December 22: The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector.…
December 22: The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector.…
December 20: Birgunj customs has collected revenue of almost Rs 30 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year.…
December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has shown special interest in the stock…
December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is working on providing the coronavirus vaccine free of cost to all the citizens of Nepal on priority…
December 20: The arrival of visitors to Nepal reduced significantly in the first nine months of 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic.…
December 20: Shree Ram Sugar Mills Limited, Rautahat has started depositing the due amount in the accounts of sugarcane farmers.…
December 17: Bottlers Nepal Limited, the company that manufactures Coca-Cola, has been awarded with a grant of Rs 5.2 million for its efforts on energy saving initiatives.…
December 18: The Government of Nepal has for the first time unveiled the National Water Resources Policy 2077.…
December 18: The government faces risk of losing US grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation due to its…
December 18: The United States has expressed willingness to provide further technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade and investment under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries to promote preferential…
December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18).…
December 17: Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone brands in Nepal, has announced the launch of Galaxy M51, a premium M-series smartphone for the tech savvy millennials and Gen Z…
December 17: Ncell customers can now easily look for employment opportunities available in the local job market or post vacancies as prospective employers.…
December 17: Indian transport companies have been found working as agents of shipping companies without…
December 17: The government had announced a budget of Rs 1.474 trillion for the current fiscal year 2020/21 with the objective of achieving 7 percent economic…
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12831', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank to provide Financial Assistance of $80 Million for Rural Enterprise', 'sub_title' => 'The Project will Help Strengthen Nepal's Agriculture Sector and Boost Post-pandemic Recovery', 'summary' => 'December 22: The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector. ', 'content' => '<p><em>This picture taken from the Facebook page of World Bank Nepal shows a farmer with his produce. Photo Courtesy: World Bank Nepal</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">December 22: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector by strengthening rural market linkages and promoting entrepreneurship while creating jobs to support post-COVID-19 recovery. </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">According to a statement issued by the World Bank, </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the Rural Enterprise and Economic Development Project (REED) project was signed by Finance Secretary Sishir Kumar Dhungana on behalf of the Government of Nepal, and the World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos amid a function on Monday (December 21). </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 New Roman"">"We thank the World Bank Group for providing crucial support with this project which will enhance the access of rural enterprises and small-hold producers to markets and institutional buyers," the statement quoted Secretary Dhungana as saying.</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 New Roman"">"Promoting agribusiness competitiveness with sustainable market linkages will be critical to boost Nepal's post-COVID recovery," he added.</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">According to the World Bank, </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the project aims to facilitate productive partnerships between rural producer organizations and private-sector buyers to add value, create jobs and foster sustainable inclusion into, and development of, higher-value domestic and foreign value chains.</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 statement further said that </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the project focuses on five economic corridors covering provinces 1, 2, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim that offer opportunities for successful linkage activities of the rural entrepreneurs to be supported by the project. </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 New Roman"">REED will work with provincial and local governments, intermediary organizations and small and medium enterprises to build capacity in the agriculture sector and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem, the statement said. </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 New Roman"">According to the World Bank, the project will also finance investments in municipal agriculture centers and value chain infrastructures to ensure the availability of inputs for farming as recovery actions from COVID-19. The project will use labor-intensive “Cash for Work” mechanism, to the extent possible, in short-term public works.</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 New Roman"">"The project brings a unique opportunity to transform Nepal's agriculture sector and spur economic recovery from the pandemic's fallout by bolstering rural enterprises and creating local jobs and opportunities," said Faris Hadad-Zervos, adding, "By fostering meaningful collaboration among various actors, the project can promote Nepali agriculture products globally by stimulating many niche sectors such as coffee, tea, fruit and medicinal products, among others." </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 New Roman"">The project supports the Government of Nepal's Agriculture Development Strategy 2015–2035 that aims to create a sustainable, competitive, inclusive and resilient agricultural sector that drives economic growth with private sector participation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-22', 'modified' => '2020-12-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12578', 'image' => '20201222115809_13232.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-22 11:54:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12830', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Decline in Import of Petroleum Products, Vehicles Hits Revenue Collection', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Birgunj customs has collected revenue of almost Rs 30 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: Birgunj customs has collected revenue of almost Rs 30 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. According to the customs office, a total of Rs 29.77 billion was collected between mid-July to mid-December. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">However, the customs office -- which is the main entry point of the country -- could not meet its target of revenue collection during the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Customs officer Ramesh Sukmani informed that they were able to achieve only 84 percent of the target of revenue collection. The Birgunj customs had set a target to collect Rs 35.33 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">During the corresponding period of last fiscal year, this customs office had collected revenue of Rs 38.62 billion. That too was below the target of Rs 52.97 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The customs office informed that the import of petroleum products and vehicles declined in the current fiscal year. As they are the chief import products of the country, a decline in import of those products have had a direct impact on revenue collection.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The import of vehicles and petroleum products declined compared to last year. This has impacted revenue collection,” said Customs Officer Sukmani.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The customs office informed that the import declined basically due to coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. Local importers say that although there has been some improvement in the last two months, the supply chain is yet to return to normal level due to the impact of almost six months of restrictions.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12577', 'image' => '20201220043911_1608422519.Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 16:38:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12829', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Directs Concerned Authorities to Reduce Broker Commission ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has shown special interest in the stock market.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has shown special interest in the stock market. The minister directed the top officials of the regulatory body to identify the existing problems and move ahead to resolve them immediately. Stating that the capital market is going to expand, he stressed on the need for the regulatory bodies to work out on a timetable to resolve the current problems. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">He directed the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to immediately reduce the broker commission on stock trading, which has been demanded by investors for a long time. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Don’t delay in reducing the broker commission, be pro-active,” Minister Poudel said while giving instruction in a meeting recently held at the Ministry of Finance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Investors are demanding a reduction in the fees paid to brokers in stock trading, saying they are too high. At present, the investors have to pay 0.4 to 0.6 percent fees to the broker for stock trading. SEBON has already started homework to reduce the brokers’ fee. A board member said that a study has been done on how much the commission will be fixed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">"Currently, a detailed study is being done on the specific cost of the brokers. On that basis, the fee will be determined," said a senior official of the board. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12576', 'image' => '20201220030536_20201015115013_1602717511.Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 15:05:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12828', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government to Avail Covid-19 Vaccine Free of Cost: Finance Minister', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is working on providing the coronavirus vaccine free of cost to all the citizens of Nepal on priority basis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is working on providing the coronavirus vaccine free of cost to all the citizens of Nepal on priority basis.</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:Arial">In a meeting with the representatives of the Society of Economic Journalists of Nepal (SEJON), Finance Minister Poudel said that just like the treatment for the coronavirus, the government is working to make the vaccine free of cost to all Nepalis. </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:Arial">Although there is preparation to vaccinate the entire population of Nepal, Minister Poudel said that children under the age of 14 won’t be vaccinated. He added that the frontline workers will be the first to receive the shots followed by elderly people and then the rest of other citizens.</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:Arial">Minister Poudel also clarified that the government is not struggling to arrange budget for the purchase of the vaccine unlike what some media has been reporting. He confirmed that there is no shortage of finance for the government for the purchase of vaccine and that the citizens will not have to bear any cost to get the shots. </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:Arial">“It is the responsibility of Finance Ministry to manage funds for the vaccine,” said Minister Poudel, adding, “I want to assure you all that there won’t be any shortage of funds for this purpose.”</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:Arial">Minister Poudel further informed that the government is in constant touch with the manufacturing company as well as with the vaccine developing nations, to make sure the vaccine becomes available in Nepal as soon as it hits the international market. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12575', 'image' => '20201220030450_Corona3.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 14:45:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12827', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Visitors through International Flights drops Significantly', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The arrival of visitors to Nepal reduced significantly in the first nine months of 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: The arrival of visitors to Nepal reduced significantly in the first nine months of 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), a total of 927,208 visitors arrived in Nepal between January to September 2020. The number of visitors in the corresponding period of last fiscal year was 4.13 million. Similarly, 4.34 million travellers had entered Nepal in 2018. The figure for 2017 was 3.88 million.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to CAAN Spokesperson Raj Kumar Chhetri, the figures were based on arrival of passengers through air route.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">CAAN informed that a total of 787,040 passengers traveled through domestic airports during the review period. The number of domestic travellers in 2019 was 3.18 million while that in 2018 was 2.84 million and 2.45 million in 2017.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A total of 30 international airline companies, including three of Nepal, operate flights to 32 destinations of 15 different countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the domestic sector, a total of nine-fixed winged aircraft and 10 helicopters operate in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation says that the government had set a target of welcoming 2 million tourists in Nepal in 2020 but that did not materialize die to the pandemic.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai says that although the government’s decision to celebrate 2020 as visit Nepal year 2020 could not materialize, its focus now is to observe 2021 as a year for domestic tourism.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Although the government has not made any formal announcement yet, it is widely believed that it will be promoting domestic tourism in 2021. The ministry has also started discussing the topic of 2-day holiday during weekends for promoting internal tourism.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to curb the spread if coronavirus had disrupted international flights since a long time. The suspension of domestic flights also caused a considerable loss in terms of flow of tourists. Although the ban on international flights were lifted on September 1<sup>st</sup> the arrival of visitors has not been that much encouraging due to fear of contracting the disease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12574', 'image' => '20201220012157_20190904020627_Nepal-Airlines-landing.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 13:21:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12826', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shree Ram Sugar Mills ‘Starts’ Clearing Dues of Farmers ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Shree Ram Sugar Mills Limited, Rautahat has started depositing the due amount in the accounts of sugarcane farmers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: Shree Ram Sugar Mills Limited, Rautahat has started depositing the due amount in the accounts of sugarcane farmers. </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:"Arial Unicode MS"">The sugar mill said in a statement on Friday that it has started depositing the amount which it could not release earlier due to various circumstances that caused losses to the mill. The operators of the mill also apologized to the sugarcane farmers for the delay in payment of the due amount.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the first phase, the sugar mill claimed that it deposited Rs 160 million of 5,300 farmers.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">But the farmers, who have been protesting in the capital since last Sunday, said that they were not aware of the due amount being deposited in the bank accounts. </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:"Arial Unicode MS"">Shankar Man Yadav, a sugarcane farmer from Rautahat, said that he was informed on Friday evening that the due amount was deposited in his bank account. He, however, said that he is not aware whether the amount has been actually deposited or not because the bank was closed on Saturday.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">“It is a good news if the money has been deposited in bank account. I hope other sugar mills also release the dues in similar way,” said Yadav.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/My%20Effect%281%29.jpg" style="height:600px; width:794px" /></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12573', 'image' => '20201220120511_Sweet2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 12:04:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12825', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Bottlers Nepal Limited Receives Grant for its Energy Saving Initiatives', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Bottlers Nepal Limited, the company that manufactures Coca-Cola, has been awarded with a grant of Rs 5.2 million for its efforts on energy saving initiatives. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">December 17: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal Limited, the company that manufactures Coca-Cola, has been awarded with a grant of Rs 5.2 million for its efforts on energy saving initiatives. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">According to the company, the grant is a part of “Nepal Energy Efficiency Programme”, designed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development for Energy Efficiency initiatives in the Nepali industry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal Limited said in a statement that it bagged the grant based on its two leading initiatives which includes the installation of a new compressor with VFD compatibility and installation of energy efficient screw blower for ETP. The fundamental aim of these initiatives was driven by Coca-Cola’s global sustainability objective of reducing carbon footprint to 25 percent by 2020, added the statement.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Pradip Pandey, managing director of Bottlers Nepal Limited, shared</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">, “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from the Government of Nepal and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. We have set ambitious goals throughout our supply chain and will continue to make several changes in our equipment and technology to support our approach to reduce emissions and save energy”. He further added, “Such recognitions motivate our teams to stay committed to our global sustainability initiatives.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal limited said it strives for energy efficiency at both its plants in Kathmandu and Bhartapur, and invests in new technologies through several other initiatives, creating energy and carbon efficiencies through the entire value chain. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12572', 'image' => '20201218035212_Picture 1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 15:51:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12824', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Unveils Integrated Policy on Water Resources for the First Time', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The Government of Nepal has for the first time unveiled the National Water Resources Policy 2077. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The Government of Nepal has for the first time unveiled the National Water Resources Policy 2077. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation made the policy public on Thursday (December 18).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun unveiled the policy amid an official programme at the ministry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">This is the first time that a integrated policy related to water resources has been announced by the government. Prior to this, there were separate policies related to drinking water, irrigation, electricity, water-induced crisis management among others. All of the issues have been collectively included in the integrated policy.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The new policy has seven main objectives and 11 strategies to achieve those goals. The policy is basically focused on multi-dimensional and sustainable development of water resources and has a vision to attain economic prosperity and social transformation through multipurpose use of water resources.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The policy has highly prioritized study, research, multipurpose use, development, management and regulation of water resources.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It also focuses on institutionalizing research and studies based on evidences while preserving and regulating water resources. As per the new policy, water resources will be preserved and utilized in coordination between the local units and provincial governments.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also has a vision to develop master plan for hydroelectricity production, irrigation, drinking water, fishery and tourism activities in river basins. The master plan will be updated every ten years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The policy stresses on making water resources easily available to the citizens at an affordable price. It also has provision to mitigate the adverse effects that development of water resources might have on environment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also intends to identify the sources of hot springs within the country and put them on best use. Another vital issue included in the policy is the use of water ways to connect with sea ports in collaboration with neighbouring countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12571', 'image' => '20201218034438_20150811013038_ep3(5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 15:43:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12823', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Risks Losing MCC Grant', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The government faces risk of losing US grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation due to its indecision.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The government faces risk of losing US grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation due to its indecision.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government had set a target to mobilize Rs 9.1 billion from the MCC fund in the current fiscal year. However, it has not been able to utilize the fund pledged by the US government as the agreement is yet to be endorsed by the parliament.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The parliament has not been able to endorse the grant agreement due to strong opposition from various leaders, including those from the ruling party. The leaders have demanded amendment to some provisions mentioned in the agreement but the government is yet to settle the issue. There is a clause that the MCC grant agreement must be endorsed by the parliament and implemented within 5 years, but time is running out as the issue of amendment is yet to be addressed. This has given rise to concerns that there is high chances of losing the grant by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the US government-backed MCC has scrapped a US$ 480 million deal with Sri Lanka. A meeting of the board of directors of MCC decided to reject the deal following a meeting in Washington on Tuesday (December 15). </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The MCC board meeting on December 15 selected new countries for providing grant assistance. The meeting has also rejected the proposed deal with Sri Lanka,” reads a statement issued by MCC.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Sri Lanka had also signed the MCC deal but the deal was not endorsed by the parliament. Sri Lanka was also having similar debate like in Nepal regarding whether or not to endorse the grant agreement. Sri Lanka had signed a USD 480 million deal with MCC in April 2019.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Although the Government of Nepal has said it is ready to amend some provisions related to the agreement, it has not taken any decision so far. The USA has shown concerns regarding the delay in endorsing the agreement. The delay in taking a decision can lead to the scrapping of the deal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Government of Nepal had signed a Rs 55 billion deal with MCC in September 2017 for cross-border transmission lines. The government had pledged to implement the deal from July 2020 after completing all the required processes. However, it has not been able to implement the deal due to the obstruction in parliament.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> Former Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat says that there are obstructions in endorsing the MCC agreement from the ruling party itself.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12570', 'image' => '20201218014622_1608248580.11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 13:45:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12822', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'United States Willing to Provide Technical Assistance under Preferential Trade Agreement', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The United States has expressed willingness to provide further technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade and investment under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries to promote preferential trade.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 18: The United States has expressed willingness to provide further technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade and investment under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries to promote preferential trade.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The US made such remark during the fifth meeting of the </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">United States-Nepal Council on Trade and Investment held virtually on December 15.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">A joint statement issued by the US and Nepal says that the two sides held discussions to promote expanded bilateral trade and investment in both goods and services. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The meeting was co-chaired by Christopher Wilson, Assistant United States Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, and Baikuntha Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies of Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">During the meeting, representatives from both countries discussed a range of bilateral trade and investment-related issues covered under the TIFA, including, among others, customs and trade facilitation, intellectual property, digital trade and e-commerce, labor, financial services, investment promotion, trade in agriculture products, and utilization of the Nepal Trade Preference Program, the statement added.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The United States affirmed its engagement with Nepal on its efforts to foster innovation and investment through improvements in intellectual property protection and enforcement. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Nepal provided an update on its initiatives to increase intellectual property protection through legislative changes. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Recognizing the important role of digital trade in fostering economic growth, Nepal and the United States agreed to explore ways to deepen engagement on policy developments affecting the digital economy. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">According to the statement, the United States welcomed Nepal’s efforts to promote internationally recognized worker rights and the implementation of Nepal’s labor laws.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Nepal and the United States also discussed the importance of fully utilizing US preferential trade benefits for select products from Nepal, available through December 31, 2025 as a result of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">During the meeting, Nepal reportedly provided an update on recent investment policy reform initiatives taken to improve its investment climate, and emphasized its interest in attracting additional foreign investment from the United States.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Both governments pledged their commitment to deepen their engagement in these issue areas over the coming months in inter-sessional meetings and to hold the 6<sup>th</sup> TIFA Council Meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal as soon as travel conditions permit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12569', 'image' => '20201218123508_1608248516.Clipboard07a.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 12:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12821', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Lifts Odd-Even Rule for Vehicles', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18). The rule which was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus has been removed after a decline in cases of coronavirus.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of security agencies, including the traffic police force, district administrations, and transport entrepreneurs on Thursday decided to end the odd-even system.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Kali Prasad Parajuli informed that all vehicles will be allowed to operate from Friday but it is mandatory for them to adopt safety measures as per the standard health protocol set by the government. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government had imposed the odd-even rule in Kathmandu Valley on September 22 to minimize overcrowding of streets so that the spreading of virus could be checked to some extent.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Transport entrepreneurs had requested the government to remove the odd-even rule after the government and private offices started operating full time in recent days. They argued that the odd-even rule contributed to overcrowding of vehicles as offices started opening. The government was also facing criticism for opening other sectors but restricting vehicular movement. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs informed that all public vehicles will abide by the safety protocols of the government while operating from now onwards.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the government is preparing to test antigens of 300,000 persons for traces of coronavirus in the month of Poush (mid-December to mid-January). The Ministry of Health and Population informed that the antigen test would give them a clear picture regarding whether coronavirus has spread at the community level or not.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The tests will be conducted from coming Sunday in areas across the country where more than 200 active cases have been reported, according to Mahendra Prasad Shrestha, the focal person of Covid-19 unit of the ministry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“We have deployed skilled workers across the country. We will focus on hot spots, big cities and densely populated areas for the tests. The ministry informed that the result from antigen test will be available instantly after placing the swab sample in a kit. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12568', 'image' => '20201218115255_1608248788.Clipboard11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 11:52:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12819', 'article_category_id' => '237', 'title' => 'Samsung Launches Galaxy M51 in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone brands in Nepal, has announced the launch of Galaxy M51, a premium M-series smartphone for the tech savvy millennials and Gen Z consumers.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">December 17: Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone brands in Nepal, has announced the launch of Galaxy M51, a premium M-series smartphone for the tech savvy millennials and Gen Z consumers.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, Galaxy M51 is Nepal’s first smartphone with 7000mAh battery, the company claimed. Galaxy M51 comes with best-in-segment 6.7” SAMOLED Plus Infinity-O display for immersive viewing experience and segment-leading Sony 64MP Quad Camera with Single Take feature, reads a statement issued by Samsung.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M series is becoming one of the largest and fastest growing smartphone brand franchises in Nepal.</span> <span style="font-size:12.0pt">We understand excitement of Samsung M- series lovers. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">With the only 7000mAh battery industry-wide, and the host of other spectacular features, the Galaxy M51 rightfully lays claims to its marketing campaign tagline of the “Meanest Monster Ever</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">” said </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Pranaya Ratna Sthapit, Business Head of Samsung Mobile Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">According to the company, </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M Series is known for its power-packed features, including monster battery for long-lasting performance. Since the launch of M series in early 2019, Galaxy M smartphones were the first Samsung devices to come with segment-leading 5000mAh and 6000mAh battery to address the consumers’ increasing need of all-day battery performance. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">With Galaxy M51, Samsung is taking its monster battery proposition to a whole new level, the statement added. Galaxy M51 also comes with an in-box Type C 25W superfast charger that recharges Galaxy M51’s monster 7000mAh battery in less than 2 hours. Galaxy M51 also has reverse charging and comes with a Type C to Type C cable, allowing millennials to share their power on the go.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M51 is available in two </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">memory variants – 6/128GB and 8/128GB – and will be available in two colors – Electric Blue and Celestial Black.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The Galaxy M51 is priced at Rs 39,999 for the 6/128GB variant while 8/128GB </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">will be available for Rs 43,999 in Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">M51</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> is available in Nepali market from December 15, 2020 across Samsung brand shops and retail stores all over the country. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12567', 'image' => '20201217031012_M51 kv(1).JPG', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 15:09:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12818', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Ncell launches ‘Ncell Jobshop’, a Platform to Connect Job Seekers and Employers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Ncell customers can now easily look for employment opportunities available in the local job market or post vacancies as prospective employers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 17: Ncell customers can now easily look for employment opportunities available in the local job market or post vacancies as prospective employers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Ncell Axiata Limited has launched a first of its kind service ‘Ncell Jobshop’, providing a platform to connect job seekers and job posters in a single virtual marketplace. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The service has been launched by Ncell as a part of its ongoing campaign #unpause which aims to trigger the thought of moving ahead by reimagining the future amidst the current situation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Pradeep Shrivastava, chief commercial officer of Ncell, said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many to lose their jobs. The advent of increasingly virtual world seems to have reduced barriers for people to connect and build their networks online. With the rise of remote working and changing job search trends, Ncell is delighted to offer an innovative service of direct networking platform between job seekers and employers. As the economy slowly recovers, Ncell Jobshop is an opportunity for those who have lost their job in these tougher times for various employment prospects and get connected with employers which will create a great value for both job seekers and employers in a single virtual marketplace."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">With the pandemic hitting hard every sector and many people losing jobs, Ncell JobShop is expected to work as a bridge to link workers who are seeking job opportunities, and people or businesses who need work force, the company said in a statement. Both job seekers, primarily blue-collar workers for now, and posters can have access to this service via their mobile phones.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><strong> </strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Each time when there is a match between a job seeker and poster; an SMS notification is sent to the both parties notifying them about the match, the statement further added. Any Ncell customer who is a blue-collar worker and is looking for a job can subscribe to this service as a job seeker. Once the customer subscribes to this service by creating their profile as per the job they are looking for, he/she will start getting suitable content posted by job posters as potential match via SMS on daily basis. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Similarly, any Ncell customer as an employer is looking for job seekers for any work can create a profile specifying the scope of work. After that the customer will start getting information via SMS regarding the potential candidates on the requirement posted.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Interested customers can take this service by easily dialing *17137# or via the company’s web portal. For job posters, it costs Rs. 6.38 per post which once posted will remain valid for 7 days in the platform.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Job seeker based on their requirements can buy 3-day, 7-day, 1 month, 6 month and 12 months pack for keeping their profile up in the portal. Customers can activate the 3-day pack for Rs. 3.83 including applicable taxes which remains valid for 3 days. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Likewise, customers can subscribe 7-day and 1-month pack at Rs 8.94 and Rs 38.31 which remains valid for 7 days and 30 days respectively. For those job seekers who want to keep their validity for a longer period can opt for 6 months and 12 months pack that costs Rs 153.22 and Rs 229.84. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12566', 'image' => '20201217024013_My Effect.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 14:38:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12816', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shipping Companies using Unauthorized Agents ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Indian transport companies have been found working as agents of shipping companies without authorization.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">December 17: Indian transport companies have been found working as agents of shipping companies without authorization. The shipping companies that have been delivering goods to Nepal have been allegedly using Indian transportation companies to deliver goods.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Nepali importers have accused that the Indian shipping companies that are yet to be registered in Nepal have been charging fare arbitrarily for their services. They have employed Indian transport companies to facilitate the delivery of goods. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">The Government of Nepal on the other hand is helpless regarding the domination that the Indian shipping and transportation companies enjoy. Altogether 21 shipping companies are involved in transporting goods to Nepal from overseas. None of them have been registered in Nepal. Most of the shipping companies have been delivering goods illegally through their agents.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Although Maerks Shipping Line has registered its agent’s office in Nepal, others have handed over the responsibility of delivering goods to unregistered companies. However, Maerks has also not registered a fully authorized agent for the purpose.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">The payment of delivery order of containers is done at the offices of the shipping companies in India. The government has however given permission for unregistered transport companies to operate their office at Birgunj Dry Port.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Unauthorised companies have only added extre burden to the import cost, says entrepreneur Om Prakash Moore.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">“The companies that have not been registered in Nepal are allowed to operate their office at the dry port,” said Moore, adding, “The import cost is expensive because the government itself is protecting unauthorized agents.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12565', 'image' => '20201217015405_1608160607.Clipboard12.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 13:53:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12815', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government’s Able to Spend 30 Percent of Total Budget in 5 Months ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: The government had announced a budget of Rs 1.474 trillion for the current fiscal year 2020/21 with the objective of achieving 7 percent economic growth.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">December 17: The government had announced a budget of Rs 1.474 trillion for the current fiscal year 2020/21 with the objective of achieving 7 percent economic growth. However, after completion of the first five months of the current fiscal year, the government has been able to spend only 30 percent of the annual budget. The government’s expenditure of development budget is so far is only 10 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Although the government had announced the budget by prioritizing health sector, revival of economy, employment, agriculture, social security and relief for people affected by coronavirus, it has been unable to spend the budget due to weak implementation of the policies and programmes included in the budget.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, which keeps the records of government’s income and expenditure, the government has spend 30.95 percent of the total budget as of end of Mangshir (mid-December) in the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Out of the total current expenditure of Rs 948.94 billion, the government has spent Rs 280.74 billion. The government’s expenditure under the same heading this year is more than last year by 3 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, the government has spent only 10.18 percent of the development budget allocated for this year in the first five months. The government’s capital expenditure in the corresponding period of last fiscal year was only 9.22 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had allocated a total of Rs 315.91 billion for capital expenditure this year, out of which it has spent Rs 35.94 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Since the budget for the current fiscal year is less than that of the previous FY, the government’s expenditure is comparatively more than that of last year. However, experts believe that the government’s spending is far less than expected. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Officials at the Ministry of Finance say that the low capital expenditure is due to the decline in development works due to coronavirus during the initial period of the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to Joint Secretary Yam Lal Bhusal at the finance ministry, the government has already prepared work procedures for various works by mid-December and therefore the budget expenditure will now increase significantly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, out of Rs 172.78 billion allocated for the financial management, the government has spent only Rs 11.77 billion during the review period. The government has been repaying loan and interest to international donor agencies and has also been providing loan investment to various government organisations under the heading of financial management. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Looking at the progress made in terms of budget expenditure in the first five months of the current fiscal year, the implementation of government’s ambitious programmes seems to be moving ahead at snail’s pace. Economist Keshav Acharya says that the budget expenditure of the government clearly shows that the implementation of programmes included in the budget is weak. He says that there are some policy-level hurdles in spending budget while the government officials are also often the hurdle in government expenditure.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12564', 'image' => '20201217122226_1608160532.Clipboard10.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 12:21:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12831', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank to provide Financial Assistance of $80 Million for Rural Enterprise', 'sub_title' => 'The Project will Help Strengthen Nepal's Agriculture Sector and Boost Post-pandemic Recovery', 'summary' => 'December 22: The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector. ', 'content' => '<p><em>This picture taken from the Facebook page of World Bank Nepal shows a farmer with his produce. Photo Courtesy: World Bank Nepal</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">December 22: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector by strengthening rural market linkages and promoting entrepreneurship while creating jobs to support post-COVID-19 recovery. </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">According to a statement issued by the World Bank, </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the Rural Enterprise and Economic Development Project (REED) project was signed by Finance Secretary Sishir Kumar Dhungana on behalf of the Government of Nepal, and the World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos amid a function on Monday (December 21). </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 New Roman"">"We thank the World Bank Group for providing crucial support with this project which will enhance the access of rural enterprises and small-hold producers to markets and institutional buyers," the statement quoted Secretary Dhungana as saying.</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 New Roman"">"Promoting agribusiness competitiveness with sustainable market linkages will be critical to boost Nepal's post-COVID recovery," he added.</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">According to the World Bank, </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the project aims to facilitate productive partnerships between rural producer organizations and private-sector buyers to add value, create jobs and foster sustainable inclusion into, and development of, higher-value domestic and foreign value chains.</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 statement further said that </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the project focuses on five economic corridors covering provinces 1, 2, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim that offer opportunities for successful linkage activities of the rural entrepreneurs to be supported by the project. </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 New Roman"">REED will work with provincial and local governments, intermediary organizations and small and medium enterprises to build capacity in the agriculture sector and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem, the statement said. </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 New Roman"">According to the World Bank, the project will also finance investments in municipal agriculture centers and value chain infrastructures to ensure the availability of inputs for farming as recovery actions from COVID-19. The project will use labor-intensive “Cash for Work” mechanism, to the extent possible, in short-term public works.</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 New Roman"">"The project brings a unique opportunity to transform Nepal's agriculture sector and spur economic recovery from the pandemic's fallout by bolstering rural enterprises and creating local jobs and opportunities," said Faris Hadad-Zervos, adding, "By fostering meaningful collaboration among various actors, the project can promote Nepali agriculture products globally by stimulating many niche sectors such as coffee, tea, fruit and medicinal products, among others." </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 New Roman"">The project supports the Government of Nepal's Agriculture Development Strategy 2015–2035 that aims to create a sustainable, competitive, inclusive and resilient agricultural sector that drives economic growth with private sector participation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-22', 'modified' => '2020-12-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12578', 'image' => '20201222115809_13232.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-22 11:54:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12830', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Decline in Import of Petroleum Products, Vehicles Hits Revenue Collection', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Birgunj customs has collected revenue of almost Rs 30 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: Birgunj customs has collected revenue of almost Rs 30 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. According to the customs office, a total of Rs 29.77 billion was collected between mid-July to mid-December. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">However, the customs office -- which is the main entry point of the country -- could not meet its target of revenue collection during the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Customs officer Ramesh Sukmani informed that they were able to achieve only 84 percent of the target of revenue collection. The Birgunj customs had set a target to collect Rs 35.33 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">During the corresponding period of last fiscal year, this customs office had collected revenue of Rs 38.62 billion. That too was below the target of Rs 52.97 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The customs office informed that the import of petroleum products and vehicles declined in the current fiscal year. As they are the chief import products of the country, a decline in import of those products have had a direct impact on revenue collection.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The import of vehicles and petroleum products declined compared to last year. This has impacted revenue collection,” said Customs Officer Sukmani.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The customs office informed that the import declined basically due to coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. Local importers say that although there has been some improvement in the last two months, the supply chain is yet to return to normal level due to the impact of almost six months of restrictions.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12577', 'image' => '20201220043911_1608422519.Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 16:38:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12829', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Directs Concerned Authorities to Reduce Broker Commission ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has shown special interest in the stock market.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has shown special interest in the stock market. The minister directed the top officials of the regulatory body to identify the existing problems and move ahead to resolve them immediately. Stating that the capital market is going to expand, he stressed on the need for the regulatory bodies to work out on a timetable to resolve the current problems. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">He directed the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to immediately reduce the broker commission on stock trading, which has been demanded by investors for a long time. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Don’t delay in reducing the broker commission, be pro-active,” Minister Poudel said while giving instruction in a meeting recently held at the Ministry of Finance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Investors are demanding a reduction in the fees paid to brokers in stock trading, saying they are too high. At present, the investors have to pay 0.4 to 0.6 percent fees to the broker for stock trading. SEBON has already started homework to reduce the brokers’ fee. A board member said that a study has been done on how much the commission will be fixed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">"Currently, a detailed study is being done on the specific cost of the brokers. On that basis, the fee will be determined," said a senior official of the board. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12576', 'image' => '20201220030536_20201015115013_1602717511.Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 15:05:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12828', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government to Avail Covid-19 Vaccine Free of Cost: Finance Minister', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is working on providing the coronavirus vaccine free of cost to all the citizens of Nepal on priority basis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is working on providing the coronavirus vaccine free of cost to all the citizens of Nepal on priority basis.</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:Arial">In a meeting with the representatives of the Society of Economic Journalists of Nepal (SEJON), Finance Minister Poudel said that just like the treatment for the coronavirus, the government is working to make the vaccine free of cost to all Nepalis. </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:Arial">Although there is preparation to vaccinate the entire population of Nepal, Minister Poudel said that children under the age of 14 won’t be vaccinated. He added that the frontline workers will be the first to receive the shots followed by elderly people and then the rest of other citizens.</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:Arial">Minister Poudel also clarified that the government is not struggling to arrange budget for the purchase of the vaccine unlike what some media has been reporting. He confirmed that there is no shortage of finance for the government for the purchase of vaccine and that the citizens will not have to bear any cost to get the shots. </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:Arial">“It is the responsibility of Finance Ministry to manage funds for the vaccine,” said Minister Poudel, adding, “I want to assure you all that there won’t be any shortage of funds for this purpose.”</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:Arial">Minister Poudel further informed that the government is in constant touch with the manufacturing company as well as with the vaccine developing nations, to make sure the vaccine becomes available in Nepal as soon as it hits the international market. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12575', 'image' => '20201220030450_Corona3.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 14:45:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12827', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Visitors through International Flights drops Significantly', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The arrival of visitors to Nepal reduced significantly in the first nine months of 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: The arrival of visitors to Nepal reduced significantly in the first nine months of 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), a total of 927,208 visitors arrived in Nepal between January to September 2020. The number of visitors in the corresponding period of last fiscal year was 4.13 million. Similarly, 4.34 million travellers had entered Nepal in 2018. The figure for 2017 was 3.88 million.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to CAAN Spokesperson Raj Kumar Chhetri, the figures were based on arrival of passengers through air route.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">CAAN informed that a total of 787,040 passengers traveled through domestic airports during the review period. The number of domestic travellers in 2019 was 3.18 million while that in 2018 was 2.84 million and 2.45 million in 2017.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A total of 30 international airline companies, including three of Nepal, operate flights to 32 destinations of 15 different countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the domestic sector, a total of nine-fixed winged aircraft and 10 helicopters operate in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation says that the government had set a target of welcoming 2 million tourists in Nepal in 2020 but that did not materialize die to the pandemic.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai says that although the government’s decision to celebrate 2020 as visit Nepal year 2020 could not materialize, its focus now is to observe 2021 as a year for domestic tourism.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Although the government has not made any formal announcement yet, it is widely believed that it will be promoting domestic tourism in 2021. The ministry has also started discussing the topic of 2-day holiday during weekends for promoting internal tourism.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to curb the spread if coronavirus had disrupted international flights since a long time. The suspension of domestic flights also caused a considerable loss in terms of flow of tourists. Although the ban on international flights were lifted on September 1<sup>st</sup> the arrival of visitors has not been that much encouraging due to fear of contracting the disease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12574', 'image' => '20201220012157_20190904020627_Nepal-Airlines-landing.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 13:21:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12826', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shree Ram Sugar Mills ‘Starts’ Clearing Dues of Farmers ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Shree Ram Sugar Mills Limited, Rautahat has started depositing the due amount in the accounts of sugarcane farmers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: Shree Ram Sugar Mills Limited, Rautahat has started depositing the due amount in the accounts of sugarcane farmers. </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:"Arial Unicode MS"">The sugar mill said in a statement on Friday that it has started depositing the amount which it could not release earlier due to various circumstances that caused losses to the mill. The operators of the mill also apologized to the sugarcane farmers for the delay in payment of the due amount.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the first phase, the sugar mill claimed that it deposited Rs 160 million of 5,300 farmers.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">But the farmers, who have been protesting in the capital since last Sunday, said that they were not aware of the due amount being deposited in the bank accounts. </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:"Arial Unicode MS"">Shankar Man Yadav, a sugarcane farmer from Rautahat, said that he was informed on Friday evening that the due amount was deposited in his bank account. He, however, said that he is not aware whether the amount has been actually deposited or not because the bank was closed on Saturday.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">“It is a good news if the money has been deposited in bank account. I hope other sugar mills also release the dues in similar way,” said Yadav.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/My%20Effect%281%29.jpg" style="height:600px; width:794px" /></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12573', 'image' => '20201220120511_Sweet2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 12:04:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12825', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Bottlers Nepal Limited Receives Grant for its Energy Saving Initiatives', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Bottlers Nepal Limited, the company that manufactures Coca-Cola, has been awarded with a grant of Rs 5.2 million for its efforts on energy saving initiatives. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">December 17: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal Limited, the company that manufactures Coca-Cola, has been awarded with a grant of Rs 5.2 million for its efforts on energy saving initiatives. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">According to the company, the grant is a part of “Nepal Energy Efficiency Programme”, designed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development for Energy Efficiency initiatives in the Nepali industry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal Limited said in a statement that it bagged the grant based on its two leading initiatives which includes the installation of a new compressor with VFD compatibility and installation of energy efficient screw blower for ETP. The fundamental aim of these initiatives was driven by Coca-Cola’s global sustainability objective of reducing carbon footprint to 25 percent by 2020, added the statement.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Pradip Pandey, managing director of Bottlers Nepal Limited, shared</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">, “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from the Government of Nepal and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. We have set ambitious goals throughout our supply chain and will continue to make several changes in our equipment and technology to support our approach to reduce emissions and save energy”. He further added, “Such recognitions motivate our teams to stay committed to our global sustainability initiatives.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal limited said it strives for energy efficiency at both its plants in Kathmandu and Bhartapur, and invests in new technologies through several other initiatives, creating energy and carbon efficiencies through the entire value chain. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12572', 'image' => '20201218035212_Picture 1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 15:51:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12824', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Unveils Integrated Policy on Water Resources for the First Time', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The Government of Nepal has for the first time unveiled the National Water Resources Policy 2077. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The Government of Nepal has for the first time unveiled the National Water Resources Policy 2077. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation made the policy public on Thursday (December 18).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun unveiled the policy amid an official programme at the ministry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">This is the first time that a integrated policy related to water resources has been announced by the government. Prior to this, there were separate policies related to drinking water, irrigation, electricity, water-induced crisis management among others. All of the issues have been collectively included in the integrated policy.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The new policy has seven main objectives and 11 strategies to achieve those goals. The policy is basically focused on multi-dimensional and sustainable development of water resources and has a vision to attain economic prosperity and social transformation through multipurpose use of water resources.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The policy has highly prioritized study, research, multipurpose use, development, management and regulation of water resources.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It also focuses on institutionalizing research and studies based on evidences while preserving and regulating water resources. As per the new policy, water resources will be preserved and utilized in coordination between the local units and provincial governments.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also has a vision to develop master plan for hydroelectricity production, irrigation, drinking water, fishery and tourism activities in river basins. The master plan will be updated every ten years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The policy stresses on making water resources easily available to the citizens at an affordable price. It also has provision to mitigate the adverse effects that development of water resources might have on environment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also intends to identify the sources of hot springs within the country and put them on best use. Another vital issue included in the policy is the use of water ways to connect with sea ports in collaboration with neighbouring countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12571', 'image' => '20201218034438_20150811013038_ep3(5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 15:43:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12823', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Risks Losing MCC Grant', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The government faces risk of losing US grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation due to its indecision.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The government faces risk of losing US grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation due to its indecision.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government had set a target to mobilize Rs 9.1 billion from the MCC fund in the current fiscal year. However, it has not been able to utilize the fund pledged by the US government as the agreement is yet to be endorsed by the parliament.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The parliament has not been able to endorse the grant agreement due to strong opposition from various leaders, including those from the ruling party. The leaders have demanded amendment to some provisions mentioned in the agreement but the government is yet to settle the issue. There is a clause that the MCC grant agreement must be endorsed by the parliament and implemented within 5 years, but time is running out as the issue of amendment is yet to be addressed. This has given rise to concerns that there is high chances of losing the grant by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the US government-backed MCC has scrapped a US$ 480 million deal with Sri Lanka. A meeting of the board of directors of MCC decided to reject the deal following a meeting in Washington on Tuesday (December 15). </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The MCC board meeting on December 15 selected new countries for providing grant assistance. The meeting has also rejected the proposed deal with Sri Lanka,” reads a statement issued by MCC.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Sri Lanka had also signed the MCC deal but the deal was not endorsed by the parliament. Sri Lanka was also having similar debate like in Nepal regarding whether or not to endorse the grant agreement. Sri Lanka had signed a USD 480 million deal with MCC in April 2019.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Although the Government of Nepal has said it is ready to amend some provisions related to the agreement, it has not taken any decision so far. The USA has shown concerns regarding the delay in endorsing the agreement. The delay in taking a decision can lead to the scrapping of the deal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Government of Nepal had signed a Rs 55 billion deal with MCC in September 2017 for cross-border transmission lines. The government had pledged to implement the deal from July 2020 after completing all the required processes. However, it has not been able to implement the deal due to the obstruction in parliament.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> Former Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat says that there are obstructions in endorsing the MCC agreement from the ruling party itself.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12570', 'image' => '20201218014622_1608248580.11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 13:45:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12822', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'United States Willing to Provide Technical Assistance under Preferential Trade Agreement', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The United States has expressed willingness to provide further technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade and investment under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries to promote preferential trade.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 18: The United States has expressed willingness to provide further technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade and investment under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries to promote preferential trade.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The US made such remark during the fifth meeting of the </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">United States-Nepal Council on Trade and Investment held virtually on December 15.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">A joint statement issued by the US and Nepal says that the two sides held discussions to promote expanded bilateral trade and investment in both goods and services. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The meeting was co-chaired by Christopher Wilson, Assistant United States Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, and Baikuntha Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies of Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">During the meeting, representatives from both countries discussed a range of bilateral trade and investment-related issues covered under the TIFA, including, among others, customs and trade facilitation, intellectual property, digital trade and e-commerce, labor, financial services, investment promotion, trade in agriculture products, and utilization of the Nepal Trade Preference Program, the statement added.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The United States affirmed its engagement with Nepal on its efforts to foster innovation and investment through improvements in intellectual property protection and enforcement. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Nepal provided an update on its initiatives to increase intellectual property protection through legislative changes. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Recognizing the important role of digital trade in fostering economic growth, Nepal and the United States agreed to explore ways to deepen engagement on policy developments affecting the digital economy. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">According to the statement, the United States welcomed Nepal’s efforts to promote internationally recognized worker rights and the implementation of Nepal’s labor laws.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Nepal and the United States also discussed the importance of fully utilizing US preferential trade benefits for select products from Nepal, available through December 31, 2025 as a result of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">During the meeting, Nepal reportedly provided an update on recent investment policy reform initiatives taken to improve its investment climate, and emphasized its interest in attracting additional foreign investment from the United States.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Both governments pledged their commitment to deepen their engagement in these issue areas over the coming months in inter-sessional meetings and to hold the 6<sup>th</sup> TIFA Council Meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal as soon as travel conditions permit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12569', 'image' => '20201218123508_1608248516.Clipboard07a.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 12:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12821', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Lifts Odd-Even Rule for Vehicles', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18). The rule which was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus has been removed after a decline in cases of coronavirus.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of security agencies, including the traffic police force, district administrations, and transport entrepreneurs on Thursday decided to end the odd-even system.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Kali Prasad Parajuli informed that all vehicles will be allowed to operate from Friday but it is mandatory for them to adopt safety measures as per the standard health protocol set by the government. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government had imposed the odd-even rule in Kathmandu Valley on September 22 to minimize overcrowding of streets so that the spreading of virus could be checked to some extent.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Transport entrepreneurs had requested the government to remove the odd-even rule after the government and private offices started operating full time in recent days. They argued that the odd-even rule contributed to overcrowding of vehicles as offices started opening. The government was also facing criticism for opening other sectors but restricting vehicular movement. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs informed that all public vehicles will abide by the safety protocols of the government while operating from now onwards.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the government is preparing to test antigens of 300,000 persons for traces of coronavirus in the month of Poush (mid-December to mid-January). The Ministry of Health and Population informed that the antigen test would give them a clear picture regarding whether coronavirus has spread at the community level or not.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The tests will be conducted from coming Sunday in areas across the country where more than 200 active cases have been reported, according to Mahendra Prasad Shrestha, the focal person of Covid-19 unit of the ministry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“We have deployed skilled workers across the country. We will focus on hot spots, big cities and densely populated areas for the tests. The ministry informed that the result from antigen test will be available instantly after placing the swab sample in a kit. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12568', 'image' => '20201218115255_1608248788.Clipboard11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 11:52:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12819', 'article_category_id' => '237', 'title' => 'Samsung Launches Galaxy M51 in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone brands in Nepal, has announced the launch of Galaxy M51, a premium M-series smartphone for the tech savvy millennials and Gen Z consumers.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">December 17: Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone brands in Nepal, has announced the launch of Galaxy M51, a premium M-series smartphone for the tech savvy millennials and Gen Z consumers.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, Galaxy M51 is Nepal’s first smartphone with 7000mAh battery, the company claimed. Galaxy M51 comes with best-in-segment 6.7” SAMOLED Plus Infinity-O display for immersive viewing experience and segment-leading Sony 64MP Quad Camera with Single Take feature, reads a statement issued by Samsung.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M series is becoming one of the largest and fastest growing smartphone brand franchises in Nepal.</span> <span style="font-size:12.0pt">We understand excitement of Samsung M- series lovers. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">With the only 7000mAh battery industry-wide, and the host of other spectacular features, the Galaxy M51 rightfully lays claims to its marketing campaign tagline of the “Meanest Monster Ever</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">” said </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Pranaya Ratna Sthapit, Business Head of Samsung Mobile Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">According to the company, </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M Series is known for its power-packed features, including monster battery for long-lasting performance. Since the launch of M series in early 2019, Galaxy M smartphones were the first Samsung devices to come with segment-leading 5000mAh and 6000mAh battery to address the consumers’ increasing need of all-day battery performance. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">With Galaxy M51, Samsung is taking its monster battery proposition to a whole new level, the statement added. Galaxy M51 also comes with an in-box Type C 25W superfast charger that recharges Galaxy M51’s monster 7000mAh battery in less than 2 hours. Galaxy M51 also has reverse charging and comes with a Type C to Type C cable, allowing millennials to share their power on the go.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M51 is available in two </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">memory variants – 6/128GB and 8/128GB – and will be available in two colors – Electric Blue and Celestial Black.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The Galaxy M51 is priced at Rs 39,999 for the 6/128GB variant while 8/128GB </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">will be available for Rs 43,999 in Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">M51</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> is available in Nepali market from December 15, 2020 across Samsung brand shops and retail stores all over the country. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12567', 'image' => '20201217031012_M51 kv(1).JPG', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 15:09:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12818', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Ncell launches ‘Ncell Jobshop’, a Platform to Connect Job Seekers and Employers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Ncell customers can now easily look for employment opportunities available in the local job market or post vacancies as prospective employers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 17: Ncell customers can now easily look for employment opportunities available in the local job market or post vacancies as prospective employers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Ncell Axiata Limited has launched a first of its kind service ‘Ncell Jobshop’, providing a platform to connect job seekers and job posters in a single virtual marketplace. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The service has been launched by Ncell as a part of its ongoing campaign #unpause which aims to trigger the thought of moving ahead by reimagining the future amidst the current situation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Pradeep Shrivastava, chief commercial officer of Ncell, said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many to lose their jobs. The advent of increasingly virtual world seems to have reduced barriers for people to connect and build their networks online. With the rise of remote working and changing job search trends, Ncell is delighted to offer an innovative service of direct networking platform between job seekers and employers. As the economy slowly recovers, Ncell Jobshop is an opportunity for those who have lost their job in these tougher times for various employment prospects and get connected with employers which will create a great value for both job seekers and employers in a single virtual marketplace."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">With the pandemic hitting hard every sector and many people losing jobs, Ncell JobShop is expected to work as a bridge to link workers who are seeking job opportunities, and people or businesses who need work force, the company said in a statement. Both job seekers, primarily blue-collar workers for now, and posters can have access to this service via their mobile phones.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><strong> </strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Each time when there is a match between a job seeker and poster; an SMS notification is sent to the both parties notifying them about the match, the statement further added. Any Ncell customer who is a blue-collar worker and is looking for a job can subscribe to this service as a job seeker. Once the customer subscribes to this service by creating their profile as per the job they are looking for, he/she will start getting suitable content posted by job posters as potential match via SMS on daily basis. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Similarly, any Ncell customer as an employer is looking for job seekers for any work can create a profile specifying the scope of work. After that the customer will start getting information via SMS regarding the potential candidates on the requirement posted.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Interested customers can take this service by easily dialing *17137# or via the company’s web portal. For job posters, it costs Rs. 6.38 per post which once posted will remain valid for 7 days in the platform.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Job seeker based on their requirements can buy 3-day, 7-day, 1 month, 6 month and 12 months pack for keeping their profile up in the portal. Customers can activate the 3-day pack for Rs. 3.83 including applicable taxes which remains valid for 3 days. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Likewise, customers can subscribe 7-day and 1-month pack at Rs 8.94 and Rs 38.31 which remains valid for 7 days and 30 days respectively. For those job seekers who want to keep their validity for a longer period can opt for 6 months and 12 months pack that costs Rs 153.22 and Rs 229.84. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12566', 'image' => '20201217024013_My Effect.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 14:38:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12816', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shipping Companies using Unauthorized Agents ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Indian transport companies have been found working as agents of shipping companies without authorization.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">December 17: Indian transport companies have been found working as agents of shipping companies without authorization. The shipping companies that have been delivering goods to Nepal have been allegedly using Indian transportation companies to deliver goods.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Nepali importers have accused that the Indian shipping companies that are yet to be registered in Nepal have been charging fare arbitrarily for their services. They have employed Indian transport companies to facilitate the delivery of goods. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">The Government of Nepal on the other hand is helpless regarding the domination that the Indian shipping and transportation companies enjoy. Altogether 21 shipping companies are involved in transporting goods to Nepal from overseas. None of them have been registered in Nepal. Most of the shipping companies have been delivering goods illegally through their agents.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Although Maerks Shipping Line has registered its agent’s office in Nepal, others have handed over the responsibility of delivering goods to unregistered companies. However, Maerks has also not registered a fully authorized agent for the purpose.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">The payment of delivery order of containers is done at the offices of the shipping companies in India. The government has however given permission for unregistered transport companies to operate their office at Birgunj Dry Port.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Unauthorised companies have only added extre burden to the import cost, says entrepreneur Om Prakash Moore.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">“The companies that have not been registered in Nepal are allowed to operate their office at the dry port,” said Moore, adding, “The import cost is expensive because the government itself is protecting unauthorized agents.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12565', 'image' => '20201217015405_1608160607.Clipboard12.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 13:53:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12815', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government’s Able to Spend 30 Percent of Total Budget in 5 Months ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: The government had announced a budget of Rs 1.474 trillion for the current fiscal year 2020/21 with the objective of achieving 7 percent economic growth.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">December 17: The government had announced a budget of Rs 1.474 trillion for the current fiscal year 2020/21 with the objective of achieving 7 percent economic growth. However, after completion of the first five months of the current fiscal year, the government has been able to spend only 30 percent of the annual budget. The government’s expenditure of development budget is so far is only 10 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Although the government had announced the budget by prioritizing health sector, revival of economy, employment, agriculture, social security and relief for people affected by coronavirus, it has been unable to spend the budget due to weak implementation of the policies and programmes included in the budget.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, which keeps the records of government’s income and expenditure, the government has spend 30.95 percent of the total budget as of end of Mangshir (mid-December) in the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Out of the total current expenditure of Rs 948.94 billion, the government has spent Rs 280.74 billion. The government’s expenditure under the same heading this year is more than last year by 3 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, the government has spent only 10.18 percent of the development budget allocated for this year in the first five months. The government’s capital expenditure in the corresponding period of last fiscal year was only 9.22 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had allocated a total of Rs 315.91 billion for capital expenditure this year, out of which it has spent Rs 35.94 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Since the budget for the current fiscal year is less than that of the previous FY, the government’s expenditure is comparatively more than that of last year. However, experts believe that the government’s spending is far less than expected. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Officials at the Ministry of Finance say that the low capital expenditure is due to the decline in development works due to coronavirus during the initial period of the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to Joint Secretary Yam Lal Bhusal at the finance ministry, the government has already prepared work procedures for various works by mid-December and therefore the budget expenditure will now increase significantly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, out of Rs 172.78 billion allocated for the financial management, the government has spent only Rs 11.77 billion during the review period. The government has been repaying loan and interest to international donor agencies and has also been providing loan investment to various government organisations under the heading of financial management. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Looking at the progress made in terms of budget expenditure in the first five months of the current fiscal year, the implementation of government’s ambitious programmes seems to be moving ahead at snail’s pace. Economist Keshav Acharya says that the budget expenditure of the government clearly shows that the implementation of programmes included in the budget is weak. He says that there are some policy-level hurdles in spending budget while the government officials are also often the hurdle in government expenditure.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12564', 'image' => '20201217122226_1608160532.Clipboard10.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 12:21:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12831', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank to provide Financial Assistance of $80 Million for Rural Enterprise', 'sub_title' => 'The Project will Help Strengthen Nepal's Agriculture Sector and Boost Post-pandemic Recovery', 'summary' => 'December 22: The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector. ', 'content' => '<p><em>This picture taken from the Facebook page of World Bank Nepal shows a farmer with his produce. Photo Courtesy: World Bank Nepal</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">December 22: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector by strengthening rural market linkages and promoting entrepreneurship while creating jobs to support post-COVID-19 recovery. </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">According to a statement issued by the World Bank, </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the Rural Enterprise and Economic Development Project (REED) project was signed by Finance Secretary Sishir Kumar Dhungana on behalf of the Government of Nepal, and the World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos amid a function on Monday (December 21). </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 New Roman"">"We thank the World Bank Group for providing crucial support with this project which will enhance the access of rural enterprises and small-hold producers to markets and institutional buyers," the statement quoted Secretary Dhungana as saying.</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 New Roman"">"Promoting agribusiness competitiveness with sustainable market linkages will be critical to boost Nepal's post-COVID recovery," he added.</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">According to the World Bank, </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the project aims to facilitate productive partnerships between rural producer organizations and private-sector buyers to add value, create jobs and foster sustainable inclusion into, and development of, higher-value domestic and foreign value chains.</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 statement further said that </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the project focuses on five economic corridors covering provinces 1, 2, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim that offer opportunities for successful linkage activities of the rural entrepreneurs to be supported by the project. </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 New Roman"">REED will work with provincial and local governments, intermediary organizations and small and medium enterprises to build capacity in the agriculture sector and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem, the statement said. </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 New Roman"">According to the World Bank, the project will also finance investments in municipal agriculture centers and value chain infrastructures to ensure the availability of inputs for farming as recovery actions from COVID-19. The project will use labor-intensive “Cash for Work” mechanism, to the extent possible, in short-term public works.</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 New Roman"">"The project brings a unique opportunity to transform Nepal's agriculture sector and spur economic recovery from the pandemic's fallout by bolstering rural enterprises and creating local jobs and opportunities," said Faris Hadad-Zervos, adding, "By fostering meaningful collaboration among various actors, the project can promote Nepali agriculture products globally by stimulating many niche sectors such as coffee, tea, fruit and medicinal products, among others." </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 New Roman"">The project supports the Government of Nepal's Agriculture Development Strategy 2015–2035 that aims to create a sustainable, competitive, inclusive and resilient agricultural sector that drives economic growth with private sector participation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-22', 'modified' => '2020-12-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12578', 'image' => '20201222115809_13232.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-22 11:54:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12830', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Decline in Import of Petroleum Products, Vehicles Hits Revenue Collection', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Birgunj customs has collected revenue of almost Rs 30 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: Birgunj customs has collected revenue of almost Rs 30 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. According to the customs office, a total of Rs 29.77 billion was collected between mid-July to mid-December. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">However, the customs office -- which is the main entry point of the country -- could not meet its target of revenue collection during the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Customs officer Ramesh Sukmani informed that they were able to achieve only 84 percent of the target of revenue collection. The Birgunj customs had set a target to collect Rs 35.33 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">During the corresponding period of last fiscal year, this customs office had collected revenue of Rs 38.62 billion. That too was below the target of Rs 52.97 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The customs office informed that the import of petroleum products and vehicles declined in the current fiscal year. As they are the chief import products of the country, a decline in import of those products have had a direct impact on revenue collection.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The import of vehicles and petroleum products declined compared to last year. This has impacted revenue collection,” said Customs Officer Sukmani.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The customs office informed that the import declined basically due to coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. Local importers say that although there has been some improvement in the last two months, the supply chain is yet to return to normal level due to the impact of almost six months of restrictions.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12577', 'image' => '20201220043911_1608422519.Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 16:38:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12829', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Directs Concerned Authorities to Reduce Broker Commission ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has shown special interest in the stock market.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has shown special interest in the stock market. The minister directed the top officials of the regulatory body to identify the existing problems and move ahead to resolve them immediately. Stating that the capital market is going to expand, he stressed on the need for the regulatory bodies to work out on a timetable to resolve the current problems. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">He directed the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to immediately reduce the broker commission on stock trading, which has been demanded by investors for a long time. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Don’t delay in reducing the broker commission, be pro-active,” Minister Poudel said while giving instruction in a meeting recently held at the Ministry of Finance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Investors are demanding a reduction in the fees paid to brokers in stock trading, saying they are too high. At present, the investors have to pay 0.4 to 0.6 percent fees to the broker for stock trading. SEBON has already started homework to reduce the brokers’ fee. A board member said that a study has been done on how much the commission will be fixed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">"Currently, a detailed study is being done on the specific cost of the brokers. On that basis, the fee will be determined," said a senior official of the board. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12576', 'image' => '20201220030536_20201015115013_1602717511.Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 15:05:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12828', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government to Avail Covid-19 Vaccine Free of Cost: Finance Minister', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is working on providing the coronavirus vaccine free of cost to all the citizens of Nepal on priority basis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is working on providing the coronavirus vaccine free of cost to all the citizens of Nepal on priority basis.</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:Arial">In a meeting with the representatives of the Society of Economic Journalists of Nepal (SEJON), Finance Minister Poudel said that just like the treatment for the coronavirus, the government is working to make the vaccine free of cost to all Nepalis. </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:Arial">Although there is preparation to vaccinate the entire population of Nepal, Minister Poudel said that children under the age of 14 won’t be vaccinated. He added that the frontline workers will be the first to receive the shots followed by elderly people and then the rest of other citizens.</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:Arial">Minister Poudel also clarified that the government is not struggling to arrange budget for the purchase of the vaccine unlike what some media has been reporting. He confirmed that there is no shortage of finance for the government for the purchase of vaccine and that the citizens will not have to bear any cost to get the shots. </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:Arial">“It is the responsibility of Finance Ministry to manage funds for the vaccine,” said Minister Poudel, adding, “I want to assure you all that there won’t be any shortage of funds for this purpose.”</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:Arial">Minister Poudel further informed that the government is in constant touch with the manufacturing company as well as with the vaccine developing nations, to make sure the vaccine becomes available in Nepal as soon as it hits the international market. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12575', 'image' => '20201220030450_Corona3.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 14:45:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12827', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Visitors through International Flights drops Significantly', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The arrival of visitors to Nepal reduced significantly in the first nine months of 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: The arrival of visitors to Nepal reduced significantly in the first nine months of 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), a total of 927,208 visitors arrived in Nepal between January to September 2020. The number of visitors in the corresponding period of last fiscal year was 4.13 million. Similarly, 4.34 million travellers had entered Nepal in 2018. The figure for 2017 was 3.88 million.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to CAAN Spokesperson Raj Kumar Chhetri, the figures were based on arrival of passengers through air route.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">CAAN informed that a total of 787,040 passengers traveled through domestic airports during the review period. The number of domestic travellers in 2019 was 3.18 million while that in 2018 was 2.84 million and 2.45 million in 2017.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A total of 30 international airline companies, including three of Nepal, operate flights to 32 destinations of 15 different countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the domestic sector, a total of nine-fixed winged aircraft and 10 helicopters operate in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation says that the government had set a target of welcoming 2 million tourists in Nepal in 2020 but that did not materialize die to the pandemic.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai says that although the government’s decision to celebrate 2020 as visit Nepal year 2020 could not materialize, its focus now is to observe 2021 as a year for domestic tourism.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Although the government has not made any formal announcement yet, it is widely believed that it will be promoting domestic tourism in 2021. The ministry has also started discussing the topic of 2-day holiday during weekends for promoting internal tourism.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to curb the spread if coronavirus had disrupted international flights since a long time. The suspension of domestic flights also caused a considerable loss in terms of flow of tourists. Although the ban on international flights were lifted on September 1<sup>st</sup> the arrival of visitors has not been that much encouraging due to fear of contracting the disease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12574', 'image' => '20201220012157_20190904020627_Nepal-Airlines-landing.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 13:21:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12826', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shree Ram Sugar Mills ‘Starts’ Clearing Dues of Farmers ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Shree Ram Sugar Mills Limited, Rautahat has started depositing the due amount in the accounts of sugarcane farmers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: Shree Ram Sugar Mills Limited, Rautahat has started depositing the due amount in the accounts of sugarcane farmers. </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:"Arial Unicode MS"">The sugar mill said in a statement on Friday that it has started depositing the amount which it could not release earlier due to various circumstances that caused losses to the mill. The operators of the mill also apologized to the sugarcane farmers for the delay in payment of the due amount.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the first phase, the sugar mill claimed that it deposited Rs 160 million of 5,300 farmers.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">But the farmers, who have been protesting in the capital since last Sunday, said that they were not aware of the due amount being deposited in the bank accounts. </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:"Arial Unicode MS"">Shankar Man Yadav, a sugarcane farmer from Rautahat, said that he was informed on Friday evening that the due amount was deposited in his bank account. He, however, said that he is not aware whether the amount has been actually deposited or not because the bank was closed on Saturday.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">“It is a good news if the money has been deposited in bank account. I hope other sugar mills also release the dues in similar way,” said Yadav.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/My%20Effect%281%29.jpg" style="height:600px; width:794px" /></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12573', 'image' => '20201220120511_Sweet2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 12:04:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12825', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Bottlers Nepal Limited Receives Grant for its Energy Saving Initiatives', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Bottlers Nepal Limited, the company that manufactures Coca-Cola, has been awarded with a grant of Rs 5.2 million for its efforts on energy saving initiatives. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">December 17: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal Limited, the company that manufactures Coca-Cola, has been awarded with a grant of Rs 5.2 million for its efforts on energy saving initiatives. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">According to the company, the grant is a part of “Nepal Energy Efficiency Programme”, designed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development for Energy Efficiency initiatives in the Nepali industry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal Limited said in a statement that it bagged the grant based on its two leading initiatives which includes the installation of a new compressor with VFD compatibility and installation of energy efficient screw blower for ETP. The fundamental aim of these initiatives was driven by Coca-Cola’s global sustainability objective of reducing carbon footprint to 25 percent by 2020, added the statement.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Pradip Pandey, managing director of Bottlers Nepal Limited, shared</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">, “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from the Government of Nepal and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. We have set ambitious goals throughout our supply chain and will continue to make several changes in our equipment and technology to support our approach to reduce emissions and save energy”. He further added, “Such recognitions motivate our teams to stay committed to our global sustainability initiatives.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal limited said it strives for energy efficiency at both its plants in Kathmandu and Bhartapur, and invests in new technologies through several other initiatives, creating energy and carbon efficiencies through the entire value chain. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12572', 'image' => '20201218035212_Picture 1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 15:51:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12824', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Unveils Integrated Policy on Water Resources for the First Time', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The Government of Nepal has for the first time unveiled the National Water Resources Policy 2077. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The Government of Nepal has for the first time unveiled the National Water Resources Policy 2077. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation made the policy public on Thursday (December 18).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun unveiled the policy amid an official programme at the ministry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">This is the first time that a integrated policy related to water resources has been announced by the government. Prior to this, there were separate policies related to drinking water, irrigation, electricity, water-induced crisis management among others. All of the issues have been collectively included in the integrated policy.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The new policy has seven main objectives and 11 strategies to achieve those goals. The policy is basically focused on multi-dimensional and sustainable development of water resources and has a vision to attain economic prosperity and social transformation through multipurpose use of water resources.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The policy has highly prioritized study, research, multipurpose use, development, management and regulation of water resources.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It also focuses on institutionalizing research and studies based on evidences while preserving and regulating water resources. As per the new policy, water resources will be preserved and utilized in coordination between the local units and provincial governments.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also has a vision to develop master plan for hydroelectricity production, irrigation, drinking water, fishery and tourism activities in river basins. The master plan will be updated every ten years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The policy stresses on making water resources easily available to the citizens at an affordable price. It also has provision to mitigate the adverse effects that development of water resources might have on environment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also intends to identify the sources of hot springs within the country and put them on best use. Another vital issue included in the policy is the use of water ways to connect with sea ports in collaboration with neighbouring countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12571', 'image' => '20201218034438_20150811013038_ep3(5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 15:43:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12823', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Risks Losing MCC Grant', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The government faces risk of losing US grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation due to its indecision.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The government faces risk of losing US grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation due to its indecision.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government had set a target to mobilize Rs 9.1 billion from the MCC fund in the current fiscal year. However, it has not been able to utilize the fund pledged by the US government as the agreement is yet to be endorsed by the parliament.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The parliament has not been able to endorse the grant agreement due to strong opposition from various leaders, including those from the ruling party. The leaders have demanded amendment to some provisions mentioned in the agreement but the government is yet to settle the issue. There is a clause that the MCC grant agreement must be endorsed by the parliament and implemented within 5 years, but time is running out as the issue of amendment is yet to be addressed. This has given rise to concerns that there is high chances of losing the grant by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the US government-backed MCC has scrapped a US$ 480 million deal with Sri Lanka. A meeting of the board of directors of MCC decided to reject the deal following a meeting in Washington on Tuesday (December 15). </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The MCC board meeting on December 15 selected new countries for providing grant assistance. The meeting has also rejected the proposed deal with Sri Lanka,” reads a statement issued by MCC.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Sri Lanka had also signed the MCC deal but the deal was not endorsed by the parliament. Sri Lanka was also having similar debate like in Nepal regarding whether or not to endorse the grant agreement. Sri Lanka had signed a USD 480 million deal with MCC in April 2019.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Although the Government of Nepal has said it is ready to amend some provisions related to the agreement, it has not taken any decision so far. The USA has shown concerns regarding the delay in endorsing the agreement. The delay in taking a decision can lead to the scrapping of the deal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Government of Nepal had signed a Rs 55 billion deal with MCC in September 2017 for cross-border transmission lines. The government had pledged to implement the deal from July 2020 after completing all the required processes. However, it has not been able to implement the deal due to the obstruction in parliament.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> Former Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat says that there are obstructions in endorsing the MCC agreement from the ruling party itself.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12570', 'image' => '20201218014622_1608248580.11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 13:45:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12822', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'United States Willing to Provide Technical Assistance under Preferential Trade Agreement', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The United States has expressed willingness to provide further technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade and investment under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries to promote preferential trade.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 18: The United States has expressed willingness to provide further technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade and investment under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries to promote preferential trade.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The US made such remark during the fifth meeting of the </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">United States-Nepal Council on Trade and Investment held virtually on December 15.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">A joint statement issued by the US and Nepal says that the two sides held discussions to promote expanded bilateral trade and investment in both goods and services. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The meeting was co-chaired by Christopher Wilson, Assistant United States Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, and Baikuntha Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies of Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">During the meeting, representatives from both countries discussed a range of bilateral trade and investment-related issues covered under the TIFA, including, among others, customs and trade facilitation, intellectual property, digital trade and e-commerce, labor, financial services, investment promotion, trade in agriculture products, and utilization of the Nepal Trade Preference Program, the statement added.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The United States affirmed its engagement with Nepal on its efforts to foster innovation and investment through improvements in intellectual property protection and enforcement. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Nepal provided an update on its initiatives to increase intellectual property protection through legislative changes. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Recognizing the important role of digital trade in fostering economic growth, Nepal and the United States agreed to explore ways to deepen engagement on policy developments affecting the digital economy. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">According to the statement, the United States welcomed Nepal’s efforts to promote internationally recognized worker rights and the implementation of Nepal’s labor laws.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Nepal and the United States also discussed the importance of fully utilizing US preferential trade benefits for select products from Nepal, available through December 31, 2025 as a result of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">During the meeting, Nepal reportedly provided an update on recent investment policy reform initiatives taken to improve its investment climate, and emphasized its interest in attracting additional foreign investment from the United States.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Both governments pledged their commitment to deepen their engagement in these issue areas over the coming months in inter-sessional meetings and to hold the 6<sup>th</sup> TIFA Council Meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal as soon as travel conditions permit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12569', 'image' => '20201218123508_1608248516.Clipboard07a.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 12:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12821', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Lifts Odd-Even Rule for Vehicles', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18). The rule which was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus has been removed after a decline in cases of coronavirus.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of security agencies, including the traffic police force, district administrations, and transport entrepreneurs on Thursday decided to end the odd-even system.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Kali Prasad Parajuli informed that all vehicles will be allowed to operate from Friday but it is mandatory for them to adopt safety measures as per the standard health protocol set by the government. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government had imposed the odd-even rule in Kathmandu Valley on September 22 to minimize overcrowding of streets so that the spreading of virus could be checked to some extent.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Transport entrepreneurs had requested the government to remove the odd-even rule after the government and private offices started operating full time in recent days. They argued that the odd-even rule contributed to overcrowding of vehicles as offices started opening. The government was also facing criticism for opening other sectors but restricting vehicular movement. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs informed that all public vehicles will abide by the safety protocols of the government while operating from now onwards.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the government is preparing to test antigens of 300,000 persons for traces of coronavirus in the month of Poush (mid-December to mid-January). The Ministry of Health and Population informed that the antigen test would give them a clear picture regarding whether coronavirus has spread at the community level or not.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The tests will be conducted from coming Sunday in areas across the country where more than 200 active cases have been reported, according to Mahendra Prasad Shrestha, the focal person of Covid-19 unit of the ministry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“We have deployed skilled workers across the country. We will focus on hot spots, big cities and densely populated areas for the tests. The ministry informed that the result from antigen test will be available instantly after placing the swab sample in a kit. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12568', 'image' => '20201218115255_1608248788.Clipboard11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 11:52:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12819', 'article_category_id' => '237', 'title' => 'Samsung Launches Galaxy M51 in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone brands in Nepal, has announced the launch of Galaxy M51, a premium M-series smartphone for the tech savvy millennials and Gen Z consumers.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">December 17: Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone brands in Nepal, has announced the launch of Galaxy M51, a premium M-series smartphone for the tech savvy millennials and Gen Z consumers.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, Galaxy M51 is Nepal’s first smartphone with 7000mAh battery, the company claimed. Galaxy M51 comes with best-in-segment 6.7” SAMOLED Plus Infinity-O display for immersive viewing experience and segment-leading Sony 64MP Quad Camera with Single Take feature, reads a statement issued by Samsung.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M series is becoming one of the largest and fastest growing smartphone brand franchises in Nepal.</span> <span style="font-size:12.0pt">We understand excitement of Samsung M- series lovers. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">With the only 7000mAh battery industry-wide, and the host of other spectacular features, the Galaxy M51 rightfully lays claims to its marketing campaign tagline of the “Meanest Monster Ever</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">” said </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Pranaya Ratna Sthapit, Business Head of Samsung Mobile Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">According to the company, </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M Series is known for its power-packed features, including monster battery for long-lasting performance. Since the launch of M series in early 2019, Galaxy M smartphones were the first Samsung devices to come with segment-leading 5000mAh and 6000mAh battery to address the consumers’ increasing need of all-day battery performance. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">With Galaxy M51, Samsung is taking its monster battery proposition to a whole new level, the statement added. Galaxy M51 also comes with an in-box Type C 25W superfast charger that recharges Galaxy M51’s monster 7000mAh battery in less than 2 hours. Galaxy M51 also has reverse charging and comes with a Type C to Type C cable, allowing millennials to share their power on the go.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M51 is available in two </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">memory variants – 6/128GB and 8/128GB – and will be available in two colors – Electric Blue and Celestial Black.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The Galaxy M51 is priced at Rs 39,999 for the 6/128GB variant while 8/128GB </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">will be available for Rs 43,999 in Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">M51</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> is available in Nepali market from December 15, 2020 across Samsung brand shops and retail stores all over the country. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12567', 'image' => '20201217031012_M51 kv(1).JPG', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 15:09:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12818', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Ncell launches ‘Ncell Jobshop’, a Platform to Connect Job Seekers and Employers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Ncell customers can now easily look for employment opportunities available in the local job market or post vacancies as prospective employers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 17: Ncell customers can now easily look for employment opportunities available in the local job market or post vacancies as prospective employers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Ncell Axiata Limited has launched a first of its kind service ‘Ncell Jobshop’, providing a platform to connect job seekers and job posters in a single virtual marketplace. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The service has been launched by Ncell as a part of its ongoing campaign #unpause which aims to trigger the thought of moving ahead by reimagining the future amidst the current situation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Pradeep Shrivastava, chief commercial officer of Ncell, said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many to lose their jobs. The advent of increasingly virtual world seems to have reduced barriers for people to connect and build their networks online. With the rise of remote working and changing job search trends, Ncell is delighted to offer an innovative service of direct networking platform between job seekers and employers. As the economy slowly recovers, Ncell Jobshop is an opportunity for those who have lost their job in these tougher times for various employment prospects and get connected with employers which will create a great value for both job seekers and employers in a single virtual marketplace."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">With the pandemic hitting hard every sector and many people losing jobs, Ncell JobShop is expected to work as a bridge to link workers who are seeking job opportunities, and people or businesses who need work force, the company said in a statement. Both job seekers, primarily blue-collar workers for now, and posters can have access to this service via their mobile phones.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><strong> </strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Each time when there is a match between a job seeker and poster; an SMS notification is sent to the both parties notifying them about the match, the statement further added. Any Ncell customer who is a blue-collar worker and is looking for a job can subscribe to this service as a job seeker. Once the customer subscribes to this service by creating their profile as per the job they are looking for, he/she will start getting suitable content posted by job posters as potential match via SMS on daily basis. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Similarly, any Ncell customer as an employer is looking for job seekers for any work can create a profile specifying the scope of work. After that the customer will start getting information via SMS regarding the potential candidates on the requirement posted.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Interested customers can take this service by easily dialing *17137# or via the company’s web portal. For job posters, it costs Rs. 6.38 per post which once posted will remain valid for 7 days in the platform.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Job seeker based on their requirements can buy 3-day, 7-day, 1 month, 6 month and 12 months pack for keeping their profile up in the portal. Customers can activate the 3-day pack for Rs. 3.83 including applicable taxes which remains valid for 3 days. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Likewise, customers can subscribe 7-day and 1-month pack at Rs 8.94 and Rs 38.31 which remains valid for 7 days and 30 days respectively. For those job seekers who want to keep their validity for a longer period can opt for 6 months and 12 months pack that costs Rs 153.22 and Rs 229.84. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12566', 'image' => '20201217024013_My Effect.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 14:38:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12816', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shipping Companies using Unauthorized Agents ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Indian transport companies have been found working as agents of shipping companies without authorization.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">December 17: Indian transport companies have been found working as agents of shipping companies without authorization. The shipping companies that have been delivering goods to Nepal have been allegedly using Indian transportation companies to deliver goods.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Nepali importers have accused that the Indian shipping companies that are yet to be registered in Nepal have been charging fare arbitrarily for their services. They have employed Indian transport companies to facilitate the delivery of goods. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">The Government of Nepal on the other hand is helpless regarding the domination that the Indian shipping and transportation companies enjoy. Altogether 21 shipping companies are involved in transporting goods to Nepal from overseas. None of them have been registered in Nepal. Most of the shipping companies have been delivering goods illegally through their agents.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Although Maerks Shipping Line has registered its agent’s office in Nepal, others have handed over the responsibility of delivering goods to unregistered companies. However, Maerks has also not registered a fully authorized agent for the purpose.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">The payment of delivery order of containers is done at the offices of the shipping companies in India. The government has however given permission for unregistered transport companies to operate their office at Birgunj Dry Port.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Unauthorised companies have only added extre burden to the import cost, says entrepreneur Om Prakash Moore.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">“The companies that have not been registered in Nepal are allowed to operate their office at the dry port,” said Moore, adding, “The import cost is expensive because the government itself is protecting unauthorized agents.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12565', 'image' => '20201217015405_1608160607.Clipboard12.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 13:53:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12815', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government’s Able to Spend 30 Percent of Total Budget in 5 Months ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: The government had announced a budget of Rs 1.474 trillion for the current fiscal year 2020/21 with the objective of achieving 7 percent economic growth.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">December 17: The government had announced a budget of Rs 1.474 trillion for the current fiscal year 2020/21 with the objective of achieving 7 percent economic growth. However, after completion of the first five months of the current fiscal year, the government has been able to spend only 30 percent of the annual budget. The government’s expenditure of development budget is so far is only 10 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Although the government had announced the budget by prioritizing health sector, revival of economy, employment, agriculture, social security and relief for people affected by coronavirus, it has been unable to spend the budget due to weak implementation of the policies and programmes included in the budget.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, which keeps the records of government’s income and expenditure, the government has spend 30.95 percent of the total budget as of end of Mangshir (mid-December) in the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Out of the total current expenditure of Rs 948.94 billion, the government has spent Rs 280.74 billion. The government’s expenditure under the same heading this year is more than last year by 3 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, the government has spent only 10.18 percent of the development budget allocated for this year in the first five months. The government’s capital expenditure in the corresponding period of last fiscal year was only 9.22 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had allocated a total of Rs 315.91 billion for capital expenditure this year, out of which it has spent Rs 35.94 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Since the budget for the current fiscal year is less than that of the previous FY, the government’s expenditure is comparatively more than that of last year. However, experts believe that the government’s spending is far less than expected. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Officials at the Ministry of Finance say that the low capital expenditure is due to the decline in development works due to coronavirus during the initial period of the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to Joint Secretary Yam Lal Bhusal at the finance ministry, the government has already prepared work procedures for various works by mid-December and therefore the budget expenditure will now increase significantly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, out of Rs 172.78 billion allocated for the financial management, the government has spent only Rs 11.77 billion during the review period. The government has been repaying loan and interest to international donor agencies and has also been providing loan investment to various government organisations under the heading of financial management. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Looking at the progress made in terms of budget expenditure in the first five months of the current fiscal year, the implementation of government’s ambitious programmes seems to be moving ahead at snail’s pace. Economist Keshav Acharya says that the budget expenditure of the government clearly shows that the implementation of programmes included in the budget is weak. He says that there are some policy-level hurdles in spending budget while the government officials are also often the hurdle in government expenditure.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12564', 'image' => '20201217122226_1608160532.Clipboard10.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 12:21:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12831', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'World Bank to provide Financial Assistance of $80 Million for Rural Enterprise', 'sub_title' => 'The Project will Help Strengthen Nepal's Agriculture Sector and Boost Post-pandemic Recovery', 'summary' => 'December 22: The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector. ', 'content' => '<p><em>This picture taken from the Facebook page of World Bank Nepal shows a farmer with his produce. Photo Courtesy: World Bank Nepal</em></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">December 22: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">The Government of Nepal and the World Bank signed a $80 million (around NRs 9.3 billion) project to bolster Nepal's agriculture sector by strengthening rural market linkages and promoting entrepreneurship while creating jobs to support post-COVID-19 recovery. </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">According to a statement issued by the World Bank, </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the Rural Enterprise and Economic Development Project (REED) project was signed by Finance Secretary Sishir Kumar Dhungana on behalf of the Government of Nepal, and the World Bank’s Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos amid a function on Monday (December 21). </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 New Roman"">"We thank the World Bank Group for providing crucial support with this project which will enhance the access of rural enterprises and small-hold producers to markets and institutional buyers," the statement quoted Secretary Dhungana as saying.</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 New Roman"">"Promoting agribusiness competitiveness with sustainable market linkages will be critical to boost Nepal's post-COVID recovery," he added.</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">According to the World Bank, </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the project aims to facilitate productive partnerships between rural producer organizations and private-sector buyers to add value, create jobs and foster sustainable inclusion into, and development of, higher-value domestic and foreign value chains.</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 statement further said that </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">the project focuses on five economic corridors covering provinces 1, 2, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim that offer opportunities for successful linkage activities of the rural entrepreneurs to be supported by the project. </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 New Roman"">REED will work with provincial and local governments, intermediary organizations and small and medium enterprises to build capacity in the agriculture sector and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem, the statement said. </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 New Roman"">According to the World Bank, the project will also finance investments in municipal agriculture centers and value chain infrastructures to ensure the availability of inputs for farming as recovery actions from COVID-19. The project will use labor-intensive “Cash for Work” mechanism, to the extent possible, in short-term public works.</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 New Roman"">"The project brings a unique opportunity to transform Nepal's agriculture sector and spur economic recovery from the pandemic's fallout by bolstering rural enterprises and creating local jobs and opportunities," said Faris Hadad-Zervos, adding, "By fostering meaningful collaboration among various actors, the project can promote Nepali agriculture products globally by stimulating many niche sectors such as coffee, tea, fruit and medicinal products, among others." </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 New Roman"">The project supports the Government of Nepal's Agriculture Development Strategy 2015–2035 that aims to create a sustainable, competitive, inclusive and resilient agricultural sector that drives economic growth with private sector participation. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-22', 'modified' => '2020-12-22', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12578', 'image' => '20201222115809_13232.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-22 11:54:22', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12830', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Decline in Import of Petroleum Products, Vehicles Hits Revenue Collection', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Birgunj customs has collected revenue of almost Rs 30 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: Birgunj customs has collected revenue of almost Rs 30 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year. According to the customs office, a total of Rs 29.77 billion was collected between mid-July to mid-December. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">However, the customs office -- which is the main entry point of the country -- could not meet its target of revenue collection during the review period.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Customs officer Ramesh Sukmani informed that they were able to achieve only 84 percent of the target of revenue collection. The Birgunj customs had set a target to collect Rs 35.33 billion in the first five months of the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">During the corresponding period of last fiscal year, this customs office had collected revenue of Rs 38.62 billion. That too was below the target of Rs 52.97 billion. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The customs office informed that the import of petroleum products and vehicles declined in the current fiscal year. As they are the chief import products of the country, a decline in import of those products have had a direct impact on revenue collection.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The import of vehicles and petroleum products declined compared to last year. This has impacted revenue collection,” said Customs Officer Sukmani.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:"Times","serif""><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The customs office informed that the import declined basically due to coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. Local importers say that although there has been some improvement in the last two months, the supply chain is yet to return to normal level due to the impact of almost six months of restrictions.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12577', 'image' => '20201220043911_1608422519.Clipboard05.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 16:38:34', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12829', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Finance Minister Directs Concerned Authorities to Reduce Broker Commission ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has shown special interest in the stock market.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has shown special interest in the stock market. The minister directed the top officials of the regulatory body to identify the existing problems and move ahead to resolve them immediately. Stating that the capital market is going to expand, he stressed on the need for the regulatory bodies to work out on a timetable to resolve the current problems. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">He directed the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to immediately reduce the broker commission on stock trading, which has been demanded by investors for a long time. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">“Don’t delay in reducing the broker commission, be pro-active,” Minister Poudel said while giving instruction in a meeting recently held at the Ministry of Finance. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Investors are demanding a reduction in the fees paid to brokers in stock trading, saying they are too high. At present, the investors have to pay 0.4 to 0.6 percent fees to the broker for stock trading. SEBON has already started homework to reduce the brokers’ fee. A board member said that a study has been done on how much the commission will be fixed. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">"Currently, a detailed study is being done on the specific cost of the brokers. On that basis, the fee will be determined," said a senior official of the board. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12576', 'image' => '20201220030536_20201015115013_1602717511.Clipboard02.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 15:05:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12828', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government to Avail Covid-19 Vaccine Free of Cost: Finance Minister', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is working on providing the coronavirus vaccine free of cost to all the citizens of Nepal on priority basis.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 20: Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government is working on providing the coronavirus vaccine free of cost to all the citizens of Nepal on priority basis.</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:Arial">In a meeting with the representatives of the Society of Economic Journalists of Nepal (SEJON), Finance Minister Poudel said that just like the treatment for the coronavirus, the government is working to make the vaccine free of cost to all Nepalis. </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:Arial">Although there is preparation to vaccinate the entire population of Nepal, Minister Poudel said that children under the age of 14 won’t be vaccinated. He added that the frontline workers will be the first to receive the shots followed by elderly people and then the rest of other citizens.</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:Arial">Minister Poudel also clarified that the government is not struggling to arrange budget for the purchase of the vaccine unlike what some media has been reporting. He confirmed that there is no shortage of finance for the government for the purchase of vaccine and that the citizens will not have to bear any cost to get the shots. </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:Arial">“It is the responsibility of Finance Ministry to manage funds for the vaccine,” said Minister Poudel, adding, “I want to assure you all that there won’t be any shortage of funds for this purpose.”</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:Arial">Minister Poudel further informed that the government is in constant touch with the manufacturing company as well as with the vaccine developing nations, to make sure the vaccine becomes available in Nepal as soon as it hits the international market. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12575', 'image' => '20201220030450_Corona3.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 14:45:52', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12827', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Arrival of Visitors through International Flights drops Significantly', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: The arrival of visitors to Nepal reduced significantly in the first nine months of 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: The arrival of visitors to Nepal reduced significantly in the first nine months of 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), a total of 927,208 visitors arrived in Nepal between January to September 2020. The number of visitors in the corresponding period of last fiscal year was 4.13 million. Similarly, 4.34 million travellers had entered Nepal in 2018. The figure for 2017 was 3.88 million.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">According to CAAN Spokesperson Raj Kumar Chhetri, the figures were based on arrival of passengers through air route.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">CAAN informed that a total of 787,040 passengers traveled through domestic airports during the review period. The number of domestic travellers in 2019 was 3.18 million while that in 2018 was 2.84 million and 2.45 million in 2017.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A total of 30 international airline companies, including three of Nepal, operate flights to 32 destinations of 15 different countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the domestic sector, a total of nine-fixed winged aircraft and 10 helicopters operate in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation says that the government had set a target of welcoming 2 million tourists in Nepal in 2020 but that did not materialize die to the pandemic.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai says that although the government’s decision to celebrate 2020 as visit Nepal year 2020 could not materialize, its focus now is to observe 2021 as a year for domestic tourism.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Although the government has not made any formal announcement yet, it is widely believed that it will be promoting domestic tourism in 2021. The ministry has also started discussing the topic of 2-day holiday during weekends for promoting internal tourism.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The lockdown imposed by the government on March 24 to curb the spread if coronavirus had disrupted international flights since a long time. The suspension of domestic flights also caused a considerable loss in terms of flow of tourists. Although the ban on international flights were lifted on September 1<sup>st</sup> the arrival of visitors has not been that much encouraging due to fear of contracting the disease.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12574', 'image' => '20201220012157_20190904020627_Nepal-Airlines-landing.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 13:21:18', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12826', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shree Ram Sugar Mills ‘Starts’ Clearing Dues of Farmers ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 20: Shree Ram Sugar Mills Limited, Rautahat has started depositing the due amount in the accounts of sugarcane farmers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 20: Shree Ram Sugar Mills Limited, Rautahat has started depositing the due amount in the accounts of sugarcane farmers. </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:"Arial Unicode MS"">The sugar mill said in a statement on Friday that it has started depositing the amount which it could not release earlier due to various circumstances that caused losses to the mill. The operators of the mill also apologized to the sugarcane farmers for the delay in payment of the due amount.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">In the first phase, the sugar mill claimed that it deposited Rs 160 million of 5,300 farmers.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">But the farmers, who have been protesting in the capital since last Sunday, said that they were not aware of the due amount being deposited in the bank accounts. </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:"Arial Unicode MS"">Shankar Man Yadav, a sugarcane farmer from Rautahat, said that he was informed on Friday evening that the due amount was deposited in his bank account. He, however, said that he is not aware whether the amount has been actually deposited or not because the bank was closed on Saturday.</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:"Arial Unicode MS"">“It is a good news if the money has been deposited in bank account. I hope other sugar mills also release the dues in similar way,” said Yadav.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/app/webroot/userfiles/images/My%20Effect%281%29.jpg" style="height:600px; width:794px" /></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-20', 'modified' => '2020-12-20', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12573', 'image' => '20201220120511_Sweet2.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-20 12:04:06', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12825', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Bottlers Nepal Limited Receives Grant for its Energy Saving Initiatives', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Bottlers Nepal Limited, the company that manufactures Coca-Cola, has been awarded with a grant of Rs 5.2 million for its efforts on energy saving initiatives. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">December 17: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal Limited, the company that manufactures Coca-Cola, has been awarded with a grant of Rs 5.2 million for its efforts on energy saving initiatives. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">According to the company, the grant is a part of “Nepal Energy Efficiency Programme”, designed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development for Energy Efficiency initiatives in the Nepali industry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal Limited said in a statement that it bagged the grant based on its two leading initiatives which includes the installation of a new compressor with VFD compatibility and installation of energy efficient screw blower for ETP. The fundamental aim of these initiatives was driven by Coca-Cola’s global sustainability objective of reducing carbon footprint to 25 percent by 2020, added the statement.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Pradip Pandey, managing director of Bottlers Nepal Limited, shared</span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">, “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from the Government of Nepal and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. We have set ambitious goals throughout our supply chain and will continue to make several changes in our equipment and technology to support our approach to reduce emissions and save energy”. He further added, “Such recognitions motivate our teams to stay committed to our global sustainability initiatives.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Narrow"">Bottlers Nepal limited said it strives for energy efficiency at both its plants in Kathmandu and Bhartapur, and invests in new technologies through several other initiatives, creating energy and carbon efficiencies through the entire value chain. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12572', 'image' => '20201218035212_Picture 1.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 15:51:20', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12824', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Unveils Integrated Policy on Water Resources for the First Time', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The Government of Nepal has for the first time unveiled the National Water Resources Policy 2077. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The Government of Nepal has for the first time unveiled the National Water Resources Policy 2077. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation made the policy public on Thursday (December 18).</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun unveiled the policy amid an official programme at the ministry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">This is the first time that a integrated policy related to water resources has been announced by the government. Prior to this, there were separate policies related to drinking water, irrigation, electricity, water-induced crisis management among others. All of the issues have been collectively included in the integrated policy.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The new policy has seven main objectives and 11 strategies to achieve those goals. The policy is basically focused on multi-dimensional and sustainable development of water resources and has a vision to attain economic prosperity and social transformation through multipurpose use of water resources.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The policy has highly prioritized study, research, multipurpose use, development, management and regulation of water resources.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">It also focuses on institutionalizing research and studies based on evidences while preserving and regulating water resources. As per the new policy, water resources will be preserved and utilized in coordination between the local units and provincial governments.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also has a vision to develop master plan for hydroelectricity production, irrigation, drinking water, fishery and tourism activities in river basins. The master plan will be updated every ten years.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The policy stresses on making water resources easily available to the citizens at an affordable price. It also has provision to mitigate the adverse effects that development of water resources might have on environment.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government also intends to identify the sources of hot springs within the country and put them on best use. Another vital issue included in the policy is the use of water ways to connect with sea ports in collaboration with neighbouring countries.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12571', 'image' => '20201218034438_20150811013038_ep3(5).jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 15:43:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12823', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Nepal Risks Losing MCC Grant', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The government faces risk of losing US grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation due to its indecision.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The government faces risk of losing US grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation due to its indecision.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government had set a target to mobilize Rs 9.1 billion from the MCC fund in the current fiscal year. However, it has not been able to utilize the fund pledged by the US government as the agreement is yet to be endorsed by the parliament.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The parliament has not been able to endorse the grant agreement due to strong opposition from various leaders, including those from the ruling party. The leaders have demanded amendment to some provisions mentioned in the agreement but the government is yet to settle the issue. There is a clause that the MCC grant agreement must be endorsed by the parliament and implemented within 5 years, but time is running out as the issue of amendment is yet to be addressed. This has given rise to concerns that there is high chances of losing the grant by the government.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the US government-backed MCC has scrapped a US$ 480 million deal with Sri Lanka. A meeting of the board of directors of MCC decided to reject the deal following a meeting in Washington on Tuesday (December 15). </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“The MCC board meeting on December 15 selected new countries for providing grant assistance. The meeting has also rejected the proposed deal with Sri Lanka,” reads a statement issued by MCC.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Sri Lanka had also signed the MCC deal but the deal was not endorsed by the parliament. Sri Lanka was also having similar debate like in Nepal regarding whether or not to endorse the grant agreement. Sri Lanka had signed a USD 480 million deal with MCC in April 2019.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Although the Government of Nepal has said it is ready to amend some provisions related to the agreement, it has not taken any decision so far. The USA has shown concerns regarding the delay in endorsing the agreement. The delay in taking a decision can lead to the scrapping of the deal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Government of Nepal had signed a Rs 55 billion deal with MCC in September 2017 for cross-border transmission lines. The government had pledged to implement the deal from July 2020 after completing all the required processes. However, it has not been able to implement the deal due to the obstruction in parliament.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS""> Former Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat says that there are obstructions in endorsing the MCC agreement from the ruling party itself.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12570', 'image' => '20201218014622_1608248580.11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 13:45:53', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12822', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'United States Willing to Provide Technical Assistance under Preferential Trade Agreement', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The United States has expressed willingness to provide further technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade and investment under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries to promote preferential trade.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 18: The United States has expressed willingness to provide further technical assistance to Nepal to increase trade and investment under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries to promote preferential trade.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The US made such remark during the fifth meeting of the </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">United States-Nepal Council on Trade and Investment held virtually on December 15.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">A joint statement issued by the US and Nepal says that the two sides held discussions to promote expanded bilateral trade and investment in both goods and services. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The meeting was co-chaired by Christopher Wilson, Assistant United States Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, and Baikuntha Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies of Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">During the meeting, representatives from both countries discussed a range of bilateral trade and investment-related issues covered under the TIFA, including, among others, customs and trade facilitation, intellectual property, digital trade and e-commerce, labor, financial services, investment promotion, trade in agriculture products, and utilization of the Nepal Trade Preference Program, the statement added.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The United States affirmed its engagement with Nepal on its efforts to foster innovation and investment through improvements in intellectual property protection and enforcement. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Nepal provided an update on its initiatives to increase intellectual property protection through legislative changes. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Recognizing the important role of digital trade in fostering economic growth, Nepal and the United States agreed to explore ways to deepen engagement on policy developments affecting the digital economy. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">According to the statement, the United States welcomed Nepal’s efforts to promote internationally recognized worker rights and the implementation of Nepal’s labor laws.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Nepal and the United States also discussed the importance of fully utilizing US preferential trade benefits for select products from Nepal, available through December 31, 2025 as a result of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">During the meeting, Nepal reportedly provided an update on recent investment policy reform initiatives taken to improve its investment climate, and emphasized its interest in attracting additional foreign investment from the United States.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Both governments pledged their commitment to deepen their engagement in these issue areas over the coming months in inter-sessional meetings and to hold the 6<sup>th</sup> TIFA Council Meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal as soon as travel conditions permit.</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12569', 'image' => '20201218123508_1608248516.Clipboard07a.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 12:34:36', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12821', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government Lifts Odd-Even Rule for Vehicles', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18). ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18). The rule which was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus has been removed after a decline in cases of coronavirus.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">A meeting of security agencies, including the traffic police force, district administrations, and transport entrepreneurs on Thursday decided to end the odd-even system.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Kali Prasad Parajuli informed that all vehicles will be allowed to operate from Friday but it is mandatory for them to adopt safety measures as per the standard health protocol set by the government. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The government had imposed the odd-even rule in Kathmandu Valley on September 22 to minimize overcrowding of streets so that the spreading of virus could be checked to some extent.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Transport entrepreneurs had requested the government to remove the odd-even rule after the government and private offices started operating full time in recent days. They argued that the odd-even rule contributed to overcrowding of vehicles as offices started opening. The government was also facing criticism for opening other sectors but restricting vehicular movement. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs informed that all public vehicles will abide by the safety protocols of the government while operating from now onwards.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">Meanwhile, the government is preparing to test antigens of 300,000 persons for traces of coronavirus in the month of Poush (mid-December to mid-January). The Ministry of Health and Population informed that the antigen test would give them a clear picture regarding whether coronavirus has spread at the community level or not.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">The tests will be conducted from coming Sunday in areas across the country where more than 200 active cases have been reported, according to Mahendra Prasad Shrestha, the focal person of Covid-19 unit of the ministry.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Arial Unicode MS"">“We have deployed skilled workers across the country. We will focus on hot spots, big cities and densely populated areas for the tests. The ministry informed that the result from antigen test will be available instantly after placing the swab sample in a kit. </span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-18', 'modified' => '2020-12-18', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12568', 'image' => '20201218115255_1608248788.Clipboard11.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-18 11:52:10', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12819', 'article_category_id' => '237', 'title' => 'Samsung Launches Galaxy M51 in Nepal', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone brands in Nepal, has announced the launch of Galaxy M51, a premium M-series smartphone for the tech savvy millennials and Gen Z consumers.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">December 17: Samsung, one of the most popular smartphone brands in Nepal, has announced the launch of Galaxy M51, a premium M-series smartphone for the tech savvy millennials and Gen Z consumers.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, Galaxy M51 is Nepal’s first smartphone with 7000mAh battery, the company claimed. Galaxy M51 comes with best-in-segment 6.7” SAMOLED Plus Infinity-O display for immersive viewing experience and segment-leading Sony 64MP Quad Camera with Single Take feature, reads a statement issued by Samsung.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M series is becoming one of the largest and fastest growing smartphone brand franchises in Nepal.</span> <span style="font-size:12.0pt">We understand excitement of Samsung M- series lovers. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">With the only 7000mAh battery industry-wide, and the host of other spectacular features, the Galaxy M51 rightfully lays claims to its marketing campaign tagline of the “Meanest Monster Ever</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">” said </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Pranaya Ratna Sthapit, Business Head of Samsung Mobile Nepal. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">According to the company, </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M Series is known for its power-packed features, including monster battery for long-lasting performance. Since the launch of M series in early 2019, Galaxy M smartphones were the first Samsung devices to come with segment-leading 5000mAh and 6000mAh battery to address the consumers’ increasing need of all-day battery performance. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">With Galaxy M51, Samsung is taking its monster battery proposition to a whole new level, the statement added. Galaxy M51 also comes with an in-box Type C 25W superfast charger that recharges Galaxy M51’s monster 7000mAh battery in less than 2 hours. Galaxy M51 also has reverse charging and comes with a Type C to Type C cable, allowing millennials to share their power on the go.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy M51 is available in two </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">memory variants – 6/128GB and 8/128GB – and will be available in two colors – Electric Blue and Celestial Black.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The Galaxy M51 is priced at Rs 39,999 for the 6/128GB variant while 8/128GB </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">will be available for Rs 43,999 in Nepal.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Galaxy </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">M51</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> is available in Nepali market from December 15, 2020 across Samsung brand shops and retail stores all over the country. </span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12567', 'image' => '20201217031012_M51 kv(1).JPG', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 15:09:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12818', 'article_category_id' => '266', 'title' => 'Ncell launches ‘Ncell Jobshop’, a Platform to Connect Job Seekers and Employers', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Ncell customers can now easily look for employment opportunities available in the local job market or post vacancies as prospective employers. ', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">December 17: Ncell customers can now easily look for employment opportunities available in the local job market or post vacancies as prospective employers. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Ncell Axiata Limited has launched a first of its kind service ‘Ncell Jobshop’, providing a platform to connect job seekers and job posters in a single virtual marketplace. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">The service has been launched by Ncell as a part of its ongoing campaign #unpause which aims to trigger the thought of moving ahead by reimagining the future amidst the current situation.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Pradeep Shrivastava, chief commercial officer of Ncell, said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many to lose their jobs. The advent of increasingly virtual world seems to have reduced barriers for people to connect and build their networks online. With the rise of remote working and changing job search trends, Ncell is delighted to offer an innovative service of direct networking platform between job seekers and employers. As the economy slowly recovers, Ncell Jobshop is an opportunity for those who have lost their job in these tougher times for various employment prospects and get connected with employers which will create a great value for both job seekers and employers in a single virtual marketplace."</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">With the pandemic hitting hard every sector and many people losing jobs, Ncell JobShop is expected to work as a bridge to link workers who are seeking job opportunities, and people or businesses who need work force, the company said in a statement. Both job seekers, primarily blue-collar workers for now, and posters can have access to this service via their mobile phones.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><strong> </strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Each time when there is a match between a job seeker and poster; an SMS notification is sent to the both parties notifying them about the match, the statement further added. Any Ncell customer who is a blue-collar worker and is looking for a job can subscribe to this service as a job seeker. Once the customer subscribes to this service by creating their profile as per the job they are looking for, he/she will start getting suitable content posted by job posters as potential match via SMS on daily basis. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Similarly, any Ncell customer as an employer is looking for job seekers for any work can create a profile specifying the scope of work. After that the customer will start getting information via SMS regarding the potential candidates on the requirement posted.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Interested customers can take this service by easily dialing *17137# or via the company’s web portal. For job posters, it costs Rs. 6.38 per post which once posted will remain valid for 7 days in the platform.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Job seeker based on their requirements can buy 3-day, 7-day, 1 month, 6 month and 12 months pack for keeping their profile up in the portal. Customers can activate the 3-day pack for Rs. 3.83 including applicable taxes which remains valid for 3 days. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> <span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Arial">Likewise, customers can subscribe 7-day and 1-month pack at Rs 8.94 and Rs 38.31 which remains valid for 7 days and 30 days respectively. For those job seekers who want to keep their validity for a longer period can opt for 6 months and 12 months pack that costs Rs 153.22 and Rs 229.84. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri"> </span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12566', 'image' => '20201217024013_My Effect.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 14:38:58', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12816', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Shipping Companies using Unauthorized Agents ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: Indian transport companies have been found working as agents of shipping companies without authorization.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">December 17: Indian transport companies have been found working as agents of shipping companies without authorization. The shipping companies that have been delivering goods to Nepal have been allegedly using Indian transportation companies to deliver goods.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Nepali importers have accused that the Indian shipping companies that are yet to be registered in Nepal have been charging fare arbitrarily for their services. They have employed Indian transport companies to facilitate the delivery of goods. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">The Government of Nepal on the other hand is helpless regarding the domination that the Indian shipping and transportation companies enjoy. Altogether 21 shipping companies are involved in transporting goods to Nepal from overseas. None of them have been registered in Nepal. Most of the shipping companies have been delivering goods illegally through their agents.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Although Maerks Shipping Line has registered its agent’s office in Nepal, others have handed over the responsibility of delivering goods to unregistered companies. However, Maerks has also not registered a fully authorized agent for the purpose.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">The payment of delivery order of containers is done at the offices of the shipping companies in India. The government has however given permission for unregistered transport companies to operate their office at Birgunj Dry Port.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">Unauthorised companies have only added extre burden to the import cost, says entrepreneur Om Prakash Moore.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Bangla MN"">“The companies that have not been registered in Nepal are allowed to operate their office at the dry port,” said Moore, adding, “The import cost is expensive because the government itself is protecting unauthorized agents.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12565', 'image' => '20201217015405_1608160607.Clipboard12.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 13:53:33', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '12815', 'article_category_id' => '1', 'title' => 'Government’s Able to Spend 30 Percent of Total Budget in 5 Months ', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => 'December 17: The government had announced a budget of Rs 1.474 trillion for the current fiscal year 2020/21 with the objective of achieving 7 percent economic growth.', 'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">December 17: The government had announced a budget of Rs 1.474 trillion for the current fiscal year 2020/21 with the objective of achieving 7 percent economic growth. However, after completion of the first five months of the current fiscal year, the government has been able to spend only 30 percent of the annual budget. The government’s expenditure of development budget is so far is only 10 percent. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Although the government had announced the budget by prioritizing health sector, revival of economy, employment, agriculture, social security and relief for people affected by coronavirus, it has been unable to spend the budget due to weak implementation of the policies and programmes included in the budget.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, which keeps the records of government’s income and expenditure, the government has spend 30.95 percent of the total budget as of end of Mangshir (mid-December) in the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Out of the total current expenditure of Rs 948.94 billion, the government has spent Rs 280.74 billion. The government’s expenditure under the same heading this year is more than last year by 3 percent.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, the government has spent only 10.18 percent of the development budget allocated for this year in the first five months. The government’s capital expenditure in the corresponding period of last fiscal year was only 9.22 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had allocated a total of Rs 315.91 billion for capital expenditure this year, out of which it has spent Rs 35.94 billion.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Since the budget for the current fiscal year is less than that of the previous FY, the government’s expenditure is comparatively more than that of last year. However, experts believe that the government’s spending is far less than expected. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Officials at the Ministry of Finance say that the low capital expenditure is due to the decline in development works due to coronavirus during the initial period of the current fiscal year.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to Joint Secretary Yam Lal Bhusal at the finance ministry, the government has already prepared work procedures for various works by mid-December and therefore the budget expenditure will now increase significantly.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Similarly, out of Rs 172.78 billion allocated for the financial management, the government has spent only Rs 11.77 billion during the review period. The government has been repaying loan and interest to international donor agencies and has also been providing loan investment to various government organisations under the heading of financial management. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="font-family:Times"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Looking at the progress made in terms of budget expenditure in the first five months of the current fiscal year, the implementation of government’s ambitious programmes seems to be moving ahead at snail’s pace. Economist Keshav Acharya says that the budget expenditure of the government clearly shows that the implementation of programmes included in the budget is weak. He says that there are some policy-level hurdles in spending budget while the government officials are also often the hurdle in government expenditure.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2020-12-17', 'modified' => '2020-12-17', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => '', 'sortorder' => '12564', 'image' => '20201217122226_1608160532.Clipboard10.jpg', 'article_date' => '2020-12-17 12:21:35', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => true, 'in_scroller' => null, 'user_id' => '34' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
