenge of increasing power consumption, says Krishna Prasad Acharya, president of the Independent Power Producers&rsquo; Association of Nepal (IPPAN). &ldquo;The newly appointed MD should focus on building transmission lines, distribution system, substation, expansion of infrastructure and increasing power consumption within the country,&rdquo; Acharya added. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Energy epxert Gyanendra Lal Pradhan says new measures are required to bring changes in energy consumption. NEA should work on increasing power consumption in the industrial sector, suggests Pradhan. Most of the industries are still without power and running on diesel. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya has other challenge of completing hydropower projects and transmission lines.&nbsp; Solu corridor, Koshi corridor, Trishuli corridor, Kushma- Butwal transmission line, Hetauda-Dhalkebar transmission line are yet to be completed. Shakya also has the responsibility to complete the most-awaited Upper Tamakoshi, Tanahu Seti storage, Middle Bhotekoshi, Rasuwagadhi hydropower projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya has succeeded former MD Kulman Ghishing, who earned a huge respect from the public for removing power cuts. Shakya faces an uphill battle to earn same kind of public image. Shakya himself accepts he has various kinds of challenges in days to come. He has plans to work accordingly to increase power access to 100% from the current 86%.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&nbsp;&ldquo;Incomplete transmission lines will be completed and generated power will be connected to the national grid. At present, NEA has signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with 5000 MW projects. I will work to increase energy consumption within the country and also work on exporting energy to minimize trade deficit,&rdquo; Shakya said. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13039',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Political Parties ‘Demand’ Donations from Private Sector to Organise Protests',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: At a time when the private sector is struggling to overcome the impacts of coronavirus pandemic, political parties from both the Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions of Nepal Communist Party have been allegedly putting pressure on businessmen and industrialists for donation.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">February 12: At a time when the private sector is struggling to overcome the impacts of coronavirus pandemic, political parties from both the Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions of Nepal Communist Party have been allegedly putting pressure on businessmen and industrialists for donation.<br />
The private sector has been complaining that both the establishment and dissident factions of the ruling party have been seeking funds to carry out demonstrations and mass meetings.<br />
Entrepreneurs say that the pro-government and anti-government protests following the recent political crisis have taken a massive toll on their businesses. They say that the demand for donation from the political parties during the current crisis of coronavirus has put further strain on them to sustain their businesses. &nbsp;<br />
Entrepreneurs told New Business Age that they are in trouble after both the factions started collecting donations for their demonstrations. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The parties have been collecting donations in the capital, Kathmandu, to gather protesters from various districts.<br />
An industrialist said on condition of anonymity that the two panels of the ruling party were competing with each other for collecting donations in the Birgunj-Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The country is facing political crisis after the dissolution of the House of Representatives upon the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Oli while the industrialists are facing the brunt of the protests.<br />
Both the Dahal-Nepal faction and Oli-led panel are demonstrating their power through street protests while other opposition parties are also protesting. &nbsp;<br />
Local political leaders of both the panels of the NPC have been putting pressure on the businessmen to help them fund the movement.<br />
The Parsa district committee of the Oli-led group had sent letters to entrepreneurs in Birgunj-Patalaiya Industrial Corridor demanding donations. An entrepreneur complained that the private sector, which was expecting a conducive environment for running industries and businesses from the majority government, has become a victim of political instability and donations.<br />
The private sector, which is hoping for political stability, is in a dilemma at the moment. &quot;Some people say they need help to get people to support the government, others say they have to protest,&quot; an industrialist from Birgunj informed.<br />
An official of the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries informed that, ironically, the private sector which has been affected due to the strike and political instability, have been forced to donate for the demonstrations.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '13040',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Lacks Adequate Laboratories for Testing Bird Flu ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Bird flu has re-emerged in Kathmandu. The disease was initially detected in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwor Municipality – 7 in Kathmandu on January 29.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 12: Bird flu has re-emerged in Kathmandu. The disease was initially detected in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwor Municipality &ndash; 7 in Kathmandu on January 29. After that, the Department of Livestock Services was closely monitoring the area and other suspicious places in the country. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to a press release issued by the department, bird flu was confirmed in Tarkeshwor municipality &ndash; 1 again on February 9 while testing a duck reared by a local farmer.&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">As soon as the disease was confirmed, the department mobilized its units to control the spread of the disease and destroy all the livestock and other contagious things in the affected areas. Meanwhile, 1,421 ducks, 42 chickens, 26 eggs and 800 kg grains have been destroyed and the area has been completely disinfected, the statement added. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Shreeram Ghimire said that there is lack of laboratories for testing the contagious disease. According to him, out of eight laboratories under the ministry, five are currently being used by the Ministry of Health for coronavirus tests. Only the remaining three are being used for bird flu testing. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;This is insufficient for us. There could be problem for testing if additional laboratories are not arranged as soon as possible,&rdquo; he said. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Out of the eight laboratories, only the Central Veterinary Laboratory at Tripureshwor is recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Apart from this, other laboratories do not meet all the criteria although tests are being carried out in those labs. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Dr Ghimire said that the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health Services have been asked to provide laboratories to them. Furthermore, he said that if the disease spreads, the number of laboratories conducting regular tests may not be enough and more laboratories may be required. The ministry has informed that efforts are being made from all quarters to control the spread of the disease. The ministry has also appealed to all stakeholders for cooperation and collaboration in controlling the disease. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12785',
			'image' => '20210212040457_20210131120553_Avian-influenza-word-cloud.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 16:04:03',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13038',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Tunnel Test of Melamchi Project to be Completed in next 2 Months',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Altogether 69 percent works of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) has been completed, according to the half-yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the government recently. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">February 12: Altogether 69 percent works of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) has been completed, according to the half-yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the government recently. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">&ldquo;Following an incident in the tunnel of MWSP last year, construction is going on through revised procedures,&rdquo; said Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. According to Shakya an expert team of ADB was in Nepal a month ago for the inspection of MWSP. Works on tunnel grouting are being carried out in accordance to the suggestion of the team.&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Shakya said that the task of tunnel grouting will be completed by the second week of Falgun (February end). After that, MWSP will move ahead with the works of tunnel test. Testing of the tunnel is expected to last for around two months. Soon after the completion of tunnel test, MWSP will start working on water supply, Shakya told New Business Age.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">It has been more that two decades since this project was started with a cost estimate of $464 million which was later downsized to $312.9 million. A total of Rs 5.46 billion has been allocated in this fiscal year of which Rs 52.19 million has been spent. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-12',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12784',
			'image' => '20210212111048_20200317114243_Melamchi 1.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 11:10:08',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13037',
			'article_category_id' => '266',
			'title' => 'Hotel Yak & Yeti Introduces Special Packages for Valentine's Day',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Hotel Yak & Yeti, a five-star hotel in Durbar Marg, has introduced Romantic Candle Light Dinner and Special Accommodation packages for Valentine’s Day celebration.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">February 12: Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti, a five-star hotel in Durbar Marg, has introduced Romantic Candle Light Dinner and Special Accommodation packages for Valentine&rsquo;s Day celebration.<br />
The hotel aims to cater to couples of all ages for spreading love this Valentine&#39;s Day weekend from February 12th &ndash; 14th, 2021.<br />
The package is for all romantic couples looking for the perfect location to showcase their affection for each other, informed Alina Shakya, marketing executive at Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti.<br />
According to a statement released by the hotel, Valentine&rsquo;s Day celebration at Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti takes participating couples through a romantic journey for the evening complete with Valentine-themed welcome drinks, table decorations, romantic music and light settings, a 5-Course Sumptuous Romantic Candle Light Dinner with a choice of drink and an exciting lucky draw on February 14, 2021.<br />
&ldquo;Patrons can also avail a Special Accommodation Package should they wish to relax and unwind after the event in the heart of Kathmandu,&rdquo; the statement reads.<br />
&ldquo;The Romantic Candle Light Dinner package and Special Accommodation package are available at &nbsp; Rs 4,444++ and Rs 8,888++,&rdquo; reads the statement.<br />
According to the hotel, the Romantic Candle Light Dinner Package includes a glass of welcome cocktail/mocktail, 5-course luxurious candlelight dinner (with choice of drinks), 60 ml of premium drink/ a glass of wine/ soft drink.<br />
Likewise, the Special Accommodation Package includes welcome amenities in the room, choice of picnic breakfast or leisurely picnic brunch at the garden, access to Lawn Tennis court, and a 20 percent discount on all food and beverage, excluding promotional offers.<br />
The hotel has urged interested individuals can contact the hotel for &nbsp;reservation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2021-02-12',
			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12783',
			'image' => '20210212110227_Spice Room_Valentine's Day(1).jpeg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 11:01:21',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13036',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => ' Govt to make 5% investment in 10-billion-rupee fund to be set up by NRNA ',
			'sub_title' => ' Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) setting up a public company to operate the fund of Rs 10 billion to finance infrastructure projects',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said that it plans to make 5 percent investment in a fund of Rs 10 billion that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is setting up to finance infrastructure projects.',
			'content' => '<p>February 11: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said that it plans to make 5 percent investment in a fund of Rs 10 billion that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is setting up to finance infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>Issuing a statement on Thursday, the MoF said that it is chipping in 5 percent in the fund that the NRNA plans to operate to finance infrastructure projects in the country.</p>

<p>The commitment means the government will invest a total of Rs 500 million in the fund to be operated through a separate public company.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a delegation led by NRNA President Kumar Panta met Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel on Thursday to discuss about the progress on setting up the fund.</p>

<p>According to the statement, NRNA President Pant told Finance Minister Paudel that the NRNA has already started a process to establish the public company to operate the fund.</p>

<p>NRNA will have 10 percent stake in the infrastructure company while nonresident Nepali will own 80 percent shares, the statement said quoting NRNA President Panta.<br />
The new company also plans to float its shares to the public to mobilize capital for the investment on various infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'keywords' => 'Non-Resident Nepali Association; NRNA; Ministry of Finance; NRNA Infrastructure Fund',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12782',
			'image' => '20210211040953_MoF_NRNA Fund Meeting.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 15:59:56',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13035',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Governor in Favour of Promoting Skilled Workers within the Country',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari has urged all stakeholders to promote the skills of local workers. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">February 11: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari has urged all stakeholders to promote the skills of local workers. According to Governor Adhikari, at a time when a large number of Nepali citizens have been forced to seek foreign employment the country has been providing jobs to lots of skilled workers from outside the country. In this context, Governor Adhikari stressed that adequate training for Nepali workers could help in promoting domestic workforce.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">During an interaction with a delegation from the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association on Wednesday, Governor Adhikari suggested the businessmen involved in this sector to produce skilled workers within the country. He also expressed the central bank&rsquo;s commitment to develop skilled workers within the country.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to a report, around 70,000 foreign workers are currently employed in the gold crafting business in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Governor Adhikari also stressed on the use of QR code and digital payment with the gold dealers.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Although big transactions take place in gold business, they are still done in the traditional way. There is a need to adopt modern technology in accordance to the present context,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Governor Adhikari informed that he would address the demands of the gold dealers to the possible extent. Stating that the supply of gold is directly related to the country&rsquo;s foreign exchange reserve, he added that the demands of the gold dealers would be addressed by giving due consideration to the market demand. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The central bank is ready to address the valid demands of the gold dealers,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-11',
			'modified' => '2021-02-11',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12781',
			'image' => '20210211035814_1612995586.Clipboard03.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 15:57:35',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13034',
			'article_category_id' => '239',
			'title' => 'Hotel and Cable Car in Palpa in the Pipeline ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: A cable car connecting Butwal and Palpa and a five star hotel in Basantapur of Palpa are being constructed in collaboration between two big private companies of Nepal. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 11: A cable car connecting Butwal and Palpa and a five star hotel in Basantapur of Palpa are being constructed in collaboration between two big private companies of Nepal. This construction is being done jointly by Sharma &amp; Company and IME Group. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">These companies have started the work by establishing a company called Lumbini Cable Car Pvt Ltd. A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday approved the company to use 6.27 hectares of national forest under Rupandehi and Palpa districts for 25 years. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will lay the foundation stone of the cable car, hotel and two temples that will be built with an investment of Rs 3.50 billion. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Altogether 3.16 hectares of land falls in the Chure Community Forest of Butwal Sub-metropolitan city &ndash; 3, Rupandehi and 3.11 hectares of land in Chuiri danda/Nyauli Community Forest of Tinau Rural municipality &ndash; 3, Palpa. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Meanwhile, the government has given permission to the company to remove 1,338 poles and trees in the area. Ramesh Sharma, Managing Director (MD) of Sharma &amp; Company, informed that a tender is will be issued after signing an agreement with the cable car construction company. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">He said that the construction of the cable car will be completed within the next two years and the hotel will be operational within the next three years. As there will be delay in hotel occupancy, the two companies are preparing to open a restaurant prior to the hotel. These companies were planning to invest Rs 5 billion for cable car and 200-bed capacity hotels and resort. However, they cut down the investment due to the coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">As it will take more time for tourists to come due to coronavirus and many new hotels have been opened in the area, Sharma said that the hotels are being built with less capacity due to increased competition. &ldquo;The investment has been reduced as the virus has affected tourism sector,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;The bed capacity has been reduced to 150, so the cost has also been reduced.&rdquo; &nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2021-02-11',
			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12780',
			'image' => '20210211021226_index.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 14:11:51',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13033',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NOC Hikes Price of Petroleum Products, LPG',
			'sub_title' => 'Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene to Cost Rs 2 Dear while LPG will cost Rs 25 More',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The government hiked the price of petroleum products as well as cooking gas, effective from Wednesday midnight. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">February 11: The government hiked the price of petroleum products as well as cooking gas, effective from Wednesday midnight. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">According to Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene have been increased by Rs 2 per litre. With the latest price hike, petrol will now cost Rs 112 per litre while diesel and kerosene will cost Rs 95 per litre.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The price of LPG (cooking gas) has been increased to Rs 1400 per cylinder, NOC said in a statement. The NOC has raised Rs 25 per cylinder of LPG.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) remains unchanged, informed Binit Mani Upadhyay, spokesperson of NOC.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">NOC further said that it is still bearing a loss of Rs 5.16 per litre of petrol, Rs3.1 per litre or diesel and Rs 295.83 per cylinder of LPG.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-11',
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			'sortorder' => '12779',
			'image' => '20210211120609_20190503125003_Petrol-Price-Increase.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 12:02:27',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13032',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepalese Seeking Foreign Employment on Decline ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The number of Nepalese nationals seeking foreign jobs has declined by 77.6 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to the half yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 11: The number of Nepalese nationals seeking foreign jobs has declined by 77.6<u><ins> </ins></u>percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to the half yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In the corresponding period of last year, this number had increased by 17.7percent. This data is presented by MoF based on the applications for labor permits. The report states that the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 induced lockdown in the destination countries have resulted in the decline in the number of Nepalese workers seeking labor permits. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Meanwhile, even before COVID-19 period, Nepalese workers migrating to the Gulf countries have seen a sharp decline for the past years. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had renewed labour permits of 368,433 applicants while 190,453 new labor permits were issued in the last fiscal year 2019/20. Nepali workers taking new permits for foreign employment had witnessed a decline of 20.5 percent in FY 2019/20. It had decreased by 32.6 percent in the FY 2018/19. Likewise, in the fiscal year 2017/18, Nepalese workers seeking foreign employment declined by 9.3 percent.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the report, the demand for migrant workers is expected to go up gradually as vaccination drive has begun in Malaysia and other Middle East countries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&ldquo;On a daily basis, around 50 labor permits are being issued,&rdquo; said Tika Mani Neupane, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE). DoFe is also providing permit renewal service online from this January. &nbsp;Around 100 permits are issued through online, informed, Neupane.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Though COVID-19 has resulted in a decline in the number of Nepalese workers seeking foreign jobs, it has not affected the remittance inflow to the country. In the last six months of the current fiscal year, remittance inflow increased by 11.1 percent. In FY 2018/19, the country saw an increase of 16.5 percent in remittance.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13031',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Monitor and Regulate Social Media',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: The government is preparing to strictly monitor social networking sites due to an increase in inciting posts and hate speeches targeted towards high profile individuals. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">February 10: The government is preparing to strictly monitor social networking sites due to an increase in inciting posts and hate speeches targeted towards high profile individuals. The government is making necessary preparations to take a policy-level decision to monitor such sites as well as those who promote such materials.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Unveiling the decisions of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Parbat Gurung said that the government will soon introduce Social Media Directive, 2077 to regulate the misuse of Facebook, YouTube and other online portals. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Minister Gurung said that the government realized the need to regulate irresponsible and derogatory remarks and to discourage the use of social media to promote malpractices and therefore decided to issue the new directive soon.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Freedom Forum expressed alarm over the announcement of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology that the government was planning to bring a directive on social media/social networking sites.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">&ldquo;The Department of Information and Broadcasting under the Ministry is learnt to have prepared the draft of the directive as per which the social media companies operating in Nepal needs to be registered within three months,&rdquo; reads a statement issued by Freedom Forum.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Freedom Forum noted that social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have been an effective medium for the people in Nepal to exercise freedom of expression and hold government accountable. According to Freedom Forum, the directive will silence public voice and dissent, which are normal in democratic system.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Moreover, there are separate legal provisions to deal with defamation and public offense through social media. But such actions in the name of controlling defamation, which the Ministry claims, is the blatant attempt to violate citizen&#39;s free speech, added the statement.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13030',
			'article_category_id' => '266',
			'title' => 'Laxmi Bank Announces Winners of ‘My Mobile Money’ Video Contest ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: Laxmi Bank has announced the winners of its ‘My Mobile Money’ contest. ',
			'content' => '<h2><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">February 10: Laxmi Bank has announced the winners of its &lsquo;My Mobile Money&rsquo; contest. </span></span></h2>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The contest required participants to submit creative videos of up to three minutes on the use of &lsquo;Mobile Money&rsquo; in day to day lives. The contest was divided into 5 categories and received overwhelming responses from the content creators, social media enthusiasts, and regular customers alike from all over the country, the bank said in a statement on February 10. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Each participant could submit up to five videos &ndash; one in each category and win up to Rs 250,000.&nbsp; According to the bank, the contest attracted a record number of entrants with over 450 registrations from across Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">&ldquo;All the shortlisted submissions went through a rigorous judging process based on the parameters of creativity and storytelling, execution, and relevance, to the extent that a tie had to be declared in one of the categories as it was difficult to choose one from the shortlisted videos,&rdquo; the statement added.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The winners of &lsquo;My Mobile Money&rsquo; contests include Lakesh Dangal of Biratnagar and Mandip Bakhunchhe of Bhaktapur in Bill Payment I category; Bikash Tripathi of Pokhara (Bill Payment II category); Santosh Shakya of Kathmandu (Card Services category), Bhuvan Tiwari of Bharatpur (Cardless withdrawal category) and Tsewang Gurung of Mustang (Fund Transfer category).</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">. </span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13029',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'FDI without Central Bank’s Approval on the Cards',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will no longer require approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank in the near future. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">February 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will no longer require approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank in the near future. Until now, it was mandatory for the investors to get approval from the central bank for any kind of FDI. The central bank is preparing to remove the hassles of paperwork by introducing new regulations soon.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Nepal Rastra Bank has taken a policy-level decision to introduce the Foreign Investment and Foreign Loan Management Bylaws, 2077, which won&rsquo;t require its approval for FDI. The central bank has asked stakeholders for feedback regarding this new provision within a month.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the investors do not require to take permission from the central bank, they still need to take permission from other concerned government bodies. After getting the final approval, the investors need to inform the central bank in written about any foreign currency being flown in or out of the country.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Executive Director of the Foreign Exchange Department of NRB Bam Bahadur Mishra says that the central bank is taking a giant leap to facilitate foreign direct investment.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;We are trying to promote FDI and therefore we are making a new arrangement for the first time,&rdquo; said Mishra, adding, &ldquo;Now the investors can go directly to the Department of Industry instead of coming to the central bank.&rdquo;</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Mishra added that the investors do need to visit the central bank for the final auditing though.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Officials at NRB expressed their belief that the new bylaws would further facilitate FDI.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13043',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Planning to Develop Sindhupalchowk as ‘Kiwi Zone’ ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 14: Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dhulikhel is preparing to make Sindhupalchowk a 'Kiwi Zone' due to an increase in attraction of farmers in kiwi farming in the district. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 14: Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dhulikhel is preparing to make Sindhupalchowk a &#39;Kiwi Zone&#39; due to an increase in attraction of farmers in kiwi farming in the district. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;We have been giving grants to Melamchi Municipality-1 by declaring it as a pocket area of Kiwi,&rdquo; said Tej Prasad Duwadi, head of the knowledge center, adding, &ldquo;Now we are preparing to make the zone a Kiwi zone.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to Duwadi, saplings were distributed in areas like Batase, Karkitar, Thumpaakhar, Jethal and Nawalpur last year with a grant from the Agriculture Knowledge Center. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Duwadi further informed that 1,500 tons of Kiwi was produced in Helambu, Bhotechaur and Haibung last year. He said that Kiwi farming should be promoted further in the district as there is a plan to make drinks including wine and juice and sell them in the market. He further informed that the villagers have started using machines to make juice, wine and other beverages. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to the center, it is estimated that 2.5 metric tons of kiwi will be produced in the district this year. Farmers from Melamchi Municipality, Helambu Municipality, Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality and Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality in the western region have been engaged in kiwi farming after the center started providing assistance. Farmers have started cultivating Kiwi commercially after being encouraged by good production and income. Farmers of Khale and Karkitar of Sangachokgadhi Municipality-3 of Chautara have planted 350 saplings and started kiwi farming from this year. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Likewise, kiwi planted six years ago in Bhotechaur has started producing furits. Dinesh Prasad Sigdel and a group of local youths had planted kiwi in 60 ropani of land in 2069 with an investment of Rs 8 million. &ldquo;At present, Kiwi farming is being done in 1,200 ropani of land,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;We have been increasing it every year. Every year, around 1,000 people are getting employment from this business.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Similarly, with an investment of Rs 20 million, kiwi saplings are planted in 220 ropani of land in Haibung. Currently, 16,000 saplings are planted in 1,420 ropani of land in both places. Sigdel says that Rs 40 million has been invested to plant the saplings. The kiwi fruit, which has been produced since last year, is being sold as per the demand of traders. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Sigdel informed that initially he brought the saplings from Dhulikhel at Rs 600 per plant and since this year, he has established a nursery and has been selling plant at Rs 250 per plant. Altogether 500 saplings have been sold and distributed in Helambu from there. From this year, they have started producing juice as well. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Mahalal Dulal of Haibung Banjaratol said that he was discouraged due to low production initially. &quot;There is no problem of not getting market for the fruit anymore,&quot; he said, adding that even though one has to wait for 4 to 5 years for the kiwi fruit to be harvested, more farmers have become interested due to the prospect of good income.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Farmers say that it has been easier to expand the farming after Himalayan Kiwi Pvt. Ltd started producing and selling the plant. &ldquo;Everyone started investing after the firm started good Kiwi Production,&rdquo; a local Subas Dulal said. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Similarly, kiwi planted five years ago in 10 ropanis by Arjun Sapkota of Listi, Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-1 has started bearing fruit. Kiwi plant starts bearing fruits four years after planting. The farmers have prioritised the Nepali market in the first phase and export in the second phase. The fruit which is produced between November to February can also be used to make foods such as wine and jam. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13042',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'National Pride Projects yet to Spend more than 50% of Allocated Budget',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 13: Majority of the National Pride Projects haven’t spent even 50 percent of the allocated budget in the current fiscal year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">February 13: Majority of the National Pride Projects haven&rsquo;t spent even 50 percent of the allocated budget in the current fiscal year. With six months left in the ongoing fiscal year, only Rs&nbsp; 13.98 billion has been spent out of Rs 92.6 million allocated for the national pride projects, according to the half-yearly budget review of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">A total of 25 national projects are currently running. Among them, the progress of Pokhara Regional International Airport, Mid-hill Highway, and Karnali Corridor is satisfactory. Of the 25 projects, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project has only made an expenditure of Rs 2.12 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Mid-hill Highway project has spent Rs 1.76 billion of the allocated amount of Rs 8.27 billion. The Postal Highway has spent Rs 3.34 billion of Rs 7.1 billion. Kathmandu-Terai Fast track has spent Rs 1.23 billion of Rs 8.93 billion. Gautam Buddha International Airport has spent Rs 2.98 billion of Rs 4.72 billion. Nigadh International Airport has spent 50 million of 500 million. Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project spent Rs 1.8 billion of Rs 8.84 billion</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">These projects are lagging behind due to the unavailability of separate laws for the implementation of national pride projects. Also, the lack of skilled manpower and lack of construction materials have been the major hindrances for the project development. The report states that project execution starts before finalizing the project modality, while issues like land acquisition, compensation amount, rehabilitation of affected people and Detailed Project Report have also resulted in the delay in projects.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">To increase the budget spending ,the report suggests to complete tasks of land acquisition, environment impact assessment, cutting of trees, and preparing DPR before the project starts. </span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13041',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEA’ s new Managing Director Faces Challenges from Power Distribution to its Consumption',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term. ',
			'content' => '<p><em>This image taken from Facebook shows newly-appointed MD of Nepal Electricity Authority Hitendra Dev Shakya.</em></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya is considered as an experienced hand for the post but experts say his tenure is full of challenges.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Experts are of the view that building transmission lines and increasing energy consumption are the major concerns at the moment. Due to NEA&rsquo;s inefficacy in completing Solu, Koshi, Trishuli transmission lines on time, energy production of 20 projects of those areas has been affected. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">As far as energy consumption is concerned, Shakya will primarily be having difficult time during the monsoon season. Hydropower projects produce energy in excess during the monsoon. Likewise, 456 megawatt Upper Tamakoshi project and other private hydropower projects will be completed soon. In this context, Shakya will face challenge of increasing power consumption, says Krishna Prasad Acharya, president of the Independent Power Producers&rsquo; Association of Nepal (IPPAN). &ldquo;The newly appointed MD should focus on building transmission lines, distribution system, substation, expansion of infrastructure and increasing power consumption within the country,&rdquo; Acharya added. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Energy epxert Gyanendra Lal Pradhan says new measures are required to bring changes in energy consumption. NEA should work on increasing power consumption in the industrial sector, suggests Pradhan. Most of the industries are still without power and running on diesel. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya has other challenge of completing hydropower projects and transmission lines.&nbsp; Solu corridor, Koshi corridor, Trishuli corridor, Kushma- Butwal transmission line, Hetauda-Dhalkebar transmission line are yet to be completed. Shakya also has the responsibility to complete the most-awaited Upper Tamakoshi, Tanahu Seti storage, Middle Bhotekoshi, Rasuwagadhi hydropower projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya has succeeded former MD Kulman Ghishing, who earned a huge respect from the public for removing power cuts. Shakya faces an uphill battle to earn same kind of public image. Shakya himself accepts he has various kinds of challenges in days to come. He has plans to work accordingly to increase power access to 100% from the current 86%.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&nbsp;&ldquo;Incomplete transmission lines will be completed and generated power will be connected to the national grid. At present, NEA has signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with 5000 MW projects. I will work to increase energy consumption within the country and also work on exporting energy to minimize trade deficit,&rdquo; Shakya said. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'created' => '2021-02-12',
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			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Political Parties ‘Demand’ Donations from Private Sector to Organise Protests',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: At a time when the private sector is struggling to overcome the impacts of coronavirus pandemic, political parties from both the Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions of Nepal Communist Party have been allegedly putting pressure on businessmen and industrialists for donation.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">February 12: At a time when the private sector is struggling to overcome the impacts of coronavirus pandemic, political parties from both the Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions of Nepal Communist Party have been allegedly putting pressure on businessmen and industrialists for donation.<br />
The private sector has been complaining that both the establishment and dissident factions of the ruling party have been seeking funds to carry out demonstrations and mass meetings.<br />
Entrepreneurs say that the pro-government and anti-government protests following the recent political crisis have taken a massive toll on their businesses. They say that the demand for donation from the political parties during the current crisis of coronavirus has put further strain on them to sustain their businesses. &nbsp;<br />
Entrepreneurs told New Business Age that they are in trouble after both the factions started collecting donations for their demonstrations. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The parties have been collecting donations in the capital, Kathmandu, to gather protesters from various districts.<br />
An industrialist said on condition of anonymity that the two panels of the ruling party were competing with each other for collecting donations in the Birgunj-Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The country is facing political crisis after the dissolution of the House of Representatives upon the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Oli while the industrialists are facing the brunt of the protests.<br />
Both the Dahal-Nepal faction and Oli-led panel are demonstrating their power through street protests while other opposition parties are also protesting. &nbsp;<br />
Local political leaders of both the panels of the NPC have been putting pressure on the businessmen to help them fund the movement.<br />
The Parsa district committee of the Oli-led group had sent letters to entrepreneurs in Birgunj-Patalaiya Industrial Corridor demanding donations. An entrepreneur complained that the private sector, which was expecting a conducive environment for running industries and businesses from the majority government, has become a victim of political instability and donations.<br />
The private sector, which is hoping for political stability, is in a dilemma at the moment. &quot;Some people say they need help to get people to support the government, others say they have to protest,&quot; an industrialist from Birgunj informed.<br />
An official of the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries informed that, ironically, the private sector which has been affected due to the strike and political instability, have been forced to donate for the demonstrations.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12786',
			'image' => '20210212035539_shutterstock_513101614.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 15:54:19',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13040',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Lacks Adequate Laboratories for Testing Bird Flu ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Bird flu has re-emerged in Kathmandu. The disease was initially detected in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwor Municipality – 7 in Kathmandu on January 29.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 12: Bird flu has re-emerged in Kathmandu. The disease was initially detected in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwor Municipality &ndash; 7 in Kathmandu on January 29. After that, the Department of Livestock Services was closely monitoring the area and other suspicious places in the country. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to a press release issued by the department, bird flu was confirmed in Tarkeshwor municipality &ndash; 1 again on February 9 while testing a duck reared by a local farmer.&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">As soon as the disease was confirmed, the department mobilized its units to control the spread of the disease and destroy all the livestock and other contagious things in the affected areas. Meanwhile, 1,421 ducks, 42 chickens, 26 eggs and 800 kg grains have been destroyed and the area has been completely disinfected, the statement added. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Shreeram Ghimire said that there is lack of laboratories for testing the contagious disease. According to him, out of eight laboratories under the ministry, five are currently being used by the Ministry of Health for coronavirus tests. Only the remaining three are being used for bird flu testing. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;This is insufficient for us. There could be problem for testing if additional laboratories are not arranged as soon as possible,&rdquo; he said. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Out of the eight laboratories, only the Central Veterinary Laboratory at Tripureshwor is recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Apart from this, other laboratories do not meet all the criteria although tests are being carried out in those labs. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Dr Ghimire said that the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health Services have been asked to provide laboratories to them. Furthermore, he said that if the disease spreads, the number of laboratories conducting regular tests may not be enough and more laboratories may be required. The ministry has informed that efforts are being made from all quarters to control the spread of the disease. The ministry has also appealed to all stakeholders for cooperation and collaboration in controlling the disease. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2021-02-12',
			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12785',
			'image' => '20210212040457_20210131120553_Avian-influenza-word-cloud.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 16:04:03',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13038',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Tunnel Test of Melamchi Project to be Completed in next 2 Months',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Altogether 69 percent works of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) has been completed, according to the half-yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the government recently. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">February 12: Altogether 69 percent works of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) has been completed, according to the half-yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the government recently. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">&ldquo;Following an incident in the tunnel of MWSP last year, construction is going on through revised procedures,&rdquo; said Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. According to Shakya an expert team of ADB was in Nepal a month ago for the inspection of MWSP. Works on tunnel grouting are being carried out in accordance to the suggestion of the team.&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Shakya said that the task of tunnel grouting will be completed by the second week of Falgun (February end). After that, MWSP will move ahead with the works of tunnel test. Testing of the tunnel is expected to last for around two months. Soon after the completion of tunnel test, MWSP will start working on water supply, Shakya told New Business Age.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">It has been more that two decades since this project was started with a cost estimate of $464 million which was later downsized to $312.9 million. A total of Rs 5.46 billion has been allocated in this fiscal year of which Rs 52.19 million has been spent. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-12',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12784',
			'image' => '20210212111048_20200317114243_Melamchi 1.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 11:10:08',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13037',
			'article_category_id' => '266',
			'title' => 'Hotel Yak & Yeti Introduces Special Packages for Valentine's Day',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Hotel Yak & Yeti, a five-star hotel in Durbar Marg, has introduced Romantic Candle Light Dinner and Special Accommodation packages for Valentine’s Day celebration.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">February 12: Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti, a five-star hotel in Durbar Marg, has introduced Romantic Candle Light Dinner and Special Accommodation packages for Valentine&rsquo;s Day celebration.<br />
The hotel aims to cater to couples of all ages for spreading love this Valentine&#39;s Day weekend from February 12th &ndash; 14th, 2021.<br />
The package is for all romantic couples looking for the perfect location to showcase their affection for each other, informed Alina Shakya, marketing executive at Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti.<br />
According to a statement released by the hotel, Valentine&rsquo;s Day celebration at Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti takes participating couples through a romantic journey for the evening complete with Valentine-themed welcome drinks, table decorations, romantic music and light settings, a 5-Course Sumptuous Romantic Candle Light Dinner with a choice of drink and an exciting lucky draw on February 14, 2021.<br />
&ldquo;Patrons can also avail a Special Accommodation Package should they wish to relax and unwind after the event in the heart of Kathmandu,&rdquo; the statement reads.<br />
&ldquo;The Romantic Candle Light Dinner package and Special Accommodation package are available at &nbsp; Rs 4,444++ and Rs 8,888++,&rdquo; reads the statement.<br />
According to the hotel, the Romantic Candle Light Dinner Package includes a glass of welcome cocktail/mocktail, 5-course luxurious candlelight dinner (with choice of drinks), 60 ml of premium drink/ a glass of wine/ soft drink.<br />
Likewise, the Special Accommodation Package includes welcome amenities in the room, choice of picnic breakfast or leisurely picnic brunch at the garden, access to Lawn Tennis court, and a 20 percent discount on all food and beverage, excluding promotional offers.<br />
The hotel has urged interested individuals can contact the hotel for &nbsp;reservation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2021-02-12',
			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12783',
			'image' => '20210212110227_Spice Room_Valentine's Day(1).jpeg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 11:01:21',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13036',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => ' Govt to make 5% investment in 10-billion-rupee fund to be set up by NRNA ',
			'sub_title' => ' Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) setting up a public company to operate the fund of Rs 10 billion to finance infrastructure projects',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said that it plans to make 5 percent investment in a fund of Rs 10 billion that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is setting up to finance infrastructure projects.',
			'content' => '<p>February 11: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said that it plans to make 5 percent investment in a fund of Rs 10 billion that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is setting up to finance infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>Issuing a statement on Thursday, the MoF said that it is chipping in 5 percent in the fund that the NRNA plans to operate to finance infrastructure projects in the country.</p>

<p>The commitment means the government will invest a total of Rs 500 million in the fund to be operated through a separate public company.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a delegation led by NRNA President Kumar Panta met Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel on Thursday to discuss about the progress on setting up the fund.</p>

<p>According to the statement, NRNA President Pant told Finance Minister Paudel that the NRNA has already started a process to establish the public company to operate the fund.</p>

<p>NRNA will have 10 percent stake in the infrastructure company while nonresident Nepali will own 80 percent shares, the statement said quoting NRNA President Panta.<br />
The new company also plans to float its shares to the public to mobilize capital for the investment on various infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2021-02-11',
			'modified' => '2021-02-11',
			'keywords' => 'Non-Resident Nepali Association; NRNA; Ministry of Finance; NRNA Infrastructure Fund',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12782',
			'image' => '20210211040953_MoF_NRNA Fund Meeting.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 15:59:56',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13035',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Governor in Favour of Promoting Skilled Workers within the Country',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari has urged all stakeholders to promote the skills of local workers. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">February 11: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari has urged all stakeholders to promote the skills of local workers. According to Governor Adhikari, at a time when a large number of Nepali citizens have been forced to seek foreign employment the country has been providing jobs to lots of skilled workers from outside the country. In this context, Governor Adhikari stressed that adequate training for Nepali workers could help in promoting domestic workforce.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">During an interaction with a delegation from the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association on Wednesday, Governor Adhikari suggested the businessmen involved in this sector to produce skilled workers within the country. He also expressed the central bank&rsquo;s commitment to develop skilled workers within the country.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to a report, around 70,000 foreign workers are currently employed in the gold crafting business in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Governor Adhikari also stressed on the use of QR code and digital payment with the gold dealers.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Although big transactions take place in gold business, they are still done in the traditional way. There is a need to adopt modern technology in accordance to the present context,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Governor Adhikari informed that he would address the demands of the gold dealers to the possible extent. Stating that the supply of gold is directly related to the country&rsquo;s foreign exchange reserve, he added that the demands of the gold dealers would be addressed by giving due consideration to the market demand. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The central bank is ready to address the valid demands of the gold dealers,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2021-02-11',
			'modified' => '2021-02-11',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12781',
			'image' => '20210211035814_1612995586.Clipboard03.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 15:57:35',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13034',
			'article_category_id' => '239',
			'title' => 'Hotel and Cable Car in Palpa in the Pipeline ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: A cable car connecting Butwal and Palpa and a five star hotel in Basantapur of Palpa are being constructed in collaboration between two big private companies of Nepal. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 11: A cable car connecting Butwal and Palpa and a five star hotel in Basantapur of Palpa are being constructed in collaboration between two big private companies of Nepal. This construction is being done jointly by Sharma &amp; Company and IME Group. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">These companies have started the work by establishing a company called Lumbini Cable Car Pvt Ltd. A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday approved the company to use 6.27 hectares of national forest under Rupandehi and Palpa districts for 25 years. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will lay the foundation stone of the cable car, hotel and two temples that will be built with an investment of Rs 3.50 billion. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Altogether 3.16 hectares of land falls in the Chure Community Forest of Butwal Sub-metropolitan city &ndash; 3, Rupandehi and 3.11 hectares of land in Chuiri danda/Nyauli Community Forest of Tinau Rural municipality &ndash; 3, Palpa. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Meanwhile, the government has given permission to the company to remove 1,338 poles and trees in the area. Ramesh Sharma, Managing Director (MD) of Sharma &amp; Company, informed that a tender is will be issued after signing an agreement with the cable car construction company. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">He said that the construction of the cable car will be completed within the next two years and the hotel will be operational within the next three years. As there will be delay in hotel occupancy, the two companies are preparing to open a restaurant prior to the hotel. These companies were planning to invest Rs 5 billion for cable car and 200-bed capacity hotels and resort. However, they cut down the investment due to the coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">As it will take more time for tourists to come due to coronavirus and many new hotels have been opened in the area, Sharma said that the hotels are being built with less capacity due to increased competition. &ldquo;The investment has been reduced as the virus has affected tourism sector,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;The bed capacity has been reduced to 150, so the cost has also been reduced.&rdquo; &nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p>
',
			'published' => true,
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			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12780',
			'image' => '20210211021226_index.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 14:11:51',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13033',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NOC Hikes Price of Petroleum Products, LPG',
			'sub_title' => 'Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene to Cost Rs 2 Dear while LPG will cost Rs 25 More',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The government hiked the price of petroleum products as well as cooking gas, effective from Wednesday midnight. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">February 11: The government hiked the price of petroleum products as well as cooking gas, effective from Wednesday midnight. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">According to Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene have been increased by Rs 2 per litre. With the latest price hike, petrol will now cost Rs 112 per litre while diesel and kerosene will cost Rs 95 per litre.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The price of LPG (cooking gas) has been increased to Rs 1400 per cylinder, NOC said in a statement. The NOC has raised Rs 25 per cylinder of LPG.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) remains unchanged, informed Binit Mani Upadhyay, spokesperson of NOC.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">NOC further said that it is still bearing a loss of Rs 5.16 per litre of petrol, Rs3.1 per litre or diesel and Rs 295.83 per cylinder of LPG.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2021-02-11',
			'modified' => '2021-02-11',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12779',
			'image' => '20210211120609_20190503125003_Petrol-Price-Increase.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 12:02:27',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13032',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepalese Seeking Foreign Employment on Decline ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The number of Nepalese nationals seeking foreign jobs has declined by 77.6 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to the half yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 11: The number of Nepalese nationals seeking foreign jobs has declined by 77.6<u><ins> </ins></u>percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to the half yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In the corresponding period of last year, this number had increased by 17.7percent. This data is presented by MoF based on the applications for labor permits. The report states that the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 induced lockdown in the destination countries have resulted in the decline in the number of Nepalese workers seeking labor permits. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Meanwhile, even before COVID-19 period, Nepalese workers migrating to the Gulf countries have seen a sharp decline for the past years. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had renewed labour permits of 368,433 applicants while 190,453 new labor permits were issued in the last fiscal year 2019/20. Nepali workers taking new permits for foreign employment had witnessed a decline of 20.5 percent in FY 2019/20. It had decreased by 32.6 percent in the FY 2018/19. Likewise, in the fiscal year 2017/18, Nepalese workers seeking foreign employment declined by 9.3 percent.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the report, the demand for migrant workers is expected to go up gradually as vaccination drive has begun in Malaysia and other Middle East countries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&ldquo;On a daily basis, around 50 labor permits are being issued,&rdquo; said Tika Mani Neupane, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE). DoFe is also providing permit renewal service online from this January. &nbsp;Around 100 permits are issued through online, informed, Neupane.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Though COVID-19 has resulted in a decline in the number of Nepalese workers seeking foreign jobs, it has not affected the remittance inflow to the country. In the last six months of the current fiscal year, remittance inflow increased by 11.1 percent. In FY 2018/19, the country saw an increase of 16.5 percent in remittance.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13031',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Monitor and Regulate Social Media',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: The government is preparing to strictly monitor social networking sites due to an increase in inciting posts and hate speeches targeted towards high profile individuals. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">February 10: The government is preparing to strictly monitor social networking sites due to an increase in inciting posts and hate speeches targeted towards high profile individuals. The government is making necessary preparations to take a policy-level decision to monitor such sites as well as those who promote such materials.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Unveiling the decisions of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Parbat Gurung said that the government will soon introduce Social Media Directive, 2077 to regulate the misuse of Facebook, YouTube and other online portals. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Minister Gurung said that the government realized the need to regulate irresponsible and derogatory remarks and to discourage the use of social media to promote malpractices and therefore decided to issue the new directive soon.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Freedom Forum expressed alarm over the announcement of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology that the government was planning to bring a directive on social media/social networking sites.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">&ldquo;The Department of Information and Broadcasting under the Ministry is learnt to have prepared the draft of the directive as per which the social media companies operating in Nepal needs to be registered within three months,&rdquo; reads a statement issued by Freedom Forum.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Freedom Forum noted that social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have been an effective medium for the people in Nepal to exercise freedom of expression and hold government accountable. According to Freedom Forum, the directive will silence public voice and dissent, which are normal in democratic system.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Moreover, there are separate legal provisions to deal with defamation and public offense through social media. But such actions in the name of controlling defamation, which the Ministry claims, is the blatant attempt to violate citizen&#39;s free speech, added the statement.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13030',
			'article_category_id' => '266',
			'title' => 'Laxmi Bank Announces Winners of ‘My Mobile Money’ Video Contest ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: Laxmi Bank has announced the winners of its ‘My Mobile Money’ contest. ',
			'content' => '<h2><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">February 10: Laxmi Bank has announced the winners of its &lsquo;My Mobile Money&rsquo; contest. </span></span></h2>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The contest required participants to submit creative videos of up to three minutes on the use of &lsquo;Mobile Money&rsquo; in day to day lives. The contest was divided into 5 categories and received overwhelming responses from the content creators, social media enthusiasts, and regular customers alike from all over the country, the bank said in a statement on February 10. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Each participant could submit up to five videos &ndash; one in each category and win up to Rs 250,000.&nbsp; According to the bank, the contest attracted a record number of entrants with over 450 registrations from across Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">&ldquo;All the shortlisted submissions went through a rigorous judging process based on the parameters of creativity and storytelling, execution, and relevance, to the extent that a tie had to be declared in one of the categories as it was difficult to choose one from the shortlisted videos,&rdquo; the statement added.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The winners of &lsquo;My Mobile Money&rsquo; contests include Lakesh Dangal of Biratnagar and Mandip Bakhunchhe of Bhaktapur in Bill Payment I category; Bikash Tripathi of Pokhara (Bill Payment II category); Santosh Shakya of Kathmandu (Card Services category), Bhuvan Tiwari of Bharatpur (Cardless withdrawal category) and Tsewang Gurung of Mustang (Fund Transfer category).</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">. </span></span></p>
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			'id' => '13029',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'FDI without Central Bank’s Approval on the Cards',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will no longer require approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank in the near future. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">February 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will no longer require approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank in the near future. Until now, it was mandatory for the investors to get approval from the central bank for any kind of FDI. The central bank is preparing to remove the hassles of paperwork by introducing new regulations soon.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Nepal Rastra Bank has taken a policy-level decision to introduce the Foreign Investment and Foreign Loan Management Bylaws, 2077, which won&rsquo;t require its approval for FDI. The central bank has asked stakeholders for feedback regarding this new provision within a month.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the investors do not require to take permission from the central bank, they still need to take permission from other concerned government bodies. After getting the final approval, the investors need to inform the central bank in written about any foreign currency being flown in or out of the country.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Executive Director of the Foreign Exchange Department of NRB Bam Bahadur Mishra says that the central bank is taking a giant leap to facilitate foreign direct investment.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;We are trying to promote FDI and therefore we are making a new arrangement for the first time,&rdquo; said Mishra, adding, &ldquo;Now the investors can go directly to the Department of Industry instead of coming to the central bank.&rdquo;</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Mishra added that the investors do need to visit the central bank for the final auditing though.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Officials at NRB expressed their belief that the new bylaws would further facilitate FDI.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13043',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Planning to Develop Sindhupalchowk as ‘Kiwi Zone’ ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 14: Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dhulikhel is preparing to make Sindhupalchowk a 'Kiwi Zone' due to an increase in attraction of farmers in kiwi farming in the district. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 14: Agricultural Knowledge Center, Dhulikhel is preparing to make Sindhupalchowk a &#39;Kiwi Zone&#39; due to an increase in attraction of farmers in kiwi farming in the district. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;We have been giving grants to Melamchi Municipality-1 by declaring it as a pocket area of Kiwi,&rdquo; said Tej Prasad Duwadi, head of the knowledge center, adding, &ldquo;Now we are preparing to make the zone a Kiwi zone.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to Duwadi, saplings were distributed in areas like Batase, Karkitar, Thumpaakhar, Jethal and Nawalpur last year with a grant from the Agriculture Knowledge Center. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Duwadi further informed that 1,500 tons of Kiwi was produced in Helambu, Bhotechaur and Haibung last year. He said that Kiwi farming should be promoted further in the district as there is a plan to make drinks including wine and juice and sell them in the market. He further informed that the villagers have started using machines to make juice, wine and other beverages. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to the center, it is estimated that 2.5 metric tons of kiwi will be produced in the district this year. Farmers from Melamchi Municipality, Helambu Municipality, Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality and Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality in the western region have been engaged in kiwi farming after the center started providing assistance. Farmers have started cultivating Kiwi commercially after being encouraged by good production and income. Farmers of Khale and Karkitar of Sangachokgadhi Municipality-3 of Chautara have planted 350 saplings and started kiwi farming from this year. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Likewise, kiwi planted six years ago in Bhotechaur has started producing furits. Dinesh Prasad Sigdel and a group of local youths had planted kiwi in 60 ropani of land in 2069 with an investment of Rs 8 million. &ldquo;At present, Kiwi farming is being done in 1,200 ropani of land,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;We have been increasing it every year. Every year, around 1,000 people are getting employment from this business.&rdquo; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Similarly, with an investment of Rs 20 million, kiwi saplings are planted in 220 ropani of land in Haibung. Currently, 16,000 saplings are planted in 1,420 ropani of land in both places. Sigdel says that Rs 40 million has been invested to plant the saplings. The kiwi fruit, which has been produced since last year, is being sold as per the demand of traders. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Sigdel informed that initially he brought the saplings from Dhulikhel at Rs 600 per plant and since this year, he has established a nursery and has been selling plant at Rs 250 per plant. Altogether 500 saplings have been sold and distributed in Helambu from there. From this year, they have started producing juice as well. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Mahalal Dulal of Haibung Banjaratol said that he was discouraged due to low production initially. &quot;There is no problem of not getting market for the fruit anymore,&quot; he said, adding that even though one has to wait for 4 to 5 years for the kiwi fruit to be harvested, more farmers have become interested due to the prospect of good income.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Farmers say that it has been easier to expand the farming after Himalayan Kiwi Pvt. Ltd started producing and selling the plant. &ldquo;Everyone started investing after the firm started good Kiwi Production,&rdquo; a local Subas Dulal said. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Similarly, kiwi planted five years ago in 10 ropanis by Arjun Sapkota of Listi, Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-1 has started bearing fruit. Kiwi plant starts bearing fruits four years after planting. The farmers have prioritised the Nepali market in the first phase and export in the second phase. The fruit which is produced between November to February can also be used to make foods such as wine and jam. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13042',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'National Pride Projects yet to Spend more than 50% of Allocated Budget',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 13: Majority of the National Pride Projects haven’t spent even 50 percent of the allocated budget in the current fiscal year.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">February 13: Majority of the National Pride Projects haven&rsquo;t spent even 50 percent of the allocated budget in the current fiscal year. With six months left in the ongoing fiscal year, only Rs&nbsp; 13.98 billion has been spent out of Rs 92.6 million allocated for the national pride projects, according to the half-yearly budget review of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">A total of 25 national projects are currently running. Among them, the progress of Pokhara Regional International Airport, Mid-hill Highway, and Karnali Corridor is satisfactory. Of the 25 projects, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project has only made an expenditure of Rs 2.12 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">The Mid-hill Highway project has spent Rs 1.76 billion of the allocated amount of Rs 8.27 billion. The Postal Highway has spent Rs 3.34 billion of Rs 7.1 billion. Kathmandu-Terai Fast track has spent Rs 1.23 billion of Rs 8.93 billion. Gautam Buddha International Airport has spent Rs 2.98 billion of Rs 4.72 billion. Nigadh International Airport has spent 50 million of 500 million. Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project spent Rs 1.8 billion of Rs 8.84 billion</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">These projects are lagging behind due to the unavailability of separate laws for the implementation of national pride projects. Also, the lack of skilled manpower and lack of construction materials have been the major hindrances for the project development. The report states that project execution starts before finalizing the project modality, while issues like land acquisition, compensation amount, rehabilitation of affected people and Detailed Project Report have also resulted in the delay in projects.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">To increase the budget spending ,the report suggests to complete tasks of land acquisition, environment impact assessment, cutting of trees, and preparing DPR before the project starts. </span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13041',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEA’ s new Managing Director Faces Challenges from Power Distribution to its Consumption',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term. ',
			'content' => '<p><em>This image taken from Facebook shows newly-appointed MD of Nepal Electricity Authority Hitendra Dev Shakya.</em></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 12: The government has appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for a four-year term. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya is considered as an experienced hand for the post but experts say his tenure is full of challenges.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Experts are of the view that building transmission lines and increasing energy consumption are the major concerns at the moment. Due to NEA&rsquo;s inefficacy in completing Solu, Koshi, Trishuli transmission lines on time, energy production of 20 projects of those areas has been affected. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">As far as energy consumption is concerned, Shakya will primarily be having difficult time during the monsoon season. Hydropower projects produce energy in excess during the monsoon. Likewise, 456 megawatt Upper Tamakoshi project and other private hydropower projects will be completed soon. In this context, Shakya will face challenge of increasing power consumption, says Krishna Prasad Acharya, president of the Independent Power Producers&rsquo; Association of Nepal (IPPAN). &ldquo;The newly appointed MD should focus on building transmission lines, distribution system, substation, expansion of infrastructure and increasing power consumption within the country,&rdquo; Acharya added. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Energy epxert Gyanendra Lal Pradhan says new measures are required to bring changes in energy consumption. NEA should work on increasing power consumption in the industrial sector, suggests Pradhan. Most of the industries are still without power and running on diesel. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya has other challenge of completing hydropower projects and transmission lines.&nbsp; Solu corridor, Koshi corridor, Trishuli corridor, Kushma- Butwal transmission line, Hetauda-Dhalkebar transmission line are yet to be completed. Shakya also has the responsibility to complete the most-awaited Upper Tamakoshi, Tanahu Seti storage, Middle Bhotekoshi, Rasuwagadhi hydropower projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shakya has succeeded former MD Kulman Ghishing, who earned a huge respect from the public for removing power cuts. Shakya faces an uphill battle to earn same kind of public image. Shakya himself accepts he has various kinds of challenges in days to come. He has plans to work accordingly to increase power access to 100% from the current 86%.&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&nbsp;&ldquo;Incomplete transmission lines will be completed and generated power will be connected to the national grid. At present, NEA has signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with 5000 MW projects. I will work to increase energy consumption within the country and also work on exporting energy to minimize trade deficit,&rdquo; Shakya said. </span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13039',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Political Parties ‘Demand’ Donations from Private Sector to Organise Protests',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: At a time when the private sector is struggling to overcome the impacts of coronavirus pandemic, political parties from both the Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions of Nepal Communist Party have been allegedly putting pressure on businessmen and industrialists for donation.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">February 12: At a time when the private sector is struggling to overcome the impacts of coronavirus pandemic, political parties from both the Oli and Dahal-Nepal factions of Nepal Communist Party have been allegedly putting pressure on businessmen and industrialists for donation.<br />
The private sector has been complaining that both the establishment and dissident factions of the ruling party have been seeking funds to carry out demonstrations and mass meetings.<br />
Entrepreneurs say that the pro-government and anti-government protests following the recent political crisis have taken a massive toll on their businesses. They say that the demand for donation from the political parties during the current crisis of coronavirus has put further strain on them to sustain their businesses. &nbsp;<br />
Entrepreneurs told New Business Age that they are in trouble after both the factions started collecting donations for their demonstrations. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The parties have been collecting donations in the capital, Kathmandu, to gather protesters from various districts.<br />
An industrialist said on condition of anonymity that the two panels of the ruling party were competing with each other for collecting donations in the Birgunj-Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">The country is facing political crisis after the dissolution of the House of Representatives upon the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Oli while the industrialists are facing the brunt of the protests.<br />
Both the Dahal-Nepal faction and Oli-led panel are demonstrating their power through street protests while other opposition parties are also protesting. &nbsp;<br />
Local political leaders of both the panels of the NPC have been putting pressure on the businessmen to help them fund the movement.<br />
The Parsa district committee of the Oli-led group had sent letters to entrepreneurs in Birgunj-Patalaiya Industrial Corridor demanding donations. An entrepreneur complained that the private sector, which was expecting a conducive environment for running industries and businesses from the majority government, has become a victim of political instability and donations.<br />
The private sector, which is hoping for political stability, is in a dilemma at the moment. &quot;Some people say they need help to get people to support the government, others say they have to protest,&quot; an industrialist from Birgunj informed.<br />
An official of the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries informed that, ironically, the private sector which has been affected due to the strike and political instability, have been forced to donate for the demonstrations.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13040',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Lacks Adequate Laboratories for Testing Bird Flu ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Bird flu has re-emerged in Kathmandu. The disease was initially detected in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwor Municipality – 7 in Kathmandu on January 29.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 12: Bird flu has re-emerged in Kathmandu. The disease was initially detected in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwor Municipality &ndash; 7 in Kathmandu on January 29. After that, the Department of Livestock Services was closely monitoring the area and other suspicious places in the country. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">According to a press release issued by the department, bird flu was confirmed in Tarkeshwor municipality &ndash; 1 again on February 9 while testing a duck reared by a local farmer.&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">As soon as the disease was confirmed, the department mobilized its units to control the spread of the disease and destroy all the livestock and other contagious things in the affected areas. Meanwhile, 1,421 ducks, 42 chickens, 26 eggs and 800 kg grains have been destroyed and the area has been completely disinfected, the statement added. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Shreeram Ghimire said that there is lack of laboratories for testing the contagious disease. According to him, out of eight laboratories under the ministry, five are currently being used by the Ministry of Health for coronavirus tests. Only the remaining three are being used for bird flu testing. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&ldquo;This is insufficient for us. There could be problem for testing if additional laboratories are not arranged as soon as possible,&rdquo; he said. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Out of the eight laboratories, only the Central Veterinary Laboratory at Tripureshwor is recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Apart from this, other laboratories do not meet all the criteria although tests are being carried out in those labs. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Dr Ghimire said that the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health Services have been asked to provide laboratories to them. Furthermore, he said that if the disease spreads, the number of laboratories conducting regular tests may not be enough and more laboratories may be required. The ministry has informed that efforts are being made from all quarters to control the spread of the disease. The ministry has also appealed to all stakeholders for cooperation and collaboration in controlling the disease. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12785',
			'image' => '20210212040457_20210131120553_Avian-influenza-word-cloud.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 16:04:03',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13038',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Tunnel Test of Melamchi Project to be Completed in next 2 Months',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Altogether 69 percent works of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) has been completed, according to the half-yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the government recently. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">February 12: Altogether 69 percent works of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) has been completed, according to the half-yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the government recently. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">&ldquo;Following an incident in the tunnel of MWSP last year, construction is going on through revised procedures,&rdquo; said Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. According to Shakya an expert team of ADB was in Nepal a month ago for the inspection of MWSP. Works on tunnel grouting are being carried out in accordance to the suggestion of the team.&nbsp; </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">Shakya said that the task of tunnel grouting will be completed by the second week of Falgun (February end). After that, MWSP will move ahead with the works of tunnel test. Testing of the tunnel is expected to last for around two months. Soon after the completion of tunnel test, MWSP will start working on water supply, Shakya told New Business Age.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri">It has been more that two decades since this project was started with a cost estimate of $464 million which was later downsized to $312.9 million. A total of Rs 5.46 billion has been allocated in this fiscal year of which Rs 52.19 million has been spent. </span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'sortorder' => '12784',
			'image' => '20210212111048_20200317114243_Melamchi 1.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 11:10:08',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13037',
			'article_category_id' => '266',
			'title' => 'Hotel Yak & Yeti Introduces Special Packages for Valentine's Day',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 12: Hotel Yak & Yeti, a five-star hotel in Durbar Marg, has introduced Romantic Candle Light Dinner and Special Accommodation packages for Valentine’s Day celebration.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Times">February 12: Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti, a five-star hotel in Durbar Marg, has introduced Romantic Candle Light Dinner and Special Accommodation packages for Valentine&rsquo;s Day celebration.<br />
The hotel aims to cater to couples of all ages for spreading love this Valentine&#39;s Day weekend from February 12th &ndash; 14th, 2021.<br />
The package is for all romantic couples looking for the perfect location to showcase their affection for each other, informed Alina Shakya, marketing executive at Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti.<br />
According to a statement released by the hotel, Valentine&rsquo;s Day celebration at Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti takes participating couples through a romantic journey for the evening complete with Valentine-themed welcome drinks, table decorations, romantic music and light settings, a 5-Course Sumptuous Romantic Candle Light Dinner with a choice of drink and an exciting lucky draw on February 14, 2021.<br />
&ldquo;Patrons can also avail a Special Accommodation Package should they wish to relax and unwind after the event in the heart of Kathmandu,&rdquo; the statement reads.<br />
&ldquo;The Romantic Candle Light Dinner package and Special Accommodation package are available at &nbsp; Rs 4,444++ and Rs 8,888++,&rdquo; reads the statement.<br />
According to the hotel, the Romantic Candle Light Dinner Package includes a glass of welcome cocktail/mocktail, 5-course luxurious candlelight dinner (with choice of drinks), 60 ml of premium drink/ a glass of wine/ soft drink.<br />
Likewise, the Special Accommodation Package includes welcome amenities in the room, choice of picnic breakfast or leisurely picnic brunch at the garden, access to Lawn Tennis court, and a 20 percent discount on all food and beverage, excluding promotional offers.<br />
The hotel has urged interested individuals can contact the hotel for &nbsp;reservation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-12',
			'modified' => '2021-02-12',
			'keywords' => '',
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			'image' => '20210212110227_Spice Room_Valentine's Day(1).jpeg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-12 11:01:21',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13036',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => ' Govt to make 5% investment in 10-billion-rupee fund to be set up by NRNA ',
			'sub_title' => ' Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) setting up a public company to operate the fund of Rs 10 billion to finance infrastructure projects',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said that it plans to make 5 percent investment in a fund of Rs 10 billion that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is setting up to finance infrastructure projects.',
			'content' => '<p>February 11: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has said that it plans to make 5 percent investment in a fund of Rs 10 billion that Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is setting up to finance infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>Issuing a statement on Thursday, the MoF said that it is chipping in 5 percent in the fund that the NRNA plans to operate to finance infrastructure projects in the country.</p>

<p>The commitment means the government will invest a total of Rs 500 million in the fund to be operated through a separate public company.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a delegation led by NRNA President Kumar Panta met Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel on Thursday to discuss about the progress on setting up the fund.</p>

<p>According to the statement, NRNA President Pant told Finance Minister Paudel that the NRNA has already started a process to establish the public company to operate the fund.</p>

<p>NRNA will have 10 percent stake in the infrastructure company while nonresident Nepali will own 80 percent shares, the statement said quoting NRNA President Panta.<br />
The new company also plans to float its shares to the public to mobilize capital for the investment on various infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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			'created' => '2021-02-11',
			'modified' => '2021-02-11',
			'keywords' => 'Non-Resident Nepali Association; NRNA; Ministry of Finance; NRNA Infrastructure Fund',
			'description' => '',
			'sortorder' => '12782',
			'image' => '20210211040953_MoF_NRNA Fund Meeting.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 15:59:56',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13035',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NRB Governor in Favour of Promoting Skilled Workers within the Country',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari has urged all stakeholders to promote the skills of local workers. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">February 11: Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Maha Prasad Adhikari has urged all stakeholders to promote the skills of local workers. According to Governor Adhikari, at a time when a large number of Nepali citizens have been forced to seek foreign employment the country has been providing jobs to lots of skilled workers from outside the country. In this context, Governor Adhikari stressed that adequate training for Nepali workers could help in promoting domestic workforce.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">During an interaction with a delegation from the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association on Wednesday, Governor Adhikari suggested the businessmen involved in this sector to produce skilled workers within the country. He also expressed the central bank&rsquo;s commitment to develop skilled workers within the country.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">According to a report, around 70,000 foreign workers are currently employed in the gold crafting business in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Governor Adhikari also stressed on the use of QR code and digital payment with the gold dealers.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;Although big transactions take place in gold business, they are still done in the traditional way. There is a need to adopt modern technology in accordance to the present context,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Governor Adhikari informed that he would address the demands of the gold dealers to the possible extent. Stating that the supply of gold is directly related to the country&rsquo;s foreign exchange reserve, he added that the demands of the gold dealers would be addressed by giving due consideration to the market demand. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;The central bank is ready to address the valid demands of the gold dealers,&rdquo; said Adhikari.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13034',
			'article_category_id' => '239',
			'title' => 'Hotel and Cable Car in Palpa in the Pipeline ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: A cable car connecting Butwal and Palpa and a five star hotel in Basantapur of Palpa are being constructed in collaboration between two big private companies of Nepal. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">February 11: A cable car connecting Butwal and Palpa and a five star hotel in Basantapur of Palpa are being constructed in collaboration between two big private companies of Nepal. This construction is being done jointly by Sharma &amp; Company and IME Group. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">These companies have started the work by establishing a company called Lumbini Cable Car Pvt Ltd. A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday approved the company to use 6.27 hectares of national forest under Rupandehi and Palpa districts for 25 years. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will lay the foundation stone of the cable car, hotel and two temples that will be built with an investment of Rs 3.50 billion. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Altogether 3.16 hectares of land falls in the Chure Community Forest of Butwal Sub-metropolitan city &ndash; 3, Rupandehi and 3.11 hectares of land in Chuiri danda/Nyauli Community Forest of Tinau Rural municipality &ndash; 3, Palpa. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">Meanwhile, the government has given permission to the company to remove 1,338 poles and trees in the area. Ramesh Sharma, Managing Director (MD) of Sharma &amp; Company, informed that a tender is will be issued after signing an agreement with the cable car construction company. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">He said that the construction of the cable car will be completed within the next two years and the hotel will be operational within the next three years. As there will be delay in hotel occupancy, the two companies are preparing to open a restaurant prior to the hotel. These companies were planning to invest Rs 5 billion for cable car and 200-bed capacity hotels and resort. However, they cut down the investment due to the coronavirus pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">As it will take more time for tourists to come due to coronavirus and many new hotels have been opened in the area, Sharma said that the hotels are being built with less capacity due to increased competition. &ldquo;The investment has been reduced as the virus has affected tourism sector,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;The bed capacity has been reduced to 150, so the cost has also been reduced.&rdquo; &nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p>
',
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			'image' => '20210211021226_index.jpg',
			'article_date' => '2021-02-11 14:11:51',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13033',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NOC Hikes Price of Petroleum Products, LPG',
			'sub_title' => 'Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene to Cost Rs 2 Dear while LPG will cost Rs 25 More',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The government hiked the price of petroleum products as well as cooking gas, effective from Wednesday midnight. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">February 11: The government hiked the price of petroleum products as well as cooking gas, effective from Wednesday midnight. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">According to Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene have been increased by Rs 2 per litre. With the latest price hike, petrol will now cost Rs 112 per litre while diesel and kerosene will cost Rs 95 per litre.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The price of LPG (cooking gas) has been increased to Rs 1400 per cylinder, NOC said in a statement. The NOC has raised Rs 25 per cylinder of LPG.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) remains unchanged, informed Binit Mani Upadhyay, spokesperson of NOC.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18pt"><span style="font-family:Preeti"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">NOC further said that it is still bearing a loss of Rs 5.16 per litre of petrol, Rs3.1 per litre or diesel and Rs 295.83 per cylinder of LPG.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13032',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepalese Seeking Foreign Employment on Decline ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 11: The number of Nepalese nationals seeking foreign jobs has declined by 77.6 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to the half yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">February 11: The number of Nepalese nationals seeking foreign jobs has declined by 77.6<u><ins> </ins></u>percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, according to the half yearly budget review report of 2020/21 unveiled by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In the corresponding period of last year, this number had increased by 17.7percent. This data is presented by MoF based on the applications for labor permits. The report states that the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 induced lockdown in the destination countries have resulted in the decline in the number of Nepalese workers seeking labor permits. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Meanwhile, even before COVID-19 period, Nepalese workers migrating to the Gulf countries have seen a sharp decline for the past years. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had renewed labour permits of 368,433 applicants while 190,453 new labor permits were issued in the last fiscal year 2019/20. Nepali workers taking new permits for foreign employment had witnessed a decline of 20.5 percent in FY 2019/20. It had decreased by 32.6 percent in the FY 2018/19. Likewise, in the fiscal year 2017/18, Nepalese workers seeking foreign employment declined by 9.3 percent.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the report, the demand for migrant workers is expected to go up gradually as vaccination drive has begun in Malaysia and other Middle East countries.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&ldquo;On a daily basis, around 50 labor permits are being issued,&rdquo; said Tika Mani Neupane, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE). DoFe is also providing permit renewal service online from this January. &nbsp;Around 100 permits are issued through online, informed, Neupane.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Though COVID-19 has resulted in a decline in the number of Nepalese workers seeking foreign jobs, it has not affected the remittance inflow to the country. In the last six months of the current fiscal year, remittance inflow increased by 11.1 percent. In FY 2018/19, the country saw an increase of 16.5 percent in remittance.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13031',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Government Preparing to Monitor and Regulate Social Media',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: The government is preparing to strictly monitor social networking sites due to an increase in inciting posts and hate speeches targeted towards high profile individuals. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">February 10: The government is preparing to strictly monitor social networking sites due to an increase in inciting posts and hate speeches targeted towards high profile individuals. The government is making necessary preparations to take a policy-level decision to monitor such sites as well as those who promote such materials.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Unveiling the decisions of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Parbat Gurung said that the government will soon introduce Social Media Directive, 2077 to regulate the misuse of Facebook, YouTube and other online portals. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Minister Gurung said that the government realized the need to regulate irresponsible and derogatory remarks and to discourage the use of social media to promote malpractices and therefore decided to issue the new directive soon.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Meanwhile, </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Freedom Forum expressed alarm over the announcement of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology that the government was planning to bring a directive on social media/social networking sites.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">&ldquo;The Department of Information and Broadcasting under the Ministry is learnt to have prepared the draft of the directive as per which the social media companies operating in Nepal needs to be registered within three months,&rdquo; reads a statement issued by Freedom Forum.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Freedom Forum noted that social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have been an effective medium for the people in Nepal to exercise freedom of expression and hold government accountable. According to Freedom Forum, the directive will silence public voice and dissent, which are normal in democratic system.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Moreover, there are separate legal provisions to deal with defamation and public offense through social media. But such actions in the name of controlling defamation, which the Ministry claims, is the blatant attempt to violate citizen&#39;s free speech, added the statement.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13030',
			'article_category_id' => '266',
			'title' => 'Laxmi Bank Announces Winners of ‘My Mobile Money’ Video Contest ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: Laxmi Bank has announced the winners of its ‘My Mobile Money’ contest. ',
			'content' => '<h2><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">February 10: Laxmi Bank has announced the winners of its &lsquo;My Mobile Money&rsquo; contest. </span></span></h2>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The contest required participants to submit creative videos of up to three minutes on the use of &lsquo;Mobile Money&rsquo; in day to day lives. The contest was divided into 5 categories and received overwhelming responses from the content creators, social media enthusiasts, and regular customers alike from all over the country, the bank said in a statement on February 10. </span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">Each participant could submit up to five videos &ndash; one in each category and win up to Rs 250,000.&nbsp; According to the bank, the contest attracted a record number of entrants with over 450 registrations from across Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">&ldquo;All the shortlisted submissions went through a rigorous judging process based on the parameters of creativity and storytelling, execution, and relevance, to the extent that a tie had to be declared in one of the categories as it was difficult to choose one from the shortlisted videos,&rdquo; the statement added.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">The winners of &lsquo;My Mobile Money&rsquo; contests include Lakesh Dangal of Biratnagar and Mandip Bakhunchhe of Bhaktapur in Bill Payment I category; Bikash Tripathi of Pokhara (Bill Payment II category); Santosh Shakya of Kathmandu (Card Services category), Bhuvan Tiwari of Bharatpur (Cardless withdrawal category) and Tsewang Gurung of Mustang (Fund Transfer category).</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Cambria">. </span></span></p>
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '13029',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'FDI without Central Bank’s Approval on the Cards',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'February 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will no longer require approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank in the near future. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">February 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will no longer require approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank in the near future. Until now, it was mandatory for the investors to get approval from the central bank for any kind of FDI. The central bank is preparing to remove the hassles of paperwork by introducing new regulations soon.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Nepal Rastra Bank has taken a policy-level decision to introduce the Foreign Investment and Foreign Loan Management Bylaws, 2077, which won&rsquo;t require its approval for FDI. The central bank has asked stakeholders for feedback regarding this new provision within a month.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Although the investors do not require to take permission from the central bank, they still need to take permission from other concerned government bodies. After getting the final approval, the investors need to inform the central bank in written about any foreign currency being flown in or out of the country.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Executive Director of the Foreign Exchange Department of NRB Bam Bahadur Mishra says that the central bank is taking a giant leap to facilitate foreign direct investment.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">&ldquo;We are trying to promote FDI and therefore we are making a new arrangement for the first time,&rdquo; said Mishra, adding, &ldquo;Now the investors can go directly to the Department of Industry instead of coming to the central bank.&rdquo;</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Mishra added that the investors do need to visit the central bank for the final auditing though.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;">Officials at NRB expressed their belief that the new bylaws would further facilitate FDI.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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FOREX

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)

Bullion

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

Petroleum

Petrol	1 Liter	106.00
Diesel	1 Liter	95.00
Kerosene	1 Liter	95.00
LP Gas	1 Cylinder	1375.00